I stared at the man seated nearby. "So...you did know. I had wondered if Fiona had kept you in the dark as well." My voice trailed off as my head and eyes surveyed the room. "You have me at a disadvantage, you know my name...but your honorifics, address, and references are unknown to me."

The man smiled, "Of course. Forgive my manners please." He rose and made a polite half-bow. "I am Count Anthony Sawall, of House Sawall of the Courts of Chaos."

I slipped into court protocol with a sense of relief. The nuances and formalities of correct behavior provided a sense of identity in a otherwise bizarre situation. I returned the bow with a slightly deeper one of my own. "Prince Flavel of-" A wicked thought occured to me and I almost said House Barimen, "the kingdom of Amber."

Straightening I added, "The error was was mine, your excellency, for having intruded unannounced and univited."

Anthony smiled, "No error. Just a very pleasant surprise. Would you like some wine?" He moved to a sideboard set with some glasses and a deep red wine.

"Please, a glass of wine would be fine just now."

A dozen questions crowded my thoughts as I watched this Count pour the

richly colored vintage. I held my questions at bay. The primary query was addressed. Additional answers would either surface or remain hidden...for now. There was little doubt this was my father. Brown hair with a streak of white, the semblance of bone structure, and most discriptive of all, the poise and manner of this individual reminds me of...myself.

Beginnings were such delicate times. A single misstep and what was

hidden could remain forever lost. I wondered if my actions were truly the product of an overdue gambit or merely rash rebellion.

I dwelt on these introspective intangibles and mused silently. One thing was certain, the venture was bold, and trump calls would not be taken for some time to come. No need to be called back to Amber so soon after arriving in this strangely familiar place.

Anthony handed a glass of the deep red wine to me. As he did so, I noticed a silver glyph on the palm of my father's left hand.

Refilling his own glass, Anthony said "Please be seated. Would you like something to eat as well?"

"No thank you. I appreciate the offer though." my stomach silently voiced a different opinion but the distraction of eating could wait. I reflected that it must be breakfast time in Castle Amber.

Briefly I wondered as to what the hour was here. Taking the offered seat, I ventured a sip of the heady beverage.

Nodding I said, "Very good. Different from Bayle's."

Anthony smiled slightly and replied, "Ah yes, Bayle's Vineyards. One

advantage to the Courts is that we do have a much wider selection of

vintages."

Anthony fell quiet. The silence descended on us but before it became oppresive he said, "You most likely have many questions, Flavel. Feel free to voice them."

Questions Indeed. I should have brought a questionaire. "I dare say I do. I find that I was kept unaware of many things. I had my suspicions of course. You listen long enough to half finished sentences and things begin to add up. I feel like somebody lit a flashbulb in a darkened supermarket. Glimpsing many things and understanding little." I gazed at the glyph tattoo'd on the palm of my left hand. "What is your relationship with Fiona?"

Anthony smiled a little, "A simple enough answer. Fiona is my wife and

has been for a number of centuries." The Count then rang for a servant, "I was about to have a late lunch. Would you care to join me as we discuss matters?"

"I find the idea of lunch most agreeable. Please lead on."

/Does he normally dine at this hour or is he picking up cues from me? If it's the latter he's definitely on par with Fiona./

I arched an eyebrow at my own supposition.

/He'd have to be. Who else would she have as a husband?/

The Count led me outside to a terrace. From here, I could gain an impression of Sawallways. They appeared to be at once both elegant and unexpected in its effect. In style, like a French Chateau, beautiful, welcoming set in a lightly wooded estate merging into formal rose gardens nearer the buildings. A person could relax in its seeming calm, then a tree rose and walked a short distance to present a more ideal image. It appeared that image, and illusion was very much a tool here. Nothing was quite as it seemed in this house. Obviously a place where invention was considered an artform in itself.

Above us, I watched a four coloured sky slowly revolved around a central point. It was divided into four quarters, red, white, blue and purple. Currently the white quarter was above us.

A table on the terrace was elegantly set for two, the setting both

beautiful and precise at the same time.

Anthony smiled, "I thought we would take lunch on the terrace. It is most pleasant during late Whitesky."

As we walked to the terrace, my head was drawn right and left and then upwards taking in the bizarre sky. So many unusual things commanded my attention. Realizing I was acting like a gawking tourist, I tried to stay focused on my father.

"If Amber is hyper-real, this place is...er, hyper-surreal comes to mind."

Anthony smiled, "A very good description. Some places are very akin to

some works by Dali. After lunch, perhaps a short walk may be in order." Indicating the sky, he added, "This is how we measure time. Redsky being equivalent to morning, Whitesky to afternoon, Bluesky to evening and Purplesky to night."

Seating myself at the table, I said, "I can see where this place would be disconcerting to individuals unfamiliar with such an environment." My thoughts grew sober as I asked, "Why was it you never..." words failed me momentarily as I searched for a correct way to phrase my feelings. As I did so I recalled the pattern lent memory of my parents arguing. "You argued with her but it made no difference. Did it?"

Anthony shook his head. "No, it didn't make a difference. As much as I love her, Fiona can be incredibly stubborn at times. It would appear that she did a good job in raising you though."

"Love?" I echoed stupidly, for all my conjectured fantasies, this was

not a factor I had considered.

/Three times trust, and now I hear of love?/

In my agitation, my grammer shaded towards Latin though I remained speaking in Thari. "Mayhap, I'd better success jousting with the Unicorn then understanding this." I shook my head at the concept, "So your Marriage was based on love but then she decided to raise me herself without the patriach's influence? You must see how this excites my puzzlement. Pray tell enlighten me father."

Anthony was quiet for a moment then replied, "The situation between the

Courts and Amber has not always been amicable, especially here in the

Courts. By raising you away from both, you were raised without

prejudice from either. I did not like it, but I saw her point."

I nodded, and took a moment to collect myself. Calmly I said, "That makes sense. I can certainly see the need for discretion in such a star-crossed relationship. Was there a reason you were unable to visit? I had seen Fiona from time to time as I was raised in House Abastillas, but I don't recall ever seeing you as I grew of age. Later I was invited to the kingdom of Amber for a time, and after that I pretty much dwelt in Shadow. I find it strange you never looked me up. Was this a case of parents taking turns visiting every 200 years or has attitudes in the Courts worsened even more?"

Anthony smiled "Star-crossed? No. There have been a number of liasons

between those of Amber and Chaos, though only two other marriages

that I know of."

His smile widened, "And who says I didn't visit?"

I looked at Anthony. Really looked. Studying his stance, nuances

within expressions, subtleties of gesture, poise and bearing. That

damn slight half-smile half familiar from...from-.

Another thought side swiped my thought process as I stared at the Count. /Anthony. Italian name. Anthony - Inestimable; from the name

of a Roman clan. Hell there is no translation for Anthony, it is Latin!/

My eyes grew wide with shock as I realized who he reminded me of, who he really was. Was it possible?

Anthony smiled, "My shadow. My people. Do you remember your politics

tutor?" A servant approached and set out an exquisite chicken dish,

fragrant and delicious looking, before discretely retreating.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I recalled an instructor whose very presence was guaranteed to infuriate me. All answers had to be defended. Never a clear right or wrong answer, and every answer raised another issue. Discussions often turned into heated arguments and every time I lost control there was that damn half-smile. Lose control, lose the argument. Think clearly, and the best I could hope for was a stalemate and a major headache from juggling a dozen competing issues in a dreamworld of possibilities.

The tutoring was a cross between current affairs, critical thinking, and the science of socio-psychological cause and affect. I could still hear the premise questions. "Under what conditions do you think it is advantageous to character assassinate a political rival? Detail the possible moral, political, and economic ramifications in general terms to both yourself and the political body you represent. As an instrument of statecraft do you think this is something that should be exercised often or not at all?"

Discussions that were initiated in the most general of terms would soon evolve into an argument over how many angels could dance on the head of a pin and it wasn't often I got the numbers right. There was always something unforseen, another factor I'd missed.

I had once attempted to get Fiona to do away with that course but she refused saying the subject was critical to my education. It was only much later in the halls of Amber castle that I realized the truth of that instructor's words...

I finally managed to croak, "The chicken smells delicious. It is chicken?"

Anthony nodded "It is indeed." He smiled, "I hear you graduated with

honours."

Mentally rebounding I replied, "I'm still alive."

Anthony smiled, "Far more than that. Your mother and I are very proud of you. Fiona may not say it, but she is." He looked at me "You got here by Pattern, I presume?"

I nodded, "I didn't have a trump of you handy, and didn't feel like walking into the Courts and randomly knocking on doors. I hear house Hendrake doesn't care much for Amberites."

Anthony was quiet for a few moments "Not since the breakdown of one of

the Amber/Chaos marriages, no." He pulled out a Trump of himself and

handed it to me. "This may be more convenient."

"Thanks," I slipped his trump into my case, and withdrew one of my own cards and handed it to him. "How IS Brand getting along down here anyway?"

Anthony replied quietly, "He is responsible for the anti-Amber sentiment within Hendrake."

I half nodded to myself, "Twas what I feared, and I, of course, am so closely related to him that it would not be well to advertise my presence."

The Count answered "You are also my son. Most visibly at that. You need not fear to advertise your presence in the Courts."

Examining the Count once more I remarked, "Faile certainly takes after her mother. Forgive my being forward, but are you her father as well?"

Anthony smiled "Yes, I am. How is Faile?"

The question caught me off-guard even though I should have expected it having brought up the subject. "I uh, just met her once briefly. I helped her find some books in the Amber castle library. I was unaware at the time she was my sister, although truth be told I should have. Her not knowing who I was...she asked If I knew of Flavel. I described myself in physical terms and said that he...uh, meaning myself, came to the library often. I think she got the impression I was just a librarian and was teasing her, and I was kinda rushed at the time. Soooo...if it's possible for two people to meet each other without meeting; we did it. It's was a bizarre set of circumstances. She appeared okay."

Anthony nodded, sipping some wine. "Good. Now, what would you like to

do after lunch? Given how you got here, if you wish to rest that is

more than reasonable."

I jerked my head slightly, "Truth be told, I've been up for awhile and experienced a fair bit but I don't think I could rest just yet. I've got too much momentum carrying me forward just now."

I took a gulp of wine. "Your probably not seeing me at my best. Events in Amber have been compressed of late."

Looking at Anthony's left hand I asked, "I often wondered about the glyph I carry. My speculations have run from innoculuous birthmark to magical artifact. It looks like it might be more the former. It can store sorcerous spells. That I can tell, but I've not been able to inferr anything else."

Anthony turned over his palm. I could see it changing from a circular

mark like my own to an obscure symbol then back again. Anthony smiled "It's a spell rack certainly, but it can do more. You have to grow into it though. It's a gradual process."

My brow furrowed as I watched Anthony's glyph briefly warp. "Interesting. I'll keep that in mind."

"As for after lunch..." I smiled, "I'd really enjoy a nickel tour of the Courts. I am fascinated by what I've so far seen. Speaking of which, what is my status here?"

Anthony smiled "One nickel tour coming up. As for what your status is

here, your term of address is Viscount Flavel Sawall, if you choose to use it."

I laughed, "I wouldn't dare jump into Chaos politics without..." I swallowed as I remembered how I got involved in Amber politics. There wasn't really a conscious choice. As people learned of my presence and position it just came about from interacting with the people present. Where does friendships and conversation end and politics begin? Somewhere right after 'Hello'. A certain political instructor had drilled that into me as I recalled.

"As much that I am here, I'll try to get up to speed as best I can."

Anthony chuckled "Don't worry about it. Coincidentally enough, I have

been invited to Amber as part of a delegation. After the tour, I will

need to join them in Avalon. Care to accompany me?"

I nodded, "Is that Duncan's funeral or the treaty negotiations? I have commitments with both."

The Count nodded "Both. The latter arises from the former." He sighed "A bad business all round."

I sighed as well. "Yes, so I've surmised. I never met Duncan, but from

what all I have heard he was a good man. Morally & martially very strong." /and it didn’t save him/ I silently added.

The Count nodded "True, but I was thinking too of all the upheaval that

goes with hostages being murdered. This will give Hendrake a stronger

voice if anything."

My thoughts raced into overdrive. So many people had said and inferred bits and pieces of the puzzle. In my minds eye I saw the pieces come together with focused clarity.

/If House Hendrake is upset at Duncan's death then Duncan was hostage

to Amber. That was why Julian raised Duncan and not Brand! Brand was married to a Hendrake and he abused her. Then Brand's son was hostaged to Amber and he was killed!/

Flavel looked at Anthony with grim understanding, "The Hendrakes will

scream for blood. I wonder what else will satisfy them..."

Anthony nodded, "Whatever they demand, Duke Richard Hendrake has his

work cut out to pacify them. They won't move without him though. Young as he is, he has their loyalty. They'll have to hand their hostage back though. That won't go down well with them either. From what I hear, the girl has turned out to be a superb hellmaiden."

