Consolidated Katarzyna made public

[Wired*Nun]

On the day before is Kat to depart, Delwin comes to her in her rooms. Kat's sharp ears hear the heavy tread of booted feet outside. Sounds as if Uncle has an escort...

"Take a walk with me, Kat." Closemouthed as usual. They exit her rooms, and five Sentinels fall in behind them. Odder still...they are wearing black and burgundy instead of their usual...and I recognize all of them...the best of the best, I would say.

[Please name the five as you would, and feel free to come up with any background -GM]

Interesting that they are all from the Orphans, too.

[Commandos, all without family or other connections than to the Sentinels and the Queen, formed into a unit for high-risk missions - GM]

Down to the cellars, then, down farther than she has ever bothered to come, down passageways she has never traversed. Finally they come to a natural cavern, improved by leveling of the floor and installation of flagstones, but little else. Water drips from overhead stalagmites, making the floor slick.

Kat suppresses an impulse to ask what this is all about. Somehow I don't think he will tell me at this late stage...he wants to show me. Another kind of test?
She steels herself to meet anything, opening her senses, physical and psychic, feeling the locations of the six men around her, trying to will herself into an unthinking combat mode.

Delwin glances at her, speaks again. "Stand there." The other five take positions forming a rough circle around her. Simultaneously all draw their blades,- Strange, they are all left-handed - and Kat begins a disarming attack against the first before she suppresses her response with a will. He wouldn't hurt me deliberately...and if he did, I'm dead anyway.

The five place the swords on the ground at thier feet...her feet. They each hold out their right hand, palm toward her. "Cut them, lightly," Delwin orders. okay... With five smooth slashes, she opens up a small cut on the palm of each. Some kind of...initiation? Ritual? I never thought of Delwin as a sorcerer... "Now yourself." She does this thing, on her off-hand [which? - GM] and cups the resultant blood.

Cupping their own hands, they do about-faces. Delwin walks around the circle, taking the blood from each in a bowl he produced from somewhere. Lastly, her own blood goes into the bowl.

Delwin begins to walk around the circle, on the outside, and she feels Pattern forces being summoned. He is doing something...she feels shadow being subtly shifted somehow, with great power and great finesse. Somehow, she has the feeling she knows what comes at the end of this...whateveritis, so she is ready when he has completed six circuits and comes to a halt before her. "Drink," he says.

Sighing inwardly, she reaches for the bowl and downs the cooling, metallic-tasting concoction in one long drink. Whew, not really much, just a few ounces. Glad we of the Blood - sudden irony! - don't have to worry much about disease.

"These men are now bound to you. I and your father have chosen them personally from among the Orphans. The are among the best we have. Their lives are yours, and yours is theirs, and they have been given immortality. I have told them that as long as you live, so do they, even should they die. If you need them, anywhere in Shadow, they will come...or die trying. If you seek them in Shadow, you will find them. They will follow your orders in all things. The are not zombies, but they are...dedicated to you. If you use them wisely, they will serve you well, as all Shadows will. Do not be afraid to use them, either, for as with all things in Shadow, they are both expendable, and infiitely renewable."

A feeling of vertigo for a moment, and all seven are standing in the ballroom, now deserted. Delwin pulls a book out from under his arm, and hands it to her. It's in an unknown language. "Sometime, get this translated, or learn the language. It may serve you from time to time. It's called English. Its ending is your ending. Goodbye, niece. Until we meet again." He turns and walks off. The book's last few pages are missing.

The Orphans stand waiting.

[Pygysys]

Waiting until her Uncle has departed fully, Kat glances down again at the book before placing it under her arm. She turns her attention to her left palm and momentarily considers the shallow slice into her flesh. Balling her hand, she looks to the Orphans and considers the implications of what these men have done. Will their loyalty cause disappointment? I hope not. She hopes her look does not betray astonishment at what has transpired as she begins to study the five.

She looks to the first, the longest serving member she knows, Darius. If I was to appoint a leader amongst these five, it would be him. He was my first commanding officer within the Sentinels, subscribing to the Orphans when his wife died.

Her gaze then drifts to Quinn, the youngest of the five men there. I've never doubted your bravery, though at times I have wondered about why you took the Orphan's pledge.

Next is Marc. Always so stern and serious, smiles come so difficultly to you Marc. Even when instructing me in fighting in the saddle and I slipped for not having checked the straps. The others were all amused, but you never let your demeanor slip.

Then there is Ethan, the opposite of Marc. I wonder if your ready smile hides your reasons for swearing your oaths, Ethan. Quick with wit and with your bow, both shoot straight and usually true.

Last is Zane and he is somewhat a mystery to Kat. Of all these men, you are the only one I have not served with or learnt from, for they were not all Orphans to begin with. Only you Zane, but my Father gave up not your secrets, at least not to I.

Aware that the men are waiting upon her, she breaks the silence with words. "We travel at once on the morrow to Amber. Passage aboard the Persephone will be made for you, allowing you to accompany me to the Golden Circle. From there, Zane and Marc you shall travel directly with me, as my guard as would seem fitting. Darius, you, Quinn and Ethan shall travel together incognito as it were, booking passage to Amber on another vessel a day after. Once there, find some inn and take rooms and I shall contact you once I am safely arrived and settled."

She turns to lead the way from the room but stops and turns back, her voice softening slightly as she looks back at the five. "For what you have done this day, thank you." Nothing more is said before she turns and this time does lead the men from the room. As she goes, she readjusts the book under her left arm and with her right hand she removes a handkerchief from her pocket, applying it the cut on her opposite palm.

[Wired*Nun]

The trip to Kashfa is uneventful. The crew of six brings the sloop into the port of Kashfa, where Kat has Darius arrange for a permanent berth with a year's rent in advance, monthly maintenance included. They split as ordered, and book passages on separate ships heading into Amber. They are all required to declare their identities for the record (an Amber requirement). Seeing no reason to dissemble, Kat and her two give their proper identities as well as her diplomatic credentials. She instructs the other three to declare their identities, but not to identify themselves as members of any military organization - "Put down that you are seeking positions in Amber's army," she says. Might even turn out to be true.

Arriving in port of Amber, she seeks the Harbormaster, who contacts a member of the Constabulary, who escorts her to the palace. Noble guests are common as leaves in Amber; the only reason there are not more is that only a certain number of shadows actually know of it, and have relations.

Upon presentation of papers and credentials, she is immediately escorted to an elegant waiting room in the palace. Appetizers and drinks are laid out, of the finest variety. Two pale men in some kind of primitive riding leathers stand uncomfortably, their hands working as if wanting to hold weapons that aren't there. Kat's weapons and baggage are held for her at the concierge; Zane and Marc are escorted elsewhere until her audience finishes.

[Any input at this point?]

[Pygysys]

Kat will make do with a drink and happily wait comfortably, wanting to seem at ease. She's patient and will take the time to study the two men who seem somewhat uncomfortable. She won't be rude and stare at them outright, but if they happen to notice her glancing their way occasionally, she'll smile politely. Anything's better than allowing herself to grow nervous as she waits for her own audience, thinking of how to greet the King and so forth. Greetings your Majesty, I bring tidings from the Queen... No, no, that won't do... Perhaps... Your Majesty, I bring tidings from Queen Sand of Corrilaine... That could use some work...

[Wired*Nun]

Sealed packet on the lamp table beside her, Kat waits until she sees the two men escorted away. A functionary comes in right after, telling her it should not be long, the schedule was running smoothly today, asking if she needs anything more.

[How did she identify herself, by the way - Princess? Ambassador? Did she mention being of Amberite royal blood? She was cautioned by Sand not to mention her or Delwin until the King or Reagent saw the letter in the packet, and they were in private.]

[Pygysys]

Kat smiles but shakes her head, she is fine for the moment. She does thank the functionary for keeping her abreast of the schedule and she herself trusts that her own audience will also run to schedule.

Having been cautioned by Sand on such matters of privacy, she would have identified herself as an Ambassador to ensure an audience would be achieved, sometimes heralds don't always get to see Kings and Queens. She would not have identified herself as one of the Blood, either of Amberite or the ruling family of Corrilaine. She's trusting that the mere title Ambassador of Corrilaine will be enough to pique Random's interest if nothing else.

Even though she's secure enough to allow the sealed packet to rest on the table beside her, Kat quite often checks to ensure it's still there. It's very important didn't you know.

[Wired*Nun]

After a short time, a court functionary arrives to escort her to her audience. They walk through two short corridors and into an empty Great Hall. A magnificent painting of a unicorn, life-size, seeming real enough to reach out and touch, adorns the space above the mantelpiece.

They cross the great hall, footsteps echoing on the parquet floor, and enter a small door off to the side. Funny, for a moment out there she smelled...horse...must be a draft from the stables.

Entering the unassuming door, a lovely blonde woman of indeterminate age and obvious maturity holds out her hand. With a start, Kat realizes this is her aunt Florimel, whom she has seen on Trump but never in real life. "It's a pleasure and honor to meet you, Ambassador. I am Princess Florimel, and the King asked me to handle your audience since some other business has run a little long. Please, have a seat." After sitting, she holds out her hand, expecting credentials. [She has her ambassadorial credentials, separate from the sealed letter that she has not seen]. She hands over the credentials from Corrilaine; they do not identify the Queen by name.

After looking over the papers, Florimel looks up and smiles professionally. "These all seem to be in order, however, I have to admit I have never heard of Corrilaine. I took the liberty of doing a little research and could come up with nothing on short notice. Where is your country? How did you come to be here?"

[Pygysys]

A magnificent painting of a unicorn, life-size, seeming real enough to reach out and touch, adorns the space above the mantelpiece.
Kat does admire the artwork on display as they pass by. Truly magnificent, I could never do such. Perhaps I should work on that... or then again not.

She would shake her head at the smell of horse and stables, funny how drafts can come from all corners.

After recovering from the initial shock of seeing her Aunt Florimel, she does take a seat and hand over her papers, giving her name in return, "An honor Your Highness, I am Katarzyna Pregovic." It's her father's name but it shouldn't reveal anything of import. She waits and watches, trying to relax as she sits opposite Florimel. This I did not expect. I wonder if Florimel greets all Ambassadors in lieu of the King?

After looking over the papers, Florimel looks up and smiles professionally. "These all seem to be in order, however, I have to admit I have never heard of Corrilaine. I took the liberty of doing a little research and could come up with nothing on short notice. Where is your country? How did you come to be here?"
Kat returns the professional smile with a polite one, "I trust that they are, I would hate to think I've come all this way only to have to return because of an oversight in a stamp or spelling." How would I explain that? Terribly sorry, but apparently I forgot to get a stamp at customs.

