Editing Volume One: The Vampire of the Dungeons (section)

===Book Three: A Vision of Family===


====<big>A Meeting with Dworkin and Some New Friends</big>====


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer pulls out his King Random Trump Deck and deftly shuffles through them until he finds Dworkin. He also shuffles out the Trump of Vox then puts the Deck away. He looks at both, not intently, not trying to make contact, but just looking at the representations of the people he knows as Grandfather and Grandmother. He slips the Trump of Vox up one sleeve then focuses on the image of Dworkin, fondly recalling memories of his grandfather from his childhood. Realmer continues to focus until contact is made... or until his head feels like it will explode.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump opens on Dworkin, as a man in a vandyke beard and a dark suit, drinking coffee in a cafe..
"Its about time... Shall I deliver you here?"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer alters his Robe to look more like the suit he wears in his Trump image. Then he mentally tells Bob to turn Invisible and stay out of sight.
Realmer smiles when he says, "Yes, please and thank you."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The sensation of being pulled through a trump is strong but some how unfamiliar. Arriving in a bathroom stall, the sound of running water at sinks beyond the wall is heard.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is immediately on the defensive; he brings up the Pattern and looks and feels about for traps. He also feels for familiar Psyches.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Three powerful sources are nearby, close enough to be sitting at the same table in a nearby room
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer realizes that he was most likely transported to the gentlemen's restroom for discretionary purposes. Perhaps this is not a place where somebody just popping in would be considered acceptable. Realmer drops the Sigil of the pattern as he exits the stall. He makes his way to the sink and washes his hands then exits the restroom and makes his way in the direction of those powerful psyches he felt a moment before.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A woman turns from the sink, a napkin at her mouth in shock.
"Sir!! This is not Paris! You capital elitist fops can keep your unisex toilets for your beloved France! Here in Vienna we have manners!!"
she harrumphs and walks out quickly


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer exits the Ladies Room and seeks out his prankster of a grandfather.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sitting at a table in the moderately crowded and well made cafe salon are three people. One you recognize as Dworkin despite his shape and attire. He is laughing and pour tea into a cup from a samovar, chuckling. The second looks familiar but somehow tense. He smokes a cigarette in a blue wrapping. The third looks quiet, reserved, somehow proper. He looks at you curiously. Something shimmering before him disappears as you notice it as if he was dropping a sigil.


*'''Michael James Watson'''
The severe woman is speaking to a manger who looks clearly annoyed while being polite to her. She is pointing at you from across the room. He is resigned and starts walking toward you
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer approaches the man and tries to look embarrassed.
"Forgive me sir. It seems I was misdirected, intentionally or unintentionally, and I entered the wrong room. I saw nothing inappropriate and neither did the surprised and inconvenienced woman. I hope we can put this embarrassing matter behind us."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He looks surprised momentarily, then nods, "Thank you for understanding sir. I would not wish it known in the capital that my establishment didn't recognize the prevailing styles of his majesty. We have two privies, of course but only the men's is unisex. I'm afraid even though its been so long since the conquest there are some thing, especially the ladies of Austria, find hard to accept. May I seat you sir? There is a table over by the window.. I'll bring a cheese platter and tea, of coffee if you prefer.. I'm afraid this is a Non-providing cafe so we do not serve wine.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles broadly and says to the man, "Any cafe that does not serve wine is a cafe I will frequent often. And as far as seating me, yes, you may seat me... at that table of three men with an open seat for a fourth; I am awaited. A plate of cheese and a strong tea, please and thank you."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, and makes a slight bow and heads to the rear.
Dworkin pushes a chair out with his foot.
"Gotten in trouble already and you just got here.."\
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the third man says-"Darren, we should wait for the fifth of our company before introductions. Save time repeating." He seems interested and has a sense of being observant, and artist's eye
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Really grandfather? The lady's privy? Rather adolescent don't you think?" Realmer tries to keep serious face but eventually cannot hold it any longer and begins laughing openly and joyfully. "I must admit it grandfather, good prank."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Darren, or Dworkin, nods, "Perhaps, but it was funny...And funny is a necessary need sometimes"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the middle man looks up and catches your eyes. For a moment there is a powerful sense of great depth and power in his eyes, ancient, compelling, obsessive, dangerous, and perhaps a little crazy. He picks up his tea to sip.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to both of the gentlemen at the table then takes the seat Dworkin pushed out for him, then he looks to Dworkin, Darren and says:
"Yes, I recall you always making jokes and playing pranks when I was a young child."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The third man says nods, "Yes, children laugh naturally since they have yet to learn the vile skill at secrecy and intrigue"
The second-"Really? I never met a child that didn't have larceny or self-interest at heart, especially in our company. and our family"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the third nods to a man entering


*'''Michael James Watson'''
the fifth walks up, and takes the last seat. "Well, now we are five.. Grandfather, what treason did you call me across shadow to discuss this time? I've got to get back or ill have gunfighters wandering into Diega Raks and shooting up the place. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin nods-"Relmopator, let me introduce a family friend, a native of these parts and a broken pattern sorcerer of great talent. Lewis. This cuss over there is David, and this man next to me is my son Vincent, David's father. Gentlemen, my grandson Realmer, son of Hagalta and Satura."
Second-"A pleasure" nodding. Third-"Greetings, Sir" Fifth."Ya, you're the one that chased Hagalta out of Adagalasck, yes?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to each as Dworkin introduces them.
"Well met, one and all." He turns to the Fifth Man and says, "Yes, I was part of the ousting of Hagalta from Adagalasck."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dave nods, "Good work that. I've not met Hagalta. only know him through grandfather's disappointment. He doesn't speak much about the rest of the family but he mentions you and Satura on occasion. And Random."
Vincent frowns, "Lets not start that again, David.. You are not staying anyway. "
Dworkin-"Dave just tell me where you are at?"
Dave-"I've 5 gunfighters as well as myself. Between us we can gather about 200 horse. I've finished explaining things to them and they are all in."
Lewis,-"Who? "
Dave-"Wyatt Earp, a Doc Holiday, they are a team. Tom Horn, Bat Masterson, and Bass Reeves. Lawmen, mostly anyway, like myself. Between us we can gather the people we need but ill need a shadow walker to help cut down time. I can only do so much. don't suppose father here will get of his ass and do a man's job?"
Vincent scowls, "You know how i feel about this endeavor of yours. Bringing a band of hired guns to Random won't make him love you more.. He's unicorn ghet.. that way lies ingratitude",
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Lewis-"Interesting collection Mr. Mathers. I've met the Masterson in this world. He is a general for the Confederacy so a Napoleonic. Not what you found i would guess."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks from Vincent to David then to his grandfather with a narrowed eyes, then back to David and says, "Well, I was not summoned here, to the best of my knowledge. I contacted grandfather to seek his Counsel on some matters before taking a long trip. I was not expecting a group setting."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Author
"But I am sure grandfather has a reason for bringing all of us together at this time and this place. So perhaps we should hear him out."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin-"You were not summoned but your call was not unexpected. I wanted you to meet my son Vincent here. he is hesitant to visit Amber. His encounters in the past with Osric and Finndo did not go well. I was hoping you could speak to him in time. So and introduction now seemed reasonable. a for Dave, he has an idea that random would like an elite company of personal lawmen..I thought you might convince Random to see them. Random and Dave have...met"
Dave-"Shot at each other over cards..."
Vincent rolls, his eyes.
Dworkin-"Met....Lewis is a friend I'd like to see enrolled in Fantalin, as well as Dave here. I was hoping you might escort them with Random's blessing. I arranged for your next Trump call to find me when you were next planning to visit Random"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"How very interesting. For the reason I was seeking you out for counsel was because of my impending visit with King Random. And it seems now you have added to a large list of favors I was already going to be asking of the king. And not all of these favors are for myself. But since I will be visiting with King Random at my earliest convenience, and I will be asking favors for myself, and others... I might as well ask favors everyone I can. It seems, from out of nowhere, I have the ear of the king ... or so many think. I guess I will find out soon enough."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Sometimes the universe collides. Random has got in his head to go out and kick the beehives from Amber to Chaos so there should be a lot of lose bees. I told him a progress like he is planning won't end well, but he ignored me. I wanted you to call me just before you called Random and here you are. As favors, i need none from Random myself. And Dave and Lewis need to meet Aries rather then Random. But Dave here found out that a gang of stalwarts from shadows near Cynsure, old western ones, had taken to the Jeweled Road, aiming at currying favor with Azcala. I suggested he gather his own wild bunch to fight them. that's their plan. Dave needs to see Random and i think there is a fair chance Random might react badly if not prepared. This progress has him jumpy. I blame Brand. As for my own favors, i need to speak to Hagalta. He will not answer trumps and is to close to Chaos for me to easily visit. when you have time, if you can arrange a meet between us i'd be obliged"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nibbles at his cheese and sips some tea as he digests Dworkin's words and the implications of some of them.
“The King has asked me to join him on his Progress, so I am hoping that means he values what I have to offer. I also hope it means he will listen when I speak or counsel. I am sure the King would be happy to welcome more family into the fold, especially at a time like this when he needs an even greater position of strength and more diverse allies. I know he has no issues with non-unicornian kin; he has treated me and the Adask Sisters more than fairly. And I know he takes no issue with my somewhat unusual interests. He has given me much and I have given much in return to the Crown and many have benefited. May my words have weight with Random as so many think.”
Realmer sips his tea and says, “I will secure Random's blessing for David and Lewis to attend the Academy at Fantalin and personally escort them there; no favors needed” Realmer looks at David and Lewis and says, “It would be my honor.”
Then he looks to David and says, “And I will do my best to arrange a meeting between the King and you, David and the need for your 'wild bunch' to counter the gang joining up with Azcala. Though I am not personally familiar with the weapons, I understand that there are some specialized firearms that function in and around Amber and that there are specialized units trained in those weapons. So, I believe Random might see the advantages and benefits of mounted 'gunslingers'.”
“Vincent, I understand your trepidation in coming back to Amber after a bad experience, but King Random is different and more understanding of... us more unusual types. If you wish to visit, before I leave with the King, I will gladly show you around and introduce you to some of my associates and friendlier family members. Feel free to contact me anytime; I would love to get to know you and show you some to the darker beauties of Amber.”
“Grandfather, your favor... is possible, and possibly sooner than you think. I know where my Father is, exactly, and what he is doing. And I may be able to reach him... even at this distance. But not in mixed company.” Realmer chuckles as he looks around the Cafe and eyes the uptight woman across the room and imagines her reaction to Hagalta suddenly popping in to share tea.
“As for my favors of you, Grandfather; private counsel... on several matters. After all other matters to be discussed amongst the five of us is concluded.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Lewis nods, "My thanks. I assume you have a King Random's Deck. I can be found at Galaras Galleries. I am somewhat in hiding from the authorities. I have a garret in the building and the residents can find me. "
Dave nods, "Gracias..I have people to meet and ill be on the Jeweled Road. We are heading to Diega Raks."
 · 44w
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Lewis and Dave rise and exit. They seem to walk together down a cross street.
Vincent nods to Dworkin-"Look, I know you want to bring about some reconciliation between my branch of the family and Oberon's but i don't think it will work. Mine have been more artistic and inquisitive rather then secretive and power hungry. My mind falls apart. The center can't hold. As it is I've held it together for longer then usual..I need to go and let the memories fall away"
Dworkin nods, "Yes, i know. But your healing will never be complete till you walk the primal pattern. Or one of the Amber patterns at least. I'll get in touch soon to let you know how things have progressed."
Vincent stands, nods to Realmer. "It was a pleasure to meet you and I'm sorry i must forget it so soon.. When we speak again, remind me that we spoke here.. I...I'm coming apart..." He runs his hand through his hair, looks aside, confusedly, then exits the cafe.
Dworkin-"Sometimes its hard to remember how close i am to the center of things. I've 5 children, only 2 were intended. One remains in Chaos, disavowed me, and went into the deep places. Oberon, well, he was never really a child. Vincent's mother was an extraordinary woman and for a time i forgot myself as i did in Montagar. We had a child that died stillborn. If it was examined it would probably be true that many paramours of my progeny had histories of stillbirths. Ours is a chaotic genetic line and it quarrels with lesser blood. But when paired with higher blood it risks great powerful mutations. Chaos is full of such mutations but there who can tell the difference between stable and damaged? Vincent has a damaged connection to the pattern, to our bloodline.. i think he needs to walk the Primal Pattern, or the dungeon one or Tir-na Nog'th. While i could just walk hi in, getting Random's permission is the right move."
Dworkin pours more tea, spikes his with gin.
"we found out with Oberon's first brood how dangerous the pattern genes mingled with the Unicorn's blood is. Nearly uncontrollable. Even the second brood is hard to contain. Brand's madness is hereditary though Clarissa's own genetic issues didn't help. Bleys and Fiona manage their issues better. ... Finndo was as close to a Madwand able to funnel the power of the pattern as any of Oberon's children. We were lucky his madness had a vast amount of rational self-control. Sadly, Hagalta and Satura have...severe mental issues as you know. I should warn you that you need to be very careful keeping your attention on your own behavior. When the Unicorn picked Random i think it was not just that he had behaved admirably in the course of affairs of state but he has nearly no history or potential for the family madness."
Looking aside he ponders, then looks back. "You had favors to ask? Questions for me?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“Poor Uncle Vincent; I could see and feel his madness without even trying. Perhaps you are correct that the Pattern could calm, if not cure, his madness. And if the decision were mine, I would also suggest the Primal Pattern; if a cure can be had the Primal Pattern would offer the best chances. Should that occur, I would be happy, and honored, to coach him and.... accompany him, if needed. I would gladly give him a slice of my 'sanity' if it would help.”
Realmer takes a sip of tea then continues.
“And speaking of my sanity, I have been watching my behaviors since you first taught me of my Shape Shifting Powers and how the madness could easily creep in through them. And even more so since discovering who my true father is and meeting him. And again after freeing and visiting with my mother; she is not like she was... when I was young... she is broken, but will survive. She is being well cared for and watched over in Adagalasck. As far as my behaviors.... I think them stable.... with the recent exception of befriending Jurt.” Realmer chuckles lightly.
“And speaking of Oberon and those of the Unicorn's Blood, I think it well past time you tell me more about my grandmother. After all, if I am to watch my behaviors for signs of madness, then I must know myself. And to know myself, I must know my lineage. So please, Grandfather, tell me about Grandmother. This is one of the favors that I ask of you. When we are done speaking of Grandmother, we can discuss current affairs of Amber for which your counsel would be appreciated. Then we will discuss my Father and I will try to reach out to him for you. But first, Grandmother.”
Edited
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Madness...Its all relative, as it were. One man's madness is another man' genius. Vincent has traveled in a thousand shadows overseeing his past in various variations. Madness is cultural. What Hinarak might consider normal and everyday behavior might horrify the ladies of the court of Amber. But he is a black zone necromancer and they really not. Its surprising the horrors our kin can survive. Shapeshifting of necessity includes shifting the structure of the bran and that's tricky..As for Vincent walking the primal pattern...We had enough trouble fixing it when we had a murderous Amberite spill blood on it. I don't want to think what a suicidal one might do if he were inclined. And jut so you know...I will not be taking you to the Primal either. Not yet. "
Sipping his tea he contemplates.
"Satura....is delicate. She always was. its why I was I was pleased when she met an upright and respectable man. She spent her youth around Hagalta and it shows. She has a weakness for him. A first love.. But sadly Hagalta was broken too, differently. It has to do with the split nature of the Adask. A powerful race. Capable of containing great powers. But heir to great madness. they have an interesting culture, a mutual bonding that is difficult to set aside. And what makes Satura especially effected is that she gained certain powerful connections to the forces while i was away. when i returned She was healing, Verna had managed it, but she took a longtime to recover and spent much of it with Hagalta.. I'm afraid obsession is one of the cultural traits of the Adask that mixes poorly with the madness of Amberites.. "
He makes a pass over the table and the jewel of Judgment appears in his hand. Looking into it in the pose of a Scryer looking for fortunes and futures he looks up at you.
"Now.. the crux of the matter... What have you been told, suspect, or believe about the nature of Verna?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was led to believe, by you and grandmother, that Verna was a Fey of Montagar, and the fact that Mother looked similar to Grandmother supported this belief. I now know of my Adask heritage so I would assume, probably wrongly, that Verna is an Adask Fey."
Realmer takes a deep breath and continues.
"Others would have me believe that my grandmother Verna is actually Vox, the Great White Dragon, Daughter of Oberon. I was never able to confirm it but did some digging on Vox and found very little. And I never discovered who Oberon coupled with to sire Vox."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I wouldn't put past Oberon what he's willing to fuck. The adask were one of the first races we found beyond the pattern. When Oberon was born he was pink skinned of a human distinction. But he grew up when the pattern was new. Bearing Oberon was the second thing we did after the pattern was created. It was a mad time. I was a rebel chaos lord or some might. A threat to the ancient lords. After researching calmir and Paragon's history, and consulting with the Sage of Catala, my companion the unicorn and I sought the methods for creating permanence. As we did. and I've taken a lot of horse sex jokes recently, the last 70 years or so.. I'll have you know she was in fine human form..Obron grew up shapeshifting. Grew up drawing pattern power, The unicorn had walked the pattern with him in utero. He was never without a connection to the pattern. But he grew up randy as hell. Fleece, Adrian.. well, at least Adrian had two legs....anyway. Im stalling..."
Sips. "Verna is Adask. Do you understand what i mean by that?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, you are stalling, but I don't mind. And I don't believe I fully understand Adask per se, but I believe I understand more since a recent visit with Ninaaratres. But please, grandfather, enlighten me. I am sure you can tell me more than I already know."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sips his tea, mimicking his grandfather, then says, "If you are referring to me knowing the Adask are Abyssal creatures... or descendants there of; yes. I recently discovered that little bit of family history."
Realmer sips his tea and remains silent.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin shakes his head..
"No. Verna is Adask... As the Unicorn is Unicorn and Morganstern is Horse. Verna is the Primal Adask"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sets his cup down before his hands start to shake then stares at Dworkin with an amazed look on his face
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"She isn't the first of the line... 4th or so.. but her power is great and direct. When i was mad, broken by the marring of the pattern, i instinctively sought help to keep me and the universe together. Verna found me. Or I found her. We had known each other since early in the ages of Amber.. She stayed over on the Amber side when the pattern was drawn, and her people with her. Before that, she was a primal being in the Courts of Chaos. She led many of the Adask races from the Abyss and from Chaos. Oberon helped her as a squire might in his youth. and over the centuries they were friends..good friends...Nina and Emilie happened when Verna introduced Oberon to certain Adask in the abyss... birthed in the Abyss, raised there in realms Verna trusted, then Oberon drew the races out, as he had been taught by Verna to do.
"When she found me..I was badly damaged. She calmed me.. Restrained me. made me not destroy the pattern and start over.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Most unexpected. I always thought Grandmother was just a fling you got trapped in during your madness, then fell in love with... I had no idea she did so much for you and was so influential in keeping Reality as we know it."
Realmer remains quiet for a bit, he seems a bit shaken by the truth of things. When he speaks he seems a bit far away and his question seems a bit hollow.
"If it were your decision to make, would you let Nina or Emilie walk the Pattern in Amber?" Realmer is staring into his tea but seems worlds away.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he thinks for a few moments..
"Nina, perhaps. She was always more stable. Emilie...Has never managed her madness well. I would have to have a long talk to the pattern about who gets transported to the primal Pattern and who doesn't. A new one anyway,,I know you have been around her.. both.. the problem might be, for Random, that they do not have as much connection, or loyalty, to Amber.. There are shadows of the pattern out there they could walk without question... but the main ones;Amber, Tir-na Nog'th, Rebma, Thelusia, Diega, Kashfa.. It would be as much a magical danger as a political one. In the end, it would probably be a political decision."
"One more thing, as you deal with Hagalta and Satura and possibly Verna. Oberon drew a great many Adask from the Abyss and from Chaos. They count themselves one race, the Fey, the pale, the blue, black, gray and green, and while of the same racial form, they are from different places in Chaos. One of the major relocation of Adask got sidetracked in transfer out of the abyss and arrived in Azcala just a it was sealed by Swayvil. There they spent an age among the Azcalans, and grew to worship Tonacat.. Hagalta went to Azcala when he needed to because he knew he had a racial connection to them. Be careful of the Adask that surround him. I fear he has made dark deals with Tonacat."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"And speaking of your Adask heritage....I was gone for a time when you were young. During that time Verna suppressed certain powers you are rightfully heir to. Primarily your Fey powers, but certain physical ones as well. Its why you were seemingly weaker then your Unicorn line cousins. The seal on those is...leaky. Certain people would notice your fey heritage from the seepage. The Unicorn can do the same thing to its progeny but has generally remained aloof from them. In time it will be necessary for you to seek Verna out to restore those powers. It is likely she will want service of some great nature for her acquiescence. she can be...prickly to deal with.".
He finishes his tea, and waves for a waiter to come and collect the samovar and cups.
"One Adask power.. is bonding. Romantically, fealty, oaths, and they can be impervious to modification depending on the terms. Verna may want that to release your powers. If that's the price, don't pay it lightly. Consider that the bonding between Nina & Julian and Caine & Emile was strong enough to last thousands of years and cause two stalwart defenders of amber to abandon king and country at the first opportunity to reunite. You might consider gaining the ability to break their bonds as part of whatever deal you make with her. It most likely won't send the boys back to Amber but at least they will be able to make that choice without magical influences."
"One last thing... Paragon... as you deal with more Paragon Shards I think it's important that you be attuned to the Jewel of Judgment. For protection. There is a Primal Beast, Chanticleer the Rooster. He is an original like the Unicorn and the Serpent. His claw is a Focus like the Jewel of Judgment; originally the Eye of the Serpent. It's a fickle tool and its connected to Paragon as Chanticleer was... and is I suppose. If you deal with Paragon more and more you will need to seek him out, and you will need to speak to the Sage of Catala. Good luck"
He stands fades from view. You notice that everyone in the room seems to all have been looking away when he disappeared.


====<big>Random's Poker Game and Family Talk</big>====


Realmer sits at the table, in the Cafe in Vienna, for a minute or two, contemplating all that Dworkin has told him. Grandmother, Father, Mother, the Adask, Family Madness, Primal Beings, Fey Powers, Paragon, the Pattern, the Jewel.... He knows he has much to do and most likely little time to do it in, so he deems it best to get started immediately and not delay any longer. He knows that now, more than ever in his life, he must be viewed as less dark and sinister, more fair and even and he must be taken more seriously and his words must have more weight.

[NOTE TO GM: I have one (1) unused pip from the previous Advancement, I would like to use it now to 'buy off' the one (1) pip of Bad Stuff, bringing Realmer's Stuff to Zero (0).]

Before rising from the table Realmer looks around casually, as though enjoying the ambiance of the cafe, but really he is looking at anyone displaying currency; best to know what it looks like here in case Grandfather stiffed Realmer with the Bill. Upon rising, with a nudge of Advanced Pattern, Realmer finds HIS wallet stuffed with local monies under the table. He bends and picks it up then moves towards the door leading to the street, the one he saw Lewis and David exit through. If he is asked to settle the bill, he will do so without comment.
As he strolls the streets of Vienna, he makes subtle changes to the way he thinks, taking a wider view of things, less self centered, taking into account all he has learned recently. As he strolls he also shifts his garb to look a bit more suited to Amber style, but still keeping with the 'feel' of Vienna about him... and still sticking to his dark colors as they compliment his natural skin tones and hair color. His Bone Wand slips from his sleeve and becomes a stylish walking stick of polished wood and metal with no macabre designs present. Satura's Ring becomes a mithril Signet Ring bearing a stone arch with a stylized 'R' in its center. As a final touch Realmer mentally tells Bob to always appear as a White Raven and never as a Beholder unless Realmer specifically requests it. And once away from people, Realmer will have Bob become visible, as the White Raven, and perch upon his left shoulder as Realmer draws out the Trump for King Random and makes his call. "Hello Carly. Is King Random available to take my call?"

*'''Michael James Watson'''
hehe... one talk with Dworkin and there is a sudden emergency pip transfer to fix bad luck!!! hehe... That comment alone is almost worth a GM laughed pip.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
I had the pip and had been considering getting rid of Bad Stuff anyway, this is just fun timing.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
if the GM laughed pip should appear, it will definitely go to Good Stuff. LOL
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes. Realmer.. His Majesty has left a standing message with me. I'm to pass you a envelope." She picks up a silver box and sorts out an envelope. Many other envelopes are in the box with it, presumably unhurried messages.
Opening the envelop are three Trumps.
the Note says, "When you call Carly will give me a moment to slip away. I am at Atadrezy. Outside my friend Athos will meet you"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer accepts the envelope and says, "Thank you, Carly." Then breaks the contact. When he sees the Trumps and reads the note he slips the note and the Trumps of Athos and the Camp away in pocket and studies the Trump of Atadrezy.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump opens into a wooded glade under a blue and cloudy sky a hint of rain in the air. The building ahead looks like a fancy stone and polished wood lodge. Spacious seeming from the outside. Several horses in the covered stable at the front eat hay. one is a striped horse of the breed Benedict favors. To another side is a spacious workshop that has a dozen anvils and forges. On the other side is a woodworking shop including a mill-saw. Looking behind the point of arrival is a massive lake with forest covered hills and snow capped mountains across from it. Near the water is a dock with several boats. also nearby is an archery range with man-shaped targets.. Near it is a skinnery with dressed hides. A smoke house is beside it.
At the stairs is a man in cavalier attire doing rapier practice on a swinging dummy. He fights "case'-double handed. Seeing you he sheaths both in a flourish and walk to few paces toward you, pulling his hat in place..
"You will be Realmer. Bleys and Vance i know..and the three of you are the only ones expected. I'm Athos de Paris, I'm to oversee weapons and artifacts of a potent nature while you are in the Kings presence. Now, you may stand where you are and transport them elsewhere if you like. I'm told you may retain a dog and a green jewel."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I assume the dog is your bird there?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, the bird is my 'dog'. And please take great care with these" he says as he begins handing over items, starting with the walking stick and signet ring, "some of them are rather possessive and protective." Then he hands over the Mandalay Stones in a small pouch, a pouch of Ice Marbles and two long bladed swords which he pulls out of the pockets of his jacket; the swords do not match.
"That is all I have. The Jewel will remain hidden and safe. Can I assume a Trump Deck is allowed?" Realmer asks as he tentatively reaches for an inside pocket of his jacket.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes, though its not the kind of deck they have up there." He examines the items and passes them back.
"He's in a mood. Made me check Benedict for hidden cards."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A Poker Game, I will assume" he says with a chuckle.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well it would be awkward if they were dancing."
He leads the way in.
"You have not been here so follow me. Vance and Bleys can find their own way in. Coats just in the door. "
He leads through several rooms of exquisite design in the log cabin motif to a gran central room. Benedict and Random sip drinks at the conversation area. Galvar is reading a book in the corner.
'Realmer! Excellent!! Its good to see you. Come let me pour you something and lets talk, Bleys and Vance are on their way picking up necessaries.
you notice Arloxedra and Martin in a side room looking over maps on a big table. Arlo looks up, nods, martin follows suit and they go back to their map"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and approaches Random and says, "Scotch. Double. On the rocks. And one of those cigars Benedict favors; if you have any. Normally I'd say, 'forgive the intrusion', but this definitely feels like an invitation. To what do I owe the honor of a seat at one of King Random's Infamous Poker Games?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Benedict stands and hands a cigar over as Random pours a drink. Ben says, "because that stunt you and Jurt pulled in Sawall Way got Despil pulled as Ambassador of Chaos to Amber and replaced by Maylon Hendrake and she is coming with a cohort of Hellmaidens we have to find rooms for in the Ambassador's wing. Random decided if he was going to put you on the rack for a decade doing it here in nasty Place would at least not take you out of play back in Amber."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Athos snickers, hanging his blade frog on a hook.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random hands the glass over-"Not a decade.. and metaphorically and conversationally.. nothing Gothic. I assume you have a few questions for me before the rest of the table fills up and I invite the last guest?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes the cigar and lights it with a Cantrip and inhales deeply. After exhaling he takes the glass and sips the scotch and savors the flavor of both, as though he is about to spend the next decade in the Hell that Benedict Built called, Nasty Place.
"Several favors to ask, to be specific and to the point. I'm already familiar with most variation of Poker; I made sure to learn as many as I could shortly after arriving in Amber. As to the favors, again I will get to the point. Dworkin has requested permission for two men to attend the Academy at Fantalin; David, his grandson by Vincent, and Lewis, a friend and talented Sorcerer. He has also requested that I escort them personally."
Realmer takes a puff then continues. "David has put together a 'band of Lawmen', his own words, and can gather 200 or more mounted gunslingers that travel the Jewel Road to off set the gang headed to Azcala to band together with them. David would like to meet with you to discuss his proposal regarding his 'wild bunch'."
Realmer takes a sip this time, to whet his lips then continues. "Then there is the matter of Nina and Emilie and their husbands. Though they feel included, they don't feel included. Nina asks more for them; not just gestures. She asks for seats at the council table for them all and for Nina and her sister to walk the Pattern in Amber. I share Grandfather's and your concerns about either walking the Pattern, but if it must occur; Nina. I also share your concerns about the loyalty of your brothers to Amber, but I may have a solution to that as well... but let that topic sit for a moment, my final favors; mine."
Realmer takes a puff and a sip at the same time and savors them both then swallows and exhales. "First, I would like to see my sisters; I believe both are in service to the Queen of Amber, your wife. I said I would check in on them, and I intend to. Second, I would like permission to assay the Pattern before leaving on the Progress with you and the rest; I think a fresh Imprint for me and a more 'updated copy' of my persona for the Pattern would be called for considering I am to protect you and if I die there is a fresh copy of me left behind. And the biggest part of my favor... I'd like to walk the Primal Pattern."
Realmer finishes his drink and walks to the bar and get himself a refill then says. "I will be happy to debate the particulars of each, if you like, and why I recommend such courses of action."
Realmer takes a deep puff and takes a seat in am overstuffed chair and tells Bob to roost amongst the rafters.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, and one final favor, for everyone involved; if Vincent is ready to walk the Pattern, please let him. I will be there if and when it ever happens and I will support him in any way I can and safeguard the Pattern and Amber as I have sworn."
All said through the exhales haze of multicolored smoke.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben its and refills his glass, an uncharacteristic thing for him to have more then a courtesy splash in his glass.
Bleys enters hearing-"Dave Mather in Fantalin? and Lewis Carroll from Vincent's world, Gallaras galleries? Dave leading a posse against Azcala? The Adagalask Four? And frigging' Maylon Hendrake again? Damn...that's a lot to take in so fast and so sober...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Then I suggest you start drinking hard, I'm sure there will be more."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He heads to the bar and pull out gin.
Random nods, "Well, lets take those in order. Dworkin can make his own requests. Fantalin is a public institution and if Dave and Lewis can find it and pay the tuition then its none of my business if the attend. Aries will be delighted. He has been wanting another Madwand at Fantalin for decades. as for this Posse, I've not met this man.. Whats your opinion of him?"
Bleys says, "I know him. gunfighter and a good one. Fast, even for an Amberite. Not sure what shadow Vincent sired him but i ran into him in a earthworld in a cow age, the Mc Hood realms. Lawman and criminal as is the style in such worlds. Gambler too..good one. Cold blooded and pragmatic. If he says he has put together a warband it will be a messy one"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"David had heard I was involved in Hagalta's ousting and called it good works. He seems devoted, strong willed, and set on taking his wild bunch against the Gang of Stalwarts working with Azcala, regardless of whether you approve or not. But I feel you could use a force of men like what he offers; specialized cavalry and foot soldier and long distance sniper all in one... and he is offering 200 plus. I suggest you at least meet with him and discuss his offer."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random looks at Ben who nods.
Ben-"It is reasonable to include Julian in council. He's a king now and whatever we may think of his departure, or Caine's, and their wives, we want Adagalasck, minor as it is, on our side, especially if we can sway the Azcalan Adask. My sources say the Adask may form a tenth of their standing military realm-wise. Besides, Adagalask was forged by Oberon..whatever its purpose, that is over now. "
Bleys agrees, "And we have bigger problems then friggin Julian and Caine on a walkabout. Though Caine has sources we need to connect with since we have no real spymaster any longer.."
Ran sips for a thoughtful moment.
"Alright. Julian and Nina an come to court. If Julian offers to swear fealty for Adagalasck as a fief of Amber, ill take it. Nina can then walk any pattern but the primal. If he asks for Golden Circle status...I'll agree to have the diplomats start hashing out the documents and in the mean time my signature will be contingent on his behavior leading his forces on our own Bataan death march to Chaos. I plan to piss on as many Azcalan pyramids as I can before i get to the Abyss and we will see if Tonacat wants to go to the mattress. As for Hagalta, lets stick a pin in that and circle back to him"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"As for Mathers, I'll speak to him. Can't hurt. Did he suggest a place?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
ran-"As for your sisters, Dwynwen is a lady in waiting, or rather a lady in weeping. She is part of a cadre of noble ladies i desperately try to avoid and even Flora rolls her eyes about. Weepy, sentimental, overly dramatic, and boring. They adore her of course as a confusingly related Amberite. The other, Drixtra, ah......"
Ben and Bleys look at each other and chuckle..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"In regards to David and Lewis, I would like to take personal responsibility for them and personally request their admission to Fantalin and I will gladly cover any costs for both. Your blessing would be appreciated, Majesty; I know it would mean a lot to both of them, and at a time like this, you and the kingdom can use all the allies it can get and from all corners of creation possible. I feel both could be great potential allies."
"I will contact Nina after the Poker Game and let her know she and I need to talk with her husband. I am sure you will be getting a Trump call from Julian shortly there after."
"David said he would be riding the Jeweled Road headed towards Diega Raks. I have to way to contact him and arrange a meeting place...Bob up there got a good look at him and will Trump contact him when you're ready. And what's up with Drixtra? Not fitting in? Didn't figure she would. What's the story?"
Realmer looks from Ben to Bleys then back to Random.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Galvar steps over, scowling at Bleys and Ben, "Uncles you may be, but I shall knock either one of you to the ground if you speak unkindly of Drixtra in my presence. She has made mistakes, out of misunderstanding. But if the queen can forgive her it is a unkind thing to speak ill of her behind her back or in front of her champion."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben looks at Galvar and nods, in almost embarrassment.
Bleys, chuckles again, "Well, Realmer, she tried to fit in random and Vielles bed and had enough pheromones wafting off her that it took both a concerted effort not to complete a wide variety of breaches of Oberon's Consanguinity Laws.. oh,, But you changed those didn't you Random.. so.. all good. Calm down Big guy..She's a sweety and I'm glad she put a smile on your face. But shes become friends with Helene and the Uriens so expect company some night."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys raises his drink, and fast as a snake Galvar grips his collar, raises him, and punches him solidly in the nose.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer raises an eyebrow and listens intently, then smiles broadly as Galvar punches Bleys in the face... Realmer has always wanted to as well, for some reason.
"Well, I'm sure she was just as embarrassed by the event as the king and queen... once things were explained to her. And I would suggest you follow Benedict's example and be more forgiving and less gossip mongering, Bleys."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Athos starts laughing spilling his drink. Ben leaps up and puts his hands on Galvar in a firmly unforgiving manner.
Random stands and points a finger at Bleys as he stands and pulls a fighting knife to his hand. "Stop...You mouthed off, he popped you, lets call it even or by the Unicorn's teat I'll put you in the cell next to Brand's!"
Bleys looks at Random, pissed. Galvar looks at Bleys smiling.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys scowls after your comment and turns to speak softly to Random-"She is one Adask fey, random. One..Look what she did to your bodyguard? Another has beguiled a collection of gossipy noble wives with delusions of grandeur and ancient pedigrees and incidentally, patents of nobility and access to Amber's bank accounts. Now we are inviting two more and their puppies? They have this one asking favors for them now too? We are going to have to watch the whole army if it takes shore leave in Adagalask. Some threats to the throne come in soft clothes. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo and Martin come in with look of surprise on their faces at the sudden fisticuffs
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Galvar-"You would know of threats in soft clothes and empty bottles, wouldn't you, Uncle?"
Bleys throws a quick frown and a chuckle at Galvar before turning back to Random, raising his hands in submission
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stands suddenly and glares at Bleys, but when he speaks there is no anger in his voice, only determination.
"THIS ONE asking favors for THEM!? Them being me as well, Cousin. I am Adask, and I am asking favors for all of my Racial Kind, favors that will benefit Amber. Let me ask you a question.... let me ask you ALL a question. And please, do NOT mistake it for a threat in any way, it is just a question to ponder. Would you rather have the majority, if not all, of the Adask as allies, defending Amber, or would you prefer them as enemies?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben looks to Random, "This is exactly why Oberon sealed Nina and Emile up in the first place. Random, the Adask are passionate and Oberon was too close to their origins to have them in Amber. Random, times have changed and they are not Abyssals anymore. And we are no longer powerlessly hiding behind Oberon. We need to make arrangements for the betterment of the Kingdom. Including dealing with Nina, Emile, Hagalta and Satura and their three children. We have bigger problems"
Bleys picks up his glass and refills it. "I said my piece."
Random-"Athos, take Bleys to the Archery range and see that he puts 500 shafts in the butts before you bring him back"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
and scene-Act 1
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo walks in closer, coughing politely into the awkward silence as Bleys is lead from the room by Athos.
Arlo-"ah.. Realmer posses an interesting question. Do we want to secure the Adask in some substantial fashion? and the Adask are not the only ones to consider. The Progress has raised a lot of hopes out there. We asked Rebma and Thelusia if they wanted to send troops with us and they did. Unasked, the kingdoms of Diega, Kashfa, and Garsarat have all but emptied their military into waymets along the Jeweled road waiting, as their representatives have told us, for the Progress to reach them so they can join.. i spoke with Randal Kylan at Rue Katal and he says waymets from here to Chaos are filling with troops ready to join the march to curry favor with Amber. every road bandit from here to Chaos is fleeing a far as their shadow can let them from this force. Some kingdoms along the way are already fighting known detractors of Amber in the hope that a few pelts will please us. Fortunadas tells me that our hiring a quarter million foot soldiers from their Army ranks, 20k adventurers, and the entire body of 2000 oliphant teams has pissed off the million and a half we didn't invite and they may come along on their own. Money to be had, ya know. CHAD has always had some discipline problems. "
Random starts to speak but Arlo raises a finger in a battlesign and he stops. Moments pass
Arlo continues-"The thing that Realmer brings up, that I'm going to have to echo, is do we want to accept or offend a number of peoples across shadow. Adask, of course, have family issues in Amber but so does Kashfa, Rebma, Regor, and friggin Italy. Giovanni is raising a cadre of 30k Italian codderatti, unseated a pope, declared himself Potifex in your birth world. There is the Mer, not just the Rebma Mer, that might want whatever deal we give the Adask. Marke, Tulkus, Fingolfin and Turgon are assembling a force of elves, and Elven races across shadow will fall in line behind that. So we will have Elves across shadow to consider. '
Bleys walks back in followed by Athos. "Ya, I got a trump call from a friend that is part of the Warrior Core on Gesheka. Their gladiator association interacts with warrior Core on 50 or more worlds. He tells me that Lords of the Games on all those worlds are considering which side to take, ours or Azcala. Or Regor's; who apparently quietly raising troops. That means there are 750 Lords of the Games who may raise troops among already trained fighters in the Warrior Core methods. That might mean as many at 750,000 warriors that might split in any mix of three parts and start fighting each other right on the Jeweled Road. Mysterious Dave Mathers and his gun thugs will be seriously outnumbered. We should decide if we want them to do that or if we want to outright hire them? "
Random raises a hand..telling people to give him a second. He puts his face in his hands.
"Somedays I'm not a fan of the Unicorn.. don't tell her."
Random looks at Athos. "500 arrow, right?" Athos nods. "Took him longer to sink the arrowheads in the dirt then to shoot the arrows." Random nods.
Bleys looks to Realmer, "OK, I handled that badly. I may owe you an apology. maybe..
He turns to Random, "We know that Drixtra effected you and Vielle with pheromones and she had no idea she was doing it. So its a racial thing. Maybe there is a vaccine or a counter agent? That would be a Vance thing. Put Star Fleet on the job creating a anti-pheromone thing. Sounds up his ally, doesn't it? As for the Adask race, we will never convince all of any race to do anything as a race, so we are talking tribes. Do we want the Adask of Adagalasck, and those in the realms near Amber? Yes. Do we want to subvert the Azcalan Adask, yes. Beyond that, its a case by case basis, isn't it? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“Yes, Bleys, you did handle it badly and you do owe me an apology. No mumbled maybes about it.”
Realmer maintains a level gaze at Bleys for a few moments then he snorts out a little laugh and smiles then says, “Though I must admit, I do see you how you could, how all of you could, view it as humorous... in that inappropriate, tongue-in-cheek sort of way... I was raised as a human after all, despite being Adask.”
Realmer pulls Kevin from his pocket when he feels him stir from another of his long naps. He places him on the floor and lets him have the run of the place. He then gulps down the rest of his scotch and moves to the bar for a refill, he puffs on his cigar idly as he does so.
“And since the matter has been broached, let us discuss what happened with Drixtra and what happened to Julian and Caine, or more specifically, the Adask and their Powers. First, I don't think your anti-pheromone potion will do any good because I don't believe what happened was purely a pheromonal attraction. I believe it was something else, something linked to the Fey Powers of the Adask. Now, because I was raised as a Human, I have only recently become aware of the Powers the Adask Fey possess; powers that have been locked to me. Had I grown up with those powers with full knowledge of how to use them, when I came to Amber I may well have used my powers in a similar fashion as Nina and Emilie to gain a foothold in Amber, being a newcomer. And if I were raised within the Adask Culture, and if my powers were latent and undisciplined, as I feel they are in Drixtra and most Adask, then I might have made similar choices and used my powers, wittingly or unwittingly, to gain position and favor.”
“One of their powers is called The Bonding and it is powerful; it affects romantic liaisons, marriages, oaths, fealty, contracts... you get the idea. It is my intent, after taking care of presently discussed business and walking the Pattern, to unlock those powers within myself to better understand the Adask and myself. But moreover, to find a way to bring the Adask People and the People of Amber together for mutual benefit. And to find a way to release Julian and Caine from their Bond, if it exists, and let them truly decide where their hearts and loyalties lay.”
“To that end, I would like to commute my sentence in Nasty Place in lieu of a self-imposed quest to unlock my Adask Fey Powers so that I may undo what has been done and set things right between the Adask of Adagalasck and Amber. And by the way, I really shouldn't be blamed for being in the wrong place at the right time; Jurt was planning the robbery anyway and I just happened to be there when he did it. But had I not been there certain benefits would not have been gained for Amber... somebody else might have gotten those benefits, perhaps even an enemy. And somehow, I get the feeling, Despil would have been replaced anyways... the incident was just a convenient reason.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random looks to Bleys then Ben.
Ben, "The Adask are not estranged from Amber, per se. More along the line of them being a common race outside the Golden Circle. Out of most the Amber Sway. They are unknown in most the Shade Realms. That Dworkin kept his Adask line from Amber has meant that the shadow reverberations of them have been few. As our interactions with them have been few."
He sips his drink and withdraws another cigar. Some note lately he has been drinking and smoking more then in the past.
"None of you were alive at the time, save for Arlo and he was unknown to us. The arrival of Nina and Emile was quite a surprise. Gerard was a child of 9 and he adored them. Many of us were dour, and serious. I was the life of the party till they arrived. Elfwyne, Eric, Corwin, Deirdre, Caine, Julian and myself were in Amber. Evelyn was in her manor outside Ober but i don't remember her coming to Amber during the 3 years Nina and Emile were there. Borlak had been banished. Orosolla had disappeared. Hamilton and Oberon had been arguing on the sight of each other for almost 200 years and it was around then he took to handling Amber's military issues out in the Golden Circle. He has rarely been to Amber since. "
"Then they were here. Young, passionate, funny, exciting, exotic. None of us were immune. But Julian and Caine fell hard. When they did the girls seemed suddenly.....less interesting. If this Bonding is specific, maybe its a focused effect. Its worth looking into. "
Random nods, "Its worth understanding.. Realmer, i can't let you walk the primal now. Frankly I'm not letting anyone. Now if people break their way in, that's different and it will piss me off. Clearly with the Adask line suddenly in Amber; you, Dwynwen, Drixtra, even Hagalta, its worth knowing whatever you can learn. Be about it at your leisure. keep in touch. However, i will want you on the road at some point. Why don't you arrange the meeting with Mather at Diega Raks and meet us there. While I'll make some deal with him, since we do need troops of whatever description its mainly to meet those of the Vincent line. To the best of my knowledge none have walked any of the major patterns unless Dworkin snuck them in. Neither the Vincent line or the Verna lines appear in Maylon Hendrake's original Heirs and Spares document . Vincent is listed as a suicide and Verna is not mentioned at all. Before Maylon presented this to me my knowledge of the family was extraordinarily, dangerously limited. Once you came to Amber, well, Dworkin came clean on some of it. "
Arlo-"Oberon knew all of this and he had no belief he needed to tell his children about their siblings, little lone their cousins. My father knew a few of the First Brood, as did Benedict, but it wasn't till Maylon delivered her veiled threat and the family genealogy, back in 5225 that we knew so many of Oberon's children and kin."
Bleys, "Veiled?! she said (mimicking an icy woman's voice perfectly, as if he was playing a recording of someone else) "Bear witness that the blood of Amber is thinnest here. It is mightier yet in Chaos where bone warriors and Lords of Chaos course the blood of Oberon in their veins. The First Brood wait in Shadow to devour you, young king. When the effeminate princelings and slut princesses wish to suckle the Lords of Great Chaos to save their lives, I shall be waiting. Till then, guard your arses, mind your manners, and keep this black bitch dog out of my way" (stopping the mimic) At that point Gerard and Benedict barely restrained Doria and her soul-sucking blade from slitting Maylon's throat. I've long thought we should have let her lose and apologized to Chaos and Hendrake afterwards.'
Martin-'A lost opportunity to be sure. And we have some of that blood in Amber now. Jurt of the Voya line, Vek and Shaz Far of the experimental line. Not to mention Maylon's sisters Doria and Yalla, and somewhere in Shadow Desri, who is nominally on our side. Despil is essentially in exile here now and I think with Jurt and Realmer and Despil, Vek and Shaz Far and their knowledge of the ground in Chaos we should green light Despil's plan. If Maylon is in Amber when it happens maybe Doria can finally ice her."
Ran-"Son, I know you have more reason to hate Maylon then most of us but I've got a progress to Chaos and there may be another way. You and Doria will have to wait. Realmer... Lets pull the pin so to speak on Hagalta... You have news?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sighs, takes a sip of scotch then draws on his cigar, he speaks as he exhales the multicolored smoke.
"Yes, I know where he is... or was most recently. He is at the Fane of Zilla hiding out at the Shrine to Satura. He mentioned that his other son, Xorax, was also in Chaos. While there he withdrew a red crystal of many shapes. He moved over to Jurt and showed it to him. Jurt looked at it like a dead cat. He said: 'This is Azcalan artwork?....no....sorcery.,....hmm. Ritual sorcery...ritual sacrifice...It howls....it feels abyssal in a way but...different....What is it?' Hagalta never answered, just walked away, as I had asked him to before he revealed the crystal. Also, after talking with Grandfather, I found out that the Family Madness runs deep in him."
Realmer takes a drink and savors the flavor before swallowing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random-" He is a force but do you think he is beyond the power of the assembled lord here to control?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"He has been defeated before, so he can be again, but I do not think he could be 'controlled' for long. He is angry and power mad, and I believe it is all tied in with his love of my mother. If anyone, short of a Primal Being, can control Hagalta, it would be Satura, through his love of her. But she is weak and fractured and I don't think she could do it in her condition. Honestly, I think it best his Powers be stripped from him, in some way... but even that may not be enough. It is possible that only death will stop him from continually waging war on Amber."
Realmer sighs and says "Grandfather thinks there might be another way in dealing with Hagalta, but did not elaborate. I don't think he is right though, but Grandfather knows my Father better than I."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys "blahblahblahblah...so... yes?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Bleys, I believe Hagalta to be uncontrollable."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben steps up, "What the king means is do you think Hagalta, could defeat Bleys, Arlo, Athos, Martin, yourself, myself, and himself combined if he were, say, in this room"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you for making it clear, Lord Marshall. I believe we all here could defeat him. BUT... not knowing the powers of the red crystal he possesses, I am not sure how easy or difficult it would be."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben-"Overwatch. " Bob emits a little shriek and if possible pees a little when a figure is suddenly in the highest rafters and he hadn't noticed it.
Doria-"Ready sir. " The black haired woman cradles a short-barreled .50cal m82 rifle with a green laser sight and a 30 round clip. She makes a kiss at bob. The green line marks a point on the ground. Random walks up to it..Puts his clenched hand in the green light.
ran-"Realmer, would you say my fist is about where his head would be if he was standing on this spot?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A little higher perhaps, but yes." Realmer watches with macabre interest as he wonders if Random's hand is about to become splatter on everyone in the room.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Rand steps back. "Ben?"
Ben-"doing it now.. Low Order Magic blocked.. High Order Magic blocked unless its funneled through pattern magic. No unanointed items or artifacts work. Since each of us had our equipment handled by Athos earlier they will all function. Nothing he has on him should but i can't say for sure. "
Ran pulls the jewel of Judgment out, focuses on it Arlo comes over and rests a hand on it, focusing.
Bleys steps back, "He has a card in your deck, Realmer. Call him. Bring him through'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not bother to reach for his Deck, instead puffing on his cigar and contemplating what is about to happen.
"Grandfather said he has been trying to contact him for a while now but cannot get through. What makes you think I will succeed where Dworkin failed?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys-"He wants to talk to you. He's been lighting candles at your alcove, but if this crowd showed up at Zilla all hell would break lose and since hell is literally right next to the place it wouldn't have far to go. Don't think of this as an assassination. Think of it as a conversation from a point of strength. If he can't be reasoned with, he can't be allowed to use his death curse."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben-"Its not an assassination.. We just have to control where we speak to him. There is too much at stake. Besides, he was seen in visions from the Oracle of Night. Mine, Vance's and Random's. he just has to know we are not fucking around."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance walks in, setting aside a case of bottles, "Oh..We are there already? Sorry for being late. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks around at everyone, realizing everyone knew what they were in for before coming, except him. He absolutely feels played. But, that is the way of the family, that is the way of politics, and that is the way of power. But he knew all of this the moment he arrived in Amber.
"So, is there even going to be a Poker Game, or was all of this a ruse to get me here to deal with my Father?"
Realmer slowly reaches inside his jacket and pulls out his Trump Deck and his Mandalay Stones; he flips through the deck quickly and draws out Hagalta's, knowing exactly where it was after his recent handling of the deck on a few occasions, then he puts the rest of the Deck away and holds the Stones and the Trump in one hand, his father's visage looking at him askew... but he does not start the contact yet...
"I don't like being played, even though I expected it. I don't like being ambushed, even though I should have expected it. And I don't like having to do this... now. But if it must be done..."
Realmer takes one last draw off the Urala Cigar, holds the smoke as he sets it aside in an ashtray, tosses down the last of his scotch then focuses on the image of his Father and exhales while speaking a single word.
"Faaaaatherrrrr."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Inject-Ben-"Oh there is a poker game to be sure. It goes on 24 hours a day, 370 days a year. its part of an advanced training here at Nasty Place. troops from all across shadow, in service to Amber, play here. Around the chalet is 30 or more tables and wall trumps to come and go. You have a card here now. You can come when ever you like. Random plays here a lot since the time ratio gives good game time in relation to Amber. and one way or another we will play afterwards. Hell, if Hagalta sees reason he can join too. though... he doesn't get a place trump"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump seems to warm suddenly, then open. Hagalta is sitting on an seat overlooking a vast Chaosian landscape. He looks wide eyed. Looking around wildly. He sits on a flat stone wit narrow sharp rocky spires around him.
Vance and Ben both inhale suddenly. Bleys shrieks sharply.
Martin-"Whats going on?"
Hagalta-"Son!! Save me! oh folly! oh cursed blood!!! if you are real, save me!!!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben steps up and places his hand over the trump.
"break the connection now"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer immediately breaks the connection.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The contact won't release.
a vision of consuming blackness erupting from the Abyss flowing in rage across shadow and chaos at the same time. The image burns...it feels like Realmer's eyeballs are being burned from the inside.
Bleys grabs the card and places it face down, his foot on it.
The connection breaks
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Entropy? Was that Entropy?" He manages through the pain as he reaches for his empty glass, forgetting it is empty.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys, "Well, what are the odds of that? We contact Hagalta after all this time and he is sitting in the Oracle of Night at the time. "
Ben-"Bad luck.. and our Time rates are close, even in our favor. Random, if you send the Jewel home we could meet him as he comes down from the seat. We would cause a scandal showing up at Zilla. No one would blink an eye if we show up at the Oracle of Night. At least no one that would be likely to complain or stop us. He will be disoriented, weak, drained.. Bleys and I could hardly walk for a week after our turns... "
ran puts his hand on Realmer's shoulder, "You alright? Your eyes are bleeding a little"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer goes to take a drink from his Empty Glass and realizes it is empty and set it back down. He singles out the yellow Mandalay Stone and first place is it upon the crown of his head then after a moment he places it upon his forehead where his third eye would be and he puts it back with the others places them all in the pouch and put the pouch away.
"Any real damage was already regenerated by my ring, and the pain will subside shortly I am sure. If not, I am used to dealing with physical pain. That was a most unusual and unique experience. I'm not sure I want to repeat it again. What would have happened if I had tried to pull him through?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance-"Ah... Majesty, I'd really like to not be there again....."
Bleys-"Ya. me too..Its done me no good twice."
Doria lands on her feet, "I'll go" Arlo nods, "So will I."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran-"No idea.. Arlo? Bleys? Doria? you are the experts. "
Arlo-"Most likely it would have broken Hagalta out of the vision. But that place is tenacious. It might well have ripped his mind loose. Nothing good. "
Bleys raises his hand and refills his glass with the gin he hates.
Doria-"I would guess he would have seen the whole vision if he left or not. Once he sat he gained the vision.. Or Realmer here could have been sucked across and experienced the vision first hand.. If he experienced even a little bit through Hagalta's circumstance, he might have the whole vision in his mind"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I saw a vision of consuming blackness erupting from the Abyss flowing in rage across Shadow and Chaos at the same time... I think it might have been Entropy."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer goes to the bar, refills, consumes, refills again, consumes a bit slower then refills once more and takes a seat in the nearest overstuffed chair.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys refills his gin.."OH good. Hagalta has a vision of the release of Entropy on the seat. That's all kinds of good news. Random i want to go on record saying that i advise putting two in the back of his head. Its a mercy. But short of that, lets snatch him and put him in the cell next to Brand's. Brand can spend a week in his rooms upstairs while we hash things out with him"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo nods-"I concur"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Doria, "That probably means no head shots"
Bleys, 'Why is that? You sat there clicking off bolts from that nail gun at Brand and all he could do was cower behind his overturned desk"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Doria nods, "Good times..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree... with the cell idea, especially if he can be stripped of his powers. Will you be wanting me to accompany you to get my Father, Majesty?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran-"Probably don't need me there. How about it Realmer? Take him at the Seat, make him see reason, put him in a comfy cell for a week?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran nods. 'yes.. Ill leave it up to you. I'm going downstairs..my crown is itching. You people sort this out. Don't spend too long in Amber. Once I'm there I can spread the time out while we interog....taalk to him'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Very well, Majesty." Realmer sighs. "So who all is in on this? Doria and Arlo already volunteered. Bleys and Vance declined on grounds of past traumatic stress. Lord Marshall, I am sure you were planning on leading?"
Realmer pulls the Defender Blade from his pocket and straps it to his left hip. He reaches for his walking stick and it flies into his hand and becomes a Scrimshawed Bone Staff, the White Raven flies to his left shoulder. He brings up the Pattern in anticipation, checking his Spells.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben inclines his head, "I've been there so ill get us there and be sure we are in the right place. But its your call. Bleys and I can both open a gateway to the dungeon that will propel him inward."
Bleys pulls Werewindle, looking down the edge as if something might have nicked it, a bladesman's automatic reaction.
"Ya, we can give him the big toss across the universe but when Hagalta crosses the threshold he is going to be going fast. Be a rough landing. Arlo, you are the jail keeper. Evict Brand, ready the cell for company. And Realmer, the king can excuse me from this, but he didn't, so as the saying goes; Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever. Call the ball."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben pulls a trump with just a moments hesitancy. Doria lings the riffle and pulls a black blade the likes of which Elric wielded. Arlo withdraws the blade Gallis, Eric's sword
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo-"This is going to piss off Vander.. SHATTERBOUND!!!!" A suit of black scale armor flows over Arlo's body
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Doria looks at Arlo..."Oh my...I had heard rumors you were a warrior in the dawn of time but I didn't much believe it.. Black looks good on you..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I want everybody involved that can be spared. Vance, Martin, are you in or out? I'd like you both there, but I won't force you. Bleys, you're in and thanks. Do everything we can to NOT kill him. Understood?" Realmer takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I will talk to my Father, I am the one he is most likely to listen to and not attack... I hope. Lord Marshall, on your command."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin pulls an unfamiliar looking longsword that shimmers with pattern tracing. Vance nods, pulling his NP blade.
Ben opens the Trump to Oracle of Night.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"And once again into the Maw of Madness" Realmer says as they step through.  And Scene - Act 2


====<big>The Oracle of Night, Xozla of Zictla and More Poker</big>====


*Act 3
*The dark purple sky is spotted with black clouds and a sense of sadness. The spires of the Tower seem to look like supports for a once vast tower stripped of all but its corner bricks. Time has weathered them to spires.  
A series of stairs rise to a level platform. Four main towers are connected at the top by an unbroken arch. A platform seat stone can be seen. Around each pinnacle a circular staircase rises high in the sky. A few Chaosian serpent priests tend candles. A fountain to the side is filled with water, ice block floating in it. Water flows over the side in places into hand washing basins. Cups of many styles rest in several piles around the base. Torches burn near the stair with the scent of wax made from sentient lives.  
"I might have expected this.. Did Hagalta tell you he was doing this foolishness?"  
Looking a man walks over, wearing magically molded bone armor, decked in feathers.  
"Amberites...Benedict of all people...Arloxedra..Bleys... ah..Doria Hendrake! And you, are Hagalta's son, Relmopator, correct? I am Xozla of Zictla.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"No. He didn't tell me anything useful, other than my brother Xorax also being in Chaos at that time. Mostly he just whined about pain and pined for my mother. Who's this asshole?"
Realmer prepares to release a Paralysis Spell aimed at the man with the nice bone armor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys mumbles "So much for a snatch and grab... "
Xozla chuckles.."War comes soon enough. No need to start it here. Holy Ground and all. The Forms must be preserved. Chaos might disapprove of bloodshed here. At least unsanctified ones. I don't suppose you all would let these serpent priests bless you so your souls won't be wasted...Let us call this a parley of foes before the commencement of hostilities..I am Xozla of Zictla, son of Tonacat. Husband of Cihalas. It is a pleasure to meet you face to face before your king makes a rash choice of taking battle to the great realm of Azcala. And before you snipe at me like a small dog, Relmopator, know that Hagalta asked me to be here as his second. He has many enemies in Azcala. and a price on his head placed there by my brother Zictalas. But i count him as a friend. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer's tone is level and even. As he speaks, he looks Xozla over thoroughly thru the Pattern Lens, which he already had up before he stepped though the trump.
"I don't give a bucket of troll shite as to who you are, who your father is, who you're married to or why you're here, but the fact that you are a friend of my Father is of importance to me. So as his friend, I ask you to please step aside and let a Father be reunited with his Son. There is much we need to discuss and long past time we did so. We require no blessings from the priests, we only require you to comply and let me take my Father away from here peacefully."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla laughs, pulling a cigar that lights on its own, smelling highly of cinnamon, chili pepper and marijuana in a heavy cloud.
"Oh...Hear the mighty kitten meow....Are they not so cute at this age, God of War? "
Smiling at Realmer he continues, "Now, as I see it we have three choices how to proceed. I had intended to take my friend Hagalta and another boon companion who is here, to a shadow i spent a great deal of time in. After I had sat the seat myself. Now, i think i shall pass the experience for the moment considering the new state of affairs. We can all agree that a war exists between our realms but none of the principles have crossed blades yet. As long as the God of War, the God of Falling off High Mountains, and the God of Dusty Books, all mind their manners that will continue. Of course you and the Hellmaiden of Hendrake will have to behave as well."
"First choice is that all of us can take Hagalta and join me at my residences in Van Nuys. Its city on an earth world on the west coast of a mighty realm, with muscle cars, cool music, warm waters and hot air. Its a car age and a jet age just before the computer age. I've a palatial spread in the hills south of the town there that I bought from a purveyor of tasteful nude photography. I stick to the same 30 or so years before shifting shadow. I was there for hundreds of years while i was locked out of Azcala. I was traveling when my father pissed off the High Lord of Chaos. My wife and son were trapped inside, my daughter and I were trapped outside, separately. She and I do not ...get along. I'll give you all lodgings, run of the place, and free access to your father while he recovers. Where he chooses to go then will be his choice. You have my word you will not be harmed in any way."
"Secondly, we can all go to Amber. You can lodge Hagalta and I somewhere comfortably and you can see him any time you like. If King Random would like to consider that the Embassy of Azcala, I am willing to accept the post of Ambassador to Amber. Once there i will depend on your surety that my status as Ambassador will vouchsafe my person. While there i will want to see my daughter, Untara, who i understand is married to a son of Sawall who runs a drinking establishment in town."
"Third, we can draw blood and see who comes out of this alive. Hagalta will come down here confused, find us fighting and will pitch in and probably die. The War God and the God who Falls Off Mountains will have to deal with my compatriot. And you my little kitten, I'll drag back to Zunula where Xolotl the Dog God will rip your heart out and heal you daily for the pleasure of the people of Azcala. Eventually you will beg him to take you heart and turn it to red glass so your soul can rest for a few thousand years. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer ignores his jibes and keeps his features and mind calm, giving nothing away. When he speaks he keeps his tone level and even.
"Well, we were already planning on taking my Father to Amber and had already arranged comfortable accommodations for him. If you would like to accompany him to Amber and share his accommodations, I have no problem with that. As far as an Embassy and Ambassadorship, and all that goes with it, that is entirely up to King Random and certainly above my station to offer. And I am sure it can be arranged for you to see your daughter while in Amber."
Realmer looks over his shoulder at the others and says, "Do any of you have a problem with Xozla accompanying Hagalta to Amber?"
When his eyes cross Benedict's, he gives him a look as though to ask, 'Same plan?', but says, "Lord Marshall, do you object?"
Realmer is now wishing he had learned the Silent Battle Language many of Amber's warriors share.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys-"Oh, no objection whats so ever! By all means, make the scene...We'll roast the fatted calf. "
Doria growls angrily and Arlo puts is hand on her shoulder to retrain her as she makes to leap at the insult. Realmer feels power between Arlo and Doria after which she seems shaken and stands woodenly as if compelled.
Xozla chuckles at Doria, "Yes, restrain your Hellmaiden. I've no interest in kicking your little puppy any more then your little kitten here. "
Benedict scowls and steps up beside Realmer. Putting his hand on his shoulder. Firmly.
"Xozla, I will give you this assurance. No one will harm you, my sword defend you, till King Random releases me from this vow. However, if he tells me to I'll gut you and eat your eggs on toast the instant he allows me. I've defeated the Courts of Chaos in open battle in a time of war. I have no concern of doing so to Azcala. You chose a odd mocking tone for one who would be an Ambassador. And I've encountered and crossed blades with "principals" of Azcala before. Your brother Zictalas was my daughter Desri's lover for a time. He attempted to take her heart. However, she had relocated her heart, and replaced it with a toy facsimile. When she told me of it I had the pattern send me to him and we crossed blades. Formidable. But I'd have had his head on a pike if he had not fled cowardly after a dozen strike. Tell him the next time i see him we shall finish it. For the moment, if my terms suit you. We will go to Amber when Hagalta finishes."
Xozla-"Your terms are satisfactory. I doubt your King would be so foolish as to order me harmed at this point. Besides, my companion is eager to speak to King Random."
A serpent priest turns and walks over, pulling back his cowl. He is a ruddy tanned face with bright Irish red hair and beard. Much about him seems like Bleys in appearance. He wears a circlet that looks like it was formed from an alligator's jaw.
Xozla points, "Lords of Amber, this is Quetzel, King of Umillan-Zlapa. He is the greatest foe of Tonacat with in Azcala. Once the son of Tonacat, now, no longer so. He will be traveling with me."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles congenially and speaks evenly, ignoring all insults and threats... especially considering the firm grip of the Lord Marshall on his shoulder.
"Any foe of Tonacat is certainly of interest to Amber and King Random... so I'm sure one more can be accommodated. Yes, Quetzel, please join us when we depart."
Realmer takes a breath and looks around for a moment then says with another congenial smile, "So, what ever shall we do to pass the time while we wait on my Father?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo-"Well, anyone have a deck of cards?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and chuckles then says, "Well, aside from the Family Deck, I do carry a Tarot Deck. Were you thinking table games or a Reading?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla smiles, "A tarot reading on the steps of the Oracle of Night might be one of the most presumptuous and hilarious things i have ever heard. By all means!"
Bleys, "ah....I've sat that seat twice. I'm not sure i would tempt it.
Arlo-"Ben, since it seems we won't be needing Doria I would like to take her home. She is about to break out of my paralysis spell and the screaming in her mind is giving me a headache. I doubt Lord Xozla here would want to have to deal with her under the circumstances. I'm just barely keeping her subconscious from raising the pattern."
Ben nods. "Probably a good idea. Realmer? As I said, this is your show."
Quetzel has said nothing, done little more then watch everyone.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Good idea, Arloxedra. Thank you for offering. Make sure the accommodations are ready for our guests arrival, please and thank you."
Realmer looks to Xozla and smiles then says, "I was only making jest about the Tarot Reading... honestly I am rather in the mood to play Poker. I'm sure I could strip down my Tarot Deck to accommodate the game. Have you played? Have either of you played?" Realmer asks, looking to Quetzel as well.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla nods, "I've played Poker in Gardena, Las Vegas, Monti Carlo, Hong Kong, and Saigon. Also in Wet Wendal's Hot House on taxorami and in a number of clubs at the Dramaturge. Not to mention hosting celebrity games at my manse. By all means. I suspect we have an hour at least."
Ben looks emotionless eyes at Realmer conferring a sense of incredulity.
Bleys chuckles, "Well then, you will have to teach our Kitten here. His education in the game was jut about to begin at Random's regular game when this whole Hagalta mess started. I, of course, have played a couple times. "
He waves his hand in a circular motion toward the ground. Conjuring a poker table it arrives filled with stacks of chips, a deck of cards, several hands facing down, a bowl of onion dip, a bowl of what look like pork rinds. A pair of thick cigar smoke in an ashtray. 6 chairs arrive along with it.
Bleys says. "Someone is going to have to try to explain how the card table disappeared right in the middle of a game... " Collecting the card he counts them to make sure there are 52. He takes a seat.
"My deal. lets start small. 5 card draw, jacks or better progressive. Looks like the stacks are more or less even. No big losers no big winners. Take a seat, ante is one." He picks up a chip from the stack in front of his chair and tosses it in.
He does a fast series of shuffles and starts dealing.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches Bleys hands as much as he watches Xozla and Quetzel.
"Please, everyone take a seat" Realmer says, gesturing to the chairs around the table like a host at a dinner party. His mannerisms indicate he will remain standing until everyone is seated... though he has placed himself behind a chair between the one Bleys is seated in and one Benedict would logically take.
"The 'kitten' is familiar with the game, God of Falling from High Mountains, as well as many other games of chance involving cards, dice, bones and even the entrails of a living being as they fall from its body cavity. But by all means, educate me, one and all; I will gladly take any tips and tricks of the game... any game."
Realmer carefully reaches inside a pocket on the outside of his jacket and pulls out a small cask; the pocket stretches as he wooden cask exits the jacket then reforms its normal shape. He then pulls out a small tap and six wooden cups; he places them all on the table.
"Dwarven Pale Ale; my own creation. You are only the second group to taste it; the first enjoyed it... one so much as to magically create more for later consumption. I hope you will all sample it and tell me, honestly, what you think of it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben shakes his head briefly and takes a seat, picking up one of the cigars. "Cuban..well aged...good ash...hand rolled, not booked...lit with a butane lighter..."
Xozla smiles, "Well God of War, i had no idea you were an aficionado of fine cigars. Perhaps someday I can show you the fields of Untola where the finest cinnamon infused cigars in all Azcala are made. Well, Lord Realmer, if you are not the kitten you meow like at first impression, what pray tell are you the god of? fashion? Little is known of you that was not brought into Azcala by Hagalta and Xorax and the later is certainly no friend of yours. Though he has a certain Azcalan attachment to a sister named Drixtra."
Bleys snorts, and pushes a glass to Realmer...
Coughing slightly, "Ah, lots of people have an attachment to his sister. Xozla, I'm afraid Drixtra's relationships is a sore subject thee days. I was accosted verbally by this one about her and physically by the king's body guard about her. "
Xozla-"Ah, I can imagine. The Adask are a lusty desperate people. Quez here has a large number of them in his realm and he made sure Hagalta and Xorax stayed far from them. He said they were bad influences. The Young God of Not Kittens will probably agree with Quez. Speaking of bad influences, i would guess you all know this bar keeper by daughter keeps company with?"
Quez walks back to the serpent priests, Lighting candles with them
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles to Xozla as his staff shifts into a Scrimshawed Bone Pipe, he stuffs some spicy pipe weed into it and lights it with a Cantrip flame from his fingertip. He puffs a few times, exhales then takes a seat.
"Little is known about me even amongst those who know me, which is the way I like it and work hard to keep it. And what you hear about me from one person or group about me is certainly only what _I_ wanted them to think about me. Perhaps God of Mystery" Realmer offers as he puffs his Bone Pipe.
"And in regards to my sister, Drixtra; she seems to have an effect on everyone... except me, that is. I do find her fascinating, but claim no lusty feelings about her, despite her obvious beauty."
Realmer taps the cask, fills the cups then passes them around. He then counts his chips, without touching them, compares them to the others, as Bleys did, then tosses his white chip ante into the center of the table.
"I am sure everyone that came here with me is familiar with the man you speak of; Jurt by name, Thin Whip by reputation. And at least half of us have met his wife, your sister, Untara. Lovely woman, powerful."
Realmer looks to Bleys and says, "I hope you didn't deal off the bottom of the deck or stack the deck, Bleys; I like an honest game."
He winks at Bleys then picks up his cards and turns to the white raven on his shoulder and says, "Bob, no cheating. If you tell anyone what cards I have I'll turn you into a pixie, complete with the cute little haircut... permanently."
The beak of the raven opens and a smooth, deep baritone voice says, "As you command, oh God of Kittens."
"That's going to cost you, Bob" Realmer says as he looks over his cards but does not arrange them in any way. Suddenly the raven shudders, squawks, then turns into a cute, orange and white, tabby kitten. It meows in a tiny voice once, then glares at Realmer.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla produces a little chunk of beef jerky.
"Here kitty, kitty....I take it your familiar can be vexing. Mine is so secretive I almost forgotten he was born a puma. He spent most of our years of exile as a horse, an eagle, a shark, an alligator, and most often of all, a cat. He only returns to his original shape in the presence of the Puma herself. Neither of us were Puma Cultists...I was an eagle cultist when the world was young and the cults were new."
" I've heard your king takes his poker seriously. The tale though a mutual acquaintance is that he one had a noble sent on an Embassy to Adzikis after playing client poker? That's a good sign. Tonacat doesn't play games. He spent an eon as a prisoner of Swayvil planning how to slay Oberon and destroy Amber. Now that he is free all he thinks of is Amber and Bursain. How to humiliate Random and how to claim the Rock Guard. Gets tiring. Rebel kings like Quez have to walk a fine line. He isn't in fealty but many of his subject kings and most their people are. As you prosecute your war, remember, ours is not a monolithic system. We have plenty of rebels. Sadly for them, the priests always need sacrifices."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"My Familiar is vexing at times, but only because I want him that way. And my 'punishments' are minor and temporary; they're my way of showing I am myself and nothing is bothering me. It is when I do not counter with a jibe or punishment that he knows something is amiss. You see, my familiar is rarely seen or heard, normally, and he listens and watches, he reports and advises as needed, as a good familiar should. And normally... he only speaks to me and usually only telepathically, but of late he has become more vocal... and mouthy."
Realmer smiles wryly and puffs his pipe, looks at everyone else looking at their cards and gauges their expressions... their tells.
"King Random takes his poker so seriously that I took lessons in the game the moment I arrived in Amber and heard of his passionate avocation. There is a Dungeon Guard named Roger that could retire at anytime he wants and write his books due to the winnings he garnered during my initial lessons."
Realmer puffs again and says to Xozla, "I am sure it is with the Azcalans as it is with the Adask; not all follow the same path."
Realmer looks to Bob the Kitten and says aloud, "Overwatch". The kitten becomes a beholder about the sized of a bowling ball then flies straight up over the table to hover about 20 feet up, then rotates slowly as his central eye scans all around.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys harrumphs at a close hand, losing 3-9s to 3-10s to Realmer. The deal passes to Ben who has shown competent card skills but done none of the fancy cuts or flourishes Bleys and Xozla use to show each other up. He methodically does a straight shuffle, perfectly splitting the deck into 26 cards each time and shuffling the deck perfectly one card each time. Experts note he is not flashy but he his precise and and expert. He also has a nearly impenetrable poker face as befits a warrior who can cause armies to flee with a scowl. He has spoke rarely as play continued though Xozla and Bleys seem to be chatting companionably.
Ben-"I am curious what rebellion looks like in Azcala? Everything we have seen since its opening showed a regimented and worshipful populace."
Xozla-"Tonacat controls who comes and goes. We who can access the sigil may of course use it transport nearly anywhere. But we have few sorcerers able to manipulate shadow in a way to pass into the greater shadowlands. Those of us in the royal line, even detached members like Quetzel, can shadow walk among the shadows within Azcala as well as those beyond, in the Azcalan Sway, and further, though it gets terribly difficult, even dangerous. Azcala is close to Chaos and remember, War God, even the Lords of Amber rarely went beyond the center, where Ygg now rules Mandalay. Before the Jeweled Road there was very little cross shadow travel. On the earth world i spent so long it reminds me of the early period of Air Travel, or Rail travel. A journey over land might take 3 months and over water 2 months. With rail the trip was 3 days and with aircraft the trip was a handful of hours. "
Losing a hand Xozla antes and deals.
"Before the Jeweled Road, there was desperately little shadow travel without great magic or shadow trails laid down by walkers. Of course places like Cynasure close to Chaos and Antheris close to Amber are hubs for a great many shadow trails and paths forged by various magics. And of course Unara An ata Satar was once a might cross-shadow hub with hundreds of major trails allowing massive inter-dimensional commerce. Paths from it managed to enter Azcala nearly to the seal, interacting with many of the Azcalan Sway shadows. Once the Jeweled Road occurred it consumed most the major cross-shadow trails in and around Unara An ata Satar, Antheris, and Cynasure. My point being we don't get out much. The people you have met, soldiers like the debacle of the Jaguar Cult and a minor king losing a force of 150k troops, or tourists like myself, are likely to give you a skewed view of us. There is great diversity among our people. "
He wins the hand and the deal passes to Bleys.
Quetzel suddenly seems to have walked to Xozla's side, "Tell them"
Xozla turns and looks up at his friend. "Are you sure?"
Que-"Tonacat can take me if he has the feathers to try. Tell them"
Xozla nods, " the fact is that Tonacat rules the realms with an iron spiked hand and takes lives out of joy and with religious devotion. He can feed on the souls like a vampire god. Many of us no the method and I've done it myself though there are easier ways to manage power. His rule of fear is what dominated the realm,, not his deep devotion or connection to the sigil of Azcala. He uses the power of the Sigil at will and to great effect. But..." he looks to Quetzel who nods
"You see, he treats the sigil as a slave. They are not companions. It fights his control. Rebels of Azcala believe he can be unhorsed from his control of the Sigil. Then, he can be slain."
*'''Michael James Watson'''


