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

====<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.