Corwin looked at Eric mildly reproachful, "Geez Eric, I would have thought you would have at least invited me to the wedding, and when do we get to meet your darling daughter? I look forward to seeing what could be the future of this family. Also Eric, nothing personal, but knowing you as well as I do I feel that the child is going to need me to understand that life can be fun!"

Bleys rolled his eyes at this.

Random shrugged.

Eric looked Benedict over, and any trace of his "attitude" slipped away within seconds. "If you want to go that far, may as well lock the doors and post guards outside." He pushed back from the table and began to rise. "What's going on, Benedict?"

Getting the hint, the Kitchen staff left, locking the door behind them.

Corwin then looked at Ben, "Since Llew just showed up I guess you can begin. Teach us oh great sage equal with heaven!"

Benedict's face colored with this, not with embarassment, but with anger. He was about to draw his sword on Corwin, with Father's words came back to haunt him. Breathe....breathe....he's just a moron...let it be...

Deirdre glanced over at Corwin. "He's not the monkey king, Corwin. And considering how stressed Benedict looks right now, I hope you'll not jinx whatever's coming up by calling him that." She took a sip from her orange juice.

"Yeah Ben, what's the big deal? Did you kill both of them, and now you're assuming the throne?" Bleys said in a joking manner.

"Hmmm...I don't think I would even go that far," Corwin mused aloud at Bleys' comment.

Fiona looked at Corwin, then at Eric, then Corwin again, then finally with a wink to Bleys, smiled Mona Lisa style and said, "Not successfully, at any rate."

"Ah yes. I'm beginning to remember," said Flora to Julian, expecting no particular response, "there's a reason we're not all invited to the table at the same time..."

Julian nodded imperceptibly. He looked in front of himself, his gaze resting for an instant on Benedict's sword. Benedict managed to calm down by then, Julian's gaze on his sword giving him another reason to calm down.

"Come now. Benedict. Please. Speak your mind before a food fight breaks-out because the boys are bored." Flora murmured, almost playfully. Inwardly, Benedict blessed Oberon for having daughters...his sisters nearly always calming him down before he well and truly lost his temper.

He made his rounds quickly, making sure no kitchen staff had been left behind. A normal action like that--normal to him anyhow--relaxed him even more. Still, he took a breath before speaking.

"Dad, Paulette, and Grandfather were kidnapped." He waited for everyone to get the shock out of their system. He's had the morning to deal with this after all.

Right in the middle of drinking her tea, Llewella paused and looked up, gasping slightly. She put her cup down and folded her hands carefully, her eyes fixed on Benedict.

At this, Eric's face drained of color, and his coffee cup fell from his hand to crack against the table.

Deirdre's eyes went wide in shock, and she almost dropped her class of OJ.

Fiona stood up, walked three steps towards the door, then walks over to the buffet, and picked randomly at the food. At Benedict's next words, she turned to face him again, eyes moist.

"Details are sketchy, at this point in time," he continued, making sure his voice rises to a more confident level. Musn't let them see how bad things are. "The Captain of the Guard roused me at five this morning with the news. Between the time of roughly 4:30 and 4:45 or so, the routine patrol discovered that they had been taken from Oberon's sitting rooms, apparantly at the same time." Once again, he paused momentarily, watching his siblings with sharp eyes.

"Well damn", Brand responded calmly.

"Damn." Fiona whispered, paling considerably at the implications.

A look of understanding, as if some realization hit her, washed over Llewella's face.

"As of this time, they're still investigating. I've yet to hear from the Captain on their progress." He sighed, raking a hand through his short hair, the stress of the situation wearing on him. "Of the family, the two suspects are Eric and myself...Eric because of his status and the arguments he had with Father in the past. Myself because, with Oberon not naming an Heir..." His jaw clenched again, cutting off the sentence. It was only partially faked...that bit. He truly didn't want it, but the mere implication that he did galled him. Ben also hated to go fishing among his siblings for other suspects, but he'd seen it all too often before: a son or daughter started wanting too much...

Llewella flicked her eyes at Eric and gazed at him thoughtfully for a moment, her eyes darkening slightly. Her hands moved into a temple formation as she returned her attention back to Ben with an occassional glance at Eric.

Bleys' voice was heard, practically yelling, "Why the hell did you wait so goddamned long to tell us? " Bleys caught his breath, and said a bit more quietly, "And who is the one picking suspects?"

Eric regained a bit of his colour, and nodded weakly. "Very... true." He muttered hoarsely.

"The Captain," he said, "has asked the family not to interfere with the investigation...though any help would be appreciated, of course." He licked his lips briefly, adding, "As for right now, the Captain has control of the investigation, and I would ask that you defer to him in it...for the moment. Until we know more." The wording would make it a command, but the tone in which it is spoken made it into a request. Benedict wasn't fool enough to believe that he could commmand his siblings...well, except for the unrecognized ones.

"Or at least until the trail grows cold." Fiona said in a shaky voice, looking at Benedict, barely holding back tears.

Brand smirked. Another time, another place, Ben would have wiped that smirk off his face, but he let it go for the moment.

Deirdre got an expression on her face that could almost be called annoyance.

"I don't believe any of the three are dead. There's not any proof to that, of course, just a feeling I have." He sighed once more, "But we've enough problems to deal with at the moment. Father isn't expected anywhere until Sunday...or so the Captain told me." He looked round the table, to each waiting for any to add any other information they might have.

Llewella spread her hands in a show of ignorance on this matter.

"But there's the kingdom to deal with. Unless Father is miraculously recovered over the weekend, the burden of keeping things together here falls on our shoulders."

"An important point. In order to create a minimum of stress and bloodshed.. I suggest we draw straws for a steward or some such," Bleys suggested. I wish it were only going to be that easy... Benedict thought wistfully, stifling another sigh before it escaped.

"One last thing," he added, knowing this wasn't going to go over well, "I would ask that none of you rush off with the idea to save Father. Whoever..or whatever.." and here, he gave Eric a direct look. Deirdre also gave Eric a look, frowning thoughtfully. Eric looked back at Benedict, wiping a sudden sweat from his face. "..took them, they subdued Father and Grandfather at the same time, something I know I couldn't do alone." He paused again, making sure the seriousness of that statement sunk in, "It's for the best, right now, that we stay in one place and work things through, such as dealing with the nobles, and making sure the kingdom runs smoothly...as well as any efforts to search for them through mystical means, that can be done from the castle. I would ask, please, that you simply don't do anything foolish." The last statement he added, twisting sarcasm into his words to hide the seriousness behind it, "It would be a shame to have a list of people to go running after."

Julian didn't stop eating, on the outside completely indifferent to the news.

After he finished his meal he waited, listening to the many reactions and opinions; then, taking advantage of a moment's quiet, he began to speak to Benedict.

"...My. Brother." He paused again, as if searching his mind for the right words. "I acknowledge that this emergency has been handled... Properly. And I appreciate our troops' timing and experience. Whatever the future may have in store, I will do my part. And, I will try not to do anything... Foolish." Benedict nodded imperceptibly to Julian. He didn't have any worries about Julian. None. Julian had more of a head on his shoulders than three of four of his siblings together, and never did anything rashly. That was something Ben couldn't even claim.

Brand looked shocked, appropriately so.

Caine drummed his fingers on the table irritably. "If we are to remain in Amber and not use the gifts of our Family to find Dad and Grandad, how are we to be of any assistance whatsoever? And what will a mere mortal such as the captain of the gaurd be able to do against the obviously supernatural capabilities of the abductors? I assume them to be supernatural if they are able to hold Dad and Dworkin in this fashion. Also, may we not construe the sendings we each recieved as a _personal_ appeal for assistance, beyond the ordinary channels of the Realm's government?"

Brand stood and spoke, "The dream may have been a signal for help from dad...but can we be sure? The dream could be merely part of some elaborate trap by the abductors...to catch the rest of us. We need not act foolishly. We are Amberites...we are smarter than that." Brand looked around the table, murmuring something softly under his breath. Ben mentally applauded him; he'd already reached that conclusion.

Llewlla arched an eyebrow at Brand but said nothing.

Random glared at him.

Deirdre almost looked agitated, as if she wants to get up and do something right now. Ben didn't blame her, and he was actually rather amazed that she stayed where she was.

After listening quietly to Ben's news, Corwin looked up at him almost teary eyed. "Ben I am truly sorry for my earlier remarks, I did not know the situation." Corwin then got a little more irritated, "But, why was I not informed earlier, and what steps have been taken so far. I will have the captain brought before us to debrief us fully on this situation." Benedict rolled his eyes. Shelve the tears, Corey, they look better on Fiona or Flora. Benedict shook his head again, starting to place more stock in the guard's opinion of his brother.

"But, should we be taking" Fiona paused, searching for the right word, "...advice... from a suspect?" Touche, Fiona, Benedict thought. This was going better, all things told, than he had hoped. They were bringing things up that he himself wanted to, sparing him the effort.

"Yes but who is the one bringing the accusations to the table against Ben," Brand asked.

Fiona frowned, shooting a look of disgust at Brand, and replied, "The only one at this table who would dare. But since he brought it up, it's fair game, and we do have a right to treat it seriously. I don't believe it, don't want to believe it, but it's staring at me in the face, and I have to deal with the possiblility. We all do, whether we want to or not. And damn both of you for making me say it." She turned away, tears running down her cheeks, and picks at a piece of bread.

Llewella started up hesitantly, but stopped upon seeing Deirdre rise, and reseated herself again, unnoticed by the majority. A look of sadness crossed her face, and Benedict felt for her. He understood...all too well. He knew what it was like to be alone, to feel unwanted. Maybe he should talk to her...?

Deirdre frowned at Brand and got up from the table. She walked over to Fiona, put her arm around Fi's shoulder, and tried to console her. "Hey, c'mon, it's okay. Everything'll be all right. Come on, you go sit down, and I'll get you something to drink, hmm?" Deirdre made to lead Fi to the end of the table, to sit her down.

Fiona allowed herself to be led by Deirdre to a seat and made an attempt at a thankful smile through her tears.

"So what do you want, Fi? Milk? Juice? Coffee?" There was sincerity in De's voice as she asked this.

"Coffee." She looked up at Deirdre, ernestness showing in her eyes, "Thanks."

Deirdre got her half-sister a cup of coffee and set it down in front of Fiona. She patted her on her shoulder, smiles at her, and then went to sit down where she was before.

Feeling somewhat stupid for his earlier fiery and sarcasatic remarks, Bleys slid his seat next to Fi and made sure she's ok.

Fiona looked at him, managed a half-smile, and placed her hand tentatively on his shoulder.

Bleys placed his hand on hers. "Whatever happened, I'm sure they're all right."

"I am not one to accuse anyone...and Ben would be the last one in my eyes," Brand stated. "There is something going on here, a manipulation of sorts. If in fact no one at this table did the deed then someone wants us to think that in fact one of us did. Someone wants us at each others throats and it appears to be working."

"And I know as well as the rest of you that there maybe truth in theses accusations...but I have seen no proof and until I have...they are false." The redheads were certainly making themselves known this morning.

"I am sorry if I offended you sis," Brand said.

Fiona sniffed, looking apologetically at Brand, "I don't want to be at anyone's throat. I'm just... shaken... by all of this." She stiffened slightly, wiping away her tears. "But... I won't back down, either. We have to find out who did this, as soon as possible, and try to stop them. We can't afford to wait for the Captain while we play at running the Kingdom. Without Dad and Grampa, there is no Kingdom. None of us are yet big enough to fill those roles." She looked at Ben and Eric. Benedict was more than inclined to agree with her. "None of us."

Smiling slightly, she started to sip her tea again. Real or not, Benedict inwardly applauded her performance. I really must talk to her sometime...

"You are absolutely right, none of us are prepared for the full duty of this Kingdom, and i doubt that we could do it together. We do not have the respect of the nobles...being so young and all.There would be chaos..." Brand paused. "We need to find out what exactly happened."

"The hell we do," said Gerard with conviction, snapping Ben back to the discussion. "Benedict wouldn't do it. And that's the end of that. But I would like to know," he said, looking to Benedict "if you actually intend to follow the Captain's advice. Are we Princes of Amber, or are we no more than children, to be kept in the nursery?!" Benedict refrained from answering.

Florimel, who until now seemed to have been listening only half-heartedly at best, finally spoke.

"Hasn't it occurred to anyone else that this whole 'kidnapping' thing is a big fishy? Where is the ransom note? Where are the threats? Were there even signs of a struggle in the sitting room?" she set down her bowl of strawberries, "Isn't it entirely possible that we're being tested here -- not by some wicked outside force, but perhaps by the alleged victims themselves?"

Julian turned to her, slowly shaking his head. "You knew them. Father. Grandfather. Queen Paulette... Would you call them cruel? For only the most heartless would stage such a... Cruel, and pointless... Joke. At you, of all people. Today, of all times." Benedict wished that it were so. He could see Dad and Grandfather being that heartless...especially Grandfather, but wisely, he kept his mouth shut, lest he upset Julian even more.

Caine said, "If it is such a test, then surely we can do no worse than to do nothing. And if it is not a test, then Dad and Grandad could be harmed at any moment. My personal honor, at least, will not allow me to do nothing!" He said this, checks flushing slightly in anger.

"I don't believe I *ever* insinuated that we should do nothing. I ask merely that we explore all possibilities before running off half-cocked..." Flora said. Benedict once again blessed Oberon for having daughters.

Random sighed, hands still wrapped around his coffee cup.

"Uhh uhh," Brand coughed loudly..." If you have forgotten I am not a Prince of Amber"

"Figure of speech," said the young Gerard. "And you are as far as I'm concerned."

Brand nodded to Gerard for the kind words

"Has anyone been in the sitting room since they were found missing?"

With that Corwin stepped to the door and commanded the guards to bring their Captain to the dining hall upon his command.

"Whoever took gramps and father will feel my displeasure!" Must ask the guards about my other siblings, Benedict noted to himself once more, having seen their opinions were correct now.

As per Corwin's demand, the Guardsman outside the door scampered off to find the Captain, returning a few minutes later. "The captain is still tied up with questioning. He will be able to spare some time within the hour though, and will trump you, " indicating Benedict, "when he is ready to meet."

The Guard then snapped to attention again, waiting for a command.

Benedict nods, expecting no more. He straightened slightly, saying to the guard, "Back to your post." After the guard exited again, he spared a glance towards Corey before turning his attention to everyone in general.

Brand spoke, "Well let us not keep him from his questioning."

"Ben," Brand said, "Do you know anything other than when they where kidnapped? I mean was there any signs of a struggle. If Dad and Grandpa were taken against their will there would be signs of a struggle....unless the said kidnapper possesses far more power than we are giving him/her credit for."

"Or the kidnapper was known and they went on their own accord. And besides has anyone LOOKED over the room?"

"I would assume yes, though none present currently," Ben commentd sardonically, finally fed up with his family. He managed to keep his cool, having found release from stress now that the news was out, but he couldn't control his tone. "That's generally how one holds an investigation."

Llewella raised an eyebrow and looked as if she is about to say something, stopped herself and takes a huge gulp of tea again.

"First things first..." He paused, sparing another look around the table, "The Captain hasn't contacted me with any more details than I've already told you, so stop asking.

