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

====Prince Julian and Sir Gangdis in the Dungeons of Amber====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis and Julian are arguing horse breeding one day, dark in the dungeons. Julian seems to be laughing, over a tankard of strong smelling mead, and his laughter is so out of character that its is startling.. They seem like old war buddies talking over ancient lines of horse long dead..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer would be returning from the Pattern Chamber; most likely from guard duty, research or artifact creation... all are possibilities. Bob is floating a few yards in front of him and several feet above his head, somewhat in the shadows. Realmer stops and greets them both.
"Gangdis, good to see you are in high spirits today. Prince Julian, good to see you again; it is rare that we see one another, what with me roaming the dungeons and you roaming the Forest Arden. May I join you? Or would you both like to come in? I have a wonderful mead and several beers I have made myself."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian raises and eyebrow uncertainly... "Well, why not... Gangdis and I were remember old times.. He was with father for some of the battles against Weirmonneker. Were wolves and owlbear mostly. Gangdis and I stood against 100 owlbears together.. Bloody day it was.. I was still a ranger of Arden then. It wasn't yet my charge" He comes in and settles, his armor shifting to a bracer. The rumor is that if he shifts his armor he is relaxing. But he has been known to attend family dinners in armor
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis"100? Dear boy, it was 300 at least!" Julian chuckles..."It was 78, i counted. But i won't change the story if i hear you telling it at the Elite hall"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles as he gets a few bottles and sets them on the small table in front of the sitting chairs. "Please, help yourselves. Back in my adventuring days I also encountered werewolves and owlbears, but never in those numbers. But I have found that a Fireball Spell can be quite efficacious with large groups."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian-"Magic.. Its a pity it so unreliable. A minute of shadow left or right and the spell is ineffective.. In shadow, yes, but in Arden, in Amber, its a fragile weapon. A strong sword is rarely risky to rely on."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gang-"Ak. I don't go to the Elite Hall anymore.... This young Elites have no appreciation for history. I can't take them seriously.. and ... they mock me...not to my face of course... But I'm not up to thrashing the lot of them.. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I cannot disagree with you, cousin; Magic is tricky in and around Amber. But I much prefer a staff over a sword, myself. But I do understand the need for a good melee weapon. Though I may not be a great warrior such as yourselves, I do have SOME tactical sense." Realmer takes a seat in one of the empty chairs so he can see both of them easily and he pours himself some of his mead. Realmer looks to Gangdis, "Perhaps a good thrashing is exactly what those disrespectful young Elites need, followed by a good history lesson. Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
gang-"Naw.. let them twitter. They have avoided real wars and raised in rank in shadow. Shadow wars are serious enough for the participants but they are not like danger to Amber. And not all of them.. Just a few.. I'm afraid i would embarrass myself if i drew blade on them.. My time is past.. they are the future"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jul-"Gangdis, I'm half tempted to drag you out into Arden and tie your arse to a horse till you remember why you wear a Valorous band"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I would disagree with you on the point of your time being past; I feel there is still much for you to offer to Amber and me personally."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis laughs, refilling his mug" Argh! I'm sure id remember it while i hung on the underside of the beast...bouncing my head off the ground"
gang turns, "Oh is there, youngster? I've earned my rest. I earned it fighting the Wier, the moonriders, and breaking the Siege of Bunny Free. I fought the Dragons of Perdition when they attacked Thelusia. I was on post when Castle Amber was not much more then a manor house.. When you have served Amber as long as I have, a third as long as I have, you may want your rest as well"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jul-"You want rest old man, I can plop you on a beach at Nasty Place and let you lay there till you grow bored. Its not rest you need, its action"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer exchanges a glance with Julian then looks back to Gangdis. "I cannot deny that you have earned your rest, Gangdis; your service has been extraordinary. But I agree with Julian, I believe you are a man of action and I am sure this semi-retirement duty of guarding my door is boring you out of your mind. I was considering taking you with me, when I leave Amber to investigate Hagalta and find a way to free my mother... but perhaps I will have to take someone else if you crave your rest so much."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
gang-"Well, in the realms you come from do the grandmothers suck eggs? " Julian chokes briefly, suppressing a laugh.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
gang-"Ill go where you wish because i won't have it said i abandoned my charge. But your staying her suits me fine"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Gangdis, some grandmothers do 'suck eggs'." Realmer says with a smile. "And I am happy to hear you will be accompanying me on my journey, I'm sure the 'young' CHAD mercenary I hired to escort me around the city will benefit greatly from your experience and wisdom... he will also be joining me."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer glances at Julian again and takes a long drink of his mead. He wonders if teasing, baiting or gently antagonizing Gangdis is the best ploy and if he should add something more.
But then Bob the Beholder floats over, but not too close, and for only the second time ever, speaks. It addresses Gangdis, its voice is deep yet smooth, its lips curl back over its many pointed teeth as it carefully enunciates each word. "I am also happy you are coming with us. Your stories are far more interesting than Sir Carston's."
Bob's spherical body then angles downward and all of its eyes close momentarily... it would appear like a head nod of respect. Then Bob's eyes open and it floats up and away from the group; Realmer is speechless and his mouth is hanging open slightly. He recovers quickly by drinking some mead.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian-"Who is Sir Carston?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"My CHAD mercenary" Realmer replies to Julian. "And Bob is correct, Gangdis' stories are better." Realmer then nods his head in respect to Gangdis in the same fashion that Bob did.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian-"CHAD? You have Sir Gangdis of Cogswell as your assigned elite and you dare spend a bent copper wing on a damned Tosaian sellsword? What the suffering hell? " Turning on Gangdis-"What kind of man is this Carston? Does he know who he is working for? Not him, " pointing casually to you, "But for you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Ak Jules, for the love of.. I don't need to prowl the night. Were he to leave the realm id go.. As for Carston.. He is a serviceable man. A fair sword. A military man, not one of the adventurers.. He is hard, but polite enough.. Hes better able to scare off knife workers in the street then an old man like me"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, in all fairness, cousin" Realmer begins, addressing Julian, "I was informed that Gangdis was my 'door guard' not my Assigned Elite Guard. And when I hired Sir Carston Brak, I was mostly unaware of who Gangdis is and what he has accomplished. And Carston has worked out well for my forays into the City. But I will certainly want and need someone with Gangdis' experience and wisdom when I depart Amber. And as far as spending coin on him... sometimes a sellsword will be more honest than an assigned royal guard. And sometimes a sellsword can go places and learn things a royal guard might not."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian seems unconvinced but shrugs "Its you gold. So where do you plan to travel?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
(assuming this is post Arlo talk?)
"Adagalasck. According to Arlo I should go there. It relates to Hagalta and my mother, Satura."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he ponders... "Never been there..Nina is there though...Emilie too I'd assume.." he looks wistful for a moment.. "This Hagalta... I've heard of him recently but never before An Adask... Like Nina and Emilie.. hmm I hadn't realized.... I rarely have seen you in the day light.... You're of Adask stock... hmm ... "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Taking out his trumps he thumbs out Satura's picture.. nod. "Yes, i see it now.. Adask. Its curious that i hadn't heard that mentioned in reference to you or her... Her card is warm..sort of... "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We of the blood often forget our matriarchal line. My mother was... difficult.. she was Queen of Amber for a time, like many of Oberon's women.. but.. politics played poorly with her.. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
gang-"Rilga was lovely. But yes, Oberon treated her like most women, replaceable.. And for Clarissa of all people"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"My... our.. Adask heritage is a new information to me. I have always been pale and my eyes have always been different, just like my mother's and grandmother's... but I never knew we were Adask until recently, relatively speaking. And her card is warm most likely because it is being blocked because she is being held against her will by Hagalta."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks a bit angry and his face actually distorts slightly making him look somewhat more vampiric (Nosferatu) but then his face returns to normal and then he sips his mead in silence.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian.--"Well, this sounds like a personal matter and I would respect your desire to handle it on your own.. However, an Aunt being held against her will? My only aunt at that.. Should you wish my aid, trump me. '
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I thank you for your respect and discretion. And I thank you kindly for your offer of help, Julian. I may very well take you up on your offer, should the need arise. I hear your hunting pack is beyond compare, be sure to bring them with, should I call."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've heard Ad...... is locked. Do you have a method to gain access? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles slyly, "I wouldn't be planning a trip there if I didn't have a way in." After a moment he adds, "Though, without Arloxedra's help I wouldn't have a way in, so I guess he is due his credit." Realmer would have walked the Pattern, with the Stone, as soon after it was given as possible.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, I've a way in if you need it. It would cause me..... some heartache.... but its for a good cause. Should you wish it I'll oblige""
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer considers Julian's offer for a moment.
"If my method should fail, I will certainly be in contact. But for now I would rather spare you the heartache. And again, thank you for your offer of help; whether I need it or not, your willingness to help will not be forgotten."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he nods, fumbling with Satura's trump... contemplating.. Slipping the card out he removes two others.. The frames and backs show them to not be trumps of the regular deck. They look less finished, He slides them over. "Take those.. I'll want them back. If you use them, give them my regards. Tell them Caine and I are well, survived Patternfall, and bid them to come to Amber.. Oberon is gone and Random.....is a different kind of king. He might be amendable. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
You see one is Emilie and the other Nina.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Again, my greatest thanks." Realmer slips them up the same sleeve, into the same pocket, that he slipped the Trump for Adagalasck.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian rises and bids adieu, shifting his armor on. he nods to you both and steps out without preamble
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gang-'Sorry about that ..Some of them.... well. They don't have many contemporaries.. They age out.. So were you serious about traveling? I could send word to the CHAD hall, round up a few horse.. It might be bright out but the Jeweled road is safe enough"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Gangdis, I am serious about traveling; I have spent enough time in Amber, and a select few Shadows learning, researching and preparing... it's time for me to get out. I want to keep it small; me, you, Carston... you wouldn't happen to know a good Padfoot, would you? We might need someone stealthy. And yes, send word for horses and to Carston as well. I do have a couple of things to do first though; I must say goodbye to Flora, I will so miss our Sea View Garden breakfasts....."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've a thought for a Padfoot.. If you will. Ill look in on him"
"Excellent. I trust your judgment. At your discretion."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he heads off
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
For the next several minutes, Realmer unsuccessfully tries to sort through the Trump Deck and gather up some belongings for the trip ahead, finally Bob says softly, "Just call Flora." Realmer stops and finds her card instantly. "Thank you, Bob. Awful chatty of late." Realmer concentrates on the image of Flora and waits for contact....
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes? Oh.... Not who i expected.. Whats the honor for?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, sorry if I am interrupting an expected contact; I'll be brief. I will be leaving Amber for awhile, headed to Adagalasck. I will be taking Gangdis and Carston with me... and Bob and Kevin as well. I just wanted to let you know that I won't be available for breakfast with you for an undetermined amount of time." He pauses for a moment then adds, "I will miss our breakfast time together."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
'To Adagalasck? Really? Are you sure you want to take Kevin? Its a frolicsome place for a puppy without powers"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, he is a tough little nugget... but I see your point. Perhaps it would be best if I left him behind. Would you be willing to watch after him while I am away? I really hate to impose, but you are the only other person in Amber that Kevin likes."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Id be delighted too. Pass him over"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer picks him up off his favorite cushion and hands him through to Flora. "I will leave my rooms unlocked, if you need anything for him just come and get it. You do know where my rooms are, don't you?" As he asks he then hands through Kevin's favorite cushion, fave toy, fave food bowl and a bag of homemade treats from a pocket in his robes. "That should cover it for now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh i have such things.. And Kevin is not stranger to my suite. Be safe... "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Have fun on your date." Realmer says with a mischievous smile and a wink.... he knows Flora well enough by now. He breaks contact and finishes packing up some things within the many pockets of his magical robe.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer then shuffles out Random' card from the Deck... perhaps the King should know his plans.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Carly answers of course... then patches you through
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes? Something in the depths i should know?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Majesty, I will be leaving them for a while. After receiving some information from Arloxedra I have decided to visit Adagalasck to further investigate my mother's captivity, Hagalta and my family connection to the Adask. I will be taking Gangdis with me, as well as a CHAD merc and one other. I just thought you should know as I have no idea the outcome of my visit or how it might affect Amber."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, Adagalasck huh? Ya... that card is going to be in the deck but it will only deliver the holder to the border. We don't officially have embassies there so don't start a war with them. Not that i wouldn't like our chances. There are a couple of my sisters there... They have refused trump contacts effectively since Oberon chased them out of Amber. The trumps are even warm to the touch but I'm assured they still live. Strange place. Never been there myself. Oh, probably best not to mention it to Julian or Caine if you run into them. Its a sore spot. Both of them took long walks after the sisters were chased off. The betting was that they may never return. Obviously they did.. That was a long time ago.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I may have another way in, besides the Trump, Arlo gave me a stone from Adagalasck and had me walk the Pattern with it; he said it should give me access to Adagalasck... then mentioned the Jeweled Road and the blocked access." Realmer decides not to mention that Julian already knows.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"If you take the pattern, how will you get Gangdis there?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Arloxedra also mentioned that Satura's mother was Vox... but I knew my grandmother to be named Verna... he also seemed to think I was involved in something with Nina and Emilie and Hagalta in some way."
Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.
"Oh, I thought Arlo meant for me to imprint the stone then carry it with me along the Jeweled Road and it would allow me passage through the blockade."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Arlo is paranoid. But he isn't wrong. Dworkin is hush hush about it. But there is a good chance that Verna is Vox. I can't reach Vox and Dworkin is in hiding as well, the.. Well, that makes sense.. Good.. Well then.... Have fun storming the castle. Don't kill anyone we might need in the future"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“I will only kill those that try to kill me first. And sometimes paranoia can be a good thing, but he is way of course concerning me; this whole Adask and Vox connection are new to me. I will try not to cause too much trouble for the Crown and I will let you know if anything concerning Amber comes up."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he nods, "Fair enough.. Good Luck" he closes the call.