Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Return to Amber, Talk of Fey, Talk of Tesa Resa</big>====

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Sir Lord Ambassador Relmopator of Amber, finds himself in his apartment in the Dungeon of Amber after last being on Rasak. Gangdis sits by a barrel of mead and a table of food, smiling.  “So, how was that?”   Realmer smiles at his Elite Guard and friend and grins a knowing smile that those of Rasak would recognize... then he dives upon the table of food and eats heartily for a couple of minutes. When he speaks, it's between bites and sometimes around mouthfuls of food; very unlike the mostly proper and well etiquetted Realmer before Rasak.  "Overall, it was a truly singular experience..." bite, chew, "And I have a greater respect..." chew, swallow, "and understanding of the Elites now... " bite, chew, "and all soldiers and warriors... " swallow, "for that matter."
He grabs his favorite tankard from a shelf on the wall and fills it with mead, drinks heartily then a few more bites of food in silence before he continues, a bit more politely.  "I learned many things I never thought I would from a course in the Soldierly Arts, and many other things I never thought I would while on Rasak and Adledross. I learned a lot about people and their motivations... and a few people and their motivations, specifically. And I learned that the food is far superior here, and I find my appreciation of it has grown. Aaaand... I learned that I love Napoleon brandy."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis laughs "Yes.. The brandy was very good. My time at Rasak was long before Patternfall of course. You young folks have a different experience I hear. I'm tempted to take the course again but Benedict tells me that now that I'm young again I'll be more useful as an instructor. So it goes.. ah....How did Tesa do? I imagine if it was tricky for a wizard like yourself, it might be terribly difficult for someone not really a warrior"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, we all had our struggles and triumphs, each as individual as the self, but I would gauge that Tesa handled it better than most... perhaps even better than I.  And I would also gauge that she got more out of it than most... not including her new love interest; Alexandir. I may have to put an end to that one day, if she doesn't herself... not looking forward to that day, but planning for it."  After sating his hunger and thirst, Realmer begins looking for his belongings, the ones that were taken for safe keeping when he entered Rasak.... he is sure they are here somewhere. He wants to check to make sure all of it is there and that the silver calling card from the female Dufiro was not trying to summon him. He also wants to get out of his Adledross battle gear and back into something more fitting, comfortable and more protective. He removes his sword-belt and hangs his broadsword, the one that pierced his chest, on a peg on the wall near the door, then begins peeling off his armor, using Cantrips to clean everything, and himself, in the process.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"So... I got dinged for abandoning you. Not much of a ding... But the boss wants me to stick with you if you chose to wander off. Do you have any specific goals for the next few years? I've some thoughts but they tend to be less duty oriented.. I assume you have been given the customary leave after training. Is there anything I should know?"   The silver card is there and it appears unused. However there is a hum about it that makes you think a message may have been left.  "And wait...Tesa.. and Alexandir kos Korag? Ah.... That's a problem...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, yes, there is a lot you should know. And I do have some very specific goals for the immediate future... the second most pressing one is being forced upon me due to circumstances that occurred on Adledross... I will be traveling into Shadow with Fortunadas right after I meet with King Random. After that business is done, I intend to walk the Pattern and have it transport me... somewhere unknown... I am going to seek out my grandmother... but I will tell you about that later. First, what happened on Adledross..."   
Realmer relates to Gangdis the events on Adledross involving the arrival of the Masons from Dakota, the Dufiro and the Masons joining the Amber Army, and finally the Counsel's decree to move the Masons somewhere safe for those around them.  While he is relaying this info, he has finished disrobing, and cleaning and freshening himself up with Cantrips, then he dons his customary Robe of Flight, straps his Defender Blade to his left hip for a right hand draw, straps both Graduate Daggers to his sword belt, Vulcan's on the left near the sword, his on the right. He checks the pockets up both sleeves to see which Trumps are there and adds Fort's Dragonskin Trump up his left sleeve.  When he finds the Silver Card he pauses in his oration a moment then wraps it up telling Gangdis he is welcome to join him when he goes to meet Fort and travel to Dakota.   
"Give me a moment, Gang... I think I have a message waiting for me."   Realmer carefully focuses his Psyche upon the Silver Card...