"If any of you have any mystical skills that would aid in the investigation--or any skills in investigation period--I suggest offering them to the Captain, *after* he contacts me. Unless any of you doubt Dad's choice in a new Captain, that is."

Llewella remained silent and nodded slowly.

"And yes, this just might be a test from them, to see if any of us are suited to be Dad's Heir, but that still doesn't stop any of the political problems we *will* have once this gets out to the nobles. The King, Queen, and former King are gone...the kids are inexperienced--yes, myself included--and in a state of confusion...perfect time for a coup, wouldn't you think? If a House could gain enough support, it could happen."

Benedict wanted to add to his remarks, but snapped his mouth shut. Remember, these are family, not troops of yours. Expect any commands given to be questioned...

"So we're just gonna sit here?" Gerard asked, incredulous.

"Looks that way," Random said.

"I didn't say that, Gerard," Benedict replied calmly. "But Flora is quite right, rather than going off half-cocked, it's better to deal with the problems we know we're going to have..while others of us who have the skills can aid in the investigation."

"Great," replied Gerard. "Which means you expect me to sit here."

Overcome, Llewella rolled her eyes slightly.

Deirdre started to look frustrated, holding her fork tightly, when she closed her eyes, breathed in deeply, and exhaled. It took her but a moment before she opened up her eyes and appeared completely calm again. She turned her attention back to the table.

Fiona choked on her coffee. Wiping her mouth with a napkin, she offered a shrug towards Gerard. "Perhaps your skills would be best put to use marshalling our naval forces in case a coup is attempted. It'd keep you out of the investigation team's way, and provide you with something to do with your other talent besides chair warming." She turned towards Benedict, but didn't meet his eyes. "Of course, Ben, I'll help the Captain in any way I can. We'll find out who did this, and clear you and Eric of any false suspicions."

She stands up, kissed the top of Bleys' head, walked over to Deirdre, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

At this Llewella looked up, her chain of thought broken and smiles slightly at Fiona.

"Well I am pretty sure one of us could detect any use of magic or other force present in the room," Brand commented.

"But as somebody else has already suggested, do we really want to find something or one capable of carrying off Oberon and Dworkin?" Random asked. Random definitely had a point there, but what other choice did the family have? Ignore the disappearance of the King, their father?

Fiona raised an eyebrow at Random, then says, "It isn't too late for you to begin learning yet, little one. If you're not doing anything else, you might want to come along."

"Maybe," he answered.

"Well if we do not find it... it will find us. If something did take them and so easily, then it would have no trouble finding us where ever we are. We are more likely saver here with all of us around. We merely need to think and find a way to deal with it. There is going to be a lot of problem when this gets out. The nobles will be worried. But do we really want them to know they might have been kidnapped?" Brand asked.

Caine says, "I don't see how it matters what are the powers and capabilities of our enemies (assuming they are not simply a concoction of Dad's deception) - they have wronged us. Therefore, they must pay. As for the nobility, surely all the Houses realize that they exist only on the sufference of the throne. Dad brough their ancestors here out of Shadow, and thence they may be returned at his pleasure. They administration of the realm is merely a convenience of our family and its head. Also, I know my sailors and their loyalty is to the King."

"Exactly. To the King. Not us." commented Llewella offhandedly. Benedict nodded inwardly, agreeing with her.

"It is exactly that sort of bravado that will bury us all, Caine," said Florimel, "True -- Oberon did bring them forth from shadow in centuries long past, but by their generations spent here, the people themselves have become more and more real with every passing moment."

"T'is much easier to collect flies with honey than with vinegar," she continued, "Oberon courts their favors as surely as any other king in any other land."

Caine smiled. "But I do not like having the officers of the court take charge of the search for our father. It sets a bad precedent. Let them lead in this crisis, and we will find ourselves their servants, not they ours, in every future one. I think they are only testing the bounds here. Once we have settled the right order of things, _then_ we court them with all the arts at our command, sister, and all the honey too. "

"Damn right we do," said Gerard. "Get them before they come back and get us."

"I think," Bleys stated, his cheeks flushed, "That we need to understand what the hell happened before we all start running around. And, I suspect, that whoever is running the investigation, be it the Captain, or one of us.. some sort of statements or some such should be taken before any of us leaves this room," Bleys shook his head, "I really do pray that this is some sort of test by dad and gramps.. but if it's not.. "

Bleys thought for a moment, "As a point of order.. perhaps somebody should go check on the Pattern.." Benedict blinked, giving Bleys an appraising look. Why would he mention the Pattern? Another coincidence? Benedict shook himself of that notion--there were no coincidences here this morning, and Bleys was damning himself in his brother's eyes without even knowing it.

"I would be happy to. Anything to get me out of here" Brand said.

"Why? It's not like someone can just pick it up and steal it," said Florimel.

Deirdre looked at her fork, this time with a far-off look to her eyes. "I do believe that I do, no matter what the rest of you think."

Eric folded his hands under his chin and stared at the pool of spilled coffee growing on his plate. After a moment's reflection, he spoke, "While the 'test' idea holds some appeal... and I wouldn't put it past the old bastard to try something... I've reasons to believe that this was indeed a kidnapping." He looked around the table briefly before speaking.

"As you all know, I've been blessed with a daughter... I've made you all uncles and aunts." A smile briefly flickered across his face, to be replaced quickly with a heavy look of sorrow. Benedict paid attention, in case Eric told more details this morning than he did last night. "Four days ago, before I came back to Amber... she was kidnapped from me. Not by shadow-dwellers... but by malevolent entities that are, quite definitely, as Real as you or I. Perhaps even moreso." Eric wrung his hands. "Either way, they took her. And now, I fear that these... creatures... could have tracked me back here, and are the ones behind the disappearances here."

Llewella nearly choked on her tea and started coughing. She blinked and looked again at Eric, this time with an odd look on her face.

Bleys coughed, "So if they've taken one of our children, they've taken our parents.. doesn't it stand to reason they would take care of us next? " Bleys shook his head, "I really do suggest we stay together now. Otherwise we may be picked off one at a time." A good suggestion, Benedict thought.

Deirdre snapped the fork she was holding in her two hands, her facial expression was unreadable. Without looking away from the broken fork, she asked Eric, "It doesn't have anything to do with that... thing, on your belt buckle, does it?"

Startled, Llewella looked at Eric again especially at the aforesaid belt and cursed slightly at her own inattention. Her face flushed, presumably at the words she used.

"Well Damn. This day just went from bad to worse. Is there a reason these people would want your daughter. What have you been doing lately to warrent this kind of action?" Brand addressed Eric.

"And what have you done to find her?" Fiona chimed in.

"Who says he's done anything?" Flora interrupted, "The child was...is Oberon's first grandchild. You must admit that a child of The Blood is a powerful bargaining piece, regardless of her father's standing at home."

"Especially in combination with her grandfather and greatgrandfather if they were all taken by the same powers?...What of her mother?" mused Llewella. Benedict could have added that yes, Marie was taken as well, but he didn't wish to overly worry Eric, if he didn't know.

Eric nodded, slowly. "Yes, Dee... it has everything to do with my belt buckle." He sighed and looked around the table. "It's a long story." He pushed himself back and found another coffee cup.

"When I was exiled, I was young, stupid...power-hungry." His eyes flickered briefly down the table, to light briefly on Fiona, Brand, and Bleys. Llewella smiled slightly at this barely veiled admonition. Fiona returned his glance, giving him a "what the hell are you looking at me for?" deadpan. "I went out into Shadow, looking for something that would give me the vengeance I sought, something that would let me hit back at Oberon, to knock the old man off his pedestal and down into the dirt he'd abandoned me in." Oh, come now Eric. Grow up. It wasn't nearly as bad as you paint it. You were the fool who pulled a sword on Dad... Benedict sighed softly, Maybe I should have taken him out into Shadow with me when he might have been manageable...got some discipline into him. Damn. Too late now.

He shook his head. "I found it. Or, rather, it found me." He unsheathed his silver saber, and held it by the blade. The crosspiece and handguard was crafted into the shape of a bizarre tentacled creature, much like the one on his belt buckle. A wonder I never said anything, Benedict thought, the shrugged it off. It was always normal to him, during his visits. After all, Ben had seen things just as strange as that.

Fiona stared at the sword, interest growing.

"They call themselves Old Ones." "Old Ones of what I wonder?" Llewella mused. "They're Real... and powerful. I don't know from whence their power derives, save that they seem to enjoy suffering and bloodshed." He stared off into space, clearly reliving memories in his own head. "They made me a deal. They'd teach me what I wanted to know... and I would serve them." He shook his head slowly, trying to drive off whatever visions haunt him. "As I said, I was stupid. Still, stupidity does not preclude learning."

Fiona quickly glanced from Eric to Gerard and back, shrugging slightly.

"They taught me magicks, real ones... enchantments. I crafted this blade, and my belt..." He shrugged. "But that's not the point of my story."

"Crap," Deirdre muttered. Benedict looked over at her in astonishment. Deirdre never swore.

Suddenly noticing the change in Deirdre, usually cheerful, Llewella smiled comfortingly in her direction.

Brand was more alert and was listening more closely to everything Eric is saying. A hungry look was on his face, reminding Ben of the first time he picked up a blade...or that first major melee...he recognized that look alright, but couldn't condemn him for it. Still, with such things as Eric describing drawing his attention, perhaps it would be best to keep temptation away from Brand.

"When my daughter was born, it was like a slap in the face. I swore off the Old Ones and their servitude. I told myself that I had a better reason to live than revenge. I'd coated my hands in blood for them... and no more." He laughed, hollowly and self-mockingly. "I was still stupid. I thought I could just step away, to break my staff and abandon my books. I'd learned of their lore, I knew enough, I could protect Marie and Jacqueline..." Idiot, Benedict thought, Why didn't he ever tell me? Or Dee? We would have helped...

Eric shook his head slowly. "Needless to say, the Old Ones didn't take rejection politely." He took a drink of his coffee. "I've been fighting them for the past thirteen years, protecting my family and at the same time trying to stop Them." His hand tensed around the blade. "I was doing fairly well, too... most of the time." He stared into his coffee cup. "You only have to fail once, though... only once." He trailed off, head bowed, eyes glistening.

