The Beach at Adledross West
A series of Conversations on or near the beach west in Adledross
Relmaptor, Fortunadus, Alexandir, and Raz'cri
The army moved through the hilly country in good order. A screening force of well armed cavalry units rode to either side of the main body to spring traps and ambushes. The Light infantry marched wide cross the front, able to maneuver at a moments notice. The heavy infantry marched in the center like an rock for waves to break upon. Behind the support troops, well armed, lead wagons, livestock, fresh horses, dottles, and a long string of pack mules and llamas. The drovers ride Hip Pigs as they lead the wagons. The wagons show smaller wheels then normal wagons making them work better with the agile pork. Above flies a wing of dragons and wyverns scouting the long road ahead. Among the army on the move the leaders fluidly shifted as needed to oversee their charges. Sir Carston, Commander of the March, held his place in the front of the main body of the well disciplined army. The command staff rides in the middle of blocks of heavy infantry. Vardo wagons pulled by Clydesdale horses. A pair of Reen wyverns start spiraling down to the army, an agreed on symbol for conference. Fort sends word through the Bob Network for the army to halt. Fort says to Realmer, 'Must be something big if the Reen are going to need a conference. The last area was rough but straightforward.' Realmer nods, “Maybe they see something ahead that is Reggie finally popping his head above water. Its hard to believe he has withheld his assault so far.” Fort-”He must have something big ahead” Arriving suddenly with Bob is Alex and Raz'Cri, the kzin Force Commander who has rarely been in touch with the Amber army. Fort say, “Sub Commander Alexandir, Force Commander Raz'Cri, what brings you here. We have reen circling down for a conference too.” Alex pats the kzin on the shoulder, “My friend here has news.” The kzin steps forward, “Field Marshal Relmpator, our main forces are 8 days ahead of yours at the speed your army travels. We engaged a force of ancient kzin. Afterward we entered a beach area. On the sands there we were greeted with a contingent of the Adledross leadership. We have been awarded First Position for reaching the finish first. Your army is 8 days from coming in second. The Reen main force are 30 days back at wing speed after their disastrous battle at the Air Forge. The Raskens are scattered across the continent and the Master of Ceremonies of the Adldross tells us the Raskens may not complete the course. My congratulations. I recognize yourself, Marshals Fortunadus and Alexandir, Sub Commanders Carston, Tesa, and your beholder Bob as Friends of the Ashanons Pack.' Alex laughs, “Imagine Fort, me a friend of Kzin...after all the kzin and kresh I hunted!” Raz'cri growls a laugh, “if you had a hide worth making into garments maybe I would have a human skin rug.. but alas...” Realmer sighs..”Thank you Force Commander. It has been a very long year. It will be good to be done with it.” Raz'cri, ”Do not tarry, but there is still times for your magical foes to make thier assault. We have not sen anything to suggest the efforts of the Dufirosim ahead.” Realmer agrees. “Yes, we will be on guard. Carston, let the march know to open ranks to wide order for the next several days. No sense getting slaughtered this close to the finish.” Raz bows out and he and Alex trump with their Mini Bob back to their forces. As the wyverns land fort says, “I'm willing to bet the kzin stole our Reen allies' thunder” Realmer watches them land, “No bet.”
A celebration overlooking the Sea as dusk=
The sun sets over the blue purple sea. A cliff edge with a small collection of chairs around a fire is filled with a small collection of notables. The gathering is relaxed, fire burns, drinks flow, a keg of dark beer is tapped and a case of fine wine sits nearby. Several bottles of rich bourbon sit hear the bar A dozen people sit variously about. At the water's edge is Tesa in a long white dress, far different then her usual attire. Her back is to the crowd and she looks out over the sea silently. Fortundas Enright stands by one edge of the seating group regaling the group with tales from the battle of Adledross that all know the details of. Alexandir Kos Korag sits near him, every inch the king and wargod. He looks across the gathering at Prince Benedict who sits with a glass of bourbon and a cigar, speaking to Sir Carston. A kzin reclines uncomfortably with an arm across the sofa back. Two commanders of the Amber Army sit with two force commanders of the Reen talking about the past. In the middle of it all sits Sir Relmpator, a glass in his hand, satisfied with the completion of the challenges of Adledross. A thin man sits down beside him, a glass of wine in his hand. “Well, I shall write a lovely poem for you m'lord Realmer. Your leadership was quite entertaining and fortunes were won across Adledross, my own in particular.” Realmer look at the wine with hidden disdain but sips his own drink. “I can't say who was the victor in such gambling but I would like my cut. I won't hold my breath of course.” Percy tips his glass before drinking, 'No, that wouldn't be prudent. I ill take my leave of you. It has been a fine madness dealing with you. Keep the bottle. Be warned. Those two,” gesturing to Benedict and Alexandir, “Are doomed to face each other. Though betting will be fierce and fortunes wagered, I will refrain myself. It is hard to see a clear victor. Their methods are so different. I recommend though, that you not be on the field when they choose to clash. The result will be bloody. And the tan one, Fortunadas, I am not sure I would trust him. His vine of loyalties is twisted like a hangman's rope. Beyond that, though I could make a thousand lines of poetic advice, I shall step away. A happy madness to you” Realmer rises with him and hakes his hand, “and a fine madness to you as well. Your help this year has been invaluable. I consider myself in your debt. Seek me in Amber if you feel the need.' he nods and steps away, singing, “Men of England, wherefore plough For the lords who lay ye low? Wherefore weave with toil and care The rich robes your tyrants wear? Wherefore feed and clothe and save From the cradle to the grave Those ungrateful drones who would Drain your sweat—nay, drink your blood? “ Fort looks aside at him as Percy fades away. Fort walks over, “Beware a poet who reads his own verse in public. He may have other bad habits. With the dawn we return to Rasak. We will lose those who have traveled with us. I've enough information to find the Reen in Shadow, the kzin as well. i have a good idea where our Dakotans will go and if the time ratio is ok i may find them as well. " Its been a hell of an expedition. Now that the rank of Adledross is done I should tell you that Alex is returning to his old self. Charming and ambitious. Tell Random that Rasak has not made Alex loyal to Amber. It has made him interested in the power of Amber. Never a good thing. As for myself, its been a pleasure. You have my respect and if you need my blade, you have it as well. But our paths diverge here. When rasak is done, I have other obligations.” Alex stands and walk over to put a hand on Tesa's shoulder, she looks up and leans in against him. Fort shakes his head. “Don't expect gratitude or loyalty from Alexandir. He owes allegiance to three people. Luckily, I am one. One is Tolknor, King of York. The third is his only son Caland, who is a failure in his eyes in every way. Beyond we three he recognizes only loyalty to himself. If you value Tesa, be prepared to one day face Alexandir to rescue her. Women see something different in the titan then men do. I go to sleep. Adledross is done and the Fox awaits me. See you in Rasak. After that, come see me at the Palace Commons in Amber. I want to introduce you to my friend Lop.” Fort walks off before Realmer can respond. The night falls
Dawn on the beach at Adledross West-Coffee and contemplation.
Relmopator neither seeks out nor summons any, but welcomes all that come calling. He says little, choosing to be succinct in word and sincere in sentiment. He remains near the center of the open-air sitting room on the beach, watching and listening and sipping his brandy as his thoughts drift back over the past year on Adledross and the previous years on Rasak.
He remains standing until well after all have departed the beach, then he sits down on the couch, alone with the world and his thoughts. He sets Bob on watch then lets out a sigh as he settles into the comfortable cushions; now his thoughts shift to the future; the return to Rasak, his return to Amber, the things he intended and intends to do upon return... much has happened... much has changed within Realmer. He has experienced much since leaving Amber, and has learned more than he thought he would have from attending a course for Elite Soldiers. He chuckles quietly as he realizes that now he is an Elite Soldier as well, by training, if not in title. But that is all that really counts, in his book.
He drinks to himself and watches the stars and thinks on future plans until twilight, then he stands and watches the dawn on this world of war one last time.
As dawn starts peaking over the eastern sky, but dark still reigns a thin figure comes and settles down beside you. Smoking a cigar Benedict nods as he settles. He carries two mugs and a large thermos.
"You did well, cousin. I told the Adledross not to change the command of the troops like they would have normally. I wanted to gauge you. See how Fortunadus and Alexandir took to taking orders. See how that Chad adventurer Carston managed as a leader. He was a run of the mill fighter on Tosa. He grew dramatically coming to Amber. The effect of those who stay too long in Amber.” He puts the cups down, pours coffee from the thermos. “Fort and Alexandir are already immortal but they too are effected. proximity to power for the power hungry. Fort is a facilitator, and a clever one. One does not become what he is without diverse talents and a greed for power. They come from a shadow of Amber that once had a Shade pattern of its own. They could only reach powers so far. But Random brought them to Amber and now they can gain power there. Alexandir didn't learn anything here he didn't already know except to gauge you himself. But I got to see him in action. Impressive. He's a shadow of Osric. I can smell my older brothers rank stench of arrogance. But arrogance earned. Alex is going to be trouble. For many reasons.”
He sips coffee, taps off his cigar.
"He has entered into a relationship it seems with Tesa. Interesting. You brought a strong talented street thief to Rasak. A Snikura Assassin. I can't allow that relationship to continue but I can not split it up. You must. Tesa has her own lineage problem. She is the daughter of a creature named Conf of Shadows, a Tosian but not of the crowd that became gods by the World Stone. He was the mightiest thief in shadows long before Tolknor, Fortunadus, and Alexandir began adventuring. He has always been able to come to Amber. And once, long before Patternfall he met Mirelle, Random's full sister. They shared madness together. Tesa was the result.
Early on Mirelle bound Tesa to Gangdis. For protection, its why they are so fond of each other. Conf took Tesa from Mirelle and put her in a city called Sanctuary. Miserable place, but it teaches resourcefulness. I had no idea till she was at Rasak. But somehow Alex senses it. He is not above toying with woman's affection if it means marrying into the House Bariman. Fathering a child of the blood. Of course Tesa doesn't know she is kin but I know her father does. And her father reveled in Mirelle's madness."
He starts a second cup.
“I don't men do it tomorrow. But keep an eye on her. Beware the Wargod of Tosa.'
Realmer takes the second mug after Benedict has filled it with coffee, then he pours the last of his brandy into the mug. As he is about to toss the empty bottle aside, he recalls Percy's words to 'keep the bottle', so he re-corks it with the Trump bust of Percy he carved himself, here on Adledross, then slides it inside his satchel. He sips the spiked coffee as he listens to Benedict's words.
“You are the second person this day to warn me of the relationship between Alex and Tesa, and to advise me that one day I must split them up. I was unaware that she was Family, but I am aware of who her father is; Conf and I had a conversation many years ago, by my reckoning of time, while I was residing in the Embassy on Adagalasck as Amber's Ambassador. He informed me then that she was his and that he had plans for her and that one day he would reclaim her and I was not to interfere. He also said that if I wished to speak with him that I should stand in the shadows and whisper his name and that he would hear me. I was not aware that he was her father at that time; I learned that here on Adledross after we all got our memories back and Fort and Tesa had a spat.”
Realmer takes a drink of his spiked coffee then continues.
“I like Tesa; even though I know she is only using her association with me to gain power and status. I think I will always be keeping an eye on her. And I shall be wary of Alexandir, but I know his type; I have dealt with Demigods and Minor Gods during my Adventuring Years... though this is a bit different than that, but all Gods have their weaknesses, this I have learned. And I have gauged him as well this past year. And Fortunadas too, and... well, basically everyone. After arriving on Adledross I was informed early on about some of the motivations and ambitions of some the notables under my command, so I watched and studied them as a good Commander should; learning all I could. Then I studied them as a cautious Adventurer would and as an Amberite should by reflex; wary of double deals, ulterior motives and possible ambush. I learned much from them all and from this place... mostly, to keep things hidden, never show all your cards and to expect the unexpected... or was that Random's poker games... either way. And though I may have been gauged by them as well, they did not see my full potential; this place limited that somewhat... and the fact that Reggie and his entourage never returned; I had something wicked planned for them... perhaps one day in Shadow...” He lets the thought trail off as he drinks some coffee.
“Oh, and speaking of King Random, I was advised to inform him that Alex's time on Rasak and Adledross have not made him loyal to Amber but have only created within him a greater interest in the power of Amber. And that his ambitions are still strong. And Percy has told me that one day you and Alex will face each other on the field of battle and that I should not be present when that happens. Somehow, it's as though he sees the future... or is really good at reading the signs, but whatever it is or isn't, he said he is unsure of the outcome of the battle to come between you two.”
Realmer takes a moment to gulp down the rest of his spiked coffee then refills his mug from the thermos and inhales the aroma before continuing.
“I know that King Random wants me to join him on the Jeweled Road after I leave Rasak, but as I stated before leaving Amber, I have some important personal matters to attend to before that can happen. One of them is walking the Pattern and using its power to take me where I need to go; I may be gone a long time, or not; it will depend on the Time Flow where I end up. But first I must visit with Julian and Ninaatres to inform them of their inclusion in Random's inner circle and of Adagalasck's inclusion in the Golden Circle, assuming they have not been informed of such already. I can't wait to see the look on Julian's face when he sees the Graduation Dagger on my belt.”
Realmer smiles and chuckles at the thought then drinks some coffee from his mug, savoring the flavor.
