I awoke slowly, feeling rested and well; the accumulated exhaustion was gone from my weary body. The window appeared shuttered off for ease of sleep, so any clue as to the time of day was also removed. At the door came a light tap.

Reaching under the pillow I discovered my Shortsword was missing. The realization came to me then that my blade was as far from as could possibly be. Recalling how this came about I chuckled and swung my feet out onto the floor.

/Looks to be I'll be meeting my first day's guest sans boots/

Standing I answered loudly to my unknown audience, "Enter."

The door opened and a small demonic being in black and pale grey clothing entered bearing a covered tray "Good Redsky, my lord. Your father thought you might like some breakfast."

Pondering how to address the dimunitive creature, I pointed out a table furthest from myself. "Please set it over there. Thank you."

As the monster did so, I asked, "I'm somewhat new to the Courts. Would it be forward of me to ask if you are a demon?"

The small being grinned, "Not at all, sir. Yes, I am a demon. My name is Heruin of Clan Merelis. We are employed by House Sawall."

Returning the little monster's grin, I replied, "Thank you for bringing me breakfast Demon Heruin of Clan Merelis. Your attendance and courtesy are appreciated."

The demon continued to grin, "It's my pleasure. House Sawall are a very good employer to us and you are polite to me."

"That's wonderful to hear. I would always hope that employer and employee benefits from a working relationship, and regardless of whichever we are...well...were all people and politeness should be extended to everyone don't you think?"

The demon smiled wryly, "That depends on which House you belong to in the Courts. House Sawall are for the most part respectful towards demonkind."

My eyes narrowed as all thoughts of breakfast were forgotten. Better then food was the rich taste of information! "That's woefully unfortunate. Are there differences between Houses and Clans that would cause such a disparity?"

Heruin carefully replied, "It is legal in the Courts to enslave demonkind. Each House has its own stance on this. House Sawall do not agree with slavery. Your breakfast cools, sir."

Realizing that Heruin probably had other duties I nodded, "I guess no place is paradise. I hope we can speak again sometime." I walked over to the food.

Under the cloth, a nourishing breakfast was revealed. I didn't recognise all the foodstuffs, though I was able to discern types. The aroma however was delicious.

Heruin politely bowed, "Enjoy your breakfast, sir." then left

Taking the coffee from the tray, I tossed the cloth back over the food. "The food competes with my own scents," I remarked with a chuckle. Taking a sip of the hot beverage I wandered around and eventually found the freshening facilities.

A lather, rinse, and scrape latter I picked over the food. I considered Anthony's remarks of toxic reactions briefly but there's was little a person could do when they can't even identify the foods.

Hunger assuaged, I set the tray aside and made room at the table for my well shuffled deck of Tarot. The future once again seemed a strange and murky place. A nexus was forming that was certain. Cuttting the deck one-handed, I laid out the cards.

The question formed in my mind and I gave it voice, "What Danger is present at the conference?"

The spread of cards I used was a familiar one. The root of the matter. The background to the question. Factor affecting the answer and finally the answer itself. First I turned over the root card. The Tower. Sudden change bringing release or downfall.

I held the next card in my hand and I considered the tower. /What has changed of recent? Duncan's death, new relatives to Amber, the vortexes appearing?/ I flipped over the next card.

The first of the three cards indicating background. The Seven of wands. Aggression, defiance, conviction.

Shaking my head I murmured, "This runs deep. A violent group who feel they are right and have been wronged?"

The second of the three was Justice. Justice, responsibility, decision, cause and effect.

"Possibly the treaty? Maybe. Too much of this may have been before my time." I turned over the next card.

The last card of the background was the Emperor. Authority, regulation, fathering and structure. The rule of kings imposed.

Chuckling I considered this card ambigious. More then one king had an interest in these precedings. But which one? or maybe there's one in the background unknown that posed danger.

Now I moved onto factors affecting the answer. Three cards. The first is the Moon. Fear. Illusion. Bewilderment and confusion.

"Looks like a disruption..." I flipped the next card over.

The next is Brand's card. Magic. Deception.

I shook my head and remarked, "That's fitting. But maybe it's just a case of magic being the principle agent of deception. Starting to look more, and more like dischord."

The last card of the three is the Hanged Man. Reversal. Letting go. Suspension and sacrifice.

"Was Duncan sacrificed? Sacrifice himself? or what... maybe it was a thing and not a person."

The last card in the reading. The answer. Judgement. Absolution. A reckoning.

"So one way or another it will be finished. Sounds more like a trial then a negotiation. Absolution or reckoning. Which will it be?" I shrugged, "Maybe both."