Benedict paced during Eric's speech, stopping to register this reaction here, or some look on a sibling's face. He came to rest behind his chair, hands resting lightly on the back of it. Jacqueline.. he sighed, trying to hate Eric at this moment, but failing. How could it feel, losing your only child? He bowed his head, lost in his thoughts.

Fiona's voice brought him back to the present, "...have learned something, becoming a dad yourself. Eric, I swear to you, if these 'Old Ones' aren't responsible for Dad and Granda's kidnapping, I'll help you get your daughter back after we find out who is and stop them. And if they are, we'll make them pay together."

Eric bowed his head. "Thank you, Fiona... thank all of you." He closed his eyes and breathed heavily for a moment, then opened them again, his countenance changed, suddenly harder and more businesslike. "All right." He slides his sword back into his scabbard. "Does anyone ELSE have any disturbing or horrifying news they'd like to share with us all?" A faint grin crosseed his face as he returns to his seat.

Fiona looked pensive for a moment, then said, "I know we all have important things to do and we are in a state of emergency, but I think we should all get together this afternoon, around two, maybe for a half hour, for a memorial for Mirelle. I think, even with all that's going on, that's what Dad would want us to do."

"Two is bad -- I'm scheduled to meet with the Little Sisters of the Unicorn charity. It's taken us 6 weeks to bring them all in from the far reaches of the Golden Circle," Flora murmured.

"Four would be much better... I generally take a nap then, but would gladly forgo it in the name of Mirelle's memory..."

Deirdre got up from her chair and went to stand against the wall with the main doors. She leaned up against it with her arms crossed, an impatient look on her face.

Corwin, who had been looking optimistic at the thought that this was a simple test, now looked at Eric with sad eyes. "My brother, within mere days you have lost more than any of us...not only a father and grandfather, but a daughter." Corwin then walked over to Eric and embraced him. "I promise you that these deeds will not go unpunished."

"Now though if we are to be of any help, we need to understand these things you speak of. I know it will pain you to do so, but please tell us of the menace that threatens this family."

"Well Eric perhaps you could tell us more about their abilities so that we may be prepared. I am fascinated by this new power. I wonder is it based on something other than the Pattern," Brand asked. Benedict glanced over to Brand, nodding to himself. Best keep him away from temptation.

Eric raised his eyes, looking Brand over. "It's something Other, Brand. Now, if I was more familiar with it, I'd explain. I could... demonstrate." He looked around. "Last time I employed what I learned from them here in Amber, I killed four men I meant simply to stun. Care to find out what happens this time?" He looked at Brand. Eric, too, sensed the danger, though he reacted to it much differently.

"This ability," asked Bleys, "It works in Amber?"

"Well a demonstration would be nice, but I think the other incident means you lack control over this newly found power and it is dangerous...or either someone is controling it through you. And what the hell did you have to do to get this power? Was it like walking the power or something else?" Brand asked.

"Brand, try not to drool all over the table," Bleys smiled. Ah...good. Perhaps his full siblings could keep Brand in line. One brother corrupted by these...things...was bad enough, but two?

Shaking her head slightly, Llewella almost laughed a bit and then got serious, pondering the other implications of Brand's statements.

"You said you had battled them before..if they have taken Father and Grandfather, is there a way to stop them? Is there a place that is theirs where they could be?" She asked, finally.

"Well if I am to understand this thing...and find a way to fight it...I need to know about. We need to know more to be able to save dad and gramps if it be the case." Bramd was persistant, if nothing else.

Bleys nodded, "I see the point.. but don't drool on the table. This is good cloth."

Brand stood, walking over to Ben murmuring a request. Ben leaned down to hear him. "I need to be excused for a moment...Grenndel is getting restless. I need to take him out for a moment. Would that be a problem? I do not trust im around the servants."

Benedict gave Brand a long, appraising look. He nodded, curtly, going over to the doors and opening them. To the guardsmen outside, he said, "Bring another pair of guards here, to escort Brand to take his wolf outside.."

He waited there for the guards he summoned to arrive. When they did arrive, he turned to Brand, murmuring, "If these guards turn up mysteriously missing or harmed and you turn up sound and well, I will hold you personally responsible. I suggest you be quick about your business. Do not deviate from your task." He paused, flicking a look to the guards, "Do not deviate from it." Dad's paranoia was rubbing off on him. Brand and Grendel left with the escort.

Eric shrugged. "There are places which they control. My shadow, Arawn, was a disputed area, but I knew they had other shadows. I've visited a few. I suppose, I could lead us back." He grimaced, and sat down, idly scratching at his boot. "Last night, Dworkin told me that he knew where Jackie was... that he could find her. Perhaps... perhaps Dworkin neglected to teach us all we should've known about ourselves... about Shadow. While I was shunted off into the Knighthood, I understand some were trained by Dworkin in the arcane arts. Are you sure that you've never heard of the things I describe?" He looked around the table. "Have any of you? Or have you had any other experiences in shadow with things of Reality?"

Bleys leaned back in his chair for a moment, thoughful, "No, I don't think so. I must admit this whole thing seems kinda weird."

Deirdre stirred some from her place near the door. "I read a lot of books in my spare-time. One of the novels I read mentioned in passing about the Old Ones; their high priest," she nodded to the belt buckle, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the Black Goat with a Thousand Young. I was curious, so I read up on them some more; I didn't like what I read." She pauses. "I guess what I read stuck with me for a bit, for the next few Shadow-shiftings I took had me in a Shadow ravaged by them." She shuddered at the memory and fell silent.

