16-Oct-96 Zeus, some strange pet of Dworkin's is hanging around. There is a box, food and bowl for him Someone feeds him. Meloche refuses a Trump. Mathias produces two Trump sketched drawn by a "friend" of his. One is the old white beard in the purple hat who also contacted Mathias. The other is younger and may be his normal form. Uler begins doing something with the Logrus so I leave and watch Bleys and Fiona perform some ritual at the Pattern. We discuss who to search for and where to start.

Upon our return to Amber Lord Henden has a proclamation form Chaos. Uler reads it then instructs Henden to read the first part only. It says that Uler is recognised by House Barrimen as son of Corwin and Dara. Even though he is bust I press Henden and get to see random in the basement where he, Dierdre and Caine are performing another Pattern ritual.

While I wait I call the Hendrake answering service to arrange an appointment with Lord Hendrake. When Random has finished I draw him aside and tell him of Brand's offer. He is very dubious, but is interested in the choice of messenger and again comments on my possible parentage. I assert that though the messenger is unimportant the message and possible aid cannot be discarded without due consideration.

Upon my return to the courtyard we depart into shadow and begin our search. His Trump is active but he refuses to answer. We ride a while then I Trump the Hendrake messenger again. Some time has passed and my appointment has been arranged. After a short wait I am shown in to see the Lord. I begin with the calculated gambit of apologising for the presence of my troops. I do this to ensure he will take me seriously and perhaps as an implied threat. Then I hand him the letter.

My dear Lord Hendrake, Duke of the Twelfth Quarter,

It is with regret that I must bring this minor matter to your attention. At our last meeting a member of your House, a gentleman by the name of Torset made thinly veiled threats against my life.

I would hope that you will not permit him to tarnish the fine and honourable name of House Hendrake by letting him bring up a matter long settled in formal duel.

House Hendrake has no need to lose any more of it's sons, so if the miscreant sends suitable apology I am prepared to let the matter drop. If you wish to permit this man to lessen your House then I respectfully request formal notification of his challenge.

If I receive no apology or formal challenge I can only assume that he intends to betray the honour of House Hendrake by assaulting me in some base fashion and I will be forced to take whatever measures I deem necessary to protect my life and honour.

Yours,

Kaylem

(Attached note giving return address c/- Prince Mikal of Amber)

He theorises that perhaps Torset is needling me because of my Amber connections. Can he really be this unaware of the situation or is he just testing me. I tell him of the past situation and the reasons why this affair is personal. He gives no comment or assurance. I am not impressed. I remain cordial, but if the situation does not change to my satisfaction both Torset and Hendrake will find it to their disadvantage. I return to the others and convey a message to Meloche, who has not been answering his Trump, from Hendrake : he simply wants to talk. Could it be that Hendrake is finally prepared to acknowledge Meloche?

We continue shifting and trying the Trump. Meloche Trumps to Hendrake and then calls me for the return trip. He says that Hendrake is next in line for the Throne, especially since Dara and several other influential factions seem to be prepared to support him. I was right. Hendrake does want to acknowledge Meloche as an heir. Probably for the support it would gain him in Amber rather than for any other reason. Meloche refuses. He does not want to be a pawn or a target. He and I discuss the Uler-Hendrake-Pendaren problem. We feel that it is best to wait. We probably stand to gain more if we help save Amber from this fake unicorn than if we risk our necks supporting or opposing Pendaren.

I inform the others that I must depart to avoid a war. It is high time I removed the troops. Uler gets quite snappish and demands to know what I am up to. When I tell him he pointedly offers to move them for me. I do believe he suspects me of something. We both go and it is just as well. The Rift is fast and it has been a month. Some of the troops have misbehaved, but have been punished. I am not pleased with my staff. There is no reason for this lapse in discipline. I remove the troops to the shadows where I found them and return the generals and compasses to Delazny. When I am finished I send notification to Hendrake that the troops have been moved and Trump back to Mathias. Only as day has passed.

We appear to have reached our destination. Meloche spies with the lens. There is a large dome packed with Trump energy. Some Logrus and Pattern as well. Uler grabs one of the enemy with his Logrus after he does something to disable Meloche's lens. By the time we search again the one with Pattern has escaped. They decide to flee back to Amber with our sole captive.

We put the prisoner in the infirmary while Alaric goes in search of an elder. Our hair begins to stand on end. Something bad is happening down below. Once it is over Pattern is noticeably weakened. The Unicorn has struck again. The prisoners are both Helgram. Arcotti and his son Edric. Random looks at the third trump from Dworkin's deck. The one of the blond woman. She is the fake unicorn. Her form was revealed during the destruction of the Pattern. Interrogation reveals that Geerd is the one that got away.

Benedict knows this woman. She is Oberon's sister Miranda. She split from Amber when she shifted to a unicorn and shit on Oberon. He almost killed her and she was exiled and her name forgotten.

20-Oct-96 Fiona thinks Mikal has been taken by the enemy. They do seem to be using a lot of Trump. Perhaps they feared his opposition or are using him somehow. I am miffed that no one saw fit to tell me this earlier. I suggest that their shadow with the Trump power source be attacked to remove this weapon from their arsenal. It is decided that Bleys and Uler will attend to it. I inform people of my movements and tell Hendin about the expected letter. I get he current Rift password from Uler then Trump out into shadow and make my way to Delazny.