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Moments later a smoky image appears.. Demonic and familiar.  Reggie says,"so you were familiar with the Dufirosim. Good. It makes it an even War-field. I have a collection of Dufiro bound now, one who apparently was expecting your contact since she gave you this card to cut through the necessities of ritual. Well, if you owe her a debt feel free to ignore it. I've newly bound weapons and unless someone takes them from me and breaks them, she will be in no position to call in favors for a few centuries."  The contact breaks leaving the smell of rotted liver and onions behind.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer was expecting something like this; after all the Dufiro he was going to perform the Ritual with were certainly the types Reggie would recruit. One less worry for now and a bit more information for Realmer and Fort.  He looks to Gangdis, "Well, it wasn't anything pressing, so I guess I'm off to see King Random. Care to join me?"  He reaches with his left hand towards his Bone Staff leaning against the wall and summons it to his hand, then with his right, reaches up his left sleeve and draws out a Trump for Random then focuses on the image...
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Sure. I've found when speaking with royalty anywhere in shadow, its good to have a witness."
A moment later Random appears, skipping Carly his trump receptionist.  "You're back? Good. I'm coming to you, Julian" Stepping through the trump suddenly the king starts chuckling.  "That will give them some practice finding me. I had a room full of officiates and courtiers and a pair of annoyed brothers. Hopefully they will start calling Julian first. That should be entertaining. Oh ya.. my coming here means Brand slingshotted back to the dungeons too! Serves the great slug right. He was rambling on... I like having him around when courtiers are tacking at me though. Scares most of them witless.”  Stepping over to the table, he picks up a chunk of Cheese. "Hello Gangdis. You are looking fit and in your prime. Sorry about the transfer back to protective services. If following this one around makes you start feeling old just let me know."  Gangdis shakes the king's hand,"I will sire. Can I pour you a glass of stout?"  He nods, "Yes please, hourly. twice an hour if I'm talking to anyone from the Golden Circle these days.. " He sits looking around the room as Gangdis delivers a tankard.  Random says, "I had forgotten these were your quarters.. You know if you talk to Margot she can arrange apartments upstairs with, what do they call those thing? ah.. windows. Hmmm Caine and Bleys once glued me to the ceiling in here. Took me three days to break loose. Well, two cards are going in the deck tomorrow so sending him on a diplomatic mission would be redundant.  He takes a sandwich and takes a quick bite. "So.....I've heard reports from Benedict about your time in Rasak. I hope you didn't get used to ordering Alexandir around. He takes orders from no one. Even Fort and Tolknor can at best offer suggestions. The great psycho wasn't home for 2 minutes before he ordered empire wide battle drills. Benedict tends to get testy when that many troops start marching around. Of course CHAD and the Tosian/Yorkists only really have a few thousand troops actually in Amber but that's enough to piss Benedict off. His spies in Tosa were on Trumps immediately warning of full mobilization across the Tosian shadows. I had to call Tolknor just to confirm it was a drill. So I'm depending on the world of a Rose addict to tell me if a bloodthirsty madman is raising an army against me.. Gangdis, another please.. and make me a sandwich. If I'm eating Realmer will be able to get a word in. Well cousin.. your turn"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, first off, it is good to see you in a chipper mood, Majesty. And secondly, I do have an apartment in the upper levels of the Castle, with windows no less... I just prefer being close to my Laboratory... and because nobody wants me experimenting with Magic in the Castle proper, here I am. And I had always wondered about the glue residue on the ceiling... now I know; you had some cruel brothers, Majesty... I can only hope your revenge was sweet and that you are not still taking it out on them as their King."  Realmer smiles an evil grin, chuckles then continues.  "Though I was in command for the entire year on Adledross, I did not get accustomed to giving orders to anyone... nor do I wish to. Command is a responsibility I will bear when I must, but I do not relish it. I was fortunate to have such good men and women under my command; they followed my orders and enacted my plans. But if not for the guidance and tutelage of the other Commanders and Sub-commanders, I may not have fared so well. I may not have made any friends, but I did earn their respect... even Alexandir's."
“But Alexandir is no more loyal to Amber than he was when he went to Rasak, though his interest in her power is certainly piqued... and his interest in my traveling companion, Tesa; it seems they are romantically involved. I have been warned by more than one person wiser than I that the relationship should not, and cannot, last... and that I may have to get involved... Benedict was one of them.”   “And since you have spoken with Benedict, I am sure you know about the Masons from Dakota arriving on Adledross and the involvement of a Dufiro of Rage and subsequently, the Masons joining Amber's Army, so I will spare you those details. However, at Graduation, the Counsel of Adledross decreed that the Masons, now being Adledross Trained, were too dangerous for their home Shadow, where they were returned, and it is now left to me and Fortunadas to deal with the situation... I'm thinking relocation to another Shadow for the lot of them... someplace where their new skills and powers will better fit in and be used for survival, rather than intimidation, chicanery or profit.”  “After that, the search for my grandmother, as we discussed before I left for Rasak. After I heard about the recent adventures of young Donovan from Benedict, and what I heard happened with Julian and Nina... I'm guessing I no longer need to visit them to invite them into your inner circle of advisors and Adagalasck into the Golden Circle. That is why I wished to speak with you before I departed Amber with Fortunadas, bound for the Shadow where the Masons reside; I thought it best to check in and see if there are any matters of the crown I need to attend or ignore, and seek your leave to attend to my matters, Majesty.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
“My chipperosity comes and goes, me boyo. I just finished a major mess dragging an army across half of the multiverse just to have Young Donovan leapfrog me and plant the Arden stone in Arden, of all places. Now I have to cajole him to bring the Stone to Castle Amber or the damn place will rebel on me. The damn Castle is a pouty construct it turns out. Half of what I do as king involves begging. Frigin Arden Stone, a whopping powerful ancient artifact boarded up in a shipping crate by Yakuza like it was the Arc of the Covenant. Now its sitting in Arden beaming like a toddler who just discovered his penis.  "Lets clear up somethings first. "
"At this point I am not going to put any demands on you. Do as you wish for a century or so. You've earned it. As for ongoing matters of the crown you might end up playing a part in, those I have. Its a lot so refill your glass and get a plate of something.”  "When it comes to giving orders and being in command, I didn't want to either but here I am; arse deep in rabid elephants as Bleys would say. So be prepared to get used to giving orders and being in command. I sent you to Rasak because a time may come when you need the knack of command. If you don't like it you are not alone and I don't give a tinker's cuss if you don't like it."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I do understand the necessity of Leadership, and that that was the most likely reason you sent me to Rasak. I'm not saying I won't take command and give orders when needed, but I won't like it and I won't get used to it, and it matters not how anyone feels about it; so... it is what it is."  "In regards to the Arden Stone... as a young Adventurer, young like Donovan, I would have been inclined to put the Stone back where it belonged or give it back to its rightful owners or caretakers, then deal with the consequences as they arose. Later in life, but before coming to Amber, I would have taken it for myself, and dealt with the consequences. But now I have ties and loyalties to Amber, and ties to Adagalasck, and now the Fey, and I know I don't have the full picture, but I feel I would still have erred on the side of 'rightful owner' once again. But again I admit, I don't have the full picture."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"No one has the full picture. We all are looking through cracked lens. The Arden Stone is a happy puppy that can crack planets. Its powers cause health and growth. It didn't surprise me Donovan gave it to Titaina. What surprised me is that it got past Mandalay. Adrian is ancient even in the judgement of House Bariman and he could have had it with ease. Yet he apparently chatted with it, let it visit with Ygg, then told Donovan how to convince the Stone to not block trump transport to avoid me. It seems to have taken a liking to Desri as well. Odd stone.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As for Julian, I spoke to him at Rue Katal. I am going to visit Adagalask on a state visit. It will be a culsterboink for the courtiers of both realms but I think in time he will come to some accord with Amber. Once the Arden Stone was installed the issue with Julian's wife, my sister Nina, became a minor one.  That said, you don't need to try to sway him on my account anymore. After all that's happened I don't think I want Julian as Warden of Arden anymore anyways. Duncan does the job just fine. Caine is a different problem for me since replacing the spy network he built up over a millennia is tricky and inconvenient. Right now I'm sorting out my own spymaster and he has to take over what Caine left behind before that whole thing is lost to us. You've never met Caine's son Lark Harooon I gather. He's a scary creepy assassin but he is loyal to Amber and far more pissed at Caine then I am. I'm sure it will work out.  I do think there is something magical binding Julian and Caine though; an ancient love spell, pheromone bonding, sexual imprinting, dark pacts. But in the end those problems are theirs to deal with. They are big boys. We've all made deals for power in our youth and some managed them better then others. Some day let me tell you about the time Tommy Jones and I had a record deal with Roulette Records. The owner turned out to be mobbed up, got himself into a mob war, fled the states and left the Gambino mob coming after Tommy and I, putting the arm on us to pay back $100k and to turn over our royalties. It was hilarious till a half dozen Bronos and Paulis came to put a hit on us. They were really not expecting a frail looking drummer to turn psycho war-god on them but who knows what a Prince of Amber is capable of if they someone takes the time to piss them off? In the end I had to whack about 50 of them and burn down a few mansions to get them to see reason. When it comes to Julian and Caine I have bigger fish to fry and so do you.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I am glad to be relieved of that duty. I feel I will be better prepared and armed to deal with any and all matters regarding Family and Adagalasck after I have found and spoken with my grandmother."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As for Verna, good luck with that. I know you have your own genealogical issues and a few wacky relatives but you can herd the Verna line all you like. On that though, talk to Dworkin. Its his wife. As for Hagalta, I think the hunting season on him is still open. You have a couple sisters here in Amber and a crazy Brother who is bouncing around Nu Yark in power armor. Good luck with that.  Your masonic problems are not an issue to me. Fortunadus is a 33rd degree master Freemason and one of the 5 Primi Illuminati of York. Backwater shadow masons are all his problem. If you have trouble with Dufiro, that's up his alley as well though there is a fellow named Nur al Din, also from Tosa, who might be better to talk to. Alexandir is going to be a huge problem in time and while I adore Fort I wouldn't morn him if someone iced him. He's as dangerous as Alexandir is just not as much of a psycho. Only just less of a psycho mind you.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I just spent the last ten years with that pair, the last year of it when they were once again themselves and letting out nine years of being pent up; I feel I have a fair picture of them, and others that shared that experience with us. They could both be problems, but Alexandir surely the bigger, no pun intended."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random shrugs, "Fort's more likely to gain the throne of Amber in a card game. Alexandir would level it. Its a matter of repair costs."  “The Arden Stone has kicked up several nightmares for me and I'll tell you about them so you get the picture of the problems since some of them will end up in your lap.  The Arden Stone is an ancient artifact and the problem is going to involve the Amber Fey and my line of succession. I had hoped the Unicorn's Choice had ended the whole “legitimate line of succession” business but nope. I have a legitimate born son in Martin but if I die it may not matter to the Castle . I'm told I have several succession problems. We argued over succession for centuries while Oberon and Dworkin could have shut us up in an afternoon. But so it goes.  First the Fey problem then the succession problem.  Its all goes back to the First Brood and the beginning of the kingdom. Titania, now once again a mistress of the Arden Stone, wants to attend court, in state... Frigging Fey. Its going to be a problem if she enters the castle. The Castle remembers her, is attuned to her. Apparently she was Queen of Amber once for a brief time when Oberon and Cymnea were feuding. Oberon married her and their son Elfwine is legitimate.  Titania has not entered the Castle since she was dethroned and divorced. There is a possibility that once she enters the castle it might want her to return to being queen, or at least Queen mother over King Elfwine. And the kingdom is rife with fey. Always has been. Margot has uncounted brownies working for her from way back in those days. We never see them around the castle though because that's in their nature. Oberon, Julian, Elfwine have all been stag king but there hasn't been a royal stag king in a thousand years. Now, thanks to the Arden Stone, stag horns are growing on Donovan. If Titania come to the Castle with her court we will be arse deep in kobolds and sprites and pixies and hobgoblins and every form of Fea that has been hiding in the forests. The last time apparently that many Fea at the center of things caused major infestations across shadow. That's why Oberon divorced her and pushed the Fey out of the cities back into the forests.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Now this is were it gets complicated and interesting" Realmer begins, takes a gulp of his porter then continues.
"I have been informed of much about the Fey of Chaos and the Fey of Amber, most of it recently, some by you, some from Benedict and Grandfather... and a few other sources; I see what is happening and what could happen with the Fey and Amber... a truly sticky situation with several bad outcomes for all involved. Now, the matter of Castle Amber being a Construct had occurred to me, but having a sentience had not; that certainly complicates things, and with an Imprint involved, as it is, doubly so. Hmmmmm...."  Realmer pauses a moment, then takes a deep drink of his porter before speaking again.  "Perhaps a Dual Rule; a pair of Kings and Queens to rule Amber and her lands and interests, both Amberite and Fey. And as far as it affecting Shadow... well, the Jeweled Road affected Shadow significantly, and everything turned out okay. I know I am from a Shadow of Magic and Fey creatures and monsters and Gods, but I have visited Shadows where Fey had returned to technological worlds and the people and that world adapted, as peoples and worlds of Shadow have every time something significant changes near a place of power in the multiverse and affects them. I know it sounds like radical thinking, but perhaps it is time for just that. Something different. Something breaking from Tradition.  Something deviating from the normal. Just a suggestion. But we still have the matter of the actual succession to consider..."  Realmer sighs, realizing the pressures on the Crown and why he never wants to wear one.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Now the succession. Part of it is the likelihood the Castle might turn on me if its favorite queen takes the throne. But the other part involves the direct legitimate royal line established by Oberon.  Lowering his head shamefaced, “Did you know that I sat the Oracle of Night? I forced Bleys, Benedict, and Vance to do so at scepter point too. My vision included Tesa and you. The problem is two of my brothers.. Elfwine, son of Titania. And Av Reet, son of Alasala. Titania was the Fey queen when Oberon brought his wife my sister Cymnea and their young family to Amber. But Cymnea was not Oberon's first wife. Alasala was. Their child Av Reet was born legitimate. The first legitimate child of Oberon born of a union blessed by the Unicorn herself.
