Editing The Beach at Adledross West (section)

==A celebration overlooking the Sea as dusk==

The sun sets over the blue purple sea.  A cliff edge with a small collection of chairs around a fire is filled with a small collection of notables.  The gathering is relaxed, fire burns, drinks flow, a keg of dark beer is tapped and a case of fine wine sits nearby.  Several bottles of rich bourbon sit near the bar. A dozen people sit variously about. 
 
At the water's edge is Tesa in a long white dress, far different then her usual attire.  Her back is to the crowd and she looks out over the sea silently.  

Fortundas Enright stands by one edge of the seating group regaling the group with tales from the battle of Adledross that all know the details of.  Alexandir Kos Korag sits near him, every inch the king and wargod.  He looks across the gathering at Prince Benedict who sits with a glass of bourbon and a cigar, speaking to Sir Carston.

A kzin reclines uncomfortably with an arm across the sofa back. 

Two commanders of the Amber Army sit with two force commanders of the Reen talking about the past. 

In the middle of it all sits Sir Relmpator, a glass in his hand, satisfied with the completion of the challenges of Adledross.  A thin man sits down beside him, a glass of wine in his hand.

“Well, I shall write a lovely poem for you m'lord Realmer. Your leadership was quite entertaining and fortunes were won across Adledross, my own in particular.”

Realmer look at the wine with hidden disdain but sips his own drink.  “I can't say who was the victor in such gambling but I would like my cut.  I won't hold my breath of course.”

Percy tips his glass before drinking, 'No, that wouldn't be prudent.  I ill take my leave of you.  It has been a fine madness dealing with you.  Keep the bottle.  Be warned.  Those two,” gesturing to Benedict and Alexandir, “Are doomed to face each other.  Though betting will be fierce and fortunes wagered, I will refrain myself.   It is hard to see a clear victor.  Their methods are so different.  I recommend though, that you not be on the field when they choose to clash.  The result will be bloody.   And the tan one, Fortunadas, I am not sure I would trust him.  His vine of loyalties is twisted like a hangman's rope. Beyond that, though I could make a thousand lines of poetic advice, I shall step away.  A happy madness to you”

Realmer rises with him and hakes his hand, “and a fine madness to you as well.  Your help this year has been invaluable.  I consider myself in your debt.  Seek me in Amber if you feel the need."

He nods and steps away, singing, 

<blockquote>'''''“Men of England, wherefore plough For the lords who lay ye low? 

'''''Wherefore weave with toil and care The rich robes your tyrants wear?''''' 

'''''Wherefore feed and clothe and save From the cradle to the grave'''''
'''''Those ungrateful drones who would Drain your sweat—nay, drink your blood? “'''''</blockquote>

Fort looks aside at him as Percy fades away.

Fort walks over, '''''“Beware a poet who reads his own verse in public.  He may have other bad habits."''''' speaking it like a quote, he goes on, " With the dawn we return to Rasak.  We will lose those who have traveled with us.    I've enough information to find the Reen in Shadow, the kzin as well.  I have a good idea where our Dakotans will go and if the time ratio is ok I may find them as well. 

" Its been a hell of an expedition.  Now that the officer ranks of Adledross are donewith and I am my own self again, I should tell you that Alex is returning to his old self.  Charming and ambitious. Tell Random that Rasak has not made Alex loyal to Amber.  It has made him interested in the power of Amber.  Never a good thing.  As for myself, its been a pleasure.  You have my respect and if you need my blade, you have it as well.  But our paths diverge here.  When Rasak is done, I have other obligations.”

Alex stands and walk over to put a hand on Tesa's shoulder, she looks up and leans in against him.

Fort shakes his head.  “Don't expect gratitude or loyalty from Alexandir.  He owes allegiance to three people.  Luckily, I am one.  One is Tolknor, King of York.  The third is his only son Caland, who is a failure in his eyes in every way.  Beyond we three he recognizes only loyalty to himself.  If you value Tesa, be prepared to one day face Alexandir to rescue her.  Women see something different in the titan then men do. I go to sleep.  Adledross is done and the Fox awaits me.  See you in Rasak.  After that, come see me at the Palace Commons in Amber.  I want to introduce you to my friend Lop.”

Fort walks off before Realmer can respond.  The night falls