While I am there a shadow storm comes by. Other than being a little more real little has changed in Delazny. Or so I thought. I receive a weak Trump contact when Trump is supposed to be blocked. Out of curiosity I answer it. It is Random. He has decided to accept Brands offer. I begin modifications to the shadow. I begin to build a mountain and set foundations so that the builders can continue with the construction of the castle while I am gone. I cannot spare much time at the moment. If I ever get time to finish this I will have my own little Amber, hopefully a haven from the real thing.

I get a call from Uler but through the partial barrier the contact is so weak that I cannot make out what he is saying. He calls again half an hour later but still the contact is unclear. Finally Meloche calls and we manage to speak. They have located what seems to be an enemy base and are preparing to attack. I agree to assemble a small body of troops and call them back as soon as I have moved out of Delazny's barriers. I have 200 menu with me and 1000 in reserve with my general's Trump in my pocket.

I contact Meloche and start sending troops through. A mistake. They do no have a suitable staging area and before I am finished the alarm has been raised. It would be better if I were on the scene but instead both Meloche and I are tied up in this Trump call. We will have to come up with some better transport mechanism. It is too limiting to have either I or Meloche tied up, let alone both of us. I pass through my general's Trump so Uler can bring troops to another spot.

By the time I get down to the war room where all the action is Osric is down, supposedly by Arvada's hand as she played the part of Benedict. Risky that. Alaric is having difficulty with an animated sword so I zap it with a power word then kill some animated tentacle creature. This gives me an opening to attack Geerd, who is responsible for all these creatures. I ballestra and plunge my sword into his chest at the same moment as Uler launches some unpleasant lightning spell. My hair stands on end but Geerd seems rather dead.

That takes care of the immediate resistance. I hamstring Osric in case he begins to recover then we all return to Amber. In the hall we see Pendaren, Dara and Suhuy lending support from Chaos. They are preparing for the final defence of the Pattern. I lend some daggers to the guards in case any of the prisoners try to escape and send the remaining troops out to aid Benedict in the battle which rages outside. Technology is working close and closer to Amber. The enemy are advancing with Trump powered spaceships and all sorts of weird weaponry. Although we are not invited we invite ourselves and head to the primal Pattern. It will be the conflict that matters.

It seems that they are waiting for the arrival of Brand. This is a little early isn't it. I haven't even had a chance to pass the message on to him yet. They try his Trump but get no response. Time is fleeing and the end grows nigh. I have never tried it before but given the situation I am prepared to accept the risk. I take up Brand's card and look at the image. Could this man be my father? Has he reformed? Perhaps I will soon know the answer. I am a little surprised after only a few moments concentration he answers.

I tell him that Random accepts his offer and has sworn this to me. The others are waiting so I take his hand and bring him to Amber. Random again gives his word. They stand near the Pattern and prepare for it's defence. Then they wait and they wait. Forgotten now that I have served my purpose I sit to the rear and watch. Though I am here in defence of Amber I wonder just how committed I am to the kingdom, the Pattern. There is a little loyalty for I have some friends in Amber, a little self interest as I too have Pattern and my actions this day may advance my cause, and a little fear too. I have no knowledge of what the world will be like if the Pattern is destroyed and whether those who do it would let the likes of me live once they are victorious.

It is all academic I suppose. I have done what I have done and now the matter is out of my hands. Though Meloche stands ready to assist they have little need of a novice like me when it comes to strengthening the pattern or opposing the Eye. One thin veil of shadow away the battle continues. The Trump ships have advanced to the very foothills of Kolvir.

At the very height of the battle the Unicorn appears in the center of the Pattern. They fight it. Sparks shower up from the Pattern. Higher and higher. Then suddenly the scene is frozen. Some dome of force covers the Pattern and the combatants. Meloche also as he was standing close. I am not sure why but Uler Calls Dworkin then undresses and transforms himself into the black Unicorn once more. I try both sword and sketchbook against this shield, but to no avail. Mathias is not even able to raise Pattern. From what I overhear of a Trump call Dworkin favours the destruction, it will free him from the burden he has bourn these past two millennia.

I am down to my last suggestion. The struggle is frozen. Perhaps delicately poised. Perhaps if we can add some strength to Pattern we can tip the balance in our favour. After all there must be a reason why Miranda destroyed all of the Pattern's reflections before attempting the Primal Pattern. Perhaps if I can restore the Broken Pattern in Delazny it will strengthen the Pattern enough to prevail. I am not even sure if this is possible, I have little more than hint's and possibilities from Brand and Tir-na Nog'th. I feel I must try. Reluctantly I tell those who remain outside the dome of Werewindle and my suspicions about my Broken Pattern in Delazny. We are agreed. We will attempt this thing, and quickly. I do not know how long this balance can last, but if Dworkin intervenes it will not be on our side.