She shrugs at the thought of a Princess doing some research. "Corrilaine is beyond the boundaries of the Golden Circle, Your Highness. Like yourself, the situation is reversed, for there are those of us who have not heard of Amber. I am here because I was sent, trusted to succeed in delivering documents to His Majesty, King Random of Amber." Is it you really do not know of my homeland, or you want to know more than you do? Relax Kat! Be wary, not paranoid.

Smiling again, she offers a little more information without attempting to be insulting, "I did sail to Kashfa and from there was able to book passage here to your shores. Aside from that, there really isn't all that much more I can tell you, Your Highness."

[Wired*Nun]

Florimel's smile broadens slightly - a challenge? - and she says, "I have an excellent staff to keep track of these things, and they would have come up with something on Corrilaine if your country had any sort of open regular contact with Kashfa. This leaves a few possibilities; your country's contacts are not open; your country's contacts are very occasional; or there is something more here to be revealed."

Kat, despite the regular training at diplomacy and court politics, quickly realizes that she is dealing with a real expert here. Florimel certainly did not miss the careful phrasing of Kat's responses, avoiding falsehood without actually speaking truth.

"This all also begs other questions. First among these; how did you sail through Shadow? It can't be along a regular trade route, as I have already established that there are no such things between Kashfa and Corrilaine. If by a secret route laid down through Shadow, how was this performed? Only one of the Blood can accomplish this. You toss off terms casually that most Shadow-dwellers do not even know exist."

"Many possibilities occur to me, all of which indicate that you have too many secrets. Part of my job and most of my joy in life comes from finding out secrets. Why don't you come clean with me, because you aren't getting anywhere near the Crown before I am satisfied." She leans back in here chair, steeples her immaculately manicured hands, and waits with a bland smile on her face.

[Pygysys]

Kat listens quietly to Florimel's theories on Corrilaine's possibilities, nodding slightly to the first two and then offering another polite smile. "Your Highness, it is true that Corrilaine keeps her borders closed and it was that way before my time. If you wish to visit some time, I could present a petition on your behalf. You will excuse me though if I disagree that there is more to be revealed... actually that is not true. In any given situation there is always something that can be revealed but honestly, and I think you would agree, it really depends on what it is that is being sought." And what is it you seek, Florimel? Confirmation? Denial? What?

Kat, despite the regular training at diplomacy and court politics, quickly realizes that she is dealing with a real expert here. Stay calm, and above all else, don't forget to breathe and smile. Kat smiles politely again as Florimel's questions continue.

"This all also begs other questions. First among these; how did you sail through Shadow? It can't be along a regular trade route, as I have already established that there are no such things between Kashfa and Corrilaine. If by a secret route laid down through Shadow, how was this performed? Only one of the Blood can accomplish this. You toss off terms casually that most Shadow-dwellers do not even know exist."
Kat's response is measured, remaining calm as she begins to believe her own audience with the Princess might run overtime. "I sailed to Kashfa from Corrilaine aboard the ship Persephone, that ship, Your Highness, I am not Captain of. It's route is one I am not privy to. Surely you can understand that I must observe ties between Corrilaine and her allies, and that there are matters of which I cannot comment." Note to self, ease up on the revelations. Kat shifts slightly in her chair, not a display of nerves yet, but more an effort to get comfortable just in case. In doing so, she also takes the measure of the room again.

"Many possibilities occur to me, all of which indicate that you have too many secrets. Part of my job and most of my joy in life comes from finding out secrets. Why don't you come clean with me, because you aren't getting anywhere near the Crown before I am satisfied." She leans back in here chair, steeples her immaculately manicured hands, and waits with a bland smile on her face.
The last part of Florimel's statement causes Kat to smile and then chuckle lightly in good humor. "Princess Florimel, you have merely stated the obvious. Everyone has secrets, even yourself whether you choose to affirm or deny such. I have told you why I am here. I have been sent as an envoy to deliver a message to your King." The sealed packet of documents slides safely into Kat's jacket. "I don't have any desire to deny you joy or pleasure nor any desire to fulfil such either. I can only stress that I come here peacefully and in good will harboring no intent against Amber or His Majesty, King Random. I can do no more than that." How much more have you gleamed? Now should I be paranoid?

[Wired*Nun]

A twitch of an eyebrow, ghosts of smiles changing colors...are these things deliberate? Just how much control does she have over her expressions? Damn, I'm second- and third-guessing myself too much here.

"So, we do have a secret route from Correlaine to Kashfa. It is secret because until now I did not know of it. I have sources, and my sources have sources. That means, it was very secret, until now. So, I grant that this must be important, for you are revealing this now, and with an audience before the King you hope, no less."

"This still leaves the question of who did this. The obvious answer might be King Rinaldo. If so, I don't see a letter of introduction from him..yet. Maybe it's in your little packet there. If so, I suggest you dig it out. It would go a long way toward helping your cause."

"Many kingdoms - pardon - queendoms? Many countries, nations, states desire commerce with Amber. Desire for wealth, power, knowledge, all drive them to us. This is natural. If you are doing this behind Rinaldo's back, we will find that out soon enough, but you shouldn't presume that this is a bad thing."

"What I am saying, is that this is a buyer's market. You have to sell me on the idea that you should see the King. I am fully empowered to see all state secrets, and I am fully empowered to act for him if necessary. I am the one you have to convince, if you want to see the King."

"Of course, you have another choice, which is to leave the packet with me. I will have it examined for anything dangerous, of course, but I will not read its contents before the Random does. Since you conveniently changed your story from wanting to see the King to wanting to deliver a message to him, that should satisfy you, and you can then be on your way back to your lovely homeland."

[Pygysys]

"So, we do have ... hope, no less."
Kat folds her hands together in her lap as she leans backwards into her chair, crossing her right leg over her left. "Nay Your Highness, the route is known for others have sailed it. Perhaps your sources had no need or care to acknowledge it?" Careful now, Kat thinks to herself, She may be one to take such things personally.

"This still leaves ... helping your cause."
"Who? Who did what?" A blank look is sent towards Florimel, "I can tell you that King Rinaldo has no part to play in this." She ignores the reference to her little packet.

"Many kingdoms ... this is a bad thing."
"Again all I can tell you is that King Rinaldo plays no part in this." Kat doesn't stress this statement, not wanting Florimel to think there's more to it than there is. Simplicity should suffice.

"What I am saying ... if you want to see the King."
Kat's polite smile returns and a soft breath is drawn in and slowly released, "Your Highness, what you and His Majesty share is no concern of mine. I care not for your matters of state." Maybe I should have worded that better, oh well.

"Of course, you have another choice ... back to your lovely homeland."
Now Kat shakes her head and the polite smile wavers, forgotten. "No, this package is for King Random and King Random alone. My stance on wanting to see His Majesty has not changed, Your Highness, nor my motive. Envoy, ambassador, herald, call me what you will, I am here to see your King and to deliver this packet unto him and him alone." Kat's smile does return, but this time it is full of cheek, "You are of course quite welcome to read over his shoulder, considering the close bond you must share in holding his confidence in matters of state." Might want to brace now, Kat.

[Wired*Nun]

A long measuring look. Florimel gets to her feet and in the manner of a schoolmistress or a lawyer closing arguments: "So let me sum up this for you, Ambassador. An unknown person arrives at the court of Amber, bearing documents that may or may not be genuine, impossible to check because there is no way of checking against a known Correlaineian document, because, oh yes, Correlaine itself is not known to this court. Nothing but her word is given, but she only, in circular manner, represents herself as an ambassador of said state, another untestable assertion. She claims her country to have some commerce with Kashfa, conducts herself as one with some experience in these things, but has not brought along any bona fides or introductions from the one kingdom that she admits might know who she and her government are. She carefully omits any names such as the name of the queen, the king or consort, or anyone else which might lend credence to her story. She then changes her story not once, but twice; first it's an audience, then a message, and then a simple placing the message in the King's hands personally. Not exactly a good recommendation for integrity or clarity of thought."

"Now in thinking about this, if it's not true, it's a pretty bold move. Stories can be checked; these things can be established, given time. And if it is true, so what? To gain what, on Amber's part? There's nothing that Amber knows that it wants or needs from Correlaine, and the so-called messenger won't drop a hint of what it might be. Only someone truly naive or truly desperate would do such a thing. So I still - beat - think - beat - you sin by omission." This last with a pointed finger, saved from being rude only because it is relaxed and made from a crossed-arm position.

"You present a mystery I will not allow to go unsolved." She half-turns, pulls a bell cord. "You can cool your heels as our guest until I have done some more digging. If you feel like speeding up the process by providing meaningful information yourself, tell one of your minders, they will find me." A functionary appears at the door, and Florimel crooks her finger to bring him over. She says a few soft words in the man's ear, then looks back at Kat impassively. The man walks back to the door and says to Kat, "Come this way, please, Your Eminence." She still has Kat's credentials on her desk, and makes no move to give them back.

[Pygysys]

Katarzyna stands, murmuring softly, "It does seem that I am presenting you with some joy then. Truly not my intention by any means." With the functionary's arrival, Kat looks him over before looking back to Florimel. "I wonder, when you say guest, do you mean prisoner? If not, then I'm certain I can make my own arrangements within the city, unless you think I present some manner of threat?" What's it going to be, Florimel? Dungeon or suite? And how long will it take you to learn what you need albeit not from me?

Making no move towards the door yet, she regards Florimel again, quietly. "Explain to me Your Highness, if you can, how I am to hint at my business any more so than I have already done? I know you have glimpsed the package I carry and you know as well as I, that it is sealed, I know not its contents nor the message they convey." A non-threatening gesture to her credentials on Florimel's desk, "At least you were able to view my own credentials, when you have nothing to present to me to confirm your identity. I have merely taken your introduction on good faith, but what proof is there that you are really King Random's sister?" Just let me see the King, or maybe I'm not the paranoid and wary one...

"You want so much from me, but I fear I have nothing to give save that I have bestowed already. If it pleases you," Kat did try not to smirk, "Then I shall take my leave of you and return on the morrow, and the day after that and so forth until eventually His Majesty agrees to see me. Do keep in mind, however, that should this message be of great import, it is you who has kept it from him, not I. Good day, Your Highness." She turns to leave but stops and extends her hand, "My papers if you please? They will return on the morrow with my person, so you may study them again then if you so choose." If Astrid learns of this, I'm never to put it beyond me. Couldn't even see the King? Poor Katarzyna, not very effective are you?

[Wired*Nun]

"I fear your inexperience has betrayed you. You will remain here. In the palace. Under guard. Make of it what you will. Your arms and baggage will be delivered to you, untouched, unsearched, on the faint possibility that you actually are an ambassador, in your suite, when you arrive there. Your armsmen will join you there as well. You will retain your immunity, until such time as your status changes, or you violate its provisions. You will not, however, be granted leave to depart until we are certain of who or what you are. Good day."

The functionary says, "This way, your eminence."

[Pygysys]

Well I suppose this is one way to see something of the Castle. Kat inclines her head, "Very well, prisoner it is. You will excuse me if I don't thank you for the hospitality just yet, but I am ... unused to such kindness from strangers."

She turns towards the functionary and the door, "Very well, lead on." And follow she will. Good day Aunt, I do have a lot to learn, but at least my education has begun.

[Wired*Nun]

The man leads her to a suite, with all due deference. It is an interior suite, with no windows. There are two rooms with two full sets of facilities, well stocked; one room has one bed, one has two. Both are the same size, but the one with one bed seems larger due to the space. The central room is comfortably furnished, with a wet bar and every convenience. He shows you around, explaining everything just in case. Bell cord if she needs anything, meals will come at times you set, please supply your desires or requirements for special foods, we will try to accomodate, the seafood is the finest around, and so on.

About ten minutes later Zane and Marc arrive, carrying the baggage and her arms. Assuming she is amenable, they will take the room with two beds to stow their gear, though they plan on sleeping in better positions to guard...like, right inside of the door, and in front of hers.

[Pygysys]

The man leads her to a suite, with all due deference. It is an interior suite, with no windows.
For some reason Kat isn't all that surprised by the lack of windows. What does she think I'm going to do? Jump?

Bell cord if she needs anything, meals will come at times you set, please supply your desires or requirements for special foods, we will try to accomodate, the seafood is the finest around, and so on.

Kat listens without comment until meals are mentioned. She will be delighted to sample seafood, aside from that she has no special requirements as far as meals go, simply don't blacken the meat.

It's not that Kat doesn't trust Florimel, well actually she doesn't, so when Marc and Zane arrive with the baggage and so forth, she inspects all that is hers. She has no objections to them taking the room with the two beds, she had expected as much. Regardless of any objections they might have, she will rotate their watch and include herself, because if anyone attempts to get through those doors for ill intent, it's not only her well being that would be threatened.

Now to see if these rooms are all they seem. She sets Marc and Zane to searching the rooms, inspecting them high and low. If so much as a draft of wind can be felt, she wants to know where. She is going to extend her Psyche about the room, trying to sense if there is anything within or out of place. Is there anything of power or magic being employed here? I wonder if this what Mother meant about being wary? Damn you, Florimel for being so annoyingly inquisitive.

(OOC - Not sure how you handle such exactly, so just going with what I know.)

[Wired*Nun]

There is air moving, slightly, through small vents low and high. It looks like a ventilation system. It's much too small to enter, though.

The entire place is permeated with some kind of power. There is no way to tell exactly what it is, and Kat realizes that she is quite inexperienced in the use of such things. Out in shadow all I had to do was walk where I needed, or shift away if things got too dangerous...this is different. At least nothing of her posessions seems to have been disturbed in any way.

So here she is, and here she remains. Meals show up with monotonous regularity. The guards outside are changed three times a day. Requests for books or other materials are granted without difficulty. She is a bird in a gilded cage. Two days pass. Three. Four. A week. Maybe they would just let her rot here. Maddening.

[Pygysys]

The ventilation system means fresh air, this is good.

Kat drops her psyche, knowing she should explore such things further to improve her own control of such. So each day, she'll test the waters again to see if she can detect any differences from the day previous and so on. It's good to exercise the mind.

In the passage of days that follows, she and her company of two will do their best to exercise within the rooms. If this means pushing furniture against walls or stacking it, then so be it. She does worry about the other three and how they fare, hoping they'll sit still for now. Kat's not ready to attempt to contact them by any means yet, as much as this situation is testing her limits of patience, so it will test the others.

In the conversations that she will have with Marc and Zane, she makes no mention of persons of note of Corrilaine nor recount anything about the place itself. If the men also wish books to read, Kat will make sure to request titles for them as well.

On the morning of each day she does request to see the King, even if each day she is denied, etc.

After the week has passed, she will send word to Florimel. At this point she isn't exactly certain what she will tell the Princess, but at least it could be a change of scenery from the rooms she's been kept within. Her message to the Princess will be simple: Care to talk?

[Wired*Nun]

The summons from Florimel comes within an hour after Kat's request. She is escorted, without her guards or arms, back to Flora's office off the Great Hall. There is a bit more activity about today. Several doors along the same wall of the Great Hall are open, and the sound of mechanical typewriters and talking echoes down the halls.

Florimel stands when Kat enter. "Good morning, Katarzyna." A rather pointed omission of honorifics. This does not bode well. "Please sit down. Tea? So do you have something to tell me now?"

Something different about Florimel...She looks...grim. Like the proverbial messenger of doom...

[Pygysys]

The activity does catch Kat's eye and she wonders to herself what could it be about, but she doesn't ask her guide.

Upon arriving at Florimel's office, Kat does as bid and sits down after returning the greeting, "Good morning, Your Highness. Thank you, but no, I'm fine for the moment." Kat regards Flora first before answering the second question. I wonder if this means I've lost my diplomatic status?

"I suppose I do have something to tell," here Kat pauses before explaining, "Only what I have to tell depends on what it is you really want to know. I still stand by my earlier statements of having limited information but I cannot see the harm in telling what I do know. I do wonder if I don't meet your expectations this morning, if you will be keeping me in the same manner for the same amount of time. If that is the likelihood, I would request that you at least release my men, as they have done nothing in all this and have families to return to. Do with me as you will, but extend them some compassion."

[Wired*Nun]

"Compassion is a luxury I do not always have. Justice, however, or at least fairness, is something I like to strive for. Your men will be well-treated, whatever the outcome of things. However, they will not leave either, until the situation resolves itself."

She sits back, arms crossed, right forefinger tapping lightly on her opposite sleeve. Kat realizes that, with the office door closed, she can hear almost nothing. Soundproof? Makes sense. Only...it seems like more than that. Magic, maybe. "Please...go ahead."

[Pygysys]

Okay that has Kat worried, it's nice to know her men will be well-treated whatever the outcome, but what outcome is Florimel hinting at?

There might be magic about but this is hardly the time or place for her to confirm a suspicion, better to focus on conversation.

What to say, what to tell, what to do?

Kat eyes the woman opposite her and sighs, "I suppose it cannot do any harm to tell you of myself then. Before being assigned this task of delivery, I served with the Sentinels. The Sentinels are the honor guard of Correlaine's ruler, Queen at this time. Perhaps that is why such trust was extended to me in place of the Court's regular ambassadors, but I cannot be certain. My task is simple, deliver a package to His Majesty, King Random of Amber. I have already told you that I am unware of what is within. For all I know it could be an invitation, a declaration of war, a request for aid, I do not know, nor is it my place to know."

Kat sits back and sighs again, "When your liege gives you an order, Your Highness, you do not question it, you obey. I have been instructed not to discuss my Country or my Queen, not until after His Majesty has studied the contents within and then I am to answer any queries he may have to the best of my ability." Now she removes the package from her jacket to show it again, setting it down on the edge of Florimel's desk.

"If it is your intention to continue holding me in the hope that I will disobey my orders, then I bid you to send me on my way now for I will not do such a thing. If you intend to take possession of this envelope then I shall attempt to prevent you. I cannot do any more or tell anything else for essentially I have nothing to tell. Yet I fear you think otherwise and I find myself caught in a web of design I cannot escape." Okay time for the invitation, Kat.

"All that is left, Your Highness, is me. I cannot believe you wished to be bored with the details of my servitude to a foreign monarch though. Do you?"

[Wired*Nun]

Florimel changes expression not a whit. "Recently I added to my repertoire of social skills some of those taught me by a master salesman. This allowed me to formally analyze something I had informally known for some time. The 'art of the pitch, as it is called, comes down to this: falsely reduce the 'mark's' logical choices to two, one bad and one good, and try to get them to make your good choice. Adding now to earlier insults to my intelligence, you seek to sell me this pile of garbage. Now, let me sell you something."

"I am not interested in what is in that packet, nor in your duty, nor in your orders, except as it bears on the questions I need answering. Here are the questions, in order. First, by what means did you make your way through shadow to Amber? The very fact that you act as if travel through Shadow is unremarkable, rather than a thing of endless wonder, betrays you as no ordinary shadow dweller. This leads to the next question: who are you? The confidence you display is no mere bravado. You are either profoundly stupid, foolishly brave, or you have a hidden source of confidence, some edge you believe you have. Consider this: If you know of shadow, and you know of shadow-shifters, and you know of the royal house of Amber, perhaps you know that we consider shadow-dwellers to be barely more than figments of our imagination. Fodder for our wars. Servants for our fantasies. Tools to be manipulated. Bugs" and here her aspect grows even grimmer, "to be squashed. You had better convince me soon that you are not such a bug."

"And here's the other shoe." Here Florimel leans forward, placing her fists upon the desk in front of her, standing and leaning over. "There is no such place as Corrilaine. We inquired of the Khashfan government. We inquired of Prince Rinaldo himself. We found your sloop. We traced it back through shadow to where you presumably came from. And you know what we found? Nothing. Your trail vanishes into a vacuum. But even that tells us something. The best we have searched, with all the resources and Powers at their disposal. And. They. Found. NOTHING."

"So, you are now the ambassador of nothing. You are the possessor of nothing. You are an emissary of no one. Your home, if it ever existed, is composed of nothing. You represent nothing. Whomever sent you has abandoned you, and done away with your home like dust in the wind. And so, since you have no status, this is it. Here and now. Last chance." There is a distinct air of menace now to Florimel, coming off her like heat in the desert. She wants to hurt me. She's really, really angry.

If she is lying, it's the best performance Kat has ever seen. Somehow, she doesn't think so.

[Pygysys]

Florimel changes expression not a whit. "Recently I added ... this pile of garbage. Now, let me sell you something."
Kat's brow creases a little in displeasure. Garbage? I have given truth.

"I am not interested in ... such a bug."

"And here's the other shoe. And. They. Found. NOTHING."

"So, you are now the ambassador of nothing. Last chance." There is a distinct air of menace now to Florimel, coming off her like heat in the desert. She wants to hurt me. She's really, really angry.

The Ambassador of Nothing is shocked, not at Florimel's disposition but at the content of words. "Nothing? Nothing?" Kat doesn't quite believe it, "How could they find nothing?" She remains seated, though it is an effort to remain in that chair with Florimel's heatwave of displeasure.

"Corrilaine exists and it is there. I have told you how I came to your shores. The answer to that question is obvious and is before you, Your Highness." Kat's voice begins to strain a little, annoyed at the turn of events, the hostility shown and the absurb difficulty she's encountered in what she thought would be a simple enough task. "I don't even know your Prince Rinaldo and I told you he played no part in this."

Kat quiets then, having to think over what it was her mother said about what to reveal and what not to. I cannot mention herself or my Uncle, that does leave me. Or is this a bluff? She stares hard at Florimel, again uncertain. I don't think so, and I've no wish to be squashed just yet. Swallowing the lump that has begun to form in her throat, she says to Florimel softly, "I am your niece and I am here to see my Uncle Random, as he is the only one I can trust. Now will you let me see him? To answer your question, yes, I made my way through Shadow with the aid of the Pattern." She stands now and retrieves the package, "I never wanted this revelation, only to come and go in peace. Where does that leave us now, Aunt?"

[Wired*Nun]

Florimel stares at Kat for a very long moment. "I suspected as much. But there is only one way to make sure, and it is an unforgiving test." She blows air out of pursed lips. "You could have saved us all a lot of trouble and admitted that up front. I think you are going to owe Random an apology, not to mention me."

"On balance, though, by forcing me to investigate, you did us a favor, I think." Flora steps out from behind her desk, walking past Kat and opening the door. "Come with me. You have a task." She continues walking, assuming Kat will follow, and talks as she walks.

"What I told you about Corrilaine was true. We found shadows of shadows of Corrilaine, small things, only there for a skilled investigator. But Corrilane is gone. Its shadows are gone. There's a metaphysical crater where it used to be, a hole. You're going to have to get used to that idea. Perhaps you can find a shadow of a shadow sometime, but the people you knew, unless they were of the Blood - " here she glances sharply over at Kat - "have been expunged from the face of the universe."

"Maybe it was some enemy of yours. Maybe they wanted to destroy you, but missed. Maybe," here they turn a corner and head down stairs into the basements, "your...parent...decided he or she no longer wanted you around. And since we have scanned you for evidences of Trump, unless you are an artist yourself, I'd say you will have some interesting times ahead trying to locate said parent, and find some answers. Unless," another turn of stairs and another sharp look, "it's someone we know well, playing a deeper game than we expect."

At the bottom of the public stairs is a guardroom. A tall man, smoking an intricately carved meerschaum, stands when they enter. "Your Highness."

"Good day to you, Roger, we shall need two lanterns, please, and double-check the oil level. How is your book coming?"

"Fine, fine, milady, I'm almost to the part where they live happily every after."

"Pleasant thought. Too bad life isn't like fiction. Come on, Kat."

[Pygysys]

Florimel stares at Kat for a very long moment. "I suspected as much. I think you are going to owe Random an apology, not to mention me."
Hardly, all this could have been avoided if you had of simply granted my audience to begin with. What she voices aloud though is nothing, better at this point to listen and see what can be learnt.

"Come with me. You have a task." She continues walking, assuming Kat will follow, and talks as she walks.
Follow Kat does, resisting the urge to mutter something under her breath, besides what her Aunt has to say about Corrilaine is causing the formation of a nasty pit of ill feeling in her gut.

"What I told you about Corrilaine was true." ... here she glances sharply over at Kat - "have been expunged from the face of the universe."
Corrilaine can't be gone, that's ridiculous. It's not possible, it just can't be gone. You didn't know about its existance before, maybe you're just missing it again. You can't find it, you're not looking in the right place. Kat continues to listen, partly in disbelief and partly in discomfort as the ill feeling in her stomach continues to knot and grow.

"Maybe it was some enemy of yours. ... Unless," another turn of stairs and another sharp look, "it's someone we know well, playing a deeper game than we expect."
You don't know either of them well and it's not what you think. I don't even know what it is, but it's not what YOU think.

"Pleasant thought. Too bad life isn't like fiction. Come on, Kat."
Kat puts her foot down, at least not in the literal sense but she does stop then and there. "No and allow me to remind you that my name is Katarzyna." She says it firmly without raising her voice to impolite decibels. "I am going no further with you. I wish to see my Uncle and it has now become somewhat imperative that I do." Now she turns slightly so her back is towards the closest wall, although she doesn't step away. "I will submit to your tests later, Aunt Florimel but not until I see my Uncle."

[Wired*Nun]

Flora turns to glare at Kat. "And just when I thought we were getting so friendly. If you are who you say you are, and have done what you say you have done, then you know where we are going, and you know what you are going to do. I am doing this on instructions from the King himself, and if you are so full of honor and duty and all that, you know that I won't let you back out now. You made a claim on this family. Now you are going to back it up. The only way out is through."

[Pygysys]

"To the Pattern? You want me to prove my ties of blood by Walking." Kat sucks in a deep breath, "I really am not inclined to relive the experience again, but I don't believe I've any alternative." Pushing down the hostility she feels towards Florimel, Kat takes another breath. It's not a pleasant, frilly tone she employs next, but it is polite and respectful, "If there is no other way, then please Aunt Florimel, lead on. I will do this to appease you, hoping that perhaps I might rescue your opinion of me."

[Wired*Nun]

Turning again, Flora leads down a short corridor to the top of the great spiral staircase. Down, down, down...no railing, no vision. It seems endless. A new experience; Tir-na Nog'th was very different. That was etherial, a fairy-tale ghost city in a phantom sky. This seems all too real. That time, Kat had others there to help. This time...all alone.

After a time, finally, the floor appears. There is no guard posted today. Flora leads down the long underground passage, counting corridors. One...two...three...a flicker of greenish light, down that one?...four...five...the smell of the sea?...six...and seven. Reaching up, Flora takes down the great key and opens the lock, and the door.

The Pattern...in the ghost city, it had been silvery. Here, it is glowing with a pale blue power. She has an impression that there are bits of red shot through here and there, but can never locate one when trying to look.

Flora sets down a lantern by the door, leaving it open. She leads Kat around to the far end of the chamber, where the line begins.

"When you complete the Walk - IF you complete it - you will have a choice of where to go. Would you complete the mission you declare? If so, will yourself to the King. He awaits you in his private audience chamber. Or shall you use this opportunity to find your lost family, and your home? Where is the higher call? In either case, I will be watching."

Flora takes out her trump case and selects one. Regarding it for a moment, she says simply, "She begins." Keeping that one out, she readies another, and gestures for Kat to start.

[Pygysys]

"When you complete the Walk - IF you complete it - you will have a choice of where to go. Would you complete the mission you declare? If so, will yourself to the King. He awaits you in his private audience chamber. Or shall you use this opportunity to find your lost family, and your home? Where is the higher call? In either case, I will be watching."

Flora takes out her trump case and selects one. Regarding it for a moment, she says simply, "She begins." Keeping that one out, she readies another, and gestures for Kat to start.
Kat doesn't comment on her chance of success at the task set down before her, she will succeed, she's done it before, she'll do it again. So what if Florimel wants to watch, that doesn't overly concern her.

"My family isn't lost, neither is my home." You just can't find it, therein lies the difference. Kat produces the package again and flips it over in her hands, "I have a delivery to make, that is my task at hand." She slips it into the confines of her jacket again, patting it down to ensure it is secure. Feeling no need to rush this, she empties her mind of emotions and ill will, securing only those thoughts she finds positive. Finally with purpose and without hesitation, she steps forward and plants her foot down upon the Pattern.

[Wired*Nun]

Placing her left foot upon the Pattern, Kat feels the energy immediately, surging through her legs. With the second step, she is committed, and with the third, the resistance begins. Down the opening line, then back upon itself through the first sharp curve. Flora stands, unmoving, across the Pattern.

The first Veil commences, and Kat feels a shift, subtle but powerful, in her perception of the world. Everything becomes a little clearer, a little brighter. A charge of energy flows through her, and her perceptions are heightened. Three more steps, and her head begins to hum. Memories of her childhood, her adolescence in Corrilaine, take on a deamlike quality. The people become transparent - he friends, her sister. Only her mother and uncle Delwin remain as solid as before.

Three more steps. The ghosts of her memories begin a mad dance in her head. Events rush forward, then back. Her training in the Sentinels, the Sentinels themselves, all fade to a ghostly miasma, except - the Orphans. Her men, her five, they come to her, encourage her, yelling as if from the sidelines of a race. Three more steps, and she is through the first Veil, as a snatch of a song from her earliest days plays through her mind...step on a crack, break your mama's back...

The pressure eased, she searches out her memories, and finds them dim, empty. Only her time with Delwin and Sand seems real. As she proceeds through the long curve, the switchback, and the short curves, she recalls the first time through the Pattern, there in Tir-na Nog'th. She glances back to see if Astrid is overtaking her, but there is no one there...only...footsteps behind her, always behind, chasing, pushing her harder. Hatred floods her then, and anger, at her older sister, but it becomes muted, then dissipated. A feeling of peace comes upon her then, as a voice in her head speaks, so softly she is not even sure it is there...Fear not, for I am with thee, even unto the end of the age...and Kat knows, deep in her heart of hearts, that Astrid will never cause her pain, ever again.

The straight line she then enters brings with it a terrible resistance. All thought fades as she strives against the forces that would hold her back. She feels her lungs working like bellows, drawing air in and expelling it as a furnace. As the resistance parts, more memory returns, fragments, things she did not remember remembering. Her mother holding her up in front of a mirror; her uncle helping her cut a birthday cake, dividing dreamlike into two whole round cakes; her bedroom with the tesseract door, watch me coming and going!

The filigree of fire, now, as her being is cleansed and the dross is stripped away. A purer thing she has become, once and future, and ready for the final test. Through the Grand Curve, the ice and fire playing across her skin, cold and flame, alternating...the sparks are so high now she can barely see the woman outside the Pattern, still, unmoving.

Through the curves and arcs, and the power of shadow rushes through her. A reawakening, a reinscription, like an engraver cleaning a masterwork, digging out the patina of tarnish and dust, making it fresh and whole. In a flash of insight, she sees the line of shadows marching off from Amber, endlessly out toward their final terminus in Chaos...and then she staggers, as if from a heavy blow. Her progress falters, almost stops, for where her home should be, only a void remains. The shadows are rushing into the empty hole, like water filling a tidal basin. Waves of shadow-storms crash around the periphery, spinning off in vortices that will play themselves out in all directions...amd in the center, a scarred wasteland, a flat plain of basal shadow, cracks showing through what must be primal Order underneath, scoured clean is if by the stirgil of a god.

She takes another step, then another, the despair dragging her down...better to die now and be done with it, girl, whispers a voice. Each step becomes a trial, a tribulation. I will not stop! I am of royal Blood, I am a Sentinel, I am a daughter of Sand and Blake, and I will not stop. Only a stubborn determination carries her through, bearing her up until all thought is swept away by the effort of will that is the Final Veil. Her movements slow, and ages pass between steps; -- molasses poured down an iceberg passes her swiftly as she struggles, alone, against the Power that envelops her...a step...then another...then she is through.

Breathing in great gasping sobs, she falls to her knees, a moment, then struggles to her feet. I am not going to show her - anyone- any weakness. Once again, she has done it. Once again, she is reborn, naked and alone, unto a universe of light and pain.

[Pygysys]

Standing there, trying to recover from the ordeal of this Walk, the questions come and flood her. Where are they? What happened? Were they attacked? Did they do this themselves? Why? For what purpose? My father? Mother? Uncle? Astrid? Do they all live or are they gone? Gone where? For how long? Although the questions come, she makes no effort to answer any lest she direct her will in another direction that leads away from Random and Amber.

It feels as if her mind is reeling, even as the gasping of breath slows, becoming regular and even. All I have is ... She looks and lifts her hand to feel for the package that has never left her during all this time, the reason for her journey. What does this hold, if anything? Now there is a feeling of doubt and a sense of horror. Nothing, what if it holds nothing?

To continue to think such would be foolish, stupid. Kat banishes the thought and looks to see if Florimel is still within the room. If so, she signals her intentions by lifting the package for her Aunt to see. If not, she readies herself. What she does next is the same regardless, she wills herself to Random, her Uncle and King of this place. Before Random, to stand before my Uncle and complete this task finally. To Random, now.

[Wired*Nun]

One moment Kat is lifting the package in the direction of her minder, dimly seen through the waves of distotion coming off the Pattern. The next, she stands, in precisely the correct place, in front of the small throne in the minor audience chamber. Unoccupied. Random stands behind it, one hand resting on its back. The other pulls through Flora, who curtseys sardonically and moves to the side. A snort from Random. King Random - he is wearing the Crown today - walks stately over to Kat, to stand in front of her, his expression solemn, but not unkind, his hands held slightly out, palms upwards, at waist level.

[Pygysys]

Kat watches Random as he moves towards her. So this is my Uncle, the King? You are a difficult man to see, Uncle.

As Random stops still, Kat dips her head and curtsies, "Your Majesty," she says, "I have something for you." Straightening up, she offers acknowledgement of the familial ties. "Uncle, had I known the extremes I would have to go to in delivering this, I would have announced myself sooner." She glances across at Florimel, "Thus sparing you both this trouble."

She holds the package up for Random, not willing to do anything else, not trusting her mouth and mind to speak, afraid of what she might ask. Where do I stand here and now? Once I knew my place or thought I did, but now? Her gaze drops to the package as if it holds the key before looking back up into her Uncle's face to glimpse what might be seen there. Take it Uncle, I need to know.

[Wired*Nun]

One hand takes Kat's briefly, the other the package. Random sits on the front edge of the throne, holding the package. "Have a seat," he finally says. Fiona carries two chairs over and places them before the throne, and sits in one, one perfect ankle over the other.

Fiona?! What the???

The flaming bangs tremble with amusement as Kat's consternation becomes apparent. "Sorry, but Flora, bless her heart, just doesn't do intimidating quite as well as I do, not to mention this being more my area of specialty."

Did she?...Was she?...???

Random speaks up now. "It was unfortunate that we had to handle you so roughly, Katarzyna, but there were too many unknowns, and too many dangers. Before I open this, we will have to add to your woes." He sits back, throwing one leg up and over the arm of the throne, and takes off the crown, placing it above his head, around one of the spindles on top. He ruffles his hair, saying, "never like wearing that thing for long. Cuts off my circulation. Fi, your spiel."

Fiona continues, matter-of-factly, that little tap-tapping on her crossed arm almost a distraction. "You came to us with a geas upon you. Inside that geas were traps, such that your cooperation would have been almost required to safely remove the spell. The geas, of course, prevented your cooperation. A nice closed loop. I am still not sure what those traps would have done. Nothing good to you or anyone near, I suspect. I didn't want to mess with them, especially as they involved powers not common here in Amber."

"It was a subtle compelling, though, merely strengthing some of the more...shall we say, uncooperative aspects of your personality, so I thought I could work around it, by setting up the conditions to get you to walk the Pattern. I don't think whomever did this to you anticipated that gambit, but whether they did or not, we can now be sure that you are free of all influences outside of the Pattern's, itself, your own mind, and the circumstances you find yourself in. That is, you are as free as anyone ever is, right now. Freer perhaps, because what I told you before is true, every word. Any idea how that came about?"

[Pygysys]

One hand takes Kat's briefly, the other the package. Random sits on the front edge of the throne, holding the package. "Have a seat," he finally says. Fiona carries two chairs over and places them before the throne, and sits in one, one perfect ankle over the other.

Fiona?! What the???

The flaming bangs tremble with amusement as Kat's consternation becomes apparent. "Sorry, but Flora, bless her heart, just doesn't do intimidating quite as well as I do, not to mention this being more my area of specialty."
Kat closes her jaw from whence it's fallen. Sit down she does, though it's more falling into her seat than any exhibition of grace. I... I... Even in her mind she can't finish the statement, this was something that she never expected.

Did she?...Was she?...???

Random speaks up now. "It was unfortunate that we had to handle you so roughly, Katarzyna, but there were too many unknowns, and too many dangers. Before I open this, we will have to add to your woes." He sits back, throwing one leg up and over the arm of the throne, and takes off the crown, placing it above his head, around one of the spindles on top. He ruffles his hair, saying, "never like wearing that thing for long. Cuts off my circulation. Fi, your spiel."
Kat wants to say 'But', her lips even part a little to allow the word an avenue of escape, but it falters and the word is trapped as her mouth closes. She turns to Fiona, ready to listen. Another few minutes won't make that much difference. Whatever is in that package will still be there.

Fiona continues, matter-of-factly, that little tap-tapping on her crossed arm almost a distraction. "You came to us with a geas upon you. Inside that geas were traps, such that your cooperation would have been almost required to safely remove the spell. The geas, of course, prevented your cooperation. A nice closed loop. I am still not sure what those traps would have done. Nothing good to you or anyone near, I suspect. I didn't want to mess with them, especially as they involved powers not common here in Amber."

"It was a subtle compelling, though, merely strengthing some of the more...shall we say, uncooperative aspects of your personality, so I thought I could work around it, by setting up the conditions to get you to walk the Pattern. I don't think whomever did this to you anticipated that gambit, but whether they did or not, we can now be sure that you are free of all influences outside of the Pattern's, itself, your own mind, and the circumstances you find yourself in. That is, you are as free as anyone ever is, right now. Freer perhaps, because what I told you before is true, every word. Any idea how that came about?"
If she holds any ill feeling about the masquerade or manipulation that has transpired it seems very minor indeed. She can respect what they've done and perhaps with their time and experience she would have done the same or akin to it. Fiona's words sound again in her head: Geas, traps, spell, compelling, Pattern, geas again.

"A geas? That's not possible, it can't be." Even as Kat says it, she wonders which of them did it. Was it you, Mother? Did you not trust in me to not speak of you and Delwin till after I spoke with Random? Or was it you, Uncle? Down there with the Orphans? Was that part of that? Maybe the book holds a clue. Honestly she answers, "I don't know. I wasn't aware of it, that's obvious I suppose. There are two suspects, but that aside, I still have a vow to uphold. I trust you will forgive me if I keep their names to myself, at least just for the moment."

She turns to Random and gestures to the package, "It would seem trivial but a lot rests upon the contents within. Once they are revealed, I can speak freely, easily. If for no other reason than to humor me, would you open that damned package?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, this li'l thing?" An impish grin splits his face, and suddenly Kat can see what she had only heard in stories and tales, the Random of practical jokes, pranks and harmless amusing schemes, the Random who fits his name. "Well, Fi tells me that it's safe to open. Additionally, of course, we arranged to have you carry it through the Pattern with you, so it's doubly safe, I think. Let's see..." He breaks the seal. Several layers of oilcloth, then paper, wrap two letters. Both written in her mother's flowing hand, one is addressed to "Random, King in Amber," and one to "My Only, Katarzyna."

Random hands over Kat's, and opens his to read. It seems to be brief. He hands it to Fiona, who peruses it more slowly, tracing the script with the tip of one short nail. A wordless, worried glance passes between them, unhidden.
[Gnite. Cliffhanger.]

[Pygysys]

"Oh, this li'l thing?" An impish grin splits his face, and suddenly Kat can see what she had only heard in stories and tales, the Random of practical jokes, pranks and harmless amusing schemes, the Random who fits his name. "Well, Fi tells me that it's safe to open. Additionally, of course, we arranged to have you carry it through the Pattern with you, so it's doubly safe, I think. Let's see..." He breaks the seal. Several layers of oilcloth, then paper, wrap two letters. Both written in her mother's flowing hand, one is addressed to "Random, King in Amber," and one to "My Only, Katarzyna."
Unable to help herself, Kat smiles at Random and she seems glad when he mentions Fi's thoughts on the safety of the matter. Nodding, she watches as he breaks the seal and reveals the contents.

Random hands over Kat's, and opens his to read. It seems to be brief. He hands it to Fiona, who peruses it more slowly, tracing the script with the tip of one short nail. A wordless, worried glance passes between them, unhidden.
Taking her letter, Kat opens it and will begin to read. She will look up at the motion of Random passing his own letter to Fiona, but her gaze would drop back down to her own letter rather quickly.

[Wired*Nun]

Our dearest and only daughter,

If we know our relatives, you've been through hell and back already. Don't worry, it builds character. We needed some time to do what must be done. Thank you for buying it.

We know you will have questions, so here are the answers to the most important ones.

We are gone. Do not search for us. There is nothing left to find. Perhaps, someday, when things are different, we three will be reunited. Corrilaine was a wonderful incubator for your talents, but it has served its purpose, and so is no more. It would have been a crutch, and crutches are for the weak.

