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

====<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.