27-Oct-96 We try to trump Meloche. No go. Uler and Mathias argue over Uler's plan to take Osric to the serpent as a bribe. To avoid delays Alaric and I Trump out to begin the path to Werewindle. Pattern works not at all. Forging a trail with my sketch pad would take too long. Broken Pattern seems to work but as I am considering the problem I remember the weakening of the Trump barrier. Perhaps is gone entirely now. I take the card of one of my advisers and get straight through. Once in Delazny I call Mathias to bring the others. Uler has not been to the Serpent yet. He must have ditched the idea after he could not convince Mathias on the Osric issue.

Leading the others, except for Uler, I walk the Broken Pattern and from the center transport us the black and white shadow. Gerard is there but knows nothing of the current problems. We walk to the center of the design. The staves do not move and I am at a loss at to how to proceed. The ghost of Fiona makes some gibe about us obviously not being blood of Amber. Aha! A little light goes on. I suggest we all Pattern mindwalk to prove out heritage. Every once in a while I surprise myself by getting something right. The sword comes free. I pick it up and depart at an appropriately reverent pace. Fiona and Bleys have no advice to give us so we simply return to the Broken Pattern. Obviously the universe disagrees with me. Speed is more important than reverence, a point plainly made when a Benedict ghost feels ill and begins to fade. Oh well, ditch the composure and run for it.

The return is easily accomplished. Now I am confronted by a larger problem : how to effect the repair. Mathias suggests that perhaps Werewindle can be attuned like the Jewel. A very good point. There seems to be some design in the emerald in hilt. Closer inspection shows it to be an image of the Pattern. While following its path seems to accomplish some form of attunement it is devilishly hard in a way very different from walking the Pattern. I take a few moments to compose myself before attempting the repair itself.

I hold Werewindle before me, eyes fixed on the stone, point downwards so it can scribe the line if that be the way it works, then with no little trepidation I, for the first time, set foot on the lines of my Broken Pattern. The walk is hard, as Patterns always are, but when I reach the break I follow the design from the brightly glowing gem and struggle to make it real. My form changes as I walk though I am too focused on my task to pay it much mind. I am a little surprised at the shapes, two brown haired, one blond, one red, none are the original Wesley. I have not the time to wonder.

Finally, after another timeless eternity I reach the middle and collapse to my knees, red hair falling about my face. When I am recovered enough to stand I salute the others, noting that Uler is still not present, and move myself to the primal Pattern. I see not change in the tableau, the obscured dome still stands. There is a change though. When the rest arrive through Trump Mathias is able to raise the lens, something he could not do before. He examines the dome and says that somehow part of the power of the eyes of the Serpent has been diverted to form the dome. Does this mean we should attack the dome or preserve it? I am uncertain. I suggest that the others try to lend strength to Pattern while I rest.

Uler returns from the Abyss. He says that the pit is shrinking and no aid will be coming from the Courts as they also are under attack. His strangeness continues. Uler makes some insane suggestion about me attacking spaceships with Werewindle. Has the blindness of the Logrus damaged his mind? He has been strange lately. Fortunately when he checks the state of the battle most of the ships have fallen so he does not continue with his foolish suggestions.

I have an idea. I discuss advanced Pattern with Mathias to get some ideas on how it might work then traverse Werewindle's Pattern and try using it to scry inside the dome. I succeed and manage to reach out to Miranda but she is far too strong and I retreat before I am overcome. I manage to contact Meloche and call the others to lend our aid to the battle, but since none of us are attuned to Jewel or Eye of aid is insignificant. So far the only thing which seemed to make a noticeable difference was repairing the Delazny Pattern.

Since he is having little effect here I pull Meloche out. He may be or more use in the repair attempt than here. I am not sure why I was able to get Meloche, but could not go in. I would have loved to get a shot at Miranda with Werewindle but it only seemed to work in one direction. Meloche tells us that we must get Dworkin to reinscribe the three other Patterns. No one believes that Dworkin would agree, he seems to want the Pattern to be destroyed. I do not feel up to repairing a Pattern, but perhaps with the help of the others I might succeed.

Perhaps if I repair the black and white Broken Pattern and somehow reflect it through the jewel. Mathias scries with his lens and finds that the black and white shadow has taken on colour and the pattern is repaired to match the one in Delazny. That is good news. I think. We go to it and I ponder how to proceed. Do I walk it then try to project, or try to project the inscription as I follow the curves in my walk? Perhaps I could relocate the Pattern since it seems mobile, but what would that do to Delazny and would I be able to do it again to repair the other Patterns?

I decide I will try the other way first. If I fail I hope I live long enough to try one of the other methods. I project my vision through the jewel back to the basement in Amber that holds the first reflection. I begin to walk and attempt to project the shape and the effort back to Amber. It seems to be working, the strain is certainly there. Meloche funnels me power through his lens as I superimpose the two journeys. As I walk the Pattern I am in both Amber and Delazny.

I do not wish to speak any more of my travails. Suffice it to say that the effort all but killed me. I collapse into the centre, unconscious before reach the ground. In the last moments left as I fall I wonder if I will live and if there was an easier way. I always seem to bit off more than I can chew. Perhaps this time it will choke me.

When the world comes back to me I hear Uler debating Brand's influence on our work. He all but accuses me of treachery. He rants for quite some time. I wonder what hidden agenda he is furthering by this vehement display. He wants someone else to attune Werewindle so they will be better equipped to oppose me if I am a traitor. I agree. I am in no condition to repair the next Pattern so they are welcome to risk their lives in the attempt.

We return to the underside and to my chagrin Meloche has little effort traversing the jewel. The benefits of long study I suppose. Even when he reinscribes the Pattern he has a much easier time of it. We debate whether Meloche or Mathias should Attempt the next one. In the end it is Mathias who walks the path as Meloche is still tired. Mathias also finds it an easier task than did I. We return to the Primal Pattern and Meloche take a look inside through the jewel. There is a great struggle going on but now Miranda seems to have the worst of it.

The dome collapses. Miranda falls. Brand teleports to the middle and snatches up both Eye and Jewel, holds them together and attunes them. A red light issues forth and all of us are held powerless to interfere. So after all this Brand has made his move and now turns to betray Amber again. After ten minutes he finishes his task and the glow fades. To the surprise of everyone present, having finished the attunement Brand returns the Jewel to Random and the Eye to Suhuy. I was interested to note that Fiona was surprised and outraged when Brand attuned the Jewels, Random however was nonplused. Arvada flies to the centre and retrieves Miranda's body. We return the long way to Amber as the castle is still warded against the attacking troops, most of whom have now fallen. Dara and Suhuy return to chaos, the remainder enter the castle and rest.

Next morning Fiona is the only one of the Jewel initiates who makes it down to breakfast. Despite all our efforts it is not over yet. The Primal Pattern is still damaged. Miranda was able to destroy some of it before we succeeded in stopping her. The general consensus is that only Dworkin would be able to repair it properly. Convincing him to do it could be difficult.

The sequence isn't quite right but for clarity I will present it here. I receive two letters, the first handwritten and officially sealed from House Hendrake :

My dearest Kaylem,

I can't imagine what threat you perceived from me at our last meeting in Jesby; my comments were intended to be friendly little gibes reminiscing over old times. Our differences were settled long ago on the field of honour.

If I managed to give offence, please accept this apology.

Yours always,

Torset

The second arrives a day later, unsigned with both letter and envelope type written :

You Houseless piss-ant. If you think I'm going to apologise to you, you have another thing coming.

There exists the possibility that I have another enemy with very good spies inside House Hendrake who is trying to stir up trouble. I will have to arrange to encounter Torset again to gauge his stance before I cause the axe to fall to guard against this possibility, but from what I know of Torset this response seems entirely in character. I send a reply, to observe the correct forms, with a subtle barb which will only make sense to the writer of the second letter.

My dear Torset,

I also should apologise for being too quick to take offence. I am glad that this little misunderstanding could be resolved so amicably. I look forward to again enjoying the pleasure of your company.

Also please accept my compliments on the machine like precision of your penmanship. Perhaps you would do me the honour of introducing me to your calligraphy instructor?

Yours,

Kaylem

In short order I receive a reply :

My dearest Kaylem,

I am glad that these affairs have been put behind us. Alas, my calligraphy instructor, Duke Borel of Hendrake, is no longer with us. But I could introduce you to his successor, Lady Gilva, a worthy calligrapher in her own right.

Yours always,

Torset

This is starting to get interesting. I still doubt he means me anything but Malice, but there is a game of court to be played here. I must speak to Rebecca to see when the next party is and secure invitations and perhaps invite Torset and a few select friends to enjoy my hospitality.

Dear Torset,

Indeed your hand shows the surety of Duke Borel's instruction. I greatly regret only having met him on a few brief occasions.

At the moment time presses heavily upon me, but as soon as circumstances allow I intend to host a small event where gentlemen such as yourself can appreciate a small collection of beautifully presented poetry that I have acquired in the course of my travels.

If you would like to attend please send me word and I will have an invitation sent to you. Please extend this invitation to Lady Gilva and a small number of your friends and relatives if you feel they might be interested.

I look forward to your company.

Yours,

Kaylem

His reply :

Dearest Kaylem:

I would gladly attend such an event, after the unpleasantness with House

Helgram has been tidied up. I'll let Gilva know soonest. When you have

details, please let me know.

Yours always,

Torset

3-Nov-96 Fiona wants us to find Dworkin. He must be made to cooperate. Time is of the essence as a giant sink hole has appeared on the other side of Kolvir. It seems to be bottomless, perhaps it reaches all the way to the Abyss. I leave breakfast and begin to head in the direction of Random's quarters, planning to discuss a few matters regarding Brand with him. Fiona intercepts me and tells me that Brand is dying. He and Random arranged for the stunt with the Jewels to stop Miranda regaining control of them. In light of this it seems that perhaps he truly did reform. Imminent death often sets a mans sights on sainthood. The disposition of Werewindle no longer seems an issue. He is unconscious when I visit. I spend some time sitting by his bedside. It is strange to think that this frail ailing man, my father, was once the most dangerous and feared foe of Amber.