Long ago, we removed ourselves from Oberon's rules, Oberon's dominion, and that pathetic game that Oberon's children play. We were right to do so, but just like parents who grew up poor, it's hard to take away the things we always said we wanted for you, to ensure you learn the hard lessons of life. We, however, refuse to participate.

Sending you away was the hardest thing we have ever done. We are enrolling into a very hard school, so that you may learn what needs must.

We commend you now unto the care of your uncles and aunts, cousins once and twice removed. Learn their game, and play it well, so that sometime, you might play it no more.

With all our love,

Delwin and Sand

[Pygysys]

Our dearest and only daughter,
Our? Only? Figure of speech? What's Astrid?

If we know our relatives, you've been through hell and back already. Don't worry, it builds character. We needed some time to do what must be done. Thank you for buying it.

We know you will have questions, so here are the answers to the most important ones.
Questions? Somewhat of an understatement, Mother.

We are gone. Do not search for us. There is nothing left to find. Perhaps, someday, when things are different, we three will be reunited. Corrilaine was a wonderful incubator for your talents, but it has served its purpose, and so is no more. It would have been a crutch, and crutches are for the weak.
But why? When? Why did you send me in the first place? I don't understand.

Long ago, we removed ourselves from Oberon's rules, Oberon's dominion, and that pathetic game that Oberon's children play. We were right to do so, but just like parents who grew up poor, it's hard to take away the things we always said we wanted for you, to ensure you learn the hard lessons of life. We, however, refuse to participate.
Yet you make me? Why?

Sending you away was the hardest thing we have ever done. We are enrolling into a very hard school, so that you may learn what needs must.

We commend you now unto the care of your uncles and aunts, cousins once and twice removed. Learn their game, and play it well, so that sometime, you might play it no more.

With all our love,

Delwin and Sand
Kat had hoped the letter would shed more light than mystery, but now she finds adding another list of questions to the originals she possessed. Confused, angry and even a little distraught about the contents of her letter, her first instinct is to crush it, to shred it into a thousand tiny pieces but it is all she has left. Given time she may be able to discern something else from her Mother's letter, but not here, not before Random and Fiona.

So she folds the letter closed, caring not if her Aunt and Uncle see her trembling hands. Her focus is on keeping her voice steady, ensuring she does not stumble over her words. "Corrilaine," So hard to say it, "Is truly gone?" Even though she asks it, she knows it's true, "And so are they." Slowly breathing in and out, she slips the letter into a pocket.

"So it would appear that I am to seek residence within Amber for a time." It is an effort but the words come out sweet rather than bitter, she doesn't blame these two for her Mother and Uncle's doing. "I am not above earning my keep and it would be a kindness on your part," she looks to Random, "If you were to assign me a task rather than to allow me to waste my energies on ..." On what? She's not certain. Trying to chase them down? I already know I will not find them unless they want me to do. That's the crux, they don't want me to.

She can feel a grip around her heart and chest, tightening uncomfortably but she continues to breathe, trying to focus on anything but that sinking feeling. She turns her gaze to Fiona, "Delwin, my Uncle, I believe it was he but I cannot say for certain." It almost breaks her, voicing the suspicion that her Uncle did that to her, placed her under an enchantment. No more can she speak, so she waits on them, silently praying for some relief from this terrible reality.

[Wired*Nun]

Random hands you the letter he has. Written in Delwin's precise hand, it reads:

King Random,

Though we have never met, I am sure you have heard of us. Do not believe everything you hear. Our exile will continue as long as a shadow of Oberon remains.

Katarzyna is an innocent. Test her sincerity if you must, but I ask that you not punish her for our offense, or our love.

She has expert knowledge of much she needs to know - weapons, politics - but she still has a great deal to learn. Please allow her to seek appropriate teachers, and take her rightful place in Amber.

Delwin and Sand

[Pygysys]

Taking the letter, Kat isn't so sure she wants to read it, but she finds herself compelled to do just that and so she reads. Given time she might commit all of it to memory but the letter isn't hers, so she makes sure to commit two things; A shadow or shadows of Oberon exists, and they love her. Neither of these pieces of information change the state of affairs, nor do they provide much insight into the why of her current situation but it is confirmation of one thing and explanation of another.

She folds the letter and offers it back to Random, saying as she does so, "You're the King. What now, Your Majesty? Will you pity your poor niece and for goodness sake set me a task? A test? Let me have a use here, help me to find my feet." Please Uncle, I need something. Anything. "I'll understand if you have objections to my remaining in Amber, so if you'd rather I leave, that I can do as well." I can sail back to Kashfa and from there... well I suppose I can go almost anywhere.

[Wired*Nun]

Random looks at Fiona a moment, who flicks her eyes in a way that must mean something between them. Random turns to Kat.

"Right now, I have several balls in the air. I may not be as stunned as you are by this situation, but it does concern me. Put yourself in my place, if it is not beyond you right now. In one sense, I'd like to just kick you back out into shadow, I have enough problems right now. Don't," he holds up his hand to forestall a response, "take that too seriously, it is just a human response to an unavoidable situation. I can't do that, and your parents know it, damn them. No one here is going to care what they did three hundred years ago or more. Oberon is gone, whatever they may say, and any shadows of him will hold little real power or threat."

He gets up to pace. "This makes sense on a certain level, but there are too many holes. No one here hates them. It isn't even certain what happened, whether they absented themselves, or Dad told them they were not wanted or even ordered them to go. He never said."

"We need to talk over your situation. In the meantime, I suggest you join us for dinner, and I can introduce you to a few of your contemporaries. There is a Introduction tomorrow evening as well. By tomorrow we will have an adequate cover story, which will contain enough truth as we can inject. We will give you something to do, never fear. For now, your job is to learn as much about your new home, and the people in it, as you can. Now, let's go get some dinner."

[Pygysys]

Kat listens to what Random has to say and at first she is slightly apprehensive that they might send her back to whence she came but that fear is fleeting. At least she has tonight and dinner. Food! What an excellent idea, I hadn't realised just how hungry I was till now. And tired. I could sleep for a week, but only after dinner.

"Whatever you decide is best for the moment, Uncle." Kat tries the word on for size, not used to the face she is addressing it to in place of Delwin. If there have been hints, allusions to Delwin being her Father, she has not registered them nor allowed them to filter through her consciousness.

"By contempories, do you mean I have cousins or peers or both?" The thought of relatives her own age is strangely comforting. Perhaps I won't be truly alone in this strange new home of mine. It will allow me to become settled all the quicker if I can make companions of them. Was that MY stomach? Kat glances downwards slightly, her cheeks tinged a little pinker than before. "So if anyone asks, I'm just visiting for the hell of it? At least until you decide otherwise, yes?"

[Wired*Nun]

"If that was a dig, remember, you only get to take shots at the King in private." That grin again, but only half-humorous. King of half the universe...sort of...I'll have to remember that, and his problems are a lot bigger than just me...

"Yes, I mean contemporaries, cousins, their friends and girlfriends, courtiers, diplomats...not sure who is going to be there tonight. How about you say you signed on with Benedict's Avalon Guard when he was recruiting in some farther shadow. Don't say which shadow, mix in some truth and lies, and say he sent you here with a message for me. Sure to start gossip...are you his lover? Lost daughter? Something else? Keep them guessing."

Random and Fiona lead Katarzyna down a hall, some some steps, more halls and head for the small dining room. Just before they arrive, Vialle steps out of a room nearby, smiles and joins them, taking her husband's arm.

[Go to the thread "Roland, Katarzyna, Siodmak in Amber "]

[Wired*Nun]

When she wakes up, Zane tells Kat that he had a message to see Flora in her office. Assuming she goes to visit Flora, she tells Kat, "We've settled on a cover for you. You are to be introduced as Benedict's. It seems quite logical, and he has agreed to maintain the charade. I've forwarded an edited version of what we know to Benedict. The story is, that he discovered you quite recently - less than a year ago shadow time - and now decided to send you to be introduced. This should cover any lapses of familiarity with your 'father.' It also gives you quite a lot of moral protection, as no one wants to get on Benedict's bad side. Benedict will have to handle Loric and Arrotel; Random has determined he should not brief them fully, only tell them the cover story. As far as a mission, Random is putting the finishing touches on orders to several of the youngers to investigate a situation some of them ran across recently. You will be sent along. That should keep you busy for a while, and get you out of the center of things as well. Any questions?"

[Pygysys]

When she wakes up, Zane tells Kat that he had a message to see Flora in her office.
The main aim of Kat's wanderings then will be to find Flora's office and speak with her.

Assuming she goes to visit Flora, she tells Kat, "We've settled on a cover for you. You are to be introduced as Benedict's. It seems quite logical, and he has agreed to maintain the charade. I've forwarded an edited version of what we know to Benedict. The story is, that he discovered you quite recently - less than a year ago shadow time - and now decided to send you to be introduced. This should cover any lapses of familiarity with your 'father.' It also gives you quite a lot of moral protection, as no one wants to get on Benedict's bad side. Benedict will have to handle Loric and Arrotel; Random has determined he should not brief them fully, only tell them the cover story. As far as a mission, Random is putting the finishing touches on orders to several of the youngers to investigate a situation some of them ran across recently. You will be sent along. That should keep you busy for a while, and get you out of the center of things as well. Any questions?"
Kat does have questions, "Whilst I am not adverse to this cover story, I am inclined to ask why? What harm is there in it being known I am Sand's? Again, I am merely curious as well as cautious, for this scenario will affect the trust I attain from my cousins and if I assume correctly, those who will believe me their sister. Some of them may even be harmed by such a charade and that would seem unfortunate, but if that is believed best, then I will play my part of course."

She does seem pleased to know that she will be getting something to do, "An investigation? Excellent. It will good to be on the other side of the coin for a time. I do have one last question. I am not overly versed in what the Pattern's or myself, having Walked it, capabilities are. If I wanted to explore that, if allowed of course, do you think Princess Fiona might be inclined to instruct me? Or if her time is rather limited, which I suspect it could be, is there another she or yourself might suggest for such?"

[Pygysys]

Almost as if she had forgotten such, she quickly asks, "And Captain? Is that some rank I should be aware of here? Part of my cover story perhaps? A position I will hold some place, here or within Benedict's fold?"

[Wired*Nun]

Flora presses her lips together at the protestations. "If your cousins are so delicate that a white lie, ordered mind you by the Sovereign himself, damages their fragile little egos, they had better get with the raping program. If it teaches you how to deceive better, that's all to the good, deception and dissembling are required skills around here. As far as what harm, first and foremost, you would have no protector unless Random would speak for you. If he did speak for you, it would upset other balances his favors maintain. Just think of the options that were foreclosed when Vialle placed Rinaldo under her protection."