According to Dworkin, when he was in a heraldic mood, the legitimate male line of Oberon was Av Reet and then his son, Cymnea's sons Osric & Finndo. Then Oberon divorced Cymnea, married Titania and fathered Elfwine on her. He then remarried Cymnea and had Benedict and Borlak. After Borlak Oberon discovered Cymnea's paternity and nullified their marriage making all their children illegitimate. Then he met Fiellia and fathered Eric, married her and had Corwin.  So after the nullification of Cymnea's kids we end up with Av Reet and his son, then Elfwine with no sons, then Corwin with Warrick. We argued timelines and birth order for centuries without knowing about the First Brood. Now we do.  I see by your face you see the problem of genealogy but the problem is not just blood. Its Attunement. Legitimate birth is somehow magically important. Oberon's annulment was official too.  Av Reet is attuned to Castle Amber but has been banished from it for cause, yet his son retains his legitimacy and the recognition of the Castle. Av Reet it seems is who showed the location of the dungeon pattern to Oberon and his son was involved in those affairs as well and is adored by the Castle apparently.  The son of Av Reet is attuned to the jewel as well. As you probably know an Attunement to the Jewel can only be erased by one of prioritized Attunement. I can clean the jewel from anyone who became attuned to it after I did. So I can't erase the attunements of Corwin, Eric, Arloxedra, The Castle recognizes Elfwine. The castle sees Corwin as next with his legitimate son Warrick. Rene, Merlin, & Barrett are all illegitimate. So while it accepts the Unicorn's Choice, that being me, without us the line of succession is Av Reet's son, Elfwine, then Corwin and Warrick. Finndo was king, but the annulment of his paternity makes Dashel and Fisk illegitimate. Eric was never legitimate and despite being king Arloxedra, Derek, and Vander are not eligible to the succession. Of course there is some accord between the Castle, the Jewel, the Pattern, and Arloxedra, lucky me. The problem however is Av Reet's son.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stands and refills all three of their mugs with the porter as he says:  "I feel the other shoe is about to drop and I feel we may all need something strong to smoke and strong to drink when your done. Please, continue."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Now we come to the Tosians. My vision showed Alexandir Kos Korag reigning in Amber as Warlord and Conqueror with a weak son of his as the actual king, and with his maniacal eye on conquering the Courts of Chaos. So who is the weak son of Alexandir that apparently has a claim of legitimacy that the castle would accept?  Av Reet's legitimately born son, and technically the person with the strongest claim to the throne of Amber, is Conf of Shadows. Part Amberite, part Yorkian, part Tosian, part djinn, of the bloodline of Oberon.
There are reasons why Conf would never take the throne himself but a son born of his daughter would have a very strong claim indeed. Heraldic, genealogically, and apparently, magically. So now we have Alexandir wooing the daughter of Conf. And that's why they can not be allowed to marry.
York has a primal beast, the Elephant. Tolknor and the Elephant have agreed to not recognize a marriage between Alexandir and Tesa. But there are tons of primal beasts and millions of their priests and its probable we can't get to them all. So the deal has to be keeping Tesa from marrying the brute. See my problem?