The search party prepares to leave. Before hand they question Osric who is surprisingly cooperative. There is nothing we can use as bribe or threat yet still he answers our questions despite Uler's rudeness. He tells us that Dworkin is probably in Miranda's shadow Elsewith. Mikal may be there but only Miranda would know for sure. We think one of Dworkin's Trump, the one with unicorns in a pastoral scene, may be in the vicinity. We Trump there and the expected unicorn beasts are guarding the place. Four rather than the two seen earlier. I kill three while Mathias and Alaric account for the other.

Meloche and Uler find Elsewith nearby and transport us close to a presence we assume is Dworkin. Once inside the shadow I find that Trump is operative so I contact Dworkin. I ask him to return. He is unwell, the damage to the Pattern seems to affect him adversely and he does not think it possible for him to effect the repair. This time however Oberon is not around to fix things.

Dworkin says Mikal is nearby. We find him inside a fairy ring sound asleep. When Uler drags him out he soon reawakens. He has been asleep all this time and seems none the worse for wear. We return to Amber and Mikal spirits Dworkin off somewhere.

I return to Brand's bedside. There is some clamour outside. I ignore it for a while. If there is need they will call or the trouble will come through the door, otherwise I stay. Eventually they call. Meloche is going to try to repair the Primal Pattern. I have to admire the boys balls. It is only about four feet, much less than we have had to repair before, but those were only reflections. This is the Primal Pattern. Oberon died of the effort when last it was done. Where is Random, or Fiona, or Bleys, or Corwin, anybody? All abed from their recent exertions, so this most important task is left to a precocious child. One with more courage than I would have given him credit for.

First he needs to attune the Jewel, and Delazny is the obvious choice as all the other Patterns still show the flaw. We test both Pattern and Trump but now the universe is in better repair the barriers are back in place so I must guide him there lest days be wasted. All save Arvada, Benedict, Mikal and Alain accompany us. Meloche walks the Pattern and succeeds in attuning the Jewel. From the center he manages to teleport out. So there is a flaw in my defenses. I wonder if there is a way to arrive by this means? We leave Delazny and return to the Primal Pattern where Meloche awaits us.

The discussion about how to proceed begins. There are many suggestions. Some reasonable, some ludicrous. The idea to use a stencil, because it comes from Dworkin, carries a little more weight so Mathias and I return to Delazny and use the Pattern to burn it's shape into a board as I walk the lines. From there we teleport to the center of the Primal Pattern and fix the stencil in place with liberal amounts of rubber cement.

It is briefly debated but eventually Mikal convinces Meloche that he should assist him on the walk. They begin, wit little more to aid them than the Jewel, a flask containing some of Dworkin's blood and sheer force of will. When they reach the damaged section the blood flows over the Jewel and ignites in the Pattern fire, searing the line like a blowtorch into the ground. Our carefully prepared stencil begins to char and burn. I wonder if it helped at all. Finally after an eternity for Meloche, but a few minutes for us, the job is done and he collapses into the center. Did it work? Does he live? Mathias plucks him forth. Still breathing. Barely. The hole is gone and the demons have dispersed into Arden. Dworkin has recovered his sanity but is not pleased to again bear the burden of the universe.

Since I may not get another chance and because I must know if the repair is complete I step out onto the Primal Pattern. The Pattern seems whole. It has great power and functions in the normal fashion but has not the familiar feel of my Pattern in Delazny. Strange, but I am beginning to think of it as my Pattern. For whatever reason I am a red head again, which reminds me of Brand. I return to his bedside, wondering if the Pattern is ever annoyed at the frivolous uses we find for it.

He awakens and has dire news for me. He, Benedict, Corwin and Gerard, all four are my fathers. Something wrought through shifting and magic all that time ago. This perhaps explains my many faces. Anna tried to protect me from this and in the end the shifting held me in the son of ??Benedict?? form. The Delazny Broken Pattern is linked to me in some way and when it was repaired he would then have a Pattern under his control. Weighty stuff. I am not sure how to take this. Sitting down I think.

Over the next few days I shuttle back and forth between Amber and Delazny getting everything in order. On one occasion I speak with Pendaren who has been looking for me. He wants to discuss my position in House Barrimen. To be blunt I tell him that I am prepared to be an ally, but will be no man's vassal. We more or less agree to an alliance.

I speak with Fiona. She has no idea what can be done to help Brand. Perhaps something with Trump. Maybe Werewindle. She doesn't know and probably isn't all that interested in trying. She would not be alone in the desire to have Brand safely dead.

I seek out Corwin and tell him of my strange parentage. Next Gerard and finally Benedict. All heart rending but Benedict was the hardest of them all. He takes family very seriously and is always careful with his emotions. He gave nothing away. In some ways I am pleased to just be alive. There was always the problem that Benedict would remove the problem in a very straightforward and direct manor.

After speaking with Benedict I Trump to Jesby and have a few words with Anna. She is pleasant and personable, but as always there is something cunning and condescending rippling under her words. When I mention what Brand has told me she asks when I am going to traverse the Logrus. Logrus? Brand never mentioned that. Does she want me to learn Trump and dive into the Abyss as well. We chat about the Courts and politics. At one stage I get a Trump from Benedict. He wishes to speak with me once I return from Amber. She knows nothing interesting about Torset and soon has to leave soon another appointment whose details she chooses to keep hidden. How Anna.

Once we have parted I arrange to have lunch with Rebecca. Claire is away attending to the preparations in the Duchy which is to be given to Pendaren as dowry. Ironic that those lands were to be mine had I been recognised. I congratulate her on the engagement and am introduce to her daughter, my cousin Elise. We have a pleasant lunch and I ask for her advice on guests for my party.

Merlin is not answering his Trump so I speak with Uler, who is my brother, then return to Amber. I again speak briefly with Brand. He is a little stronger, though still very weak so we cannot talk long. Despite Anna's comments he advises me against the Logrus or Abyss. I am rather inclined to follow his advice. As for Delazny he says that the Pattern there has strengthened Amber since it is a true reflection of the Primal Pattern. Eventually those in the courts will come to realise this and it would be best if I had many alliances signed before they turn hostile eyes in my direction. The strangest thing about Delazny is that the Pattern is supposed to be mobile. Brand thinks that the Pattern and the entire shadow can be relocated. Very unusual. He looks to be tiring. Before I leave I ask if he would like me to bring Rinaldo to visit. My agents tell me his is son of Jasra, Queen of Kashfa. I will go and visit him soon. I hope that while I am gone Benedict does not reconsider and deprive Brand of his head. He was understandably angry when Brand confirmed the story of my parentage.

Which reminds me, I promised to speak with Benedict. The guards say that he is out rounding up the demons. I Trump him and once he has given a few more orders we retire to a sitting room. He is blunt and to the point. Since he is my father he is going to recognise me. I am a little dubious about the implications of this but I am not foolish enough to try and deflect Benedict from his path. He will do what he thinks is right and that is that. I hope that I will not be forced into any unseemly oaths but if I have to be recognised there are few better choices that Benedict.

Since I am to visit the king in the morning I arrange to meet Benedict at breakfast and we go together to see Random. The King is a little surprised at Benedict's presence. Even more so when Benedict claims me as a son. He will announce it at dinner this evening. Random begins to mention his concerns about Delazny. I politely cut him short by saying that nobody could possibly be concerned about an avowed friend and ally of Amber. We agree to let the ambassadors have at it immediately. We discuss titles despite differing a bit for forms sake I am inclined to prefer Random's suggestion of Duke as an appropriate title.

I go to Rebma. The place is guarded. Shit! I had hoped to get a chance to walk it while it was unpopulated but guards have been set against looters. It was a waste of time to glide out here. Rebma is the one remaining Pattern that I have yet to walk. Fortunately the guard that challenges me is polite so there is no need to anger the King or Queen Moire by killing him.

I return to the shore and move a distance away before calling Alain. He agrees to lend me his amulet, which I will return to him at dinner. This too fails. It is more than adequate to alter my form but when removed it lapses back to what it was before. I suppose I knew it already but it is a lot of work to walk the Pattern. I have done so far too often recently. Even so, I have little choice. It would not be politic to appear at dinner with my current face. Benedict has been noble enough to recognise me, it is the least I can do to actually look like I am his son. The sun does not set till late and I do not want to be observed walking the Amber Pattern. I puzzle my options for a moment before clapping hand to forehead. I was so intent on Rebma and Amber I forgot that there is now another Pattern in my own Delazny.

Upon my return to I find small details to delay me a little before I assay the Pattern. It is frightening no matter how many times you have done it before. Did I delay too long? I get the feeling someone has been here. I can get no feeling of identity and no resonance in any of the Trumps. I know they are a good key to identity but not enough to use them subtly. Still there is another way. Risky, but if my suspicions are correct it will not delay me overly.

I leave the amulet with a guard who has orders to ride it out of Delazny so I may retrieve it by Trump. I do not wish to damage Alain's trinket or risk any side effects. The Pattern and my desire serve to give me the correct appearance, but provide no further clue to the intruder. No matter. Upon reaching the center I form the question in my mind and ask the Pattern to transport me to the mystery visitor. I am somewhat pleased that my suspicions were correct, though more than a little worried too. This is an affront that I cannot ignore. Though I arrive unannounced in her chambers there is no contrition.

She is surprised that I found her out but nor is she repentant. She noted that my Pattern has some feel of personality to it. She refuses to tell me how she got in and I to refuse to comment any further. I suppose our meeting is over. I leave and spend the rest of the afternoon in contemplation. The garden seems like a good spot. The tranquillity helps my chaotic thoughts a little. While I am pleased to finally know my parentage and find that I respect all my parents and even like them a bit it does little to clarify my position or simplify my relations with either Amber or Chaos.

Dinner is a little more formal than usual and well attended. In his usual brief manner Benedict claims me and resumes his seat. A few jaws drop, a few comments are passed. Random also has an announcement. The trial of Miranda and Osric has been scheduled for a fortnight. Meloche is appointed to the prosecution. Apparently this is news to him. He is well suited to the task and will no doubt do a fine job. Random calls for a volunteer to handle the defence. There are no takers. Hmm. The beginnings of a devious plan take shape in my mind. A little more time is required, then I may act.

Arcotti and Edric, the two Helgram captives have been handed over to Pendaren who intends to ransom them back to their House where they will most likely be publically executed to mitigate the House's disgrace. After dinner Fiona is seen arguing with Dworkin. He is still young looking and seems sane. He is angry about something, probably related to Fiona's part in him bearing the burden of the Pattern.