Bleys nodded at that, "They were by a man named Lovecraft. I remember because I was in this one shadow where the main villians were oft compared to Lovecrafts demons. The man who wrote those stories was reported to be mad, by many accounts."

Fiona said, "I've seen evidence of other, magical Shadows with something of the Real gained from Arcane power, but nothing like these 'Old Ones' Eric describes."

Benedict listened to this intently, giving both Deirdre and Bleys his full attention in turn. He considered everything said thus far this morning, then suggested, "I propose that we split our attentions then. Obviously, some of us have had more experience with these things..." He looked at Eric, "...or close enough to them..." He shifted his gaze to Deirdre and Bleys, "...to perhaps follow that lead, and maybe regain Jackie, if not Father, Paulette, and Grandfather." Jackie first...she was defenseless. And if what Dworkin was implying.. He shut off that thought before completion, trying to concentrate on the task at hand.

He drew in a breath, continuing, "Maybe Eric, Fiona, and a few others could aid in the investigation, and if things seem to head that direction, follow it up, while the rest of us try to head off any problems here, and follow up any other leads that might turn up."

"Well," noted Bleys, more to himself than to anyone else, "it's sounds vaguely like a plan, though I suspect what little I know will be of little help."

"So, what do you want the rest of us to do?" Random asked.

"Well, this has been a lovely breakfast -- truly, I do mean that. Having us all together again," said Florimel as she stood, "But I seem to have little to offer here, and much to attend to elsewhere. If you don't want the nobles to know anything is up, then I'd best begin attending to matters."

"I believe we opted for the buddy system?" She began walking to the door, "Gerard? Random? Would you accompany me, please?"

Random looked surprised, then nodded, stood and headed over to Florimel.

Benedict doffed an imaginary cap to Flora, "It's not a matter of them not finding out, but handling them when they do."

He almost smiled, though, more than happy to let Flora make preparations. "'Twas good seeing you again, Florimel. I'd like it if you kept me apprised of your preparations...?"

Eric raised a finger. "Before we begin running about like a gaggle of children on a playground --" A faint smile creased his face as he glanced at the two Florimel has chosen to accompany her -- "It might be wise to determine precisely what each of us shall be doing, or at least have an idea. Corey, for instance, would be best helping you with the nobles, Florimel. Fiona, Brand, Bleys, Deirdre and I can work on my leads, as well as any other mystical ones that may come up. Benedict, presumably, is the Captain's point of contact on this matter... incidentally, Ben, who IS the new Captain of the Guard?" He glanced askance, and plowed ahead. "Caine, as you seem to know your sailors -- and your mother -- perhaps you'd best serve to maintain presence with the Navy. 'Showing the flag,' I believe you'd call it." Eric seemed somewhat more upbeat, now that something is being done. "Llewella... you can run along to Rebma and, perhaps, break the news to the Queen in a quiet, private fashion, so as to spare them the panic..." He shrugged. "Or what have you." He looked around the table. "Unless anyone has any other ideas...?"

"Always, Brother," Flora said to Benedict, ignoring Eric as well. Then she rounded on him.

"Despite what you may think, Eric, I do not need 'help' with the nobles -- Corwin's or anyone else's," Flora said sternly, "I have been handling this job alone since I was sixteen -- I hardly think I need a bunch of shadow-hopping muck-a-bouts lousing things up because they want to feel important."

"As for what I will be doing, I have a full schedule for the day -- as usual. Check with Martina -- my secretary for those of you who don't know -- and she'll be able to tell you where I am and what I'm doing."

Benedict directed his gaze over to Eric, still amused at his brother's audacity. He turned back to Flora and Random, adding to his previous statements, "Thank you, both of you."

"You're quite welcome," she said over her shoulder.

Benedict givea her a half-bow, showing at least some semblance of manners this morning, then nodded to Random before turning back to the table in general.

Caine folded his fingers in a steeple, waiting on everyone to finish bickering or departing.

After Flora thanked Benedict, Deirdre nodded, and opened the door. "I'll be right back; I gotta go to my rooms for a quick second." AS she opens the door, a black cat jumped in, Deirdre's pet. "Hey, what's with the guards," the thing asked. "The wouldn't let me in. Said something about family bus-- whoof!" "Quiet, Jiji," De said as she picked her cat up. "C'mon; we gotta talk."

As Deirdre rusheed towards the door, Ben's mood darkened again. Benedict barked in a sharp voice, "Sit down, Deirdre. We've still things to discuss."

"Oh," Florimel continued, "The new captain's name is Khyron Gamellon. He's been on the job a whopping three days since his superior was killed by someone -- I believe it was..." she smiled at Eric, "then again, I suppose that isn't important right now."

Random smiled at his sister's performance, hands twitching slightly, though they remained at his side.

Brand returned to the room, sans his wolf.

Deirdre, not failing to notice the sharpness in his voice, turned around and arched an eyebrow at him. She moved to the closest chair to where she was standing, which, in this case, happened to be Dworkin's chair, pulled it back from the table, and sat. She sat back in the chair, crossed her legs, put Jiji in her lap, and began petting Jiji. She watched Benedict, waiting for him to finish.