Collecting the cards I again shuffled them, and cut them. On impulse I cut them again. Clearing my mind I asked aloud, "Who is behind the Vortexes?" and flipped a card over.

The first card, the root, was the Lovers. A relationship, sexuality, personal beliefs and values.

Holding thoughts to myself I pictured my mind like clear water and threw the next card on the table.

Factors. The Queen of Swords. A dark haired woman. Honest, astute, forthright, witty and experienced.

"Shado maybe? She's certainly a factor. Running and being chased. Was she running from a lover?"

Holding the next card in my hand I paused and uttered a brief evocation.

"Uphold the laws of our realm's rede.

Be high in spirit ye shall succeed.

With love's lore and soul's compassion,

Turn burning blades and mind's in passion.

Karma graced from physics four,

Heal the heart and spirit soar."

I dropped the last card on the table.

The card is the Emperor. A thought came into my mind. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Quickly turning the emporer card over, I recalled Shado's comment, "...what it means to be an emperor's daughter."...

The clothes in the closet provided a near infinite array of choices and accessories. The principle problem was my finding the exit. It hadn't originally seemed that large as closets go, but it was a

deceptive room. Just at the point of giving up I shouted, "Where's the damn exit?" A doorway appeared and flames could be seen dancing just beyond. /Important safety tip in the Courts Be careful what you wish for./ "Er, the exit to the bedroom...?" At this new request the doorway showed the sleeping quarters I originally slept in the night previously. Shaking my head, I stepped back into the familiar quarters wearing the clothing I had chosen.

Cloud gray pants fringed in white. Cloud gray tunic with standup collar and silver buttons also fringed in white. Belt, and boots of supple leather and stone gray color. A cloak of white velvet shot through with a swirling mist of gray all done in intricate stitches. Looking down at what I'd put on I remarked silently, /white and gray, gray and white...these will be my colors./

Opening the door to the outside hallway, I stepped into the corridor and looks cautiously for somebody who could direct me to Count Anthony.

A young maid passed, blue hair streaked through with silver and with oddly sharp features. She smiled and curtsied, "May I help you, my lord?"

With some amusement I considered that in this place, appearances were not only deceiving, they were immaterial and transient. With a slight bow to the exotic servant I asked, "If he is not otherwise occupied, could you please direct me to Count Anthony Sawall?"

The maid nodded, "Of course, my lord. If you will come with me, please, I will lead you to Count Anthony. He is currently at breakfast."

Following the maid I considered telling her she could drop the formalities when we were alone. Weighing the implications I decided against the venture. I would probably be thought terribly forward. Best approach this place as a guest. There would be time enough to become better acquainted with the residents if and when I could invest my presence here. Still perhaps I should

say something. Though continuing to ask people if they were demons could grow ponderously

weary. /The only adequate substitute for intelligence is silence./

The maid led me into an elegant breakfast room and then departed. My father sat at a perfectly set table, sipping coffee. Strange to think of my father as being a real person and not some intangible. Through the window, I could see that the red quarter of the sky was now above the Courts.

Anthony smiled, "Flavel, care to join for some coffee? How did you sleep?"

With an airy wave of my hand I replied, "Quite soundly I'm happy to report. The previous days events provided for an undisturbed slumber."

Sitting down I warded off a servant with an upraised hand and a smile, while I poured myself a cup of coffee from a nearby carafe.

"Getting dressed however proved to be most entertaining. The selection to chose from being quite formidable."

Gesturing at my attire of whites and grays I asked the Count, "What do you think. Suitable attire for a black knight?"

Anthony smiled slightly, "Very suitable attire. Knowing how to be something other than oneself is always useful. We will be leaving for Tintagel soon."

I got the feeling that he was implying something but I wasn't certain. Nodding seemed a safe enough gesture and so doing I took a sip of the coffee. "Who else will be representing the Courts?" I asked.

Anthony replied, "Actually involved in the negotiations will be Mandor, your great-grandmother Antonia Sawall and Eleanor Chanicut. Also there will be your cousin Lord Andrew, Lady Ryoden Minobee, Ishamela and couple of her attendant demons, and of course myself."

I recorded the names to memory. None of them sounded familiar, but a person had to start somewhere. These individuals would undoubtably prove to be the Court's finest in their own specific areas of expertise.

Half-smiling I said, "I look forward to the proceedings as much as I dread them."

I paused and took another sip of coffee, I think Anthony could see something was plainly on my mind. Grimacing I said, "I've been charged with the duties of independent observer. As such I am probably not supposed to give advice to one side or another, but I would like to offer one one ounce of caution. Take it for what it's worth."

I held up the Emporer Card for the Count to see. "He's in the background, he's in the foreground, and he is gