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

====<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.