A sickening thought occured to me and I grimaced, "Whose the hostage that the Courts of Chaos hold?"

Anthony nodded slightly, as if acknowledging my thoughts of a reckoning "One of Corwin's children. It was originally supposed to be one of Eric's but he somehow managed to hide them all. Corwin tried that too, but his daughter was taken from him and his son vanished."

I shook my head, "No wonder the negotiations are in Avalon. If Corwin's child is hostage, why not have the conference in the shadow he controls? One false move and the hellmaiden will be a maid in hell."

Anthony nodded "Good. Now given that the negotiators are two Sawalls and one Chanicut soon to be a Sawall, what does that tell you?"

I slipped into the role of student without even realizing it. Speaking rapid fire I replied, "It can mean several things. House Hendrake is a martial house. Their principle strength is the use of force. This is something that is done when negotiations fail so they may not be as qualified to negotiate as representatives from other houses. I would assume each of the houses brings something to the table insofar as a reputed strength. House Sawall and Chanicut may be houses whose acumen rests in political science.

Another possiblity is that the negotiations are to be carried out by

the Houses with the most political clout here in the courts. You don't send a minor house to negotiate something this big.

There is also the possiblity that in caring for their hostage, house

Hendrake has attached rapport to the fosterling as a familial child.

This would conflict with their duties to negotiate independently of their feelings knowing the repercussions.

Finally House Hendrake and other houses may have significant hatred for Amber due to the loss of a hostage and other possible events that I am unaware of. This would, in effect, have them spoiling for a fight and not a productive resolution."

Anthony smiled "You show a good understanding. Our House does indeed

have a reputation as one of the most skilled in political science and we are a House Major. It is also true that the hostage has gained a number of supporters in House Hendrake. However, there is a factor you have overlooked."

Anthony looked away for a moment then turned his gaze back "Given that

Sawall are known to be a pro-Amber House with a number of its younger

members having Barimen blood and that King Swayvil appoints the

delegation, what conclusion may be drawn from that?"

/Egads, maybe I should have taken up that offer of getting some rest./

"I did not overlook this, I was ignorant of it." I responded a touch too sharply.

I paused nonplussed and chuckled momentarily, "For a moment I thought I was back in House Abastillas."

Taking a deep breath I continued, "King Swayvil's decision in light of the fact that House Sawall is pro-Amber provides indicative support for a peaceful resolution. The King wants peace, not war. House Sawall stands to lose more so then many of the other houses in that a civil war could insue within it's own home if war breaks out between Amber and the Courts. House Sawall literally has it's back to the wall and will ensure every attempt will be made for a peaceful resolution."

Startled at my own analysis I looked at my father with something close to fear. I had no desire to take up arms against House Sawall. "I swore fealty to Amber."

Anthony shook his head "And nobody in Sawall will hold that against you." He smiled suddenly "Come, you're due the tour."

I got up from the finished meal and followed Count Anthony my feelings in turmoil. If he had wanted me off-balance he was doing a fairly decent job of it.

The Count smiled, leading me off the terrace into immaculately kept gardens "So where would you like to begin? Any particular preferences for your tourist guide?"

I threw my hands up with a grin. "A week ago I only had the vaguest suspicions of this place."

Looking to my left and right like a kid in a candy shop I finally said, "I once met a pair of demons who regaled me with a story about the Anti-Pattern. I've often since wondered as to what it would look like. If it wouldn't be too much trouble this would be something I would like to see."

Anthony half-smiled "It is called the Logrus. And yes, you may see it. It is open to all though mastered by few. I would advise you not to get too close though. The Pattern and the Logrus are dangerous in close contact to each other. You still wish to go there?"

I nodded, "If it can be safely observed from a distance. Yes. I just want to get a feel for what constitutes Amber's opposite."

Anthony nodded "Alright, follow me then. I know a shortcut to the Caves

of the Logrus." He turned and started walking towards a copse of trees.

Following Anthony I couldn’t help but recall that Alice got her start following a certain white rabbit in similiar fashion. All the Count

needed to do to complete the picture would be to pull out a large pocket watch and exclaim, 'I'm Late!' There not being to much difference between a rabbit hole under a heather and caves in a copse.

The intro to Jefferson Airplane's song White Rabbit has a bit of marching rthymn to it, and I whistled the tune absently as we walked.

Anthony smiled and replied, "One more word of warning. The Keeper of the Logrus, Suhuy, can be a little strange by Amber standards." The Count looked around and says "That's the one we want." and walked straight towards a large oak tree.

I shrugged eloquently, "Stranger then Dworkin you think? Now there's a fellow who can explain everything and leave you wondering."

Anthony chuckled "Suhuy and Dworkin are more alike than I thought then." He took my arm and walked...

through the tree. I found myself in a well lit cavern with a number of exits leading off. Anthony explained "Ways entrances, such as the one we just came through, can be deceptive here in Chaos. There are quicker routes, but I'm taking you by the safest one for you."

Somewhat bewildered I replied, "I appreciate the concern even if I don't understand it."

Looking at all the branching passageways I asked, "You folks sell maps or is it all intuitive?"

Amthony chuckled "Now what would be the point of selling maps to outline the safe way through traps?"

I nodded my understanding, "I like this place already. One's ways are not the ways of another."

As I followed the Count I continued to ask simple questions of a broad and unfocussed nature in an attempt to acquire a picture of the Courts of Chaos in broad strokes. Details can wait for another time.

"I assume there are common areas not caught up in ways where people meet and congregate between houses without fear of dragons and land mines."

The Count nodded "Very much so. I'll show you them after this. In broad

terms, the Courts are comprised of a number of Houses Major and Minor. The King rules over us all. Beneath him is the Council of the Dukes. Apart from that, each House is pretty much self-ruling."

I pondered the Count's words and struggled to fit this new information into what I already knew.

/What was it Richard was titled? Duke? He was referenced Prince at Fi's party but that was his Amber title. Come to think of it his Chaos title was completely avoided during the dinner. Was he a duke? He's head of a house. If that's the case, each Duke on the Council heads a House. Makes sense. Except there is also a Duke Charles of House Hendrake in the literature in Amber castle library. Can their be two Dukes in a House?/

"How are houses set up? I mean, your a Count and I've heard references to Dukes. Is it one Duke per House with attendant Barons, and Counts?"

Anthony nodded as they carried on along well lit tunnels "It is indeed

the case. However, it is also often the case that there is a Duke ruling the house and an advisor behind the scenes who wields the true influence. There are of course cases where the Duke alone rules. The

Hendrakes being a good example of that. Also, only Houses Major have the right for their head of House to be named Duke. Houses Minor must settle with Margrave."

Chuckling, I said, "Sounds even more complex then Amber. Biographies of notables within the Courts of Chaos are very scant in Castle Amber. I've come across a reference toward a Duke Grimble Sawall, but precious little else. Maybe sometime I'll have a chance to meet the rest of the family if they are not too busy."

Anthony smiled "Grimble is indeed Duke of Sawall and my uncle as well. If you think this is complicated, you should have a look at the lines of succession."

I laughed, "I'm sure it will be fascinating to study. I only hope I'm 999th to the throne and turnover is less then once per century. I'm still trying to figure out my place in Amber."

Anthony grinned, "You're slightly higher than that. The succession queue shortens at times."

I grimaced, "In wars everyone has a chance to advance, especially under fire."

Anthony chuckled "War? No, simple 'accidents' are usually the main source of people leaving the line."

Arching an eyebrow, I looked puzzled, "Are the Courts environmentally that dangerous, or are the denizens here into parachuting without reserve chutes?"

The Count replied "They can be environmentally dangerous for non-

 shapeshifters certainly. However, there is also a high degree of toxic reactions and so on."

I nodded my understanding, "Mother taught me all about toxic reactions and such. I am usually quite careful in strange company." I paused momentarily and then asked, "Are most Chaosians shapechangers?"

Anthony was quiet for a moment then added "It is more an exception not

to be a shape shifter."

Looking into a branching passageway filled with fire I said, "I could see where being personally adaptable in an ever changing environment would improve a person's general safety."

The Count smiled "One other thing you should know. Each House has at

least one person entirely devoted to protecting the House from 'accidents' or ensuring that they take place. It is rare however for that person to ensure accidents within the house he is part of. House loyalty is one of the foundations of the Courts, along with loyalty to King and Serpent."

I returned the Count’s smile, "I appreciate these sentiments, it's

wonderful to hear that House Sawall is one big happy family."

Anthony laughed "There will always be in-house disputes, but loyalty to House comes before that."

I nodded and a sudden thought occured to me. "Am I known to the House of Sawall?"