"Sand has not been heard from publicly for a long time. She obviously doesn't want to be found, she immolated entire shadows to cover her tracks. We don't know what she might be playing at, or Delwin either for that matter. Fi and Brand have been off trying to limit the damage the shadow-storms caused, and this has caused repercussions in our relationship with Chaos as well. That's just the tip of the iceberg we are dealing with, but you really don't need to know any more. Just accept we are busy and have the good of Amber in mind."

"As far as a teacher, I suggest you use your supposedly ample capabilities to locate one yourself. If Fi will teach you, I'd be shocked, but who knows, ask away. Think about this though: there is nothing more precious than knowledge. Think about who you are indebting yourself to before you accept their largesse."

"The 'Captain' thing was just off the cuff, to throw them off. Make yourself a colonel, if you like, hell, your 'father' is in effect a General. Any last gabble? I'm as busy as a one-armed fire-jugger here. Send the next one in as you leave."

[Pygysys]

Flora presses her lips together at the protestations. "If your cousins are so delicate that a white lie, ordered mind you by the Sovereign himself, damages their fragile little egos, they had better get with the raping program. If it teaches you how to deceive better, that's all to the good, deception and dissembling are required skills around here. As far as what harm, first and foremost, you would have no protector unless Random would speak for you. If he did speak for you, it would upset other balances his favors maintain. Just think of the options that were foreclosed when Vialle placed Rinaldo under her protection."

"Sand has not been heard from publicly for a long time. She obviously doesn't want to be found, she immolated entire shadows to cover her tracks. We don't know what she might be playing at, or Delwin either for that matter. Fi and Brand have been off trying to limit the damage the shadow-storms caused, and this has caused repercussions in our relationship with Chaos as well. That's just the tip of the iceberg we are dealing with, but you really don't need to know any more. Just accept we are busy and have the good of Amber in mind."
Having only wanted an explanation and receiving one, Kat nods. "Of course Aunt Florimel, I can understand the position that could possibly place Uncle Random. I am just grateful to have been given the chance to work towards the good graces of you all. Thank you."

"As far as a teacher, I suggest you use your supposedly ample capabilities to locate one yourself. If Fi will teach you, I'd be shocked, but who knows, ask away. Think about this though: there is nothying more precious than knowledge. Think about who you are indebting yourself to before you accept their largesse."
Kat thinks about that for a moment and inclines her head again. "I was once taught that sometimes a debt owed can be worth more than the loss you think it will impose. I will ask Aunt Fiona first when I see her next, I'd rather be told no in person rather than by heresay and if she declines, then I'm sure I'll enjoy the challenge of ferreting out someone else instead."

"The 'Captain' thing was just off the cuff, to throw them off. Make yourself a colonel, if you like, hell, your 'father' is in effect a General. Any last gabble? I'm as busy as a one-armed fire-jugger here. Send the next one in as you leave."
Kat shakes her head, "Captain will suffice if he is not opposed to such. I will not presume to think I could hold any higher rank, Captain is a rather high promotion as it stands. Thank you for your time Aunt Florimel, I will be certain to advise your next appointment that you are ready for them." That said, Kat bows to her Aunt and vacates the room.

To whomever might be waiting in the hall, she will simply say: "Princess Florimel will see you now, please go through. Good day." She will then walk off down the corridor to investigate the castle further and see if she can find Roland, as he's akin to the only friendly face she knows.

[Wired*Nun]

Directed by servants, Kat finds Roland in the dining room, as well as Raevyn, Martin and Patrisia. [Go to the public thread]

[Pygysys]

After leaving the stables and returning to her room... Kat's going to ask around on her way there to see if anyone is aware of Prince Benedict's whereabouts. If they are, she's going to detour to him beforehand.

If, however, he's already at Florimel's for the dress rehearsal, then she'll go to her room first to bathe and change. As for what she wears... a fresh uniform of course, with all buttons, buckles and the like polished, as well as all creases sharp. Best to present a good militaristic impression and let that be the image she presents, rather than lace and frills.

[Wired*Nun]

The ever-helpful and knowledgeable staff says he was last spotted in his quarters. Detouring there, Kat knocks on the door.

Coming suddenly face to face with the man she has only seen on a card, she is stunned by his presence. He is taller and more gaunt than his portrait led her to believe. His eyes burn with intensity as he takes her in from head to foot.

"Katarzyna. Come in." He turns his back on her briefly, leaving the door for her to close. He goes back to the mirror, and adjusting the simple, elegant uniform. It bears the Unicorns on the epaulettes that only he can wear. There are no other rank or medals displayed. The jacket is cut high, nineteenth-century style, with trousers bearing black piping. A matching formal, if still functional, saber, rests on his bedpost.

If she doesn't say anything until he is done, then he turns to her and waits, his hands clasped behind his back.

[Pygysys]

"Katarzyna. Come in." He turns his back on her briefly, leaving the door for her to close. He goes back to the mirror, and adjusting the simple, elegant uniform. It bears the Unicorns on the epaulettes that only he can wear. There are no other rank or medals displayed. The jacket is cut high, nineteenth-century style, with trousers bearing black piping. A matching formal, if still functional, saber, rests on his bedpost.
"Thank you, Sir." Kat steps into the room, closing the door gently behind her. She doesn't enter the room fully, content to stand before the closed door. "I hope you will forgive the intrusion but I wanted to speak with you in private. What you have agreed to on behalf of the King is also a great service unto me, for that I wish to thank you and also acknowledge myself in your debt."

She swallows before continuing, "I will also strive not to embarass you or cause you any dishonor during the course of this charade. Therefore if there is anything you would wish me to do to ensure this, any instructions or like you wish me to follow, please advise me of such and I will strive to achieve their aim." This was a lot easier played out in my head.

[Wired*Nun]

[Any reason this needs to be private? Let me know at the end, and I'll merge it into public if there's nothing you decide you want to conceal.]

He reaches across the space between them with his left hand. The other remains behind his back. Grasping her shoulder he looks down at her face, and his expression softens. "I understand the reasons. I do not dislike you for them. I just do not like this situation. I have done it because the King has asked me to. It is a tactic, and like all tactics, is temporary. From my point of view, you are a unknown quantity, a risk factor, and enigma, and a vulnerable youth, all at once. I must put Amber first. You have a long way to go to demonstrate loyalty to something which until now has been just a fable, but I will give you the chance." He lets his hand fall.

[Pygysys]

[Was just keeping the fact that Benedict isn't her real father on the quiet. I don't mind if it's public. I know Shutter and LynMars will 'ooo' over the mystery of it all. :) If you want to add it to the main thread, feel free.]

Kat is visibly relieved and comforted by his words. "Thank you again." No need to repeat myself as to why I'm thanking him again. Keep it simple Kat. "During this interim Sir, how would you have me address you? Princess Florimel did address me as Captain at dinner last evening. If it suits you, if that act is continued, I can address you as General or Sir and I do not believe any would question it."

[Wired*Nun]

[Actually, I think I will create an edited version for public eyes, to preserve both mystery and interest.]

"Agreed. Let them think I am stern with you. Let them wonder why." He buckles on the dress saber. "Looks like you have been riding. I'll leave you to clean up, and meet you down at Flora's lair at five." He opens the door for her, and follows her out, locking his door behind him, and departs for downstairs.

[Pygysys]

[Sounds good to me.]

Kat will simply return to her own quarters, bathe and get dressed as previously advised, once more finding her way to Florimel's office in yet another uniform with everything polished and all creases sharp, etc.

[Wired*Nun]

Public version:

After leaving the stables and returning to her room... Kat's going to ask around on her way there to see if anyone is aware of Prince Benedict's whereabouts. If they are, she's going to detour to him beforehand.

If, however, he's already at Florimel's for the dress rehearsal, then she'll go to her room first to bathe and change. As for what she wears... a fresh uniform of course, with all buttons, buckles and the like polished, as well as all creases sharp. Best to present a good militaristic impression and let that be the image she presents, rather than lace and frills.

The ever-helpful and knowledgeable staff says he was last spotted in his quarters. Detouring there, Kat knocks on the door.

Coming suddenly face to face with the Benedict, his eyes burn with intensity as he takes her in from head to foot.

"Katarzyna. Come in." He turns his back on her briefly, leaving the door for her to close. He goes back to the mirror, and adjusting the simple, elegant uniform. It bears the Unicorns on the epaulettes that only he can wear. There are no other rank or medals displayed. The jacket is cut high, nineteenth-century style, with trousers bearing black piping. A matching formal, if still functional, saber, rests on his bedpost.

"Thank you, Sir." Kat steps into the room, closing the door gently behind her. She doesn't enter the room fully, content to stand before the closed door. "I hope you will forgive the intrusion but I wanted to speak with you in private. What you have agreed to on behalf of the King is also a great service unto me, for that I wish to thank you and also acknowledge myself in your debt."

She swallows before continuing, "I will also strive not to embarass you or cause you any dishonor. If there is anything you would wish me to do to ensure this, any instructions or like you wish me to follow, please advise me of such and I will strive to achieve their aim." This was a lot easier played out in my head.

He reaches across the space between them with his left hand. The other remains behind his back. Grasping her shoulder he looks down at her face, and his expression softens. "I understand the reasons. I do not dislike you for them. I just do not like this situation. I have done it because the King has asked me to. It is a tactic, and like all tactics, is temporary. I must put Amber first." He lets his hand fall.

Kat is visibly relieved and comforted by his words. "Thank you again." No need to repeat myself as to why I'm thanking him again. Keep it simple Kat.

He buckles on the dress saber. "Looks like you have been riding. I'll leave you to clean up, and meet you down at Flora's lair at five." He opens the door for her, and follows her out, locking his door behind him, and departs for downstairs.

[Pygysys]

Kat's Journal - So it begins.

It is not easy being the second born in any family, more so when your older sibling is your twin and stands to inherit simply by a matter of minutes as opposed to years. Still, my Mother resolved to ensure that inheritance would not be an issue for her twin daughters and until recently she had succeeded in this endeavour. I cannot say when Astrid (http://www.pygysys.com/~pygysys/Enemies/Astrid.html) and I truly became rivals of a sort only that upon our return from Amber and the city in the sky, Tir Na'nogth, a shift between us had occurred. That was some twenty years ago now and within that passage of time, it is only now that our rivalry has come to a head. So tomorrow I am setting forth, returning to Amber but not under cover of darkness but as a dignitary sent from my Mother’s court.