When enough after dinner conversation has passed for it to be seemly I approach Random and offer my services as counsel for the defence. He accepts. Yes! This is a minor coup. It is a disgrace than none of the Princes ort Princesses accepted the task and for me to get the job is a minor barb for the royal family. Not only that I will get to slug it out with Meloche and hopefully score a few points over him. If I manage to perform well it will be a good arena for me.

Some time late in the night Arvada wakes me. Two guards have been killed. I am in another wing so the commotion did not wake me. She has some rather impolite suspicions about my father. Sorry, I should qualify that : my father Brand. Were it not for the late hour her clumsy attempts to soften her suspicions behind concern for his safety would be quite diverting. I agree to inquire on her behalf. He is sleeping peacefully and the doctor on duty reports no movement.

Next I view the crime scene. Two dead guards. Swiftly killed by a single attacker. Impaled on a horn, rent with claws and fangs. Some coarse white fur. Some demonic unicorn perhaps. My thoughts turn to Dworkin. There is little I can do so I return to my bed in the guest quarters.

At breakfast Benedict is concerned by the attack. White furred demons are unusual. I must concur. I suggest Arvada test the fur for shiftiness. It seems a possible thing but she just looks at me in that puzzled, uncomprehending fashion of hers as she contemplates the possibility. Later we meet in the library. Uler has analysed it and reports that it belongs to a shifter, possibly a Fairuzen, also known as furies. Will those damned things never be eradicated? He wants to collect hair samples of all the others in that wing to see if any of them match. Sounds like a wild goose chase to me and I am not interested in doing detective work at the moments so I take my leave and attend to my duties as counsel for the defence.

I visit the accused. They both accept my counsel, which was the first hurdle. I expect there to be little chance of acquittal. Perhaps with a strong defence there is the chance of a lenient sentence. I arrange for them to be left conscious so that they may think about their positions then I see Random to gain permission for them to confer. Random asks if I know anything about what Ghostwheel did to Brand. I know little and suggest he speak to Brand, Merlin or Alain. He seems to be considering the possibility of stripping them of power and exiling them. I complain about Fiona invading my shadow. Random is concerned, but Fiona is not about at present. It seems she hasn't been seen since the night of the announcements. I wonder if Dworkin has done away with her.

A few days later Gavin, who turns out to be Flora's son, walks the Pattern under the eye of Meloche. The foolish child was wearing a Logrus belt or some sort which exploded in a most spectacular fashion. He may not have been strong enough to make the trip in any case, but injured it was all Meloche could do to save him.

I try to contact Anna to discuss my recognition in light of Benedict's announcement, but she has gone off somewhere with Calvin and cannot be reached. I do, however manage to contact Dworkin. He is still young and coherent. HE agrees to appear as a witness in the trial, which is good as he is sympathetic to the defendants. I ask him about Fiona and her invasion of Delazny. He has no idea where she is but says that such barriers are only shadow and someone of sufficient skill, such as Fiona, could get through if they exerted the effort. He also thinks that there is an easier way using a direct Pattern teleport. More worryingly he thanks me for providing the defence and says he may contact me at some time to ask for a favour. Shit! Dworkin's relationship to Miranda makes it impossible to plot her demise without dire consequences, and what sort of favour might he want?

Time Passes. Fiona remains missing and Random is concerned. I send a letter with my Trump to Rinaldo. Some time later he Trumps me and I bring him to Amber and take him to visit Brand. The guards are finicky and require that I get Benedict's permission before allowing Rinaldo entrance. Brand is asleep, so Rinaldo and I talk quietly. Soon he awakes and I give the two some privacy to get re-acquainted.

I spend the rest of my time visiting Brand, speaking with my clients and studying Amber law and case histories with my scribes in Delazny. I am a little surprised to find that Random is a frequent visitor also. He abruptly ends his conversation and excuses himself whenever I appear so it is obviously more than a social visit.

The defence is not going to be easy. Miranda's motives were altruistic, but the fact remains that she attacked Amber. Osric has the best claim to the throne of any yet living, but his attack was purely for personal gain. While my talk with Dworkin has lent me some sympathy for Dworkin it will be difficult to muster much argument or motivation for Osric's defence.

The night before the trial there is another murder. Three guards killed. Two were gored and all three had their throats ripped out. This time there was a witness who saw a huge demon with a single horn, claws, fangs and feathered wings go flying off on a Logrus tendril.

My room assignment for that night has been changed. I am quietly furious, sure that Random and/or Lord Hendin are bent on manipulating me. I am all set to berate the poor steward when he informs me that the change was made at the request of Prince Benedict. This stops me short. To him, at least, I grant the right to interfere on my behalf and I am sure his intentions were noble. I am sure he though it a deserved honour and perhaps hoped to strengthen my ties with Amber. Unfortunately he did not bother to consult me first. How like a parent. The timing is bad given that the treaty is not yet signed and my position is unclear. It would be petty and insulting if I insisted on other rooms so instead I register my protest by spending the night at a hotel in the city. Nothing permanent, but the gesture is sure to be noted.