Anthony nodded "You are."

/There's something to that statement I'm missing/ I thought.

"Funny how it always seems there's more people that know me then I ever know. I've got to make a point of attending more parties."

Anthony smiled, seemingly strangely tense. We turned a corner and came

to a set of double doors. I noticed there was a means to bar the heavy doors from the outside. The Count took a deep breath and asked "Are you ready? It may give you a headache."

Relaxing as much as could I nodded to the Count.

The Count pushed one of the doors open slightly and walked in. From

within the room there was a reddish glow, though the Logrus itself was

not yet visble from outside the room.

Cautiously I approached the door and looked in.

Within lay a writhing mass of red lines, shifting their configuration even as I watched. A vague feeling of nausea settled into the pit of my stomach. My father bowed deeply to a hunched, gnarled demonic figure and said "Master Suhuy, forgive this interruption. I have brought my son to look upon his heritage."

Suhuy looked over at me and grinned, showing a mouth full of sharp fangs. "Come in then, Flavel."

Fighting down my nausea as best I was able, I stepped into the room with all the grace of a sleepwalker. My face was riveted on the impossibly shifting stuff of chaos. /By the unicorn what...is...that...thing?/ My mind tried to encompass what I saw and failed in the attempt. With massive effort I snapped my head away and my frame twitched as if shocked. Fixating my eyes on my father as if his presence was a life raft in a hurricane I said, "wow."

Anthony moved quickly over to my side in a silent gesture of support. Suhuy peered at me "Well, well. A child of Pattern right here."

Feeling like a lion thrown to the Christians, I replied "At the other end of the rainbow no less." Looking from Suhuy to the Logrus my body trembled, though oddly not from fear. There was something else a foot. Something about the Logrus was starkly beautiful in that which could not be described. Something like the limitlessness in all potential. That anything could happen.

Suhuy grinned "You sense it eh, lad. Primal change."

In a cracked voice I said, "It's insane. Beautiful. I don't reason unseeing that without cannot be but it is."

Suhuy chuckled "He sounds like you, Anthony, after you finished your

traversal." He peered at me "Yes, he could too."

I tried to imagine stepping into that...thing...and suppressed a

shudder. "I get the feeling it's not something a person should attempt spontaneously." My gaze wandered back to what I could not comprehend. "It's a power. I'll grant you that."

Suhuy walked over "Two bloods you have. Not one."

Standing my ground I gazed back at the strangely demonic form that was Suhy. "So I have had reported to me. From multiple sources no less. I think maybe one day," I swallowed, "one day I might wish to understand this creative force. It's not something I really understand."

Suhuy nodded, seeming pleased "Good. Come to me when you're ready to

learn, Flavel."

At last, remembering etiquette, I bowed to Suhuy, "I thank you for your time. I hope I will not dissapoint you." A thought came to me as I straightened and added recklessly, "Any message you would like me to

impart to Dworkin?"

Suhuy scowled though his eyes twinkle "That rogue? Tell him he still

owes me a game."

I nodded, suppressing a smile, "I will be certain to do that."

Suhuy nodded and turned back to the Logrus which rippled in response.

Anthony tilted his head slightly, indicating we should leave.

I nodded with a sense of relief and quickly exited. As I stepped back into the corridor, I paused to wipe my sweating face with my cloak. I noticed my hands still trembled slightly and I absently made a fist letting the joints crackle.

Anthony nodded "One's first sight of the Logrus is always a time of

testing. The raw beauty and horror of it."

"More beauty then horror I think. But your right. Definitely more then a fair measure of both. I get the feeling I looked upon something many of my Aunts and Uncles have never seen."

Anthony led me away "Not as many as you might think. What do you know of the early history of Amber?"

Walking with Anthony, I shook my head. I tried to visualize the logrus and failed utterly. /I thought I was an edietic? Strange I cannot picture what it was I just saw.../ Focusing my thoughts on the present I said, "Bits and pieces. Dworkin inscribed the pattern. I learned that from Bleys recently. The unicorn figures into it somehow. Dworkin is Oberon's father. That about sums up what I know.”

Anthony answered quietly "Dworkin was once Duke of House Barimen in

the Courts."

I nodded, "Something a sibling had told me indirectly, and House Barimen is a rogue house of the Courts of Chaos I think. I wasn't certain if the references were connected."

Anthony nodded "At one time, House Barimen was a House Major. Then

Dworkin committed sacrilege and the House was banished."