Benedict waited for her to get settled, before giving a look to that thing she's holding, saying to Deirdre, "Thank you." Figures she would like cats.

He turned back to everyone in general, once Flora and Random are gone, and Brand returned. "Anyway...I'd like to keep at least half of us in Amber, if not more."

He gestured to Eric here, saying, "I've sworn--as Fiona did earlier--to help him recover Jacqueline, especially if they are the ones responsible for the others as well." He paused, expecting not more than a few answers here, "Who else would be willing to go?"

Deirdre took a deep breath and nodded her head to herself. The tension left her face as she looked back to Benedict, her old face starting to return after a long breakfast. "You know me, Benedict," she smiled. "I can't not help out. Especially in this situation."

"I will gladly help in any way I can. I am at your disposal Ben," Brand said. He paused a moment and then looked at Eric, "And I know we may not see eye to eye, but I swear on the Pattern that we will find her and those who kidnapped her and teach them a little something." Nice idea, but you're not going, Benedict thought to himself, making mental notes.

Bleys nodded, unsheathing his sword, "Any enemy of our blood is an enemy of all of us. We all have our personal vendettas, but the time has come to put them aside in the hour of this grievous assault on our parents, and our niece. Let death come swiftly to those who would try to assail us. Let pain, suffering and death come to those who might kill us. I pledge my life to the recovery of those we have lost, and to the punishment of those who have wronged us, no matter who they be. I swear this by the pattern, and by my own sacred honor," Bleys smiled, and sheathed his sword, "These bastards are gonna pay. Hard." Bleys returned to his seat, his cheeks flushed. Benedict shook his head. Was everyone in his family foolhardy?

"Nice speech, Bleys," Deirdre said when he finishes. "While it was morewords than really needed, it worked." She turned to Benedict. "But words aren't what we need now..." She trailed off, glancing around the room idly.

"Um, excuse me--" Jiji started, looking up at Deirdre from her lap.

"You be quiet," she said, cutting him off.

She looked back to Benedict, slightly expectantly.

Brand walked over to Bleys and sat after he went over and said something to Eric first.

Eric inclined his head towards Brand, then nodded briefly, and sharply. "Later."

Bleys gave Brand a small bow as he passes.

Corwin, who had been quietly observing until now, looked at the family in the room, "To those who now will go to aid our beloved brother Eric in his time of need I wish you the best of luck. I on the other hand, as much as it pains me, must stay in Amber as my station declares."

"Shouldn't we who remain make a plan for the defense of the realm, and also try to figure out what we can do for Dad and Paulette and Dworkin from here?" Gerard asked.

Benedict nodded, listening to all this with mixed emotions. "Gerard is exactly right.." He inclined his head to Gerard. "I was asking for volunteers, anyway, to see who was interested...I wasn't about to leave the Realm." He paused for a brief moment, before adding reluctantly, "Promise I made to Father." He glanced around, to Caine, Gerard, and Julian, who were silent on his asking, "If any of you three are interested, speak up now, to take mine and Brand's place.." At that, he swiveled towards Brand, "I'd preferred it if you stayed, so that we might have someone skilled in the arts that Dworkin taught present, instead of gathered all in one place."

Caine said, "I feel that I would have more to offer if I went on the expedition, especially if it travelled in part by ship. My contacts in the navy are extensive, thanks to Mom, but I am myself only a captain. So if I remained here, it would be a symbolic gesture only against the possibility of a coup, as my own command authority is limited."

Eric nodded to Caine. "Thank you, Caine." He looked round the room, and his gaze swept past everyone remaining. "Does anyone else wish to come along, or is it to be seven, five, and one?" He frowned. "Perhaps it should be six, five, and two? If Amber's safety has been breached, I would question Rebma's, as well."

Llewella muttered something and then clearly says, "I too wonder about Rebma's situation in light of the goingson here. Rebma never had the virtue of Oberon's hand."

"I'll go with you, Eric," said Gerard, with a look at Benedict, as if for permission.

Brand had a look on his face....somewhere between...Crap I have to stay here and why me! "Well I would like to go...but if my place is here, I will stay." At that Brand walked over to Ben.

Benedict leaned down to Brand, expecting that the younger man have something to say.

"Well if I am to stay I would like to have access to some of Dworkin's books. The ones we learnd from and maybe some others if we can find some. I want to see if there is anything about these Old Ones," Brand asked. Benedict almost shivered at Brand's naked ambition, but once again, he couldn't blame him. He remembered the first thought he had when Father told him he was just about as good as his brothers had been at war. He nodded slightly.

"For now though, let us all wait on Captain Khyron. I think that he will want to see all of us before any can leave Amber. Also, do not take this wrong but depending on his findings some may be forced to stay anyway....I do not say this to point fingers anywhere, but our king is missing and it our first and foremost task to find those that have done our fair kingdom harm."

"This is very hard for me to say, but there is much at stake than just family here....our whole kingdom may be in danger." Benedict rolled his eyes as Brand addressed the family. Haven't I been saying that? Do they even listen to me?

His thoughts were cut off as he received a Trump call...

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