25-11-96 Uler investigates the scene. There is no sign of the attacker having travelled away by Logrus. It probably flew or hopped some distance away and then either hid or used some power from that distant point. The next day is the trial. All are present except for Merlin and Fiona. I am sure that the prosecution are miffed that she is not present.

The King refuses to hear my objection to throw out the case as a separate issue, si I agree to present my evidence during the case and he will make a decision later. I then press to have Miranda tried as a member of the family rather than as a commoner. Since the prosecution are unable to present any evidence of her exile this is granted. The Prosecution seem smug and now expect to be able to make treason charges. They seem unaware that this is a major victory. They are unlikely to get a conviction on treason and royal status will allow arguments based on family precedence and force a more lenient sentence.

A days adjournment is granted so the prosecution can get their affairs in order. In a most amusing turn Uler is acting as assistant prosecutor. Actually he is hardly assisting, he seems to be calling most of the shots. Ho amusing to have a Lord of Chaos and a half breed Amberite leading the prosecution. And so ineptly too. It is an embarrassment to the crown.

During the break Uler informs us that the Serpent has invited us to visit it in three days time. This is a rather terrifying honour. I cannot possibly refuse, but to be so close to such a creature. Ugh! I certainly hope it is in a good mood.

Upon the next day the prosecution begins it's case. Nothing of much interest. I refute their allegations of treason by showing that neither Osric or Miranda owed allegiance to Amber and continue to cast doubt on the testimony of the witnesses wherever possible. Since he cannot be produced Arcotti`s statement is suspect, as is the testimony of Osric's generals as they were captured by the prosecution. Mandor is called to verify their origin and testimony. Wonderful. Hardly a neutral. I decline to question his word however. The piece de resistance however is when they actually call Dworkin as a witness and belatedly decide that he is hostile to their cause. They manage to make half of my arguments for me.

After the prosecution has finished fumbling about I have only two witnesses to call - the defendants themselves. The wanted a chance to state their views and motivations, now that have it. Miranda is actually quite convincing and does not deny their actions, making much of the laborious prosecution meaningless.

Eventually all arguments have been made and the summing up completed. Random retires to consider the verdict. Afterwards, Bleys congratulates me on a job well done. He says "It was wise not to try to deny the charges. You were obviously much better prepared than the prosecution. They thought they had an open and shut case and didn't press as hard as they might. I think you may have achieved your goal of a merciful decision. You may not know this, but when Eric was king, Random attempted to kill him after Eric had Corwin blinded. Random was imprisoned, though Vialle was allowed to stay with him. Random was shown mercy when harsher punishment could certainly have been administered. True, Eric's position was tenuous and he didn't want to commit any irrevocable acts, but treason and attempted murder of the sovereign are certainly crimes punishable by death. Yet Eric stayed his hand against both Random and Corwin, and he exerted no great effort to find me. I think Random is looking for a way to show mercy; he has no desire to commit fratricide, though Osric's offence endangered Amber itself. That is why he held the trial in the first place: he's looking for a way out. I myself have conspired against the throne and lived to tell about it, so I can't say I blame him. We are family, after all, and though we have had our squabbles, we don't really want to kill one another - we never know when we'll need the mercy of our siblings."

Good. The trial went as well as I could have expected. Bleys is a shrewd judge and his appreciation of my presentation shows that all the hard work was not in vain. I just hope that my arguments had a similar effect on the King.

I am informed that my motion to have the case thrown out has been refused. His note says "The court of Amber must concern itself with all those who commit crimes against the Realm, regardless of their origin or motives. The Crown has a responsibility to prevent such acts in future. It must render judgment in this case, otherwise it would set a dangerous precedent, potentially relinquishing jurisdiction in all such cases, and we cannot allow that to happen."

When the trial resumes the court will render judgment on the charges and proceed to the sentencing phase. At that point the court will entertain suggestions for punishment from the prosecution, defence counsel, the defendants and other interested parties. I don't like this. It gives the prosecution a second chance to shore up their lacklustre case. I spend some effort doing the rounds to see if anyone can be convinced to say anything favourable. So far only Bleys and Dworkin have agreed and Bleys' comments will be largely neutral.

The other problem that faces me is my personal desire for vengeance. My position as counsel for the defence does not permit me to make my own arguments for a harsher penalty. If they are not executed then I will have to challenge them both to single combat once the trial is concluded. Partly for my own peace of mind and partly to show that my actions support justice and their right to an adequate defence rather than any agreement with their actions. I will have to do this carefully so as not to show any disrespect for the Crown. Because of Dworkin I cannot kill Miranda, but should I be able Osric will die.

I speak to the defendants and inform them that there is a chance of a lenient sentence and they would be well advised not to be arrogant, defiant or confrontational in their final statements. I suggest a proud resolution to accept and abide by whatever sentence is passed, perhaps again stressing again that neither are guilty of treason or oathbreaking. This gives the crown more justification to impose a sentence which involves fealty and cooperation rather than compulsion, coercion, maiming etc. They have lost. Now is the time to take their lumps and exercise some damage control. Unless they want to spend the rest of time as a mindless amoeba that is.

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