Furrowing my brow I said, "Really? Dworkin has always seemed a bit strange, but I never saw him as the sacriligous type. What did he do that cause such an uproar?"

Anthony replied gravely "He stole the Eye of the Serpent."

I thought back to the library references I had recently researched. Something about the national religion in the Courts of Chaos being structured around the serpent. Probably similiar to the imagery of the unicorn seen around castle Amber. "Some sort of religious artifact I take it?"

Anthony smiled "You could say that. The Serpent is as real as the Unicorn. Dworkin somehow managed to acquire one of its eyes. You know

it as the Jewel of Judgement."

I stopped walking and stared straight ahead, "oh."

Anthony nodded "Yes, Benedict and some of the older Barimens had to flee the Courts after that."

Continuing to follow the Count again, I considered some of what I’d been told, "Unfortunate for Benedict. I think he still thinks highly of the Courts." Following that train of thought I began to understand some of what actually makes up Benedict. /He lost everything to follow his family. Probably didn't agree with Dworkin stealing the eye either. He's too honorable to condon that. His loyalty must be unswerving to follow family right or wrong. What a guy! No wonder he got upset when he discovered Fiona playing power politics within the family./

Anthony guided me out into the gardens again. "The Courts still think highly of Lord Benedict, especially Hendrake. House Barimen was a mighty House when it fled. Between Shadow Storms and pursuit, that number was diminished."

I nodded absently, "Must have been a very wild time indeed. Not much in the Amber Castle library on this subject." On another level I continued my prior reasoning.

/If Fiona was playing politics within the family, I wonder what this Count has been doing here on the other side of creation. I doubt my political science instructor has been peeling grapes all this time. What, I wonder, is his agenda? ...and where do I fit in with his plans./

Anthony's eyes grew distant. "It is said that before the creation of

the Pattern, Shadow as such was more akin to a sea of Chaos."

Realizing the Count was speaking from a distance I gently prompted, "It must have been very different from today."

/His personal shadow was Roman. Why choose a Roman shadow? Why have a Roman name if, as a Count, you come from the Courts of Chaos?/

Anthony shook his head and smiled "Yes, it must have been. I was born after the creation of the Pattern though so I cannot truly speak of it."

I nodded. My face holding a strange smile, "Yes, that would make

sense."

Anthony chuckled "Your thoughts?"

My face grew serious, "Off the subject. Ever been to the Court of the White Flame?"

Anthony said nothing for a time then answered "In person, no."

I stopped walking and turned to face Count Anthony fully, "Care to elaborate?"

Anthony answered carefully "It is a legend, not proven to exist."

I nodded, realizing the Count was choosing his words, and being

obvious in my notice of this, I replied. "Sorry. I didn't mean to

distract you from your discourse on the prehistories of our Realm.

Please do go on."

Anthony smiled "Enough history for now." and opened the gate to the

Courts outside. As we stepped through, the following scene met my gaze.

It would seem the favoured arrangement in the Courts was one of

stately elegance, formality. The Thelbane, home to the Kings of Chaos

since the creation of the Courts, was a gleaming jewel of architecture, well proportioned and with flowing lines like a fairytale castle. Its roofs glittered under the revolving quad-coloured sky and its gardens abounded with wonders rare and precious.

The eight remaining Houses Major lined a wide avenue leading from the

Thelbane to the Church of the Serpent, a ruby red edifice of glistening stone. To either side of this cathedral to Change, open on four sides, the Ways of Houses Minor faned out. On the fourth side, the resturaunts, theatres, cafes, small traders and shops, and all the attendant services and denizens of a city.

Anthony pointed out the Grand Avenue, naming the features as he did so and led Flavel past them. On the right hand side, as one stood on the steps of the Church looking to the Thelbane, sat the City Ways of Houses Sawall, Minobee, Hendrake and Jesby. On the left hand side sat Houses Helgram, Chanicut, Kernush and Merion. Each Ways was different and yet all conveyed the impression of effortless position.

Sawallways were at once both the most elegant and the most unexpected

in its effects. In style, like a French Chateau, beautiful, welcoming

set in a lightly wooded estate merging into formal rose gardens as one nears. One relaxes in its seeming calm, then a tree would rise and walk a short distance to present a more ideal image. And image, illusion is very much a tool here. Nothing was quite as it seemed here in the home of a House known both for its politicians and its conjurers, where invention was considered an artform in itself.

Minobeeways was rather more strange. Every Lord of Chaos was a

Shadowmaster, a shaper of Shadow. However, Minobee are the only ones

who seemed to regard this as a calling in itself. Consequently, their

advice and services on matters of Ways construction were frequently

sought. Their Ways are an odd collection of styles and shades of architecture and garden. It shouldn't work. It should look awful. Somehow, it looks entirely right.

Hendrakeways are generally something of a surprise to the visitor. From their martial reputation, one might expect a grey, cold, barracks-like building. What is there is a homely looking building of red brick set in informal gardens. If there are defenses, they're not obvious at first glance to the untrained eye. A more experienced eye might notice the careful placement of corners and windows, of low planting and of high in the gardens, defence at a much more subtle level.

Jesbyways are relatively modest. A plain, grey stone mansion in formal gardens, focusing more on elegance of line than ornamentation, to please the eye. Pale blue wisteria softens outlines and reminds one of the gentle hand the Jesby diplomats and mediators prefer to use.

Merionways also tend to the subtle. In this case, a warm red sandstone and an aged gothic splendor, like a dowager Duchess smiling warmly to the Ways around them. Ivy creeps over the ancient stone and the gardens are a little wild at the preference, it is said, of the artists, poets, writers and historians that House Merion seems so prolific in.

Kernushways follows the colonial style of architecture. Pillared

verandahs surround a stately pale stone mansion. The gardens are lush

and rich, the fragrances heavy and sweet. Many a Minor-House to be has dined in the elegant rooms as trade deals and politics flowed as smoothly as the crisp white wines Kernush favors.

Chanicutways are more unified. Pale marble of a golden shade rises to

form an impossibly idealized Classical palace though of modest proportions. The gardens light and airy. And yet, darkness seems to

lurk at the edges, almost tangible, and brings to mind legends of

subterranean labyrinths, man-monsters and lost kingdoms. Some whisper

that if Chanicut will plumb the depths of the Abyss in search of lost

treasures and hidden secrets, then surely a little of the Abyss might

travel back with them.

Helgramways are unique again. A strange building, almost with a pearl-

like sheen to its pale surfaces. It looks more organic, as if it it

has grown from the bright, flowery gardens it sits in. There are no sharp edges and curves predominate like a pearl that has stretched and grown vaulted domes and graceful minarets. Rainbow shimmers dance across its roofs and enchanted creatures play in the flowery mead. Indeed it is enchantment and play for which Helgram is known.

Swiveling my head like a tourist, I took in the countless details of the amazing visage. "In Amber we have a castle and city. Here it seems you have a City surrounded by Castles. Though nothing near as medieval. I am most impressed."

Anthony nodded "This is why the Courts of Chaos is so named. It is not

one Court alone."

Watching the inhabitants, many clearly of inhuman configuration, I remarked, "Very...cosmopolitan."

Anthony nodded "Demons, Chaosians and Chaos Lords all together. Plus

tourists from the Black Zone of course."

I chuckled. Much of my tension fading from me. "Truly a marvel of imagination." /and oddly...it does feel like home/ I thought.

Anthony smiled "How are you feeling now?"

Inhaling deeply, I replied, "Good. It feels alright. I hadn't known

what to expect when I came here. But I don't think I could have asked

for more."

Anthony smiled widely "Good. I would like you to feel you can come here."

Turning toward Anthony, I replied, "I'm glad I am welcome. I hope that's always the case."

Anthony nodded "It will be."

I turned toward the amazing scenery once again. My eyes darted about taking in the myraid details of the people and buildings. At length I stifled a yawn, "If your offer of rest is still available I would like to prevail upon your hospitality. I fear the past couple of days events have caught up with me."

Anthony withdrew a Trump "Of course." He put a hand on my shoulder and in a rainbow swirl, we were back in Sawall ways. Anthony opened a door to a comfortable looking bedroom "Sleep away, my son."

Thanking my father, I stepped into the room. From a lifetime of habit my eyes swept the room, categorizing what was found. It was brief appraisal. My whole body was feeling the events of the preceeding days. Stripping off my boots and tossing my cloak on a nearby chair. I paused to uncork the bottle of gin in my shoulder bag. I pondered the recent events as I felt the burning liquor in my throat. /I need to find a family tree of my father sometime./ Further thoughts could wait. Setting the bottle on a nearby nightstand, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.