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns his head slightly and looks at Benedict and raises an eyebrow then looks to Quetzel and nods his head to him.
"Interesting information, but I would say not unexpected; any leader that rules by fear will eventually be overthrown because people that are ruled by fear will eventually generate rebels, and when those rebels reach a high enough number, the Hope that they represent will reach enough people and they will no longer fear death and pain, but will only fear their own inaction against their oppressor, and what will happen if they do nothing."
Realmer throws down a higher bet than has been thrown on the table thus far, keeping his face even, as any good poker player would. He knows his hand may not be that good, but maybe it is... either way, a good way to judge his bluffing skills and see how the others react to it or how they spot it.
"Raise. This news is good for the People of Azcala and for Amber. It is quite fortuitous that I chose this time to reunite with my father. How likely is it that there are more rebels hidden away, that you don't know about? And how likely are these rebels to band together?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance and Martin stand near the bottom of the oracle of Night. Speaking softly. Vance remembers his journey up to the seat and how it lead to his horrors in the Abyss. Martin speaks of how Brand's time up it lead him to nearly dying on the pattern.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla chuckles "Your appraisal of the rise of rebellion may be true but the path of the rebel is hard in a realm where fear is enforced by religious sentient sacrifice. Rebel don't risk imprisonment, they risk having their heart ripped out of their chest after watching the line of their family, wives, mothers, fathers, aunts, children, devoted servants, and slaves sacrificed before them. Xoxotl sacrifices their house pets and livestock before burning their villages to the ground. Rebellion is risky in Azcala"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Rebellion is risky everywhere. So the stakes are higher in Azcala? That only means the rewards will be greater and sweeter when they are achieved. And I believe... perhaps even 'foresee', that when Rebellion comes to Azcala, it will come in force, it will come quickly and strike with final intent, and like a tidal wave that cannot be withstood, it will wash away the fear and the reign of Tonacat once and forever."
Realmer looks to the table to see who is still in, and who called, then places his cards face up on the table.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla-"Mayhaps. But let us be clear. I am not in rebellion. Nor is Quetzel leading a guerrilla force. At this point there may exist a coldwar and a proxy war but there has been no formal declaration. A foolish King led a force of 150K out of Azcala hoping to conquer Amber in the name of Tonacat and they were never heard from again. Where their bones lay only Mictilan the God of Death may know. There are different types of rebels. Some rebel against being held back by those such as Quetzel and myself who argue with Zictalas and Tonacat to wait. Wait a thousand years even. We dangle the Blade of Bursain before his eyes and he is dazzled thinking the blade might turn the tides against Amber and it might do much like it. If the blade is merged with the sigil it might make the new pattern serve Tonacat loyally. Should i find the blade, i may call you notables to take it off my hands."
Ben looks at Bleys who nods. Then Ben speaks.-"Mictilan is not the only one who knows where their bodies lay. A Cairn a mile square rests outside Trudana Felik. I brought a force of of 10k Amberite Horse, a cohort of Elites and about 600 members of CHAD against them. The CHAD force commander King Arin of Freestate and the Primus Paladin of the Cult of the Savior/Slayer Sir Reltorious Winteri, broke discipline and charged their troop of 600 against your proud legions. Once it was clear the Savior Slayers were going to break the morale of 150k swords i committed my troops to defeat them in the field. They fought bravely for several minutes then broke. The CHAD troops hunter them down. I apologize for the mutilation of their bodies. CHAD take ears. The remaining 60k we took prisoner we have installed in a shadow near Diega. A wizard named Digan the Ruby Mage, of CHAD, has imprinted temporary memories and they all believe they are farmers. Its been a few years in their shadows. Its a quite bucolic scene. 80k lay in a mass grave that a Cairn was raised over. And 10k....I'm afraid are lost, mad, and wandering in the wild shadows out there."
Xozla puts his cards down. Looking straight at Ben. Quetzel steps closer, "In truth, Prince Benedict? What of King Eztil?"
Ben looks up-"Dead on the field. His bones lay in the cairn with his troops."
Xozla-"Eztil dead? Extraordinary...Sir this information is worth all the risk our gathering today presented us."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"And to think, the day is not yet over. Imagine what you may learn when my Father returns and we all go to Amber. This day has been full of surprises, for all it would seem. And though there may be no formal rebellion in Azcala, I am sure it exists in the hearts of many of it people, just waiting for the right moment to rise up over the fear and do what must me done at all costs. Or so I see it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Admin
Quetzel, "I doubt Tonacat will see it that way. Eztil was one of his circle of blood. A Prince of Amber has slain a King of Azcala. It may mean open war."
Xozla looks at Quetzel-"Well then lets not tell him! Blood and tears Quez, we came here with Hagy to find a way to avoid open war...Tonacat will grab the realm by the scruff and herd every manjack and swinging dick, every Cipactlix and Jagri, and all the maiden blood out of Azcala to fall on Amber.. What a fragged mess over such a psychotic as Eztil.. Lunatic child eater.. I want to find this cairn and piss on his head..."
Quetzel looks serious suddenly, ."were his organs collected, Prince Benedict?" Bleys scrunches his face in disgust......
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns to Benedict with great interest.
"Yes, Lord Marshall, what did happen to his remains? There are many Magics that his organs could have been useful for... and I am sure many Azcalan Rituals as well."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys looks at Realmer in disgust, "Well by all means Vampire of the Dungeon, build an army of the dead for Amber... I doubt Random wants zombie troops."
Xozla raises a hand,"No, Prince Bleys, he is right, There are Azcalan rituals to be considered.. what think you Quez? "
q-"He is dead. I've no qualm using the heart spell on the dead. And 80k others...Its quite a windfall for us. Anointed dead. Tonacat need never know. And to be sure, he can't bring his own priests there. That would make a dangerous ally for the Emperor. Sir, this Trudana Felik is on the Jeweled road? "
Ben nods.
Quetzel..."Will you show me? These anointed dead have life force a practitioner can use. I have forsworn the taking of lives in sacrifice. But anointed dead... I can use. And if i don't claim it, someone of Tonacat's will. I'll claim the life forces and render the bodies to dust, according to our customs. We seem to have passed the point where violence is likely. Will you show me?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben looks at Realmer with slightly open eyes in surprise
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
With only the movement of his eyes, Realmer looks at Benedict and gives him a wink and the slightest nod of his head. Then he turns his head to look at Bleys, arching his right eyebrow once their eyes lock.
"Firstly, it's 'Vampire of the Depths'; if your going to use my Family Pet Name, use it correctly. And I rather love the moniker, by the way."
"Secondly, of course you would assume my intentions were dark, macabre and of a sinister intent. Just because I WAS a Necromancer does NOT mean I chose to be one; it was forced upon me, at great cost to my body, my way of using Magic, my appearance, and for a time, my mind. But when I was able to free myself from the Entity that enslaved me and forced that way of Magic upon me, I did not immediately go out and find a cemetery and raise hordes of undead creatures and set them upon the countryside. No; I bode my time and waited until I heard rumors of the undead plaguing a nearby Duchy and I teamed up with a group of Adventurers and Undead Hunters and gave them the benefits of my knowledge and power to defeat the hordes of undead and their undead master. And if the King wants an Army of the Undead, he knows where to ask for it; I have no intention of bringing him one unsolicited. Do not let the word Necromancer or tales and rumors normally associated with that title blind you. Knowledge is knowledge and knowledge is power. Use it wisely. Just because your limited scope led you to the macabre and personally distasteful, others here knew of what I was referring, Cousin"
Realmer looks to Xozla for understanding, Sorcerers of a Feather, as it were, and rolls his eyes. "Always prejudged."
"It would be best if the Life Force Energy did NOT fall into the hands of Tonacat or anyone who would use it against Amber." Realmer looks at Xozla intently then turns to Quetzel with the same intent look, then continues, glancing to Benedict.
"If I knew more about the rituals and how to use the Life Force Energies, I would take them for myself just to prevent them from falling into anyone else's hands."
He pauses and sighs lightly. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Lesser of Two Evils. Better the Devil you know. You get my point, Lord Marshall. I'm willing to give them the Life Energies, but something must be traded or promised for it, wouldn't you agree, Lord Marshall?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys chuckles at the rebuke, having been rebuked by experts.
"Well said, Kitten God of Cliches. as long as Zombie Azcalans aren't manning the battlements I think Random wouldn't mind. Ben, I think you should stay here. I'll show the Green feathered god of the rain where the Azcalan honored dead are. I think you, Vance, Martin, and this one can manage his family reunion."
Tapping the cigar ash on Realmer's chips and turning to step away from the table.
"Well, Sir. Lets trump to Talosaril and we can walk from there. Shall we?" Pulling a trump Quetzel look to Xozla who nods knowingly. They step through the trump
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hmph. Sure hope that guy doesn't piss off Quetzel. I might miss him at Family Dinner Parties. Is it just me, or does Bleys just naturally piss off everyone around him? Does he actually have any friends, or just people who say they are because he's the King's brother?"
Realmer chuckles, repacks his pipe, lights and puffs; the thick oily smoke and spicy smell hanging low around the table.
"Guess that means he's out, the pot goes to Benedict and that makes me dealer" Realmer says, sorting out the cards casually but dexterously.
His shuffling and dealing is nowhere near as flashy as Bleys' or as precise as Benedict's, but does show great dexterity and familiarity with a deck of cards with just a hint of style. Once the cards are dealt he sets the deck in front of him, uses a Cantrip to remove the ashes from his chips then tosses out a white one, glances at his cards then sets them back on the table.
"And I'm sure that one day King Random, and you as well Lord Marshall, will come to me about an Undead Army. So, Xozla, tell me about that Ritual that Quetzel is off to perform. Is it something that must be done through a Sigil of Power or can it be done without one? Also, is the Ritual tied to a specific Sigil, or could it be done with others? The Pattern, as the most obvious example."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"If those Rituals are Sacred and therefore Taboo to discuss with outsiders, we could talk about the reason you and my father came here. Didn't you say you were looking for a way to avoid open war? Perhaps we are that solution the three of you sought."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin steps in and takes Bleys seat.
"Hes in a maudlin depressing mood." Motioning at Vance looking up the stair
Xozla-"He has sat it. This is not a good place at the best of times. Benedict has sat it. What did you see?"
Ben looks up from his cards. "Sometimes i wish i could convince Random that Bridge is a better game then Poker. My experience is a state secret. I am interested in the answer to Realmer's question as well."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla frowns.."Tonacat is focused on bloodshed. He is corralling the client kings under the gods to drive out and conquer the universe. I've never understood the need. Before the sealing of Azcala during the many wars of the ages I was an eager killer. Over ages we raised to rule Azcala through blood. We did not create the realm. Other rulers owned it and other lines. Quetzel is essentially one of the survivors of earlier dynasties even though he is at once the son of Tonacat and the son of Tonacat's son MIxcoatl. The million gods fought and fucked and fed and life went on till it was brutally ended. Tonacat bound us but in time those bindings were impossible to maintain. Still, we gathered powers. When Amber became a kingdom we were just massacring the last royal house. We took our pleasures. We found few that could match our passions.. so.. Cihalas, my sister and I, Zictalas our sister Zentalas. Tonacat and his sister Cihuacoa.. My son Aztalios and his sister Untara...Poor Zolton..Marriages and pairbondings among siblings that have had terrible genetic power effects.."
He lights another cigar...Benedict raises and eyebrow and Xozla hands him one. A strong smelling tobacco infused with tequila and cinnamon.
"In the end i had no idea why we did it all.. Kill or be killed I suppose. When I was trapped outside the closure for a few thousand years I grew to enjoy different pleasures. Once it opened i found beauty and pleasure in realms i had once strode across as a Wargod.. Yet Tonacat could not be turned side. When Hagalta came among us it was a shock. People vied to help him, he offered a new distraction and his connection to Amber a new way to hurt them. But through it all, he and I became friends. So when a series of failures made Tonacat turns against him...I had to watch while he was tortured. Sacrificed a thousand times.. Our Adask population thought him a god. And Tonacat tortured their god..When he escaped and fled to Zilla he sought many oracles among the Fane. Finally he thought this one might offer a better idea..It seemed like a good idea at the time.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oracles cannot be trusted. Nor Seers, Readings, Divination Spells and the like... they are only presenting one possibility of many, and there are too many variables even in the best of situations for any of them to be reliably accurate. Though I have benefited from accurate foretellings of one or more of them in the past, I have also suffered from inaccurate and totally false predictions more frequently."
Realmer puffs his pipe and bets high again, regardless of his cards. His face looks the slightest bit sad and his tone is a bit softer when he speaks.
"My father made his own decisions and made his own mistakes and it sounds like he paid for some of them on that altar, but I cannot pity him... he made his choices. But I can pity any man who had to go through what he did on that altar."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin-"I was nearly sacrificed due to a vision from this place. I'm not sure what faith i would put in it either."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Martin, recalling his story. "And look at what almost happened then. I will also like to add the high likelihood of potentially dangerous decisions and outcomes to my list of dislikes of Oracles and such. I've seen more than more man die following the advise of a Seer or Reading, blinding believing in it right up to the end."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla-"I don't put much faith in them either. We have entrails readers aplenty and its incredible what visions they get from dying people. sometimes it does not matter if the augury is inaccurate, it gives a glimpse of how to proceed. Sometimes that's enough. The pity is that Quez and Hagalta and I have found three ways to stop the war with Amber and none of them are clean"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben looks up suddenly with interest, raising a Spock like eyebrow.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"When dealing with Iron Fisted Rulers, it rarely is. Perhaps we can offer a fourth option. We can only know once my father returns and we go to Amber."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks in the same direction as Benedict.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla frowns and leans back smoking his cigar, tossing his cards in like he may be done.
"I have decided that I shall pass a visit to Amber. Mandalay has diplomatic relations with Amber and Azcala and let Random know i would like to meet him and that Mandalay might be safest. Hagalta will come down eventually and I think I'll leave him in your care, Sir. If i were to go to Amber and tell the king there 3 ways to destroy Azcala as a threat It would be rank treason and the magics at home would say so. But here, its just talk over cards. "
He picks up the deck and shuffles out three cards.
Tapping the jack. "The blood of Tonacat does not mar the primal sigil of Azcala. We know because he tried to redraw the universe. It zorched him solidly. Find who created it and how, with what, and find the blood to erase the sigil. The shadows won't boil away any more then they did when Oberon repaired the pattern. Azcala is just one section of a set of infinity and it just happens to have an inscription. Erase the inscription and they all just become shadows..