I do remember the night my sister and I claimed our birthright, owed to us through our grandfather’s lineage. Many things we’d been told about Oberon’s lands and the Pattern, not only by our Mother, but also by our Uncle Delwin. It was he who assisted our Mother in ensuring our safety and discretion in reaching the Pattern held within the strange ghostlike replica of the city below. We had been instructed in what we were to do and what to expect, but still, to see the Pattern, even a reflection of it was mind numbing. It was proof of sorts of what we’d been told, and yet, both Astrid and I did hesitate as we stood before it, absorbing the enormity of the situation.

Perhaps it had been expected that Astrid would step forward first, claiming that which belonged to her minutes before my due. Only it was I who first placed my foot down upon the Pattern, not my sister. It was I who traversed the twists and turns, recounting my lessons about such though even they were lost to me when I struck the veils, one after another and each one more slowly than the previous one. Even though my steps slowed, my momentum never ceased and finally I was there in the centre, catching my breath and preparing to return to my mother’s side. It was only then that I noticed Astrid was making her way along the Pattern; she was perhaps two thirds of the way through.

Wanting to do naught but watch, trusting in my twin to accomplish what I had I remained there as I slowly recovered my composure and in doing so I entertained another thought, the opposite of success, failure. If my sister was to falter and her steps to cease, then I, not her, would inherit the throne. I think that is why I made such a startled noise even as my sister approached the final veil. Somehow our gazes locked upon one another and I think she saw in my eyes what I had thought, but it did not matter for she was not going to fail and knowing that, I found myself at my Mother’s side only moments before Astrid stepped into the space I had been occupying only moments before.

A minute later and Astrid too was by our Mother’s side, doing as we had both been instructed to if we had been greeted with success. Another look passed between my twin and I, but no words, they would come later. With our Uncle’s assistance, we four returned to Corrilaine’s shores. It was there that our Uncle bid us farewell, he had his own obligations and responsibilities to tend to for a time. What they were I did not know and still do not, for I have not seen my Uncle since and I find I miss his presence more now that I am prepared to return to Amber.

Astrid and I have always been competitive but in the years that have passed we have grown into bitter rivals. My Father (http://www.pygysys.com/~pygysys/Enemies/Blake.html) is worried, my Mother placates him with stories of her own childhood with our Uncle but I know she too is concerned as my journey tomorrow indicates. I have spent many years serving with my Father in the Sentinels and as such have been closer to him than Astrid, but now I fear that one advantage I had over her will be lost with my absence. Our Mother has never been one to play favourites, so Astrid holds no extra quarter there, though I expect she harbours more of Mother’s skill than I. Whilst I have become the soldier and a protector of our lands, Astrid is more the sorcerer and diplomat that I am not.

Still I am apprehensive, my life here is all I have known, and Corrilaine has been my only home. I carry with me documents signed and sealed by the Queen without my eyes beholding the contents. Does she wish to open our borders to Amber, perhaps she seeks trade or mayhap something else? It matters naught for I have not been made privy to such and I wonder if I will be taken into her confidence to know what errand she has set me upon… The Queen, my Mother was just here to wish me well and safe passage. I wondered that she did not give me a tiding of love but words of advice instead and a reminder as to why she left those distant lands so many years ago with our Uncle. I am concerned and will remain wary, but I shall do as bid, as I always have.

[Pygysys]

Kat's Journal - A week has passed.

I have been in Amber a week, guest if you will of Her Royal Highness, Princess Florimel, my Aunt. I have not advised her of this fact, perhaps she already suspects, I cannot say. What I am certain of is that I shall not see the King until I satisfy her curiousity. Knowing this, I have sent word, willing to speak to her regarding myself and aspects of my homeland.

Whatever I do reveal, willingly that is, it will not implicate my mother or my uncle, nor lead to the revelation of their identities. Mother asked that I only reveal such information after my audience with Random and not beforehand. How far must I go and how much do I reveal to acquire that audience is also unknown to me at this time.

I had hoped not to be drawn into this situation, having arrived with the naive notion that my status as a diplomat would be recognized and that I would see the King as scheduled. It mattered not that my paperwork was in order, to many questions and suspicions were raised. I mistakenly believed that those in Amber knew of Corrilaine but they claim they do not. I am now the small fish in the large pond and I do not like it overly much, no matter how much I enjoy to swim.

During this past week there has been a temptation to analyze the book my uncle gifted me. I have held back and restrained myself from doing so, as to translate it here and now amongst this company of aunts and uncles may only serve to arouse more suspicion. I must learn about this English language and discover its place. Perhaps in doing so, I will learn something more of why such a language was chosen over the natural tongue of Corrilaine and Thari.

I feel anxious and wonder if the Orphans do as well. Zane and Marc are at least here with me, but Darius, Quinn and Ethan are still out there. I know they are capable and will hold fast but this week has drawn out. They will not panic and search for me, not yet, I'm certain of this. However, should this week turn to two and then three, then I am not so sure how fast they will hold. If only my uncle and father had arranged only two or three companions, it would have been easier. Would have been, yes, but I have never wanted the easier path. Perhaps... I must finish this entry another time, as it seems Her Highness will see me now.

[Pygysys]

Kat's Journal - All is lost.

I feel very much alone, confused and frightened. I was forced to reveal my true relation of the Blood of Amber but I did not reveal my Mother nor my Uncle, that came afterward. My Aunt Florimel though in truth it was my Aunt Fiona in Florimel's guise, informed me of Corrilaine's destruction and the absence of my family and all that I have ever known. At first I was loathe to believe and I resisted her overtures but in the end I had to reveal myself and prove my lineage via the Walk. I did not want to face such an ordeal without support but I am a child no longer and had to stand fast.

It was afterwards that I met with the King, with Random and that more was revealed to me. They had me under a geas, my own Mother and Uncle had sought to protect themselves not trusting that I would hold firm. Nay, perhaps I speak with a bitter tongue at this point, struck with the pain of truth. I cannot say, I know that it is true, that they have removed Corrilaine from existance and the fate of my Father, Sister and loved ones is unknown to me. Surely they are somewhere, safely removed to another Shadow, I pray that it is so.

I cannot inform the men, I cannot even continue to acknowledge what I know to be true. So much has been fostered upon my shoulders this eve and in the days to come. I met cousins this evening and other Aunts and Uncles and I must remain calm in this tempest of things strange to me. At least there is a friendly face, as much as I can determine at this point in time, Roland is his name, Julian's son. Perhaps I will get to know him better in the next few days. We shall attend a picnic tomorrow and I shall watch the Ceremony of his announcment and acknowledgement. Even here in my journal I steer away from my own loss and betrayal, better I wait for a moment in darkness where I may mourn without being watched.

For now I must concentrate on things I can control, things I must learn to understand. Nor shall I forget that Fiona and Florimel interchange and I cannot be certain which is which simply in appearance. Be on guard at all times, I think now I come to understand why I was told this.

[Pygysys]

Kat's Journal - A son lost and a daughter gained.

This day has trailed for far too long. It should not have ended as it did with the spilling of blood and the set of accusations, doubt and mistrust. Why was I sent here I wonder again and again but I must forget the past and move forward. I must concentrate on what has occurred and what I can do to set things right. The day started so well, I had hoped it might signal hope and now I believe it lost.

Roland and I did set upon our picnic as planned, along with Gerard's daughter Raevyn. They believe me to be Benedict's daughter, as this was Random's decision. I have no allies here in Amber so rather than throw me to the wolves, he has tied me to a lion. None will question Benedict or dare attack me if they believe him to be my Father. It has given me a time of grace, nothing more and a possible hurdle to overcome when the truth is revealed to those I may become aligned to in the future. I found myself a new steed and he is a fine horse, Bordase. I believe he will serve me well.

The day turned sour late, during the ceremony of introduction for myself, Roland and our cousin Joss. Gerard's long lost son and Raevyn's brother, Joss, whom I did not have the chance to meet. Both my introduction and Roland's went as one could expect I suppose and then it was Joss. I cannot even recall the first word he said, I simply know that whatever he did say became the last words he was to ever speak. He was murdered on that balcony on which we stood, addressing the people of Amber. There was much confusion, panic ... I know what occurred and I will chose to remember it rather than write about it, so that with time the memory will fade.

I have sworn my oath, that is the only good thing that I can take from this day as a member of the Amber Royal Family.

[Pygysys]

Kat's Journal - A wild goose chase.

I have now made the acquaintance of more cousins, Heldrik, Agraynel, Landon ... I wonder if 'they' know of these members of the family. It was decided that we, the younger members of the family should be split into two groups and sent forth to investigate a number of leads. I am a part of Roland's group which consists of Roland, Raevyn, Josh and myself. Josh is Caine's son. The other group headed by Landon (Florimel's) and consists of Heldrik (Finndo's), Agraynel (Eric's) and Arrotel (Benedict's). I would have liked to have gotten to know Heldrik better aside from the small amount of questioning we enforced upon him, but it shall have to wait for another time.

Our group is to head to the Keep of Four Worlds and investigate Dunstan. Perhaps he has played some role in this or mayhaps his mother, Jasra has. We cannot be sure. The other group is to investigate the disappearance of Siodmak and Elress (Bleys' or Fiona's, I'm not certain nor do I care). I do not believe any of these investigations we have been set upon will uncover the murderer or the one behind whatever foul plot has arisen, but we must still serve our duty to Amber and His Majesty. I am glad to be riding with Roland and Raevyn, I feel a kinship with Roland which I hope will grow into a strong bond of friendship some day. I hope the same with Raevyn as well. If I make a mistake in befriending family, then I can only hope that it does not cost me too much. Given that I have little left to lose now, I cannot imagine the price will be too high.

I have sent Darius, Quinn and Ethan with Landon's group under Heldrik's command. I have made it a show of wanting to protect my 'brother' Arrotel. I trust them to follow Heldrik's lead, he does seem the martial sort and I suspect he has had experience with command. Landon strikes me as a foppish sort and one who is more interested in his own agenda. Agraynel called me coward, given her circumstance and mine, I gave her fair warning not to do so again. I will call her out upon it should such ever occur again.

Each time I think I have succeeded in closing off my mind to the past, something arises to stir up the memories again. I must close off my emotion and memory, I must shut it down and forget. I do not have the time nor the inclination to suffer to mourn. Not yet, not yet, I cannot face it, not yet. I must beware of Bleys, he pushes me and I cannot help but fear why and what it is he wants. The sooner we are gone from this place, the sooner we leave Amber, the sooner I can ignore him.

I am tired, weary of this place and I have been here two weeks, no more. Our departure will allow me to focus on our objective and in doing so, close off other thoughts.