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I love being right; I knew we would need some stiffer libations."  Realmer Conjures up a couple of bottles of fine Napoleon Brandy and a box of those cigars with multicolored smoke that Benedict likes. He opens the box and passes a cigar to Random then Gangdis then puts one in his mouth and lights it with a tiny flame from his finger, then offers to light the others' cigars as well. He puffs while he opens a bottle of the Brandy and pours a tumbler for each present.  "I see your problem indeed, Majesty" Realmer begins as he grabs his tumbler of brandy, takes a sip, then a puff, exhales and continues.  "And mine. I know of Conf, have spoken with him regarding Tesa, and have learned of Tesa's parentage and Family ties; I understand how dangerous her relationship with Alex could be. But convincing Tesa of anything is difficult at best, especially if it's for her own good, but she's not unreasonable; perhaps the thought of much death and war because of her offspring with Alex may be enough to deter her from continuing her relationship with him. Or maybe not. Gangdis, you know her, better than I, I'm sure; what do you think on this matter?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis ponders, "Well, its certainly above my pay grade, such as it is, but Tesa is a good egg. For an assassin. She trained Snikura but I doubt it was her choice. Much like Rasak, I doubt its something she would have sought out. She was a Maze rat in sanctuary so she grew up looking for whatever advantage she could. She stole to eat. She traded her body while too young in order to survive. My understanding that Conf had her sent to Snikura to make her able to defend herself against those who would force her in to anything and that mindset is strong in her. Try to force her away from Alex and you'll hear wedding gongs fast. "
He finishes a beer and pours another.  "All the time I've known her I was a drunk old man. A sot drinking my way into old age. Her humor and vibrancy was delightful and I treated her like she was my granddaughter. But..she tried to bed me often at first and only tried harder because I refused. And there is still something of that in our teasing of each other. I must admit that since i grew young i am tempted to woo her myself but does that sound creepy?"  Random laughs, "Only you, Gangdis! Us princes might have turned her over our knees and spanked her before bedding regardless of her youth but we tend to be disreputable. She is no piece of tenderloin anymore and you look the bold young adventurer. Take her if you can. That might solve the problem for a century or two. Ah... but if you do, perhaps let Realmer or I see about clipping your plumbing so that young king isn't your kid instead of Alex's. To be honest, the man in my vision could be anyone's kid but since Tesa was in my vision i assumed the child was hers."  Gangdis looks shocked but continues, "Either way, trying to force her will make her dig in. Though Alexandir seems not her type. I assume you haven't talked to her yet, Realmer?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer shakes his head 'no'.  "No, Gangdis, I have not spoken with her yet. I only became aware of their relationship at Graduation, just prior to the knife forging ceremony and I have only just returned, as well you know. Plus I was advised by Benedict and Fort to give it a little time before involving myself. I think we need to let the fires of their newfound passion for each other cool a bit before anyone steps in. Give him time to show his true colors and her time to see how he really is."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random says, "Good point. Maybe talking to Fort about it would be a good idea. He holds Alex's loyalty because of an incident fighting Ravers. Tolknor however holds his loyalty out of a number of things not the least of it being fealty. But...Tolknor also said if i need it he will give me Alexandir's True Name that using will turn the great brute back into a blacksmith's son but that would unleash a host of monsters only held at bay by their fear of him. Including the three Ravers of Tosa. Tolknor, Fort, Alexandir, Jeremy Fairhand and a small collection of Tosian maniacs have mithril trees in their forehead, tiny one, gained putting the ravers down. If any of them lose their powers fully, like in a naming rite, the Ravers will try to break out. Of course part of the Alex problem is Benedict. Its been an eon since there was someone Benedict wasn't certain he could kill in a fair fight. He is fairly salivating over the chance to go to the mattresses with the Emperor of Tosa."
Gangdis makes a face.."Ewww.... Alexandir and Benedict on mattresses? What a revolting vision! Why would you think..."  Random laughs, spitting beer, "Its a classical reference. 'Go to the Mattresses' means going to war. Got to take you to an earth world and show you the Godfather movies. 20 of the best movies ever made, Gangdis.."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis, "So ....I wonder where Tesa landed after the ceremony? Stand before me while i trump her. "
He pulls his contact trump. Concentrating it connects.  "Hey Kid, I hear they sprung ya. ....In Amber... Yes, briefly... He had to talk to the King. ..... No.....I've seen him in Amber of course. Reviews of the troops and all. Really? ah.. I'm, sorry to hear that. Shall I got challenge him? ...You are probably right. No i don't but when i see him I'll let him know. It should still be there unless someone has ravaged it or decided that my rent was due. How many years have passed? ok. If someone has moved in the landlord owes me money. Ok. Good.. No. That's quite an offer. Traditionally there is a leave period before the military expects you to return to duty. But imnot sure that applies to you. Talk to Realmer about that. No, I'm on duty. Soon. Be well, dearheart"
Gangdis finishes his beer and pours another.  "She is in Sanctuary. Her place in the Maze. She didn't enjoy Rasak much. Asked about you, Realmer, first. Asked me if i had seen Alexandir. Said he wasn't taking No for an answer. Something about her hips can't take his without frequent healing. She is going to retrieve a coin stash i left in my apartment in the maze. Good chance its been raided. A fair fortune-running money if it hasn't been. Her Sanctuary has a foot path shadowtrail that touches a tip of the Jeweled Road. She could go anywhere after that. Asked about if she was going to have to serve in the Amber military? Said Benedict wants her as his personal Elite and intended to speak to Random about it. Made her a generous offer of experience, treasure, and authority. She thinks he has a crush on her.. Random, if Benedict thinks he can play suitor to her just to keep her away from Alexandir he and I will have words."  Random nods, “Please let me watch.....”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer finishes his brandy then pours himself another; he looks both uncomfortable and annoyed.
"Honestly, I don't like the idea of anyone 'playing' suitor to Tesa; that young woman has been through a lot and doesn't need anyone toying with her affections just to use her as a 'king maker'... or to try to prevent her from being one. I have had a fondness for her from the moment you introduced her to me, Gangdis; and that fondness has grown into a deep caring. If you intend to woo her, Sir Gangdis of Casowill, make sure it's for the right reasons."  Realmer takes a puff and exhales a smoke ring.  "And I feel that Benedict's offer is purely professional and meant to keep Tesa away from Alex and not because he has any affections for her... but I could be wrong; I don't really know him that well."  Realmer takes a drink of his brandy, swirls it in his mouth, then swallows it hard.  "Gang... you said, that Tesa said, that Alex wasn't taking NO for an answer... that's concerning. And that she is on the run... and in need of money... And that she asked about me... first no less."
He pauses to think and take a drink of brandy.  "Well, it was my plan, after graduation, to ask Tesa if she would be my traveling companion, again. I didn't get special permission for her to attend Rasak just to have someone else snatch her up; I wanted her well trained to accompany me. I enjoy her company and her skill-sets are exactly those that I am lacking; we compliment each other well. And, she is my Apprentice in the Arcane Arts and I intended to continue her training in those Arts... and others. It was also my intent to watch over her, knowing that Conf has 'plans for her'... his exact words to me. But seeing her with Alex changed that. But now... perhaps I should contact her and make the offer."  Realmer puffs on his cigar, exhaling multi-colored smoke squares... his fingers twiddling, his mind momentarily lost in thought...  "Majesty; it seems I have some pressing matters to attend, and since you have graciously given me a century of Leave, by your leave, I will take mine. I will be contacting Tesa and doing all I can to convince her to join me on my adventures. And having Fort along during the early stages of my travels might be helpful if Alex shows up. And should the Lord Marshall push the issue of Tesa as his Elite... might I be so bold as to remind; she is not actually a Soldier of Amber, per se. I asked for special permission for her to attend Rasak, as payment for her services, not for her to become a Soldier, unless she wished it." He pauses then says, "Or you could just tell him I asked for her first."  As Realmer had been speaking, he finished his brandy in two large gulps around words, set the cigar in an ashtray on the table and the empty tumbler beside it. Then he gathered up a few things from the shelves or from tables or drawers, and puts them into the pockets of his robe; bottles and flasks and little boxes and small pouches, still talking all the while. He then summoned his Bone Staff to his left hand then mentally looked over his shoulder for Bob, to make sure he was there (private joke betwixt them). Then he pulled out his personally made Trump of Tesa but then looked to Random and Gangdis as he finished speaking. He chuckles at his own suggestion of him asking for her first.  "Gangdis; I may be taking you with me now or calling for you soon... we shall see shortly how it goes. Majesty; anything more before I take my leave?"  Realmer holds up the Trump so that both are in front of the card, but waits for Random's reply before attempting contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I'll be taking my leave then. I've a room full of courtiers upstairs including a princeling from the Golden Circle world of Tazilwere. Friggin Tazilwere....You ever hear of it? I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't. Its a Golden Circle kingdom but you wouldn't know it by visiting the place. It looks like the Shire for tall folks. Osric found the place early on to provide wine and oil for Amber. Olives, olive oil, apples, grapes, drinkable wines and meads. Grains and breads. They make it in stupidly vast profusion. Probably one of the guiding principles Osric used to find the place; A people good with plants and small animals in a region where productive soil is a constant. Peaceful, non-competitive, Industrious. Their work ethic puts the Puritans to shame for their laziness. Like Amish overachievers. Oh, Osric also probably suggested the women were playfully bouncy but then he has to have his fun too. He likes then busty and curvy.  “Margot calls them the “Middle Shelf Kingdom”. She loves the place. She tells me they provide everything on the middle shelves. Quaffing wine. Cooking oils. Table grapes. Chicken, goat, pig, and duck for the servants, commoners, and military tables. Goat's milk cheese. Nothing really fancy but nothing bad. Beef animals bigger then goats fall over dead if transported there. They raise pigs till they get to a certain size then they just drop dead. Weird. Its how they know the pigs are ready. So no horses, oxen, or mules. Rather then 4 horse or 2 oxen to pull a wagon they use 12 goats. Weird.”  “They have an embassy with a dozen staff, and three diplomats and I swear they trade off ambassadors monthly. Its hard to get a straight answer out of the people. Around 5240 they had a group of raiders come in and depose the king and queen, married one of theirs to a princess. The only reason we found out about the coup was because they told the ambassador to inform Amber that the new king would not cause any interference in the train of produce coming to Amber. Their people are so casual we had no idea for two years that it had been a violent take over. One of their princes came here and out of the blue invoked the Golden Circle Treaty. Probably the first time they ever did . I'm surprised they remembered they could do it. Diega is in here every other day with some demand for our military to go out and swat some bandits or rebels or some distaff branch of their royal house. The envoy from Tazilwere spent two days wandering around the court scene like a tourist till someone asked who he was and he said he had an urgent appeal for the king. I sent some of the cousins out to take care of the problem; Doria, Derek, Asher, Zachary, Vance, and Geryon. Took them a week. Bleys visited the place after the Trump went in the deck and spent most of a week with the family that owned the farm next to the trump point before he realized the pater familis was the King of Tazilwere.”  Random does a quick conjuration producing a piece of paper and an envelop. Writing quickly he folds the paper and slips it into the envelop. A second conjuration summons a card he slips in the envelop. He hands it to Realmer as he stands.  “Anyway, they are having raider problems again and I think I'm going to send a more substantial force to set up a military presence with our embassy. I'll probably send Macsen. He's due for a command. If you get a chance in your wandering drop by and show the flag a bit to the local nobles. No rush. In the mean time, Gangdis, come with me and we'll convince Macsen its an honor. Call home occasionally.”  He puts the arm on Gangdis and they transport leaving Realmer alone.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Picking up the envelop he finds inside a paper and a trump. The Trump has Random playing cards at Neal's Diner. The title is "Random's Private line."  Opening the paper it says, "By my order and for the good of the state, the bearer has done what has been done. King Random of Amber, First of His Name."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer puts the Trump and the note back in the envelope then slips the envelope inside a pocket of his robes. He then focuses on the trump in his hand, the Trump of Tesa. He focuses his will and attempts contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Moments pass till the trump opens. She looks up looking surpised.  "Oh! I was speaking to Gangdis a couple days ago. I assumed it was him again. The time ratio is big. You recovered in Amber? It can't have been a day there has it?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I am in Amber but it has only been around an hour or so since I returned. After speaking with the king I spoke with Gangdis and he mentioned that he had contacted you and that you had asked about me... which is fortunate, as I was planning to contact you as well; you've just had more time than me. So, are you in a safe place to talk? Should I come to you or would you like to come to Amber?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She sits back, picks up a bent steel tankard and puts a pinch of something in the lips in front of her tongue.
"Come here. The time ratio is better. Frankly I've had about 10 years of too much Amber. It seems like every person i ever met before Rasak is matched with 2 from Amber I met at Rasak. I'm getting back to my roots. I feel the need for greed. There are some people here i couldn't do much about even as a Snikura. Now I think i can give a few of the whoreson Stepsons the edge of the sword in stead of just the tip. I am in a safe place, a tavern, and I'm even in a shielded booth. Not that magical comings and goings raise any eyebrows here. Hell, there is a vampire in the area who does a pretty good business in mercenaries and stolen goods. And a godly shild a few neighborhoods away.. Hey... There is a friend of mine here who could use some magical healing if you can manage it?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I might be able to help your friend, but remember, I'm a sorcerer not a cleric. And the faster time ratio there will give me some time to prepare for my upcoming Mission. I'll tell you about it shortly. Go ahead and pull me through."