*'''Michael James Watson'''
He taps the queen. "Many magics are based on True Names. Tonacat's magic, his connection to deep powers of Azcala, the Abyss, and Chaos are locked to his True name, Everything he has built, created, and enlarged using that power is linked to his true name. Find that name and use it, and much of the might of Azcala will be destroyed including he and all his progeny, since we all bear powers linked to him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He taps the king. "Tonacat offended Swayvil somehow. It was enough for him to capture him and bind him to a prison Way in the depths of the stuff of Chaos, and bind the Jaguar with him. It sealed Azcala so a rat's flea couldn't escape and it stayed that way for two thousand years in Amber time. Convince Swayvil to conquer Azcala and imprison Tonacat again.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He produces a last card and lays it out.
"And lastly this is where Quez and I disagree. He thinks the texture, tenor, and emotion of Azcala would change, even if Tonacat remained in power, if the Puma, the Jaguar, and the Eagle, Primals all, were slain. Let their essence move away from Azcala he says. I think that would do more harm then good but I was, and am a Eagle Cultist, and Quez never was"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, thank you for all you have shared with us today, you have given us a lot to think on. It and you shall be remembered. Tis a shame you won't be coming to Amber, Xozla, I was just getting to like you. I had interesting places for you to visit and fun activities planned. Guess it will have to wait until another time. I will certainly give your regards to King Random."
Realmer stands and bows to Xozla, but does not take his eyes off of him when he does.
"I may regret this later, and the Lord Marshall and the King may berate me for it, but..." Realmer extends his hand to Xozla, "Well met and safe travels. I'll give my Father your regards."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xozla grasps the hand, 'Well Met by moonlight and madness. The next time we meet, if its on the field of war, i won't hesitate to slay you. I would expect no less from you. "
he steps back to go.
Ben coughs and stands. Tapping his chest he extend his left hand to shake and offers a trio of cigars with his right. Xozla is startled then turns, Produces a trio of fin Azcalan cinnamon tequila infused cigars and trades them with the right hand and shakes with the left.
"Well Met, War God"
Ben nods, "call me Ben"
Xozla nods, "Ben", turns and walks into shadow the veils being easy to travel among this close to Chaos.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“When this is all sorted out, if Xozla ends up on the other side of the battle lines, I have some dark plans for that little man. And Benedict, I know you do not approve, but those plans do include some dark necromantic magics. This kitten, as he proclaims me, has deadly claws and one little nick is sure to give him an incurable case of cat scratch fever that will make him beg for death to be released from it.”
One might expect Realmer's outward presence, and even his Psychic Emanations to radiate venomous hatred, but instead he radiates a calm that is down right creepy.


====<big>Previously on, ''The Azcalans of L.A.''</big>====


Traffic on the overpass was stalled as usual. LA traffic could be challenging at the best of times. The Plymouth Barracuda's great engine idled lowly, angry that it had no running room. Its driver reclined at ease, letting his cigarillo burn and scent the air with tobacco and other herbs. Beside him on all sides the commuters sealed their econoboxes tightly and blasted air conditioning to fight off the blistering heat. He basked with the window open, he liked the sun. So does the tiny cat sitting beside him. 

A tingling sensation tickled at his mind, bringing him to immediate attention. He had not felt the touch of a trump in centuries. Seeking down the paths of the contact he felt the tender touch at the other end. Opening his mind the image of a raven haired woman with crystal blue eyes fills his vision.

"Sister. How wonderful to see your face after all these years. To what do I owe the privilege? Have you taken up the knife again?"

"In truth it occurred to me when I thought of seeing you, but you needed to know." She sips a tall glass of clear liquid, relishing it. 

"What's happened?" tossing his cigarillo out the window, coming to full alertness.

"Tonacat has ripped hearts on the Alter of the Serpent of Chaos at the Fane of Zilla. The Cats are loose. The Bird has landed at Cabra. Tona has the Key"

"Well, Fuck...Zictalas and Zentalas? " he growls.

"They have gone to retrieve Toci. They will answer Tonacat's call when he makes it"

"And our kids? "

"Aztalios is with me, Husband. Untara? No clue. " She finishes her drink. "Will you answer the call?"

"Cihal, you know I like a good fight, but this is all such ancient history. We barely avoided getting sucked into the Patternfall fiasco because the realm was sealed and Tonacat was in Chaos. I like it here. I see no reason to pick a fight with Amber's new king just because Oberon and Swayvil couldn't get along. "

"Xozla...You know its more then that.. Its our home. We can go back..Please.."

Frowning, looking out from the Sepulveda Overpass to the 405.

"Ah hell...When could I deny you anything?. I'll come. For you, Cihal, for you. Not for them..They may rue inviting me. Quez and I always got along. " He closes his mind to forestall the argument that would have followed.

"Well Cholla, it seems Zictla awaits us after all.. Pity. Terrible place, but my love will be there and she will soon forget that she hates me. If she will be there, so shall we"

The cat looks up, nearly grins, and makes a neigh of approval that a horse would approve of as well. It dreams of being a horse again.

====<big>The Oracle of Night and Hagalta</big>====


*Act 4
*Under black clouds partially covering a purple sky, a Son awaits his Father, a New King broods, a Crown Prince sits and a War God watches over them all; each is pondering the past and planning the future.  
Realmer looks around a bit, then begins speaking quietly to Benedict, "Odd timing. Xozla bringing up the Rockguard... ... ... I know something." Realmer just stares past Benedict into the distance with an intense look of knowing in his eyes and his tone. "Problem is... Jurt and Nina know too. Actually it was Jurt who told me, but only because Nina found out. Do you or King Random have anyone actively seeking it for Amber?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben and Vane look at each other.
Vance-"Yes. Macsen, Dalt's son is seeking it on Random's order. He has the Red gale blade Wayfinder. It seeks out the owner''s desire but takes them in risky paths. We have certain suspicions. Why?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I don't know where it is, but I do know who has it... what has it. A Squirrel."
Realmer retells Jurt's narrative about how he, Jurt, acquired this information. "He only told me because Nina found out... I think because of her tie to a Primal Creature as well; the Phoenix."
Realmer looks at the faces of the men gathered around the poker table and says, "I know the tale is true because of a Lie Detecting Magic that was in effect when he told me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben considers the information.
Vance-"So Jurt has a primal beast companion? That explains a lot to be sure. The blade is on a primal beast. That explains why Macsen seems to get close then have to change directions. He has been dowsering his way across shadow up and down the Jeweled Road for a couple years now."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hopefully the information will be helpful in his quest. I was tempted to seek it myself, but I already have so much to do; arranging a meet and greet for the King, a meeting with Julian and Nina to invite them to Council, a walk on the Pattern, a deal and Ritual with a Trio of Dufiro, unlock my Fey Powers.... I'm swamped."
Realmer taps out his Bone Pipe and it returns to its Bone Staff form.
"And speaking of having things to do, where is my Father? How long does it take to have a Vision? Or is it the walk back?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance, "There are tales of supplicants sitting the seat then committing suicide. Was he despondent the last time you saw him? Sadly, despair is one of the reasons people seek oracles.
Some people never come down til they are dragged. Some sit there till they perish"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I would say so, Vance. He certainly wasn't his normal rage filled self. Perhaps I... or we, should go up there after him. Is that permitted? Would there be any dangers in doing so?
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance-"Well, madness, rage filled violence, catatonia.. So...no danger to me whatsoever. I am staying here. You however...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Let's give him just a little more time, then I will go up after him. Benedict, I would like you to accompany me if I have to go; you've been here before and I have not. And I know he could beat me in a sword fight or fisticuffs easily... even in a weakened condition. Psychically however, I am sure I have the advantage. Another quarter hour then we go."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben, "No. I won't set foot on that stair except at the order of the King"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer glances at Martin and says, "I presume you also have a reason for not wanting to go up there?" He sighs and does not wait for a reply. "If I must go it alone then so be it... I always have Bob."
The Beholder floats down to eye level with the group then says in a slow deep voice, "I'm not going up there either: I'm with these guys. This place creeps me out."
"Bob." Long pause. "This is not the time to vex me. I know what I'm getting in for and I'm willing to accept the consequences. And you ARE going with me."
"Of course I am, Master. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Realmer pulls out the Yellow Mandalay Stone and uses it as a Meditation Focus. He clears his mind. He sets his Psychic defenses. He strengthens his resolve. When 20 minutes have passed, he will put the Stone with the others and head for the Stairs without a word. Assuming Hagalta has not arrived by then.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
AS you start up Martin steps up beside and starts climbing with you. Ben-"Martin! Get back here now!"
Martin turns, looks at Ben, "sorry Sir, you do not have the authority to order me anywhere. I'm just going up a bit"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ascending the stair is suddenly like walking between world, a footstep a new world. fractions and glimpses of places and peoples
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sharp lights flash occasionally in different colors.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
If you focus on a point as you climb it becomes more real but its a sense of not the present bu the past.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Much like walking the Pattern and Shifting Shadow at the same time, Realmer thinks. He sets his mind and continues, determined to retrieve his Father.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Climbing higher gives a sense of the unreal, a feel of vast age of the uncountable eons of chaos. of the endless places of infinity.  Time passes.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching a slab of broken arches between pillars. a space a dozen yards across and several hundred wide. One stone seat rests in the middle.. Hagalta stands silently beside it
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Father. It is me. It was me. I did hear you. I was there with you. I have come for you. Please, come with me, Father; there is much we must discuss."
Realmer's tone is that of a concerned Son. Though his Mind specifically chose that tone and way of speaking to his father.... the other part of him, his Heart, is sincere with the words spoken and tones used. Somewhere, within the Vampire of the Depths, there is feeling for his Father.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Hagalta stands... "I'm lost.. Id rather face the axe then cause all saw. Folly. Its all folly..."
Looking down. Looking at Martin uncomprehendingly then back at Realmer
"Your mother is safe?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Father, my Mother is safe. Come with me Father. Let me help you find your way."
Realmer extends his left hand, slowly, towards his Father. He is prepared to incapacitate Hagalta with a Stone Binding if needed... but he would prefer a softer way.
"Please Father... I heard your call and felt your despair. Let me help ease your mind. I am ready to listen, Father; without judgment."
Realmer leaves his hand extended towards Hagalta... his Father, waiting for him to take his hand.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He shakes his head... 'I need sleep. sleep of the dead. My Clan...must know what I've seen. I feel your intent..You think me weak...I am not. I am mighty and woe is mine to wield..But I shan't... The help i need is sleep. I can feel the tendrils of Entropy scratching at the door. A mindless beast of destruction. And the door has been opened. Oberon came out. Old Ones of Chaos went in. I'm a son of Dworkin..and i have seen in his mind.. Sleep... Sleep of the dead. Can you give that to me?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
'Yes, Father, if you will let me. Lower your defenses and let me give you what you desire. I don't think you weak; only tired and in need of rest. Let me give it to you."
Realmer shifts his focus from the Stone Binding Spell hanging on his Sigil of the Spiral of the Four Winds to the Sleep (Quell) Spell hanging on his Sigil of the Pattern. Considering his Father's desire to sleep, the Spell will work better than normal and he will be less likely wake from environmental effects; sounds, smells, movement, etc.
Even though a Stone Binding Spell would keep him better under control, Realmer knows it would not feel like sleep to his Father once the Spell was Dispelled. Realmer knows the need for 'the sleep of the dead' and would not deny any man that luxury... that need.
Realmer moves in close, looking into his Father's eyes, now moving his hand closer to Hagalta's hand, still moving slowly, carefully. Once strong eye contact, or physical contact, is made, Realmer will say, with a STRONG Psychic push:
"Sleep deeply, Father. Wake not; I will make sure you are safe."
Then he will release the Sleep (Quell) Spell with the intended target being Hagalta.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Amber.....Take me to Amber. Don't lose my heart glass. "
He slumps, Martin bracing him from falling.
"What think you? Take him to Amber from here? We could take him to the Castle trump. Or Vulsar.. That card brings him to a med tech group. They could put him in stasis. Or... call Arlo. he can put anyone into a cell in the dungeons. They are magically protected from a prisoner harming themselves or others. He could put him right into Brand's cell."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Call Arlo; now. Quickest and safest; for everyone involved. We can consider medical needs and different accommodations later."
Realmer searches Hagalta for his Heart Stone... surely the red crystal he showed him at the Fane of Zilla. Once found, Realmer will put it it the 'safe pocket' within his Robes/Garb.
Realmer rests his hand on his Father's brow and implants a Psychic Imperative/Hypnotic Suggestion: "Sleep deeply and soundly, Father. You are safe. When you wake, you will feel refreshed; as though you have slept a thousand days and nights."
Realmer looks to Martin. "Do it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When you pick up the glass heart you get a sudden and overwhelming flash of a series of instances from Hagalta's life all overshadowed by repeated sacrifices on different alters on top of pyramids with various sizes of watching crowds. A pain where the knives cut and a view of him watching his beating heart put on a fire to cook over and over.
When the moment passes you see Martin with and Open Trump. Arlo stands straddling the portal reaching toward Hagalta and Martin starts moving him. Random, Brand, and Flora stand behind him. Arlo grasps an arm and Hagalta spins teleportally and vanishes.
Arlo-"Done. He is in Brand's room and the pattern is holding him asleep. Are you both coming across?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer shakes his head to Arlo.
"Go ahead, Martin. I will get Benedict and Vance. Plus... I need a little time to myself. Oh, and thank you; for standing with me when no one else would. It is appreciated and will be remembered." Realmer moves his Bone Staff to his left hand and extends his right to Martin. He will shake it firmly, if he accepts.
"And if you would, wait a moment before leaving; I'd like to get a few step away from the top before being left alone... this place creeps me out.
Realmer turns and moves swiftly to the stairs and begins his descent; he only slows his pace once he is a score of step or more away from the top. He does not look back.
Once alone, he thinks of all that has happened and the choices he has made. He thinks about his Father and Mother... his Grandfather and Grandmother.... Once well down the steps, he draws out Dworkin's Trump and tries to make contact with his Grandfather. He knows it will be difficult, considering the 'distance'. He focuses his Psyche through the Mandalay Stones to boost his Psyche then stares at the image of Dworkin and attempts to make contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After shaking hands Martin watches you steps down the stair and waits. Turning to the Trump gate he passes his hand over the card, closing the gate, Arlo's foot remaining with him in Amber. Looking about Martin steps over to the Seat, inhales deeply, exhales and sits.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin answers almost immediately. "Realmer....What happened?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was ambushed by King Random. A powerful group of Random's finest and I tried to bring Hagalta to us... we caught him in the midst of a Vision at the Oracle of Night. We went there, I am there now... Hagalta is in Brand's cell beneath the Pattern. I'm not sure if I feel relieved or betrayed. Just thought you should know. I should be back in Amber shortly... relatively speaking."
Realmer leaves the contact open in case Dworkin has anything to say. Realmer's thoughts are many, but not scattered.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Random is a master of misdirection. Take your time but don't walk the whole way. I'll investigate Hagalta from afar and I'll speak with him when you get here."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"One last thing of note; I have his Heart Stone... and his missing eye. We'll talk soon."
Realmer breaks contact and puts the Trump back up the same sleeve in the same pocket as before... may need to keep it handy. Realmer walks the rest of the way down, ordering his tasks and desires in his mind before reaching bottom... so much to do. Realmer wonders if there is any of his ale left on the table... he could use a stout drink about now.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance and Ben are playing gin at the poker table when you arrive.
Ben-"Did you find him? Where's martin?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"We found him. He's in Brand's cell now, sleeping the sleep of the dead. I told Martin to go back to Amber through Arlo's Trump, I left quickly so as to not be alone up there. Is there any of my ale left?"
Realmer looks over the table and nudges the cask if it is still there.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There is. Ben collects the cards out of a sense of order.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance-'The sooner we leave the better. This has been a strange enough encounter without the scenery. Xozla was and interesting character...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer fills his cup from earlier, drinks deeply then drains the rest of the cask in the cup and repeats the process. Then he puts the cask and cups back into his pocket.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Indeed he was. Still not sure if I like him or not. Still, most likely will have to kill him one day. Best not to dwell on it. Nice armor, though. Make a nice trophy. Back to Random's Poker Game or off to Amber? King Random was in Amber for the arrival of my Father."
Realmer looks to Benedict and Vance, then back towards the stairs. "I think we should leave the table here... makes a nice addition to the place."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Even Ben chuckles.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer draws out his new Trump of Atadrexy and begins concentrating. "Atadrexy; I need to get my poodle at the very least."
Realmer waits for Vance and Benedict to make contact with him, then he steps through.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben and Vance step through and start toward the door.
Realmer feel a Trump contact
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer puts away the Trump in his hand, then attempts to identify what ever he can about the type of Trump contact to give him whatever advantage possible, then he lets the contact in cautiously.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
It feels like an Amber Trump
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
He lets it in cautiously, guard up. "Yes? Who calls?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Arloxedra.. Is Martin with you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"No. I thought he came back via the Trump to you." Realmer feels a chill up his spine and the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"No, he broke contact after you started down. We have not been able to reach him'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Bugbear Bladders! Of course something like this had to happen on my watch. I have a feeling he is still up there. Do you want to pull me through and go with me or meet me there?" Realmer asks as he reaches for his Trump Deck and immediately starts shuffling, seeking out the Oracle of Night card.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"we'll meet you there. " He breaks contact


====<big>Fortunadas, Jeremy Fairhand and Crown Prince Martin</big>====


*Act 5
*As Realmer arrives at the Trump Site for the Oracle of Night, he does not bother to wait for the others to arrive; he immediately heads for the steps at maximum speed. Realmer thinks to himself in that intense self deprecating way that he does at times.  ''~Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me! I can't believe I botched this up so badly.~''

*But Realmer is not running, he is flying; his Robe sensed his need for speed and provided it. Realmer hovers about 6 inches off the ground and appears to be standing upright and leaning forward slightly, and he is moving forward at great speeds, faster than any normal man or beast could attain.  ''~My first 'command' and I made the worst mistake possible; I left a man behind. I should have made sure he had left before I did.~''

*When he reaches the stairs, he ascends with intense focus; Realmer does not bother to pay attention anything other than the steps in front of him... and at the speed he is moving, it is probably best that he does.  ''~I should have made sure! I should have made him leave first. I could have been less concerned with my own comfort and safety. I was in command; the men come first. Maybe I do deserve a long sentence in Nasty Place.~''

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching the top in a hurried pace he sees three people. One kneeling, cradling a second. The third, standing cross armed is in fox browns with a brown cavalier hat with feathers. He has a rapier on his hip and an ornate wizards staff in his hand.
The kneeling man looks like a withered ancient wizard, a emaciated Gandalf type, long beard, magical items dangling. An unwizardly broadsword on his hip. He is doing magic around the second ma, Martin, who is unconscious in his arms.
The fox brown dressed man looks at you as you come up. He goes on guard, drawing his rapier point forward, Letting the wizard's staff drop into the wizard's hand.
Fox Fop says, "Stand and deliver... I protect all on this place from all foemen. If you be come for a fortune to be read, seek the Hepplewhaite Circus or wait your turn!"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Addressing the Fop: "I am Lord Relmopator of Amber; that man" points at Martin "is a friend... and my responsibility until he his returned safely to his Father. Others from Amber will be here soon; they're with me. Thank you for watching over him. Will you please stand aside so I may attend to my friend."  
Realmer moves past the Fop, regardless if he 'allows' it or not. If he tries to get in the way, Realmer will use the flying speed of the Robe to get him past/around/over him in order to get to Martin.  
Addressing the Ancient Wizard: "Wizened Wizard" Realmer bows his head respectfully, "What have you learned of my friend's condition?"
Realmer almost brings up the Pattern, but realizes that may not be wise up here. He uses his medical knowledge first to observe his condition, including checking his pulse and such physically. Then he will very carefully make Psychic contact, but just light enough to 'scan' Martin's Psyche passively, to check his Psychic condition/mental health.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The fox fob does not stand aside. He puts the tip in line with your solar plexus. Looking down Realmer sees pattern like engraving in his magical sense running up and down the blade though it is not the pattern of Amber. The robe seems willing to tangle the blade tip but on contact leaps back in pain, echoing a fear of its powers unraveling.
"Oh! Yes.." Moving the blade to guard, hindering your passage a moment before stepping back. " We have met, haven't we. Duke Fortunadas of Wall, Thrice Crowned Bard, and the second of CHAD. This is also my friend and my traveling companion. He summoned me when he finished sitting this abysmal construct.. . You were the one they gave the Embassy to..The one i thought looked like a fitting suitor for Lady Vonnilia...."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The wizard looks up and meets Realmer's eyes. Unbidden he slams his defenses up but fears this dark wizard may have seen much of his history before his defenses either stopped the intrusion or the wizard retracted an automatic effect.
"He is unconscious, and in what I would only call a 'Swoon'. Who knew that the Crown Prince of Amber would be so affected to have the vapors..He should awake momentarily. Fort, you called me for a child with a panic attack? I'll leave this buttercup to your tender mercies..You have the tender hand after all."
Standing he takes your measure..
"Lord Relmopator, son of Hagalta and Satura, children of Dworkin...My trip would have been an annoyance and a waste of my time and attention if it were not for meeting you.. I am Archmage Jeremy Lockpick Fairhand, an associate of CHAD if not properly a member.. Consider an invitation extended should you wish to speak of the forces at play."
he does not extend a hand and looking at his, tattooed and be-ringed, you are not sure you would have grasped it if you had.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer bows to Jeremy and says, "Archmage Fairhand; it is always to pleasure to meet a fellow Practitioner of the Arcane Arts. I gladly accept your invitation and when time permits I will surely seek you out; it is always good to share a few secrets and get the view point and opinions of fellow Practitioners."
Realmer looks to Martin, "I'll take charge of Martin from here. Thank you both for your timely arrival and action. I will be certain to mention it to King Random."
Realmer leans down over Martin. "Martin? Wake up."
Realmer does not shout but speaks just slightly louder than conversational tones.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jeremy turns as if dismissing the whole scene as beyond his interest. He walks to the seat and looks it over carefully.
'I stand corrected. Seeing this is enough to have made the trip. Such craftsmanship. Such art.. "
he produces a crystal ball a bit larger then his hand and sets it on the stone. Producing a ferret he slits its throat expertly and coats the ball with blood, blood pooling on the seat. The Ball glows with a dark purple black light.
Fort shakes his head, "Jeremy, there is a reason we don't invite you to family gatherings.. No bloodletting."
He looks up, raising the ball, looking deeply into it as the blood dries and flakes away.
"We are in Amber now. That may change, Foxmate" He steps off the edge, plummets, shifts to a black vulture and flies off toward Zilla.
Fort sighs..."One would think he came from a broken family. But not.. Not till he broke it according to his son Venki."
Sheathing his blade he kneels beside Martin with you. "Lets not be concerned about the jurisdiction of care sir. He will need us both"
Martin slowly opens his eyes.. Smiling, "At least now I know.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer helps Fort get Martin to his feet slowly and carefully.
"Now you know what, Martin?" Realmer asks, steadying him once he is on his feet.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin-"That I'll never be king......"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"That must be an incredible relief. How are you feeling? OK to walk?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin looks up, trying to stand, weak kneed.
"i..think.. I made a mistake..I thought how could I pass up the chance, left alone there.. But.. I've walked many paths... rode shadow like a wildman...I've stood at the Abyss and looked in. I've stood beside the High Lord of Chaos. I thought myself.....worldly.....wise in the ways above the waves..."
He looks at Realmer, a man he knows from a few family dinners and a few court functions, then to Fort, whom he has traveled in Shadow and stood to battle with.
"It's like Elayne is fond of saying.....I am an egg...not an omelet...I'm not a finished thing... and to become a fit Prince of Amber...I must suffer and learn....I must rule....somewhere. So.. ."
He straighten himself up, shakes off hands.
"So i need to put my experiences at nasty Place to work and conquer someplace.. Fort? I need a cadre of commanders and a bunch of drill sergeants for the Army i plan to raise in shadow. Price is no object"
Fort nods, "No problem sir! If price is no object I know just the guys."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“Well, Martin, it looks and sounds like any side effects of the Vision have worn off. Good.” Realmer's concerned and friendly tone disappears. “I need to have some words with you.”
“What in All the Hells were you thinking? I told you to go through to Arlo after you covered my back. And what did you do? You disobeyed my orders. You decided to go off on your own. You could have died... or worse. If I had but the tiniest inkling that you were going to pull something like that, I would have pushed you through the Trump Gate... and believe me... I would have found a way.”
“You might be able to pull that 'you don't have the authority' Troll Shite with Benedict, and others, for whatever reason... but not with me, not now, not ever. I DO have the authority. You volunteered to join ME on MY mission given by the King; that means _ I _ am in command and I do have the authority. Even Benedict deferred to me... mostly. I must write up a Reprimand for him and Vance.”
“You should know better, Martin. Especially since you are a Graduate of Nasty Place, you should definitely know better. I have never attended Nasty Place or had any formal military training, and I know better. A commander is responsible for the men and women under his command and will be held accountable by his or her commanding officer... or King, for anything that happens to those under his command. If anything had happened to you it would have been on my head. But more than that, it would have been on my soul.”
“After we talk to King Random about this, if I still have the Authority of a Commander and the right to issue Punishment, I will recommend a 10 year sentence in Nasty Place.... for both of us. I screwed up too; my actions allowed for an opportunity for a man to be left behind because I was more concerned with my own safety, and not yours. It won't happen again. And neither will you disobeying my orders. Until you are safely returned to the King, you are my responsibility and you will follow my orders; your raising of an army and conquest will have to wait. I do not care who you are or who your father is... when you agree to join me, you agree to follow my orders. Do you understand me, Martin?”
Realmer's ass-chewing of Martin is not shouted or even conveyed with a raised voice, but it is certainly impassioned. The is no anger in his voice; he is not speaking through gritted teeth or overemphasizing words or pausing dramatically. He seems calm and is speaking in a mostly even tone. But the question at the end of his ass-chewing is smartly directed at Martin with Realmer purposefully looking into his eyes. Realmer waits for verbal confirmation from Martin.
*'''''Michael James Watson'''
Martin chuckles, turns, and sits again
*'''Michael James Watson'''
just kidding...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
You got me!!!
*'''Michael James Watson'''
that would have been funny though!
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
 no kidding. could have taken the game in a whole new direction''
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin chuckles..
"Never been to Nasty Place? never served in a military? ..and you presume to tell me, who has literally bleed in the war for Amber, what is right and wrong in a command situation? Do you think any barking of yours is going to make me regret what I did? I've stood to battle for Amber! I stood at Patternfall and watched the Unicorn's horn touch my father and knelt among my uncles. I've stood at the side of the Queen of Rebma as a cupbearer before you were born. I was rocked to sleep in my shell by the woman who is now Amber's Queen! IF you do not like my telling you that you don't have the authority to tell me when to piss then that's your personal problem. I came here with Vance and if i was inclined to obey anyone's order it would be his. As for Benedict deferring to you, that gives me more pause to consider your tantrum then any perceived authority you may think you have. Besides, am about to have the King of Amber throw a tantrum at me. There is a story about something my father once told Doria. She was charged with high crimes and he said to her, 'Doria, I may have to kill a brother in the next few minutes. I'll worry about imprisoning a niece tomorrow. Kingship is all about setting priorities'"
He straightens his attire,
"Now..If my father orders me to a refresher course at Nasty Place i will attend. Especially if you end up there as well. If you think you have the caviar to survive it. In fact i may ask to attend again for the advanced training I've been avoiding. During every break there is a bell you may ring to opt out. I'll make sure your cot is near it. But what i saw is that it is time i begin a proper education in rulership if I am ever to be a worth Crown Prince.. Now...I have business to attend to and its as far east from here as one may go."
He withdraws his trump of the king, a direct calling card.
"Oh, once i have my army, i could uses a commander of mages. If you think you have the caviar for it. "
He disappears suddenly drawn into the card.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sighs. "I dislike not being able to rebutt... but I am getting used to it. Fortunadas. Jeremy. Again, thank you both. I am sure our paths will cross again."
Realmer bows to them then withdraws Arlo's Trump and focuses to make contact.

====<big>The Squirrel and The Pangolin at The Primal Pattern of Amber</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo- "Hello. I gather things are sorted out? Jeremy's imp was just here. I'm not wild about imps running around the castle. Bad enough to have so many cousins"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, things are sorted out. Martin just Trumped to King Random. You're in Amber? Is Random? I do need to go back to the Hunting Lodge to get Kevin, but I must report to King Random as soon as possible... once Martin is done getting his ass chewed off, I will be next in line."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo-"Come ahead now. I want to show you something"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer reaches for Arlo's hand.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He brings you through to a flat plain with an ancient tree. to onside a hill that has a large cave mouth. Above is the sea, as if the water went upwards.
Turning he sees the Pattern of Amber, more vibrant then ever. Seeming colorful but unusually so.
Realmer realizes he is seeing the Primal Pattern.
Sitting in the sent is a Squirrel. It wears a little tricorner hat and has a knife on a belt around its waist. It sits on its haunches in the dot of the center of the pattern. Arms crossed, looking stern.
"I was about to Trump Random but i didn't want to startle it when you called."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stares at the Squirrel and the 'knife' on his belt. When he speaks, it is softly but not whispered. He addresses Arlo but is still looking at the Squirrel.
"My first question should be; what are YOU doing HERE, Arlo?... but later. I think I know who... or what that Squirrel is..."
[Is the Squirrel standing ON the Pattern? Or in the spaces between the lines?]
Realmer approaches the closest edge of the Primal Pattern without touching it and Psychically 'bows' to It, the Primal Pattern.
Then Realmer looks at the Squirrel and physically bows to it. Then addresses it in a friendly and formal tone, as he would any Ambassador from another land.
"Hello. My name is Realmer. Welcome to Amber. How may I be of service to you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The animal is standing at the very end, from where one teleports.
"Well, I'm on Pattern Guard Duty at the moment. It just showed up a few moments ago. Walked right across the pattern to the center when i tried approaching it. Ah...You aren't bleeding are you by chance?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns his head to look at Arlo then looks himself over while saying, "Not that I am aware of... appears not. What have you in mind?" Then turns back to look at the Silent Squirrel.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, Cat is in the library. The Unicorn is in Arden. and sadly, the only other primal i know the location of is the Butterfly, who teases around Doria. I happen to know Cat and Squirrel are not friends. An d i can't summon the unicorn"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well... to the best of my knowledge, I can't summon any Primal either. And the only one I am aware that I know is the Pangolin..."
Realmer sighs. "That means contacting Jurt. Considering where we are, 'that decision is way above my pay grade', as Bill Roth would say. Hey Bob! You wouldn't happen to be a Primal in disguise, are you? Something Grandfather never told me?"
Realmer chuckles then stops suddenly. Realmer's head tilts to one side, he holds up a hand slowly, with his index finger extended in the 'wait a minute' gesture.
"Grandmother." Is all he says in a quiet voice as he backs away from the Primal Pattern slowly, his mind racing.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I don't think Squirrel is going anywhere, Arlo. It looks like he his waiting. I don't think we could scare him off if we tried. You call Random, I'm calling my Grandfather."
Realmer slips Dworkin's Trump from his sleeve and focuses on his Image, reaching for contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin walks out of the cave, slowly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer has a sense like he is on a Trump, but no idea why .
Dworkin-"Hmm That's a problem now... He's back. been here a few time when i was on duty. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer slips Dworkin's Trump back up his sleeve and stares at his Grandfather in silence for a moment.
"A few times. And he has never tried to communicate with you? Just sits there? Waiting and looking stern."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Has anyone else seen him? Has anyone tried Magic or other means to communicate? Has anyone tried walking the Pattern to the center to... see what he wants?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin-"First of all, magic is dicey here at best. Dangerous at worst. Constructs built here are mighty because the chances of success are so small that practitioners, mainly me, prepare extensively. secondly, Primal beasts are notoriously stern and aloof. Lastly, i never met this one till it showed up and it refused to answer polite questions. You were going to call Jurt with the Pangolin? Interesting... I sent a query to the Unicorn but there are too many people here. By two. lastly.. as much as i want the Red Sword, I'm not inclined to walk the pattern while he is out there."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Speaking of Magic and Constructs; what are the chances my Artifacts will survive if I were to walk it? I know they are not Pattern Artifacts... but they are close. Jurt and the Pangolin being here are above my pay grade. And I know I would leave if the Unicorn requires it to speak with the Squirrel, and I think Arlo would too. But if the Squirrel wanted to speak with the Unicorn, I think it would have happened already. No.... the Squirrel is waiting for something... or someone specific. It is too bad He is being so uncommunicative."
Realmer calls out to the Squirrel. "Squirrel. Can you please give us some kind of sign as to what you want?" Realmer waits a moment and watches his reactions.
"Is there someone specific you wish to speak to?" Again, wait and watch.
"Would you like someone to come out there to you?" Wait and watch.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin looks Realmer over.."If your set foot on the pattern your toys would mostly unravel. If i was to lay my protection on them they would survive. But now is not the time. "
The squirrel hears your question, salutes.
Arlo-"Call Jurt. My call."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
(Which Question did the Squirrel salute?)
Realmer pulls out his Trump of Jurt and focuses to make contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt responds, sitting in a chair next to a pool table. Noise around him.
"Realmer! How fare thee? Been to the wars, eh?"
He might be drunk.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles like a little kid and says in an excited tone:
“You're never going to believe where I'm at and what just fell in our laps.”
Realmer holds the Trump up and spins slowly, making sure Jurt sees Dworkin, then Arlo, then the Pattern behind him, then finally the Squirrel sitting in the center of the Pattern. Realmer's tone returns to normal.
“We need you and Trezziz here now; if you are both willing to come.”
Realmer extends his hand to Jurt.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt steps through the Trump and holding his hand is Untara of Azcala.
Jurt straightens, touches his head, then hers, casting a quick sobriety He dips his hand in to a pocket and brings Treziz up and out. The scaled creature looks around and seems sluggish and scared. Seeing Dworkin a change come over it and it leaps to the ground.
Jurt-"Well, damn....Look at this place.." He bows slightly to Dworkin, "Great Sire, its a pleasure to see you once again. Its been...50 years i believe. "
"Yes, and you seem to have heeded my warning well. And this is Untara.. She is the first Azcalan I have been in the presence of in 4000 years. "
Untara stares at Dworkin wild eyed and wide eyed.
The Pangolin scampers to the edge of the Pattern confidently.
Untara steps toward Dworkin. Unclasping her shoulder broach her loose party gown falls to the ground, leaving her gorgeous form bar save tattoos and scratches and bruises. Her form is comparable to a dark haired Hispanic Flora.
She kneels before Dworkin, placing her forehead to the ground, her palms flat. "Founder. I dared not believe i would ever see you. I bring the pleas of the people of Azcala to remove the ruler of the realm created with your blood. Tonacat is the creature of all nightmare. I beg he be placed with the Ancestors of Darkness and our houses reunited. I flee the wrath of the Puma and the Jaguar. I abase myself to your service."
Jurt.."Ah.. What the hell?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hey Jurt. Good to see you. I've had a helluva day. Glad you could join me for part of it. And thanks for bringing Trez..... whoa, what a body."
Realmer does not turn away, but does not stare lecherously either. "Yeah, not the first time I've heard that sentiment today about Tonacat."
Realmer turns towards the Pattern to watch the Primal Creatures. "This will be interesting."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt frowns at Untara, "reunited?...ah... Ya, shes my wife and all but... we have an arrangement. And i keep rethinking the marriage but she has made it clear that Azcalan divorce involves one of the couple bent over an alter for sacrifice. so...."
He turns to look at Trez who seems to be chittering across the pattern with squirrel.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Do you understand what they are saying?" Realmer asks Jurt.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt "As i can understand it they are saying" chiiterrechatteeryipyipchipeeeeyyaaachatterchattergruntgrunt yip....yipyip"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer playfully punches Jurt in the arm.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo-"I especially liked the Yipyip at the end"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer says to Arlo: "I think the 'chipeeeyyaaa' in the middle was inspired."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin walks up to the group-"Jurt, get her out of her or I'll toss her off into shadow and I can't say where. I don't need or want a slave girl"
Jurt, "toss her off into shadow, eh? Well, I could use the rest"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles but says in a more serious tone, "We can't really afford distractions, Jurt. If she can't behave maybe she should be elsewhere right now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo nods to Realmer "I think that part is Apache for "The Cattle are Dying"
 · 43w
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt-"You tell her. me, I'm wondering why Trez is still chattering with the Squirrel and in my spare time what he means by the Houses of Azcala and Amber reuniting. Life was so much easier when i was just a bartender"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Not my wife. You brought her. Azcala and Amber reuniting.... hmmm.... interesting. And my life was easier too when I was just an Adventurer in Shadow... but life changes and here we are."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin looks at Arlo and Realmer catching their eye.
He touches Jurt and Pangolin turns and chitters at Dworkin. Dworkin chitters back. Pangolin runs across the pattern to Squirrel. Jurt turns to Dworkin, "Iv never seen her act like that. Would you like to explain what she meant?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin shakes his head. "No. Forget. Sleep. " Jurt slumps.
Dworkin turns on Untara, who bows her head.
"Forget. Sleep"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt and Untara fade from view..
"can't have them remembering being here. Bad enough Pangolin knows.. But they are going to travel together for a bit. Back in time actually to the Far isles.. To speak to Harla. Shes running a long game from the grave by doing everything in the past..Clever girl. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Squirrel and Pangolin disappear
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, anything 'from the grave' is something the Vampire of the Depths would surely be interested in. Or is this one of those 'tell you about it later' subjects?"
Realmer looks at the Primal Pattern longingly, knowing one day he will walk it, and that day is not today. He stares into the colors of the Primal Pattern until he becomes lost within them, he opens his Psyche to the Pattern and bares his Soul.... then pulls back... regains himself and bows to the source of his Family's power.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Arlo, take Realmer with you. I'm going to take this shift and sit here and talk to my old friend."
Arlo nods-"Well, Library? You have a conversation to have with the king today, don't you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, I do and the Library is as good a place as any."


====<big>King Random's Jam Session, Hagalta's Crystal Heart and the Dungeons</big>====


*Random is in the music room, jamming with of all people, Vek.  They have a long sideboard filled with sandwich fixings and a large pitcher of gin and tonic on crushed is, limes wedges floating in it.

*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh look! My favorite cousin come home from the wars!!"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens while moving to the bar. He pours four drinks from the pitcher, not knowing if Arlo followed him in or not, then uses the ritual and incantation he recently learned from Brand to refill the pitcher.
He picks one up and silently toasts the musicians with a raised glass then has a sip and looks for a comfortable seat. Realmer has no intention of interrupting Random and Vek by speaking; when the King is ready to speak with Realmer, the King will speak with Realmer. Realmer sips and enjoys the music, wondering why he never bothered to learn a musical instrument.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"No need to tuck in too tight. The prisoners get fed pretty well downstairs i hear"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vek-"Ya, Random, I should go...."
Ran leans back. "No no. You and Arlo stay... I need witnesses"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I am well aware of the Dungeon's feeding schedule and menu selections, from having lived down there myself, Majesty. And witnesses..." Realmer sighs deeply, "yes, perhaps a good idea. I would hate for the story to be less than accurate in the days to come."
Realmer takes a big gulp of his drink before continuing.
"So... I am sure by now you have heard Martin's side of the story... and Benedict's report, at the very least, so you have all the pertinent details. So, would you like me to relate how it all happened from my point of view? Or would you like me to sit here quietly for my ass-chewing and pronouncement of punishment?"
Realmer is not being snide, or snotty, or sarcastic in any way. Nor is he being flippant or nonchalant about the matter; just matter of fact and to the point.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran-"Vek, can you do a dramatic reading of What Benedict told me earlier? You know, like you did for me when Bleys tried talking his way out of that thing..."
Vek looks unwilling, "Ah.. sure... But is it really necessary?"
Ran nods. Vek sighs
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vek shapeshifts his head to resemble Benedict.
"Well Random, I've always liked Martin and I have always thought he had a great store of reason. I can only assume he got it from Morganthe. If he thought he needed to sit the damn seat then there is not a damn thing that would stop him. You approved putting the damned card in the deck so you can't blame anyone else if someone sits it. And Remember, you ordered me to sit it and you damned well know that Martin sitting in it was part of my vision. So if you are angry at anyone, be angry at yourself. Now, can we get on to something important? I think we can flip Xozla if we.."
Ran-"that's enough, Vek...So, consider your ass chewed. I'm the friggin king of the universe and I have Benedict snapping on me like a crotchety old fighting dog every time i turn around. This Progress is going to drive him crazy. He can't decide if he is excited or terrified. I'm half tempted to line everyone up and tell them I've changed my mind.. Now...Vek...How about something like Waltz for Debbie...and Realmer...make me a hoagie. Don't skimp on the peppers and the horseradish. I've got a meeting with Julian's fae puppy at some point and I want a good buzz and bad breath for it"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
While Realmer makes a hoagie for the King exactly as he ordered it, he says to Vek; "That's a pretty good impersonation of Benedict. Has he seen it?"
Realmer chuckles and brings the hoagie to Random at his drum set and places on a small table near to him if he has returned to drumming.
"Julian's Fae Puppy?" Realmer inquires of Random.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vex starts playing the piano softly, "I'm just going to assume that's a rhetorical question"
Ran taps a bit.
"Ya, Donovan. Son of Julian and one of Titania's high Ladies. I don't remember the name. I think I've met him twice... Fae. He just got back from nasty Place and Duncan wants me to fast track him to the Rangers."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hmm, didn't know Julian had a Fae Son. Considering I am to have a meeting with Nina and Julian relatively soon, concerning what we discussed earlier, Majesty; is Donovan a subject to discuss or avoid with them?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
'Your call on that. Its a little matter. If Nina gets jealous its her own damn fault. They were separated for over 4800 years. Did she think he would be celibate? He had Duncan and Donovan... Besides, depending when you get there he might be along. Duncan wants him on the march rather then going to Fantalin..Think that's a good idea?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I attended Fantalin and benefited greatly; as did all who attended... or so I have heard. I would recommend it for everyone. But I have also heard the same of Nasty Place from those that have attended. Now I have not attended Nasty Place, but seem to be coping well despite the fact. I'm sure there are some who have not attended Fantalin and turned out acceptable without it. But if Duncan thinks him Ranger material, then Academy learning may not be the way for young Donovan; walls, books, classes, schedules, lectures.... no, not a good fit with Nature Types... usually. I'm sure he'll get along fine without attending if he intends to remain 'in the field'."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I'm thinking of forcing him on the whole progress. Make him sit with a bunch of us old farts. Ride on a starship part way. Ride in Flora's lime.. Silly cow is picking up a classic Royals Royce Limo conversion outside Diega and having her driver run it the rest of the way. Really.. a limo with Flora at Horse speeds? That's a long few days and an education in itself. After we get to the Courts he should have learned everything he needs to know. What do you think?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles broadly and laughs loudly and genuinely. When he stops laughing he says with a wicked smile and a glint in his eye:
"Majesty, I couldn't think of a better experience or better education for a young Amberite than being forced to go on a long trip with Family. Especially an Official Royal Progress."
He finishes his drink and says, "In regards to my time table, Majesty; I was hoping for a brief visit with each of my sisters then another visit with my Father; Grandfather wants to be present when I do, then a walk on the Pattern, if permitted, then a call to Nina and off to Adagalasck to talk politics. After that, the self-imposed quest I mentioned earlier. I could rearrange some of that... but the walk on the Pattern and the Quest have to be last... I might be gone for a little bit. Hopefully not long."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"In fact, Majesty, now that I think about it, I should probably take care of Matters of the Crown before personal matters. I will contact David Mather's regarding the meet up at Diega Raks for the two of you, then I will contact Nina and head to Adagalasck. I can always return to Amber for my personal matters later."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo fixes a hoagie. "We have a small problem with Hagalta. You have that glass heart? Did it have any effect on you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, I still have it. And yes, it did have an 'effect'... I saw and felt all of the pain and anguish of my Father's life; including his repeated sacrifices on Azcalan Altars. Though it was intense, I haven't had any side effects from the experience or carrying it. And that is another Matter of the Crown, at the moment." Realmer turns to Random. "Which ever matter is of most import to you, Majesty, I will deal with first."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo-"Can I see it? put it on the table here'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer withdraws it from the Vault Pocket and shows it to everyone the puts it on the table but blocks anyone from getting too close. Like, smashing distance.
"Please promise no one intends to smash it and end my Father's life. I thought we were all hoping for peaceful solutions."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo nods. Taking out a pair fancy glasses he kneels close, raises the sigil of Amber and looks through them all. Moving lenses, he studies it.
Looking to Random who walks over, He hands Arlo the Jewel of Judgment.
Arlo moves his vision into the stone with the jewel as a focus. Moments pass.
He hands the jewel back
"Its his heart alright. Crystallized.. It could be destroyed and not harm him I think. they must have regrown his heart. Impressive magic. Its a pretty wicked focus. I can't say for sure but its a good bet they can see anything happening to whoever holds it as well as accessing the memories contained.. i am almost certain i could grow a silumacrum at Vulsar then use this to implant memories, personality, the works.. The longer you hold it the more of your memories get attached to it. I have no other ideas what it might do but everything Untara told us seems true from what i can tell.
By her own admission she isn't a priest and isn't an expert of that kind of priestly or clerical-magic. she also said a High Priest could control the actions of its original owner. If Hagalta had this done to him as long ago as he said it would really explain a lot of his actions over the last few years. Adagalasck wasn't sealed very tight. I guess it really only prevented Nina and Emile from leaving. Realmer, I recommend putting it someplace safe for now.


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Any recommendations, Arlo? I have a couple of places I could keep it safely and secretly."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo looks at Random who shrugs.
Arlo frowns.."If I held onto it i could research it a bit more but frankly t scares the pee-wadding out of me. It has his memories and I think it keeps getting them. If that's the case, maybe give it back to him. He's in the Dungeon below the pattern room and he isn't going anyplace. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I'm not sure I want anybody to have this, considering what we think it could do, but mostly because we're not sure what it's intended purpose is or what my Father wants to do with it. It has a Necromantic 'feel' to it, for sure, and though I would like to investigate it further myself, I'm not sure I want to suffer any consequences of me doing so."
Realmer sighs. "Guess I'll be heading to the Dungeons very soon. Hope Grandfather is done talking to his 'old friend'. I'll call him on the way down."
Realmer picks up Hagalta's Heart Glass and puts it back where he got it from, then awaits the King's Command.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, two more things, Majesty. Did Martin happen to mention the punishments I recommended for him and myself? Or the Reprimands I suggested for Benedict and Vance? I only ask because I would like to withdraw them; considering my lack of knowledge in Military Protocols. And I am seriously considering taking the Lord Marshall's course in Nasty Place. Though I have gotten along fine without it... until now. All things considered, the training and knowledge, as well as change of mindset, could do me much benefit. And I think I found a way to fix the problem of keeping me, or anyone, out of action too long; if Benedict can control the Shadow of Nasty Place he could speed up the Time Flow so that his decade long course is no longer than a day in Amber... or even an hour. Just a thought."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random takes a bite of his hoagie, tapping the bass drum idly with a toe..a noise barely heard, a sign of a 4 pip drummer.
"Oberon created Rasak. Nasty Place is just the name given it over the century. Until i became king it was a state secret. Elites and officers who took it were conditioned to never speak of it to those who had not attended. Oberon built that lodge they run the card games at. That was always part of the classes too. Sorry you didn't get a chance to see it all. It has a whole floor of students running war simulation games. Honing strategic skills for commanders. Oberon liked a game called Tonk, mostly a time wasting game but he considered it a skill to fight off boredom with mindless games. Benedict brought in Poker. Gerard brought in Bridge. Bleys brought in Hearts and Spades. Corwin brought in a game called Diplomacy that he ran across on an earth world long before he was trapped on one. That game is the only one that we ever had a problem with. Its tense and tricky and being played at Nasty Place the players are all trained killers."
"We have tried changing the time ratio. Finndo is the best at that kind of thing and says that even if he could change it, it would require pushing a world already precariously close to Chaos a lot closer. Changes in time relations push Shadows eat or west. What complicates it is that the Course isn't taught on just that one shadow. We have about 500 of the shadows of Rasak being run by various shadows of us, Shades you understand, and our Benedict has a working arrangement with nearly all of them. Ever want to be creeper out? Try sitting in on a planning meeting with Benedict's NP Commission. with 500 Benedicts. The freaky thing is being rational and pragmatic Benedicts, they all recognize ours as the pinnacle of the Benedicts and deffer to him in a complex hierarchy that make my head hurt.. Trying to change the time of one, would mean trying to change all 500 or removing ours from close proximity to them. That by the way, is a state secret and frankly Ben doesn't need to know I told you. So, consider your ticket punched if you are inclined. Call Ben and he will get you in the next session. Take Gangdis with you. After growing young again he could probably use a refresher course in the new rituals. "
"However, i know you have a lot of things to do and I don't want to drop more on you. Go to NP, by all means, and take a year or so to do other things.. However, come New Years, I'm inclined to appoint you to the Council of Commentary for a year. It would mean staying in Amber of a year. I get to appoint 5 people, one of whom is always Dame Margot, and have a seat myself. I plan to Assign you, Margot, William Feldane, Helene du Sarn, and a surprise for the next year, Jurt Sawall. I suspect a lot of people to shit purple over my appointing a Chaosian not in fealty to Amber but as you know, he and I have an arrangement."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I hadn't realized that Nasty Place was more than one Shadow, let alone a massive network; I can see how it would be difficult to make a change as significant as altering the Time Flow. And I won't mention to anyone that I heard any of this."
"I thank you for the time to care for my personal matters, Majesty, and the offer of Appointment to the Council of Commentary." Realmer bows to the King. "And I am sure you are right about the peoples reaction to Jurt on the Council... but it will draw attention away from my Appointment." Realmer chuckles.
"But now I wonder; am I still to accompany you on the Progress? And how long before it begins? Though I have heard much, seen planning and felt the excitement and anxiousness of those in Amber, I still have not heard when it is to begin? I would like to be able to plan accordingly."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"OH, I'm sure it won't start for a month at least. Then 4 months of Amber time. If we are not involved in a red war we should have a month or so till New Years. If all goes well I suspect the New Years celebration to be well attended by royals across the universe. "
"I spoke to one of the members of the Real Estate council who tells me that purchases of real estate below the royal approval level is soaring. I've got a stack of requests for property all across the realm that are above the Royal approval line. Estates, manors, Townhouses. Industrial spaces. All n preparation for future business. I've had to approve three new Embassy compounds in the city itself. Mandalay wants to buy the old Tadala estate & forest. that's east of Jal. I received a request for an Embassy in the Castle district from Regor and they also want a estate in the woods near the base of Kolvir. and ballsiest of all is that a cadre of Chad has asked for the abandoned Temple of Cathlhu in the Temple District. Cathulu? I had no idea there even was a Temple of Cathlhu! I've lived here a thousand years an I never knew anyone worshiped him. But, apparently one of the CHAD adventurers was able to open the sealed doors. Ben tells me that he remembers it having worshipers in the 3000s but its been abandoned since then. Said Brand chased the priests out of Amber on Oberon's order."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I had read about the Cthulu Cult in Amber in one of the dusty old tomes in here, but did not know about the Temple. I figured it had been destroyed or reclaimed by the Crown. Had I known it was available, I might have asked for it myself; Cthulu Temples are always quite spacious. I think it's because of all the Tentacles."
"And I believe a month in Amber time might be just enough for me to accomplish all I wish to, including attending Nasty Place, and getting me back just in time for the Progress. Well, I have much to do. If there will be nothing else, Majesty, I will excuse myself to tend to my matters."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"So that's a yes, on the Council?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A tentative yes, Majesty. Much could happen between now and then. Plus I'd like to research the Position before officially accepting and filling it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Is that a maybe? I'll take it as a Yes, Unless I'm dead. Now, you are dismissed."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer bows to the King and exits the Library. He heads towards the stairs leading to the Dungeons. Along he way he pulls Dworkin's Trump from his sleeve and contacts his Grandfather.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Realmer...How long has it been since we last talked? I assume you are going to see Hagalta now?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Not long; perhaps half an hour. And yes, I am on my way to see Hagalta; just left the Library and headed for the stairs now, so you've got a little time before I get there. Arlo suggested I return Father's Heart Glass; if you think that's a bad idea I'd happily give it to you to be rid of it."
Realmer continues to navigate the Castles while talking to Dworkin.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump closes.
Reaching the bottom level the guard directs you to one of the deep circular stairs like the one down to Brands
Sitting on the bed is Hagalta. He seems to be sleeping in a sitting position.
A moment later Dworkin arrives


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer pulls out Hagalta's Heart Glass and presents it before Dworkin. If he takes it, so be it. If not, Hagalta will get it back.
"Grandfather. You said you wanted to speak with Hagalta and you wanted me to be here... so here we are."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin takes the heart, looks it over, sets it on the ground inside the cell.
"Ya that's dark magic alright. Azcalan. Perverted a purify spell to create that. Its connected to Hagalta and no one else should touch it. i blocked it effecting me and gave its creator a head ache but that's the best i could do. It can only be destroyed by the death of its creator. Sadly that's a Azcalan priest of some power. Possibly one of the royals."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I'm happy to be rid of it. Hope the person who made it was in the middle of something important and delicate when your headache hit." Realmer chuckles.
"So, how would you suggest we wake him? Assuming he's not already awake." Realmer says, indicating Hagalta
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We could yell at him."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"We could also pelt him with something."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer says, "Father! Wake up!" He says it loudly, but not as loud as he can.
If this does not work, Realmer will use a Power Gesture: Pain Attack on Hagalta to wake him up.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin reaches down and scratches the crystal heart and Hagalta yelps as Realmer yells
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He looks up, "Ah...Son...Father..what a trio we make...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Did you enjoy your 'sleep of the dead'? And you can have THAT back now." Realmer points to the Heart Glass on the floor inside the cell.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Nasty piece of magic, that. Who made it? And what do you intend to do with it, Father?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I assume i am in Amber.? I wanted to get it to Amber. Xolotl made it. he ripped it from my chest so many times. They were angry.. They thought i was giving them Adagalask. They let me return to rule the West Stair and wait till Adagalask was cracked. I could leave it.. But.. he made that..." pointing at the heart.
"the Adask of Azcala hate the Tona. They were turning toward me..Xolotl,tortured me for fun, to show them he could. He sacrificed thousands.. I told them i would give them Adagalask. I hoped Julian would slay them to a man, including Xolotl and Aztalios who were there..But he let them go.. When they dragged me back,...I couldn't escape.. I'm not sure why i went with them... I'm not sure of anything... so much of my memory is gone. Tortured out of me from that thing.. If its destroyed, i shall be empty. Maybe..maybe you can teach me then....to speak..to fight...a new thing...i am a warrior...a king.. I will be something new when that is destroyed and everything i know is gone. "
Looking up.."Either destroy it, so i will be a new thing, or keep me an it here.. Let them learn nothing new.. Till Xolotl is slain. The souls they take.. They feed on them like fruit from a tree. But the souls bind to things. . Gem glass knives. Shark teeth knives. sacred wood knives, Crystal knives. They hold the souls. "
He smiles.. "If they are shattered, the souls go on or they return if the bodies still exist. They did this to me. Took my heart. Healed me. Shattered the knife. The soul awoke the healed dead Hagalta. They do this to prisoners. Rebels. Rebel kings. Keep me here. Shatter all their knives."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Father; you are in Amber. And you are safe here; safe from others and safe from yourself. I know you have suffered greatly; I felt it when I held your Heart Glass. Now is the time to rest and heal from your anguishes... if you can. This is also the time for you to Atone for your actions, Father. King Random, Benedict, Arloxedra and others will surely come to visit and want to talk with you; I highly suggest you speak only truth with them and be cooperative. Tell them all you know about the Azcalan and your experiences with them. Tell them what you have told me and Grandfather. Make amends with Amber, the Crown and your Family... the WHOLE Family; your accommodations will improve, your menu will improve, you will gain some privileges and freedoms, and maybe one day you will get out of this cell. And in the meantime, I will try to find a way to free you from this Heart Glass and its Magics. It will take some time and I have other pressing matters to attend, but I will do what I can for you, Father."
"But just because I am helping you, Father, does not mean I forgive you for what you have done or trust you in any way.
Forget not, that when I first came to Adagalasck, you told me Mother was waiting at your Camp, but we both know she was sequestered within the West Stair and had been for years. You promised me safety if I left the Tourney and went to your Camp... we both know that was a lie as well. And when you drew Farslayer and stared at me through Nina's Magic Barrier, I could see the rage in your eyes and feel it in my heart. I know you were but an instant away from using the Powers of that Red Gale Blade against me... I could almost feel Farslayer's blade in my heart at that moment.... I thought sure I was going to die that day. But for some reason you did not slay me. Whether it was for the love of your son, or because you knew Mother would never forgive you for slaying me, or because you feared my Death Curse. I don't know."
"And that is why I don't trust you. You have lied to, manipulated and betrayed far too many people, especially Family. I don't know if you are truly the broken man I see before me or if this is just another scheme of yours. I don't know if you wanted to come to Amber just for your own safety or if you have some ulterior motives... like the last time you visited Amber. Your history of deceit and betrayal will make it difficult for others to believe or trust you either. The veracity of your words will be challenged often and this may make you angry, but you must not let that happen."
"Your Rage unbalances you, Father, and causes you to make snap decisions that have led to your current predicament and could lead you to even worse consequences, if you don't get it under control. Take the time to quiet your mind while you are here, and remember to keep yourself calm when dealing the others that will come to visit; their patience with your rage and outbursts will not be as great as mine and Grandfather's."
"Now, tell us about your Vision at the Oracle of Night. Speak no lies and leave nothing out; I'll know if your being less than truthful."
Realmer recalls Doria saying that since he saw part of Hagalta's Vision that the entirety of it was most likely in his mind already and that it could be retrieved... hopefully Hagalta's retelling of the Vision will bring it in full to Realmer's conscious mind, allowing him to know if Hagalta is being truthful about the Vision and if he leaves anything out.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He stands wearily. Reaches and picks up the skull looking at it,
"Alas poor Hagalta.. I knew him well"
He chuckles harshly. "I've been under the control of this thing since soon after i first walked a broken pattern. It grants shadow travel as well if you know how to manage it. You had already been born. What occurred with your mother and I is our business. Complicated. But i will tell you this. Take care getting to know your sisters.. Their tears will bind you as strongly as Azcalan necromancy."
Walking to look the cell over.."I'll want some things.. books. Food. "
"I'll answer one thing.. Farslayer.. It has a draw of its own and when the voice holding this crystal told me to throw the blade and hale you down, the sword almost asked me if I was sure? IT was enough.. The people who control these things are not perfect. I can feel this place..blocking their power. Why? "
Dworkin-"You are directly beneath the Pattern of Amber. There are 4 cells here. Brand lives in one. Yours is here. Another special guest is in the third and the fourth is empty. One of the prison staff will bring clothes and Margot will certainly bring food and drink. Your magics, such as they are, won't work here. I am monitoring how well the crystal is working and when i find the person at the other end of that string ill give him more then a headache. I'll spear his brain and splash it all over his temple."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
An image glows to the side of the chamber Its is a form appearing
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Brand seems to be standing in the cell with Hagalta
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Brand. Is that really you, or one of your Trump Tricks?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He turns and laughs, "Both. Neither. None of your business. Nothing to see here. Post No Bills. No Vacancy. Hit the Road Jack"
"Hagalta, you and I will be speaking a lot. We will explore many topics. In time the crystal you hold will have no control over you and we will destroy it together then. in the mean time.." He puts h hand on Hagalta's face and he shakes briefly.
Hagalta nods "Better.. the screaming is less. Fading.. Now...i'm just hungry."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin chucks Realmer's should smiling broadly
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you, Brand." Realmer bows to Brand then looks to Hagalta.
"You still haven't shared you Vision, Father. I'm sure everyone here would be interested in hearing it. You can eat while you talk."
Realmer pulls out his Mandalayan Dinnerware, sets each piece on the floor before him, then taps each piece to fill them all. He then slides each through the bars and says, "I'll want those back before I leave. Enjoy the meal.... while you talk."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin whispers in your ear, "You realize that isn't Brand, right? that's my...'old friend from upstairs"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer whispers back, "I suspected something, as I know Brand shouldn't be able to get in here that way. Clever deception."
Realmer returns his attention to Hagalta and 'Brand'.
"How is the food, Father? The Dinnerware hasn't attuned to my tastes yet, so you get what you get, for now. If you want more, just give them two taps; they can be used twice more today. You'll get something different each time. Unfortunately, the tea cup will not produce alcoholic beverages, so...."
Realmer pulls out a wooden cup and a red ceramic jug; he pulls the cork on the jug with a Cantrip, fills the cup half way then goes to push it through the bars... then stops. He pulls the cup back, fills it the rest of the way then passes it through, recorking the jug and putting it away in his Robes.
"Rot gut tequila; Jurt's special blend. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I do, Father."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He takes the plates, "I'll take the food, but I'll hold off on the rotgut. My mind is foggy enough. Live clean for awhile. "
The vision of Brand disappears. He starts picking at unfamiliar plate produce
"The Oracle of Night. Folly.. I should never have gone there.. But Xoxtl wanted to see what i would see. I saw war between Azcala and Amber and Regor. Regorian troops riding with Amber. I saw myself leading the Azcalan Adask in revolt. I saw the Tona fleeing into the Abyss if they are defeated and releasing the monster in the tomb. Azcala was sealed by Swayvil. Swayvil gave Tonacat the Key to unlock it. The key unlocks other things including the Tomb in the depths.. Azcala might never have made war if Xoxtl had not convinces Tonacat they could win...because of me.. Its all my fault. "
He shakes his head, looks at the skull...
Maybe the best thing would be to just smash it. Its not impervious. I've sen thousands of them broken.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin-"Tonacat has the Key?!? The Key?!!! We'll that was colossally stupid of Swayvil and it makes him not just a bystander but possibly a participant in Azcala's war on us. This will have to be cleared up before the Progress. It might change everything."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Would you like to bring that information to the King, Grandfather? I still have much to do. But the order of things has changed yet again. Such is life at Castle Amber."
Realmer does not take the wooden cup full of tequila back, he leaves it for Hagalta... he might want or need it later.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin-"I need to check some of it first but yes. Move along. I'll let Random know.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Father, I must leave you now. When I return to Amber, I will check in on you then. Grandfather; I will be in touch."
Realmer heads back up the spiral stairs and back up into the Castle proper.


====<big>David Mathers, Lewis Carroll, Pierre and Aries Colbrese at Fantalin</big>====


*While ascending the great spiral stair up to the Castle, Realmer's mind sorts through what he must and wants to do, and what order best to do them in. He decides that visiting his Sisters can wait, most likely until after he returns from Nasty Place and just before joining King Random on his Progress... assuming that still happens considering recently acquired information from Hagalta.  
Ordering his thoughts and priorities a bit more, he decides to get the quick things done first; relaying a message to David Mathers as to what to do once he and his riders reach Diega Raks. Then a messaged relay and perhaps transport assistance to Lewis Carroll regarding Fantalin. Then a call to Nina and a visit to Adagalasck to have a conference with Julian and her regarding the Council and the Pattern... and maybe the Golden Circle. After that, walk one of the Patterns and have it take me to Grandmother Verna. Nasty Place to follow upon my return to Amber. But first... ''~Bob; Trump Relay. Use your Trump Powers to contact David Mathers, then relay the contact to me. Make sure you appear to him as a White Raven, so he recognizes you.~''
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The contact seems somehow fragile.
"Relmopator. A pleasure.... We are on our way to Diega Raks and have encountered the enemy already"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"David. Glad I could reach you without a formal Trump; I'll have to make this quick. King Random has agreed to meet with you. When you arrive at Diega Raks, find the Amber Representative there and let him know who you are and that a message is to be sent to King Random letting him know of your arrival. Feel free to drop my name if you think it will help your credibility. You have also been approved to attend Fantalin, if you desire. Let me know when you wish to attend and I will gladly take you there, if I am not otherwise preoccupied."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, we had a little fight and it has given the men a first taste of shadow travel.. It also caused us to have a moral issue. Can you clarify the rules of engagement in the situation? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"What is the situation, David? I'll do my best to advise."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"well, one of the most treasured footwear in the west are lizard skin boots. Thick, durable. I've got several guys who have hunted lizard on our world, some for sale to boot makers. Most of my guys have them. especially the dress boots. Secondly, taking ears and gonads and knucklebones is a old Apache tradition and its considered a sign of utmost barbarity among us. With me so far, pardner? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I think I follow so far. Continue."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
'Well, I'd heard of a shadow off our path a bit but it was having Azcalans raiding it. At least that's what the refugees we met told us. So we went and had a look see. One of the refugees, a warrior of that world showed us where they were and we hit them hard and fast. Killed about a thousand of them. Rescued about 4000 natives..The warrior wants to stick with us so that's good. Picking up shadow travelers to flesh out ar' worldliness ya know. "
He twists a cigarette and lights it.
"Well, these Azcalan are lizard-men....So..is it ok to make boots, holsters, and other you know, leather stuff out of them? How is Amber on that kind of thing?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Amber is, as most civilized societies are, about that matter; the taking of trophies from animals and beasts is usually acceptable, but from intelligent beings, not acceptable. Tell your men to collect the feathers from the Warriors slain as trophies instead; those have more significance to the Azcalan Warriors and will show what you have done if you meet any more Azcalan along your way. Oh, and shatter all their knives, especially those of Priests. Do not keep them. It will help Amber break some of their foul ritualistic magic."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, and if you can, burn their bodies to ash. This will keep Azcalan Priests from collecting their Lifeforce Energies and lessen their Power."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh... ok. I thought so. Pity. Its good hide. Thick. Resilient. ah..we did put what wasn't...harvested...on a pyre. Knives. We do have some.. Like this one.. Flint with a hard wood handle. Only two fancy knives. Took one of them myself."


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, I see. Shatter the blades, it will lessen the Magics of the Azcalan. Keep the rest if you like. I see no harm once the magic in the blade is released. But keep one intact, for Random. Tell him I suggested giving it to Arloxedra or Grandfather; for research."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Are you meeting us at Diega Raks?
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Possibly. It depends on how long before you get there, in Amber time. I would not expect the Progress to reach there for at least a month or more, by Amber Time. If you and your men arrive there significantly before that time, the King may meet with you early. I will be busy for awhile but intent on accompanying the King on his Progress no later than when he reaches Diega Raks."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Fair enough. See you there. how do you turn this thing off?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer has Bob break contact.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
By this time Realmer has reached the ground floor of the Castle and heads for the Kitchen to grab some food; it has been awhile since he as eaten. Once there he grabs an assortment of fresh fruits, pockets most of them, then begins munching on a golden pear as he leaves the kitchen and heads for the main courtyard where the Trump Arrival Site is located... as well as lots of Elites.
"Okay Bob, one more time. Trump Relay to Lewis Carroll. And again, show yourself as the White Raven."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Lewis looks up in surprise.. Looks about in concern and backs through a door behind him, shutting it after he goes through
"Ah... Realmer! Its been awhile I thought things had fallen apart. How goes in the real worlds?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Lewis. Good to see you. Things are complicated in the Real Worlds and not much time has passed for me since I last saw you; different Time Flows. Something you will learn about at Fantalin, which is why I have contacted you now. You have been approved to attend and I will make sure all of your expenses are covered while there. Are you ready to depart... or do you need a little time to prepare? It appeared you were in a public place."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh... I'm aware of time flow differences though as a resident of New France i had little chance to experience it. Except in government offices where time seems of no to concern to the employees. Pierre, Bleys, Dashel, and of course Vincent, have all spoken of it and we discussed the difference between Everett-Wheeler concepts of multiple dimensions and the reality of them from the point of view of shadow-walkers. You say it has not been long. Can you postulate from your location how much time there will give me two hours here? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Probably no more than a few minutes here, which works for me. I'm going to send my Familiar, Bob, to you. When you are ready, tell him and he will contact me. I will be waiting at Fantalin by then. If you are worried about a White Raven on your shoulder drawing attention, just ask Bob turn Invisible or Shape Shift into something small that can hide in your pocket... or whatever you like; Bob will be accommodating. And feel free to converse with him; he is a wealth of information."
Realmer will wait for Lewis to respond before sending Bob to him. He is already shuffling through his Trump Deck in search of the one for Fantalin.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Ah.. give me that hour before sending your familiar please. I have company and should see them home before I leave. Have him come to this location then and Ill be ready"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"As you wish. I'll talk to you soon." Realmer breaks the contact.
Once Realmer finds the Trump for Fantalin, he puts the Deck away, pulls a green apple from his pocket and munches upon it while staring at the Image on the Trump Card. Once contact is made he will step through, Bob on his shoulder as a White Raven. He finishes the apple and pulls out another golden pear and munches upon it as he walks toward the Academy.
Realmer munches on several more pieces of fruit as he strolls through Fantalin remembering his time here. Once he feels he has given Lewis the appropriate amount of time... plus a little more, he says, "Bob, please go to Mr. Lewis Carroll then contact me; I'll bring you both through."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob contacts you with a little chuckle saying Lewis is ready
Opening the trump Lewis comes through. With him is another man With a short trimmed beard and glasses. Behind him are two very black men pulling rolling units with 4 steamer trunks each and strapped additional luggage. The there is a small Boy in a turban and white shift, carrying arts supplies, easel, and a paint box, a shoeshine box on his back. Next comes a short man with a goatee wheeling a pair of steamer trunks, one of which rattles suspiciously like bottles. Lewis carries a briefcase.
"Good Sir Realmer! Its a pleasure to see you! I wasn't sure what the currency in this world might be but we come prepared to barter our treasures for enrollment and lodgings. I would not wish to put you out of pocket for our maintenance. Once we learn the ways of the land I am sure we will be able to make a living."
Lastly comes a dour looking disheveled man in a tweed suit that has seen many better years. Realmer recognizes the man from his Trump as Pierre.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer tries not to look agog at the amount of trunks and servants, but he did expect something like this.... only not quite to this extent. The unexpected arrival of another Family Member, especially one as mysterious as Pierre, is a treat for Realmer.
"Welcome one and all to the City of Fantalin, in the Shadow of Thelusia. Cousin Pierre. What an unexpected pleasure. I am Lord Relmopator; son of Satura and Hagalta, Grandson of Dworkin and Verna. Please call me Realmer. Well met."
Realmer bows to Pierre then looks to Lewis and smiles.
"Lewis, my Good Man, wealth is not a problem for members of the Royal Family of Amber... and not because we are Royals; the wealth of the Universe is at our disposal. You are not putting me out of pocket and I might consider it an insult if you don't accept. Consider it a gift."
Realmer hands Lewis two pouches; one filled with Amber Gold Wings, enough to get him started if his barter turns out poorly. The other is filled with valuable gems and jewels that can be easily converted within the Golden Circle; enough to keep him and his entourage very well off for a year or more. Then he pulls a third pouch, filled with Gold Wings as well and hands it to Pierre.
"Lewis, you may leave your entourage here while we go see the Dean of the Imperial University of Thelusia; Aries Colbrese. Afterwards, I'm sure accommodations will be made for you and yours. Pierre, would you please accompany us as well?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Pierre mumbles to the short man, "Nobles oblige, that's exactly what i mean. The world is ours say the princes of all creation. We walk in the rain of treasure without worry or toil so its the least we can do to take care of the Mehums. " Pierre does not take the pouch but looks at it as if you are handing him a dead frog.
Lewis looks suddenly concerned, smiling to Realmer.. looking over his shoulder, "Pierre we talked about this.. You agreed to come with us now please don't be rude... You know they are not all like Oberon or Eric were. "
'Sorry, sir Realmer.. He's not usually so rude but he fears coming here is a challenge to our bohemian resolve. Let me introduce my comrades, This is my dear friend Sigmund and our boon companion Henri. Our servants are Carl and Caius. My valet is Dhruv. If possible I'd like to see my servants lodged with us and to attend classes as much as possible."
"As for the cost of education for 3 adults, 2 servants and my dear valet, I intend to barter this for coin of the realm."
He pulls a bag with two Mandalay Stones, red and purple.
"Bleys led me to believe i could buy a castle if not a title with these in any Golden Circle kingdom. I hope a good universal education will be covered by these. ah...Pierre will want to be lodged with us but as you gathered, he can cover his own expenses. I do apologize for his manners"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer puts the pouch he offered Pierre away and smiles.
"I am not offended by Pierre's words or views" Realmer says, addressing Lewis. "Nor do I find him rude. He was just speaking his mind, so no need to apologize for him. I understand wanting to get by in the world... any world, by ones own means. I was the same when I arrived in Amber and when I attended the University here; I wanted to pay my own way and not rely on Royal Wealth... and I did. And the wealth I offered was earned, not given to me or taken from Royal Coffers."
Realmer turns to Pierre and bows. "If I have offended you with my generosity and wealth, Pierre, I apologize. If you wish to make your own way then I wish you the best; but know my offer of help always stands."
Turning back to Lewis: "I would highly recommend that you do NOT sell or barter those Stones away for any reason. If I did not already have a complete set, I would certainly purchase them from you at a very generous price. Again, I advise, do not sell them or barter them away. Keep them; they can benefit you greatly. You can learn more about them here, at the University. They are called Mandalay Stones. How did you come by them?"
Realmer continues to lead them through the University Grounds making his way to the Dean's Office.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sigmund chuckles, "I suspect Pierre has issues with his father and the abandonment of his mother by him. Raised by as a sculler in a home of a important English Lord of the French Empire he saw a great many of the great names of this realm 80 years ago. His lord even served as Cupbearer for the Emperor for a time. He spent a great deal of time in the impoverished backside of the house where his mother was a ladies maid. Lord Oberon visited the Emperor often and once stayed at the home of Pierre's lord. That his mother allowed such liberties on herself be taken, as expected of one of her station, is a deep source of angst for Good Pierre. That Oberon tried to make recompense by seeing Pierre given passage through the pattern doe not set aside his bitterness"
Pierre, scowls, "Siggy, that is none of his business."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree. If Pierre wanted to drag the details of his painful past out in the presence of strangers, Sigmund, I am sure he would have done so. It's obvious he is capable of speaking for himself." Realmer turns to Pierre and gives him a friendly smile and a wink.
"And I am no stranger to abandonment and father issues. But I will save that conversation for another time."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
You take Lewis to registration and find that a message has been left for you to go directly to the Hall of treasures when you arrive. That the diplomatic staff has informed Aries of your coming
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
[*'''Michael James Watson''', I am assuming it was for Realmer only, not guests.]
"It seems I am anticipated and required elsewhere. Gentlemen; it was a pleasure, one and all. If I do not see you again before I leave, I wish you each the best. Good Fortunes. I am sure we will meet again."
Realmer departs and heads for the Hall of Treasures, Bob perched upon his shoulder.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The clerk says, "Actually, sir, the message said there would be two of you"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to the men before him, knowing Aries has drawings of his Visions... and though Pierre was an unexpected arrival, Realmer has a sense it is he that should accompany him.... but better to confirm a hunch than to make a fool of himself.
Realmer checks the message again for any mention of who to bring. If not, he asks of the Clerk. "Two?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The clerk shows the note, Lord Relmopator and companion
*'''Michael James Watson'''
as far as Random knows, Lewis is the companion
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer thinks to himself... what a puzzle... my intent was to bring Lewis here, so he could be the companion.... however, Pierre is of Amber Blood and Aires' Visions usually involve Amberites, so it could be him.... what to do... since Pierre was unexpected it must be Lewis.
"Lewis, if you would accompany me please."
Realmer leads Lewis to the Room of Treasures.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In time he reaches the Hall of Treasures and entering the room among the students in there various groups comes Aries and Mars
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Aires Raise the Sign of the Pattern before him brightly. Lewis drops back amazed. Mars steps up. "greetings, lord Relmopator. Welcome back. You bring us quite a prize."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Good to see you, Mars. Aries. Yes, a Broken Pattern Sorcerer of considerable talent, according to Grandfather."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Aries, "Have you looked at him under the pattern lens?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Actually, no. Perhaps it is time." Realmer also brings up the Sigil of the Pattern and looks through its Lens at Lewis Carroll.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He wear a broken pattern imprint but around him are coils of threads, millions, squirming, radiating from the imprint but also from his aura. As he looks around it seems like the threads reach out at whatever he looks at, connecting to magical sources. your perception makes you think that he would take a tenth of the time to hang a spell, perhaps much faster to cast it, and the power through might be dramatically out of proportion for the spell. He doesn't seem to know he is moving the threads but like he is somehow sensing things he cant see in this room of great magical constructs.
Aries puts his hand on your shoulder. 'Amazing, huh? He's a Madwand. We have not had one here in a couple hundred years. He's untrained...well, Bleys taught him broken pattern and a few harmless spells just to be sure. Its pretty impressive. Think of the energy throughput he could deliver in need. Thanks for getting him here"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stares with mouth agape.
"Amazing" he says breathlessly. "I could only dream of having such a gift."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Aries nods. "Dworkin tells me such a thing is a cosmic fluke. They used to exist in unfettered chaos but the forces of order sap the ability of the cosmos to genrate them anymore. I thinkn he's pulling my leg. But in 4000 years I've only seen a couple dozen or so. Most notably Finndo. Another, Pol Detson lives in Cynasure. One lives on Ang Ri. One lives in Mandalay, a human from an Urth world. Regor produced one and I suspect one is in Azcala. the Ring Master of Alamond is one. They often destroy themselves before they gain enough training. This one has been knocking around Galarus Galleries since Patternfall. Not aging..Bleys found him. We will see what we can do with him, eh?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, since he is such a treasure, I'm sure you'll be happy to accommodate his eccentricities and entourage. Also, Pierre, one of Oberon's Sons, came with Lewis to attend as well. I'd love to stay and chat, but I've still other business for the Crown to attend to."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Aries glances aside, "Pierre is here? Really? That's hilarious. He taught art here for awhile. Refused to speak to any of the Amber loyalists like myself. Ran with the dissidents; those few opposed to the Golden Circle.. Philosophy professors and drunkards mainly. This was a hundred years before Patternfall. Still, hell of a painter. I'll look after them. best of luck. By the way, should you ever want a teaching position for a few years, to relax, I'll have a spot ready for you
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"That does surprise me about Pierre, he seems the type for non-conformity and fantastic artistry. Thank you, Aries. And thank you for the offer to teach... maybe after my year on the Council of Commentary. King Random said he was appointing me to a seat after the New Year. I'll need to relax a bit after that. Good Fortunes, Aries."
Realmer heads out of the Hall and out of the University, considering Aries' offer seriously. Once is he is off campus he wanders a bit, composing his thoughts for his next call; the one to Nina......
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Aries-"Oh Random wants you on the CC? that's hilarious too. " He foes up to speak with Lewis as you leave.


====<big>An Unexpected Conversation with Conf of Shadows</big>====


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Once Realmer has ordered his thoughts and chosen the order of things, he pulls out a Trump of Tesa Resa, one of his own creation. Realmer feels it's best to get his companions informed and ready to leave Blomsia and Adagalasck before he contacts and meets with Nina and Julian.
As he stares at the Image of Tesa on the placard in his hand, he recalls the day he finished it and showed it to her. He showed her how it worked, so she would know what his incoming Trump Contact would feel like so she wouldn't be surprised when it happened in the future and so she wouldn't block his contact. At that time Tesa had asked if she would receive a Trump of him; Realmer told her not yet, but some day... that day was soon to come.
Realmer pushes his Psyche through the Trump of Tesa and attempts to make contact with her.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A face appears almost instantly. It's white like paper though not albino like, the eyes are blue in blue like you have seen in Fortunadas, Lop, and other Tosian\York \CHAD people have, though Carston does not. He has whitish blond hair. There is something about him that is slightly out of focus in a way hard to explain.
"Relmopator....we should talk about my young padawan. I've no objection to her serving you but I will not allow at this time for her to swear fealty to Amber. I have watched my Shadow grow through hardship and by her wits and skill and I will not have her become a plaything for Random any more then I would let her attach to Alexander kos Korag. I am Conf of Shadows and she is my apprentice."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Realmer does not reach Tesa and instead reaches a pale male, he arches an eyebrow in slight confusion, but then listens carefully as the man speaks.
"Conf... Well Met. Though certainly unexpected. It seems you already know who I am, but you don't know much about me. I had no intention of asking Tesa to swear Fealty to Amber or King Random; I prefer my companions to have the freedom to think, speak and take action without being hindered; which is exactly why I hired Tesa and a CHAD merc, even though I have been assigned an Elite by the Crown. But I do appreciate your concern for your Apprentice... my Apprentice... our Apprentice. I will watch over her and teach her well, be assured."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He laughs... "We have our powers, do we not? Mine is that I hear anything spoken in a blending of light and darkness. Remember I am her principle patron for reasons I only know. She is mine first. Speak my name in a shadow of light, and I will hear.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I understand that you are her Principle Patron, and I will respect that. And I ask that you respect my need of her and not pull her away in the middle of something important to me. As a courtesy between Patrons, a little advanced notice would be appreciated. Thank you for the introduction and professional courtesy. I'm sure you have your ways of getting in touch with me."
Realmer smiles and nods his head respectfully to Conf.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Feel free to mention speaking to me to Fort and Venki, they were once my proteges too. If you see Jeremy...tell him I still have the worldstone and his cat and he can kiss my ass....ah...probably best you imply it in context. He can be tense and vindictive. And petty. If I need you the you'll hear my call in shadow..”


====<big>Preparations for Rasak</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa comes in to view, "hello. How fare thee?". The transition feels strange for a trump contact. As a trump artist you are not sure what is odd for sure.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Tesa; it's Realmer. Remember, I made a Trump of you so I could contact you... I know it was awhile ago and I have not used it since... I didn't mean to startle you."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She nod, "Sure.. i know.. There are other trumps of me.. I just...ah..had a trumplike call a few moments ago and thought it might have been... ah.. so. Whats up? its been awhile since i left Adagalask..im back in Amber now though I've been toying with going to that school you went to, Fantalin. Is there something you need? I have reasonable rates."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Last I had seen you, you were in Blomsia, I thought you might still be there. As I am sure you know, I gave up my Ambassadorship there and left to attend to some matters. I'm sorry I didn't let you and the others know at the time, it was a bit sudden. Speaking of the others; Carston and Gangdis, do you know their whereabouts? I will have need of yours and Carston's services in about a month..." Realmer pauses to think a moment, "but possibly sooner for a little trip, I'll let you know. I will need Gangdis in about a month."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She nods," Can you bring me through? "
Upon arrival she tucks several strand of jewels into a bag so quickly it almost seems a if you hadn't seen it.
She chuckles. "let them figure that out. A totally sealed chamber, shut inside 4 snapped vault doors, with 40 guards and no way in or out, no ventilation system, and on a world with no history or knowledge of magic. though as I've told others, if you use magic its almost like cheating but then, thievery isn't a game. So.. Thanks for the trump assist! '
She pats herself, looking up, "though, i did leave my victory dance on my horse..got something to quench a thirst?"
"Well, Gangdis was recalled when your embassy changed. He said he was being reassigned to a combat command and you would be assigned a new Elite. Carston stayed on with Ambassador Roth till this progress business started. Now he has signed on with King Julian as a ball buster-drill instructor. Carston and Julian agree that the average soldier in Adagalasck is no where near up to snuff. Julian contracted through Carston with CHAD for a cadre of Drill Sergeants, Training Officers, and logistics staff. ya know, military guys. Also hired a 100 of what he calls specialists; adventurers mostly. Even hired a court bard with the lure of a Crowned Bard slot."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles. "Happy to help with your heist. It seems much as happened since I left Blomsia, though it has only been perhaps a week for me. Thanks for the update. I will have to see if I can get Gangdis re-reassigned... back to me. And Carston... well, I'll let him know of my plans, but if he is happier as a drill-instructor under Julian, so be it."
"I will be heading back to Adagalasck to speak with Julian and Nina soon, then back to Amber, then a personal matter I must attend, hopefully it won't take long Then I will be attending Benedict's Personal Military Course at Nasty Place. If my timing is right I should graduate just in time to leave with King Random on the Progress... which is when I will want your services; about a month from now. I'd like you to come with on the Progress; you will be working for me and you will be well compensated for your time and services."
"And since you have an interest in attending the Imperial University of Thelusia in Fantalin, now is your opportunity to look into the matter. This is the City of Fantalin and those buildings over there are the University. Tell them I sent you. But please, keep your 'side jobs' off the Campus. What you do on your time is your business, but what happens on Campus is a different matter; I have a reputation to uphold and you will want to stay in good standing while attending."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
she looks around, nodding....
"Look, you've been good to me and Id like to work with you more.. So... i hate to impose.. But, It has recently been pointed out to me by....a...ah.. friend.. associate... ah.. patron... that even with Snikura training I'm likely to get myself killed if i don't branch out and toughen up. I've heard of Benedict's training hell. Rumors, guesses, and' the people who have been there don't talk about it. think there is a chance if you brought me along that they would sign me up on the spot?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I am aware of your other Patron; we have spoken. If you wish to attend when I do I am certain I can get approval for you to attend as well. I was told to bring Gangdis with me, for a refresher course, and I was considering offering the opportunity to attend to both you and Carston, if you were interested and I could get approval."
Realmer looks thoughtful for a moment then draws out his Trump Deck and shuffles out Benedict's card. "Let's find out now, shall we."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, and your 'victory dance'..." Realmer pulls out two containers; a green glass bottle and a red ceramic jug. "Your choice, depending on your mood; Thin Whip's Tequila or my Dwarven Pale Ale... I finally perfected it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She smiles, "I've been to Thin Whip's. Ale please."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer hands her the green bottle and puts away the red jug.
"Leave one quarter in the bottle and I will show you a neat trick I just learned... from Prince Brand, no less. Enjoy."
Realmer then focuses on the Trump of Benedict and attempts to make contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Benedict answers and gives you the information on Gangdis. He says to speak to Random or Feldane for your new Elite assignment. he hems and haws on Tessa for a few moments but agrees since he usually lets family members send special followers.
he is less pleased about Carston because he knows that if one CHAD is admitted he won't be able to deny a thousand requests in time. He also says there are ever a solid 20 he wouldn't normally turn down if they came to serve Amber. but suggests talking to Random about this and let him make the call on Carston.
Random, in the diplomatic sector amid tables full of maps and lists and Progress paperwork listen to both arguments. He approves Carston though questions why a relatively low level soldier should receive recommendations from two family members. Ben says to tell Julian his request is granted. It's the first step to bringing Adagalasck into the Empire of Amber. Though the idea of Julian as a Golden Circle king makes him itch.
Random and he talk about CHAD recruits.. Fortunadas, Jake Whitetail and Kirgor, Tarooos, Vomil. Reltorious, Sir Cantor. and of course Alexandir Kos Korag and a couple dozen of his titans..
Ben-"You know having Alexandir at Rasak will be quite a thing. we have few of the great warriors gods from shadow. And..as the Primas saint of battle, he might bring that accolade to Amber."
Ran-"You want some Sainthood Jewelry, so you? Alex is going to be a nightmare for years...He has already started setting up a kingdom just outside the city. We are going to need to find a Shade to send the whole Tosian crowd to. Close enough to reinforce Amber but not so close that they are here all the time."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles broadly. "Might I suggest Ambir? It is just outside the Golden Circle, it has lots of intact empty buildings... though most will need repair. And there is nobody living there... except the ghosts... but they are pretty harmless and once you learn to ignore them they mostly go away. And according to Grandfather, without the Shade Jewel of Judgment I currently possess, it is impossible to access the one Shade Pattern in that realm. Just a thought."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben and Random look at each other thoughtfully.
Ben -"Is that Big Jim Torrio's Shade?"
Ran-"No, but it think it a close one. Jim still has his Jewel. From what I remember of the Ambir that Realmer has the stone of it was a castle and a quarter of the city, about 1500 year dead. most of the movable stuff was taken by the Moonriders.. destroyed everything including the Pattern in the dungeon and Rebma. Check with Dworkin and have Finndo take a walk and check out the magic details If there is no trouble it might be a good kingdom for Alexandir. Keep him and his people from pissing off Jopin for awhile anyway. Realmer, go take a look for structures and natives. and if the ghosts are friendly.. Shouldn't take long. Then i suspect you would be reporting to Rasak?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Actually, meeting with Julian and Nina would be next. If the next course at Rasak starts so soon, then my personal quest can wait until I graduate.... might actually be better that way for me; better prepared for the unexpected. And perhaps my Pattern walk should wait until after graduation as well."
"Would you prefer I take care of Julian and Nina first, Majesty, then investigate Ambir? My meeting with them won't take long considering the faster time flow." Ambir's Time Flow is close to Amber's."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random thinks for a moment.."Well, actually, you have been to this Ambir and I'm not sure I have. Can you make a couple trump sketches for me? I'll call a surprise drill on the Castle Elite and take the first few who how up I'll take with me. After that your pick. Nina and Julian aren't going anywhere. As for the pattern, if you decide to go to NP first then Ben will see you through the pattern afterwards. You could teleport to Adagalasck from there. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer thinks for a moment... "I'll get those Trump Sketches to you very soon. I will have one for the Castle Ruins and one for the Harbor area... those are the places I remember best. And I'll take your advice on the order of things."
Realmer Sketches out the two areas he mentioned to Random and checks them both to make sure they work. When he gives them to Random, he suggests that he mention to his son, that he (Realmer) is attending NP, if for no other reason that to see the look on his face.
Then Realmer rounds up Tesa, Trumps to the Hunting Lodge where he left Kevin and rounds him up, then goes back outside the Lodge and calls for his horse by saying "Graso". Once his horse arrives he pulls out Benedict's Trump and once contact is made he tells Ben where they are and asks where he and Tesa should report; they are both ready for training.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben passes a trump over.. "Do it soon. Bring nothing you don't need. leave your magic home. You won't be training with it and you need to learn to not depend on it."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
He leaves his horse, Graso at the stables at the Castle in Amber, asks Flora to dog sit for a few weeks, leaves all of his magical gear in his Dungeon Apartment, except the Ambir Jewel of Judgment... for security reasons it is best kept on his person... for now. Then he rounds up Tesa when she is ready and uses the Trump given to him by Benedict. All of this would have been accomplished as quickly as possible.