“Cousin, I find myself amused and to say that is interesting is an understatement. I have been a silent guardian of Amber for thousands of years... my brothers quibbled and vied for Oberon's affection and recognition while I, having had that in my youth, knew it was a thing to avoid. Now, its somewhat shocking... for the last 70 years or so there has been very little family strife. You spent many of those years in the dungeon of course, free from the obligation of attending a demanding king. It amuses me to think of little scrappy underfoot random as a demanding king but to the shock of everyone, including me, he has grown into a good one.'
He finishes a coffee and hangs the cup on a finger. Reaching over he takes realmer's, tossing out the dreggs, and hangs it on a finger. He raises a small sign of the pattern and has it slide over the two cups cleaning them. Realmer realizes that while Benedict must have magical skills this may be the first time he has seen them used, and in a way he is unfamiliar with.
He points a finger and a hum fill the cup a inch up with some heavily cinnamon rum smell. Potent enough to make the eyes feel it a few feet away. He pours coffee on top of it. The army colored thermos looks indistinguishable from many in shadow and used in Rasak but Realmer thinks it must be ever filling with the rich strong coffee Benedict prefers.
He notes Realmer's attention and smiles, “the Rum is Ruda's Far isle. Its made by a woman named Ruda Alabega. A pirate, well, privateer really, who served Amber's navy in her youth and who...serviced me often back in the days centuries ago. Bitch can chew glass and spit shards. One of the loves of my life. She was unofficially a privateer leading her pirate fleet against troublesome neighbors of Amber. But she became...unreliable. Took up with Bunny Free. Anyway, she makes a rum that can peal paint off a ships hull, kill barnacles, and knock out a sailor whose had a leg shorn off. It tastes like mango, coconut, banana, and fire but the taste grows on ya. Sort of like a boil. Mixes great with Far Isle coffee. There is an island with a coffee plantation on it that makes a hearty dark coffee I serve at the poker game. But not to everyone. The thermos of course is a gift of Percy's.”
Handing the coffee he sighs at his first sip.
“Its been a long time since I had a kinsman I felt I could confide in. you are not in the line of succession and neither are my siblings anymore. As for Tesa, her fate is her own. Maybe she can mange Alex. She is a skilled assassin after all. I find it interesting that Gangdis thought to bring her with you. It certainly profited her. She is the first Rasak trained Snikura assassin. The Snikura are something of Conf's. Problem solvers of his. No need to worry about her and Alex anytime soon. He rarely keeps a playmate long. He has fathered only one son in tens of thousands of couplings. There is probably a reason why but amberites aren't all that fecund either so maybe its how the pattern wants things.”
“As For Random, the progress he had planned has been scrapped. Plans change. You may or may not remember a son of Julian's, Donovan. Very young. He has been to the castle a couple times but mostly he was raised with the Rangers. His mother is a Fey Duchess named Cyrene. The Fey in Amber have sort of led lives in hiding for the most part. Not officially recognized but not oppressed either. Oberon had a problem with them in the beginning. They inhabited Amber before Oberon brought his new wife, my sister and mother Cymnea and bore Osric, Finndo, Borlak and I there. He also fathered Orsola with a Rebman queen Moins, and Elfwine with the Fea queen Titania. Cymnea was jealous in a way that ha cast shadows of jealous women across shadow ever since. So the rebmans got their own kingdom rather then just being part of the Kingdom of Amber when it started, and the Fey were forced into hiding. Hell Cymnea and Titania actually fought and it took Elfwine and Osric to pull them apart. Cyrene and I fought, she beside her sister Titania and I along side my mother. Borlak had to separate us. I was a delivering her deathstrike when Borlak tackled me. I allowed Donovan into Rasak as a partial apology when Julian requested it.”
“I mention it because Donovan walked the pattern and heeding the visions he had during the experience went to help my daughter Desri on heist in Nu Yark. She is criminally inclined. What they found, unexpectedly, was the Arden Stone. Thats power artifact of great antiquity, being a Fey power construct before the creation of Amber.”
Pulling a cigar from a sperate case, lighting it, offering one to realmer. Te sweet colorful Urala smoke is exhaled in a series of smoke rings. Seeing Benedict using the drug I another surprise.
'Its ancient history of course, and as a sorcerer you might know, that in boundless shadows there are many shadows, regions of existence, ones that the inhabitants of short lives might deem permanent but they are flimsy as the wind. A mere million years he and there and they fade away. Creatures of chaos are not bound by time, or shape, or order, or structure. The rock Kolvir was such a place. A continent, a forest, a mountain with caves. And in the land lived Fey races. Their leaders were a collection of great fey, elven, nature oriented,
Its a function of shadow It was in the shadow Dworkin forged the primal pattern and was pushed to the first shadow where Fey, including Titania and Cyrene came in to being and were linked to it. As long as they had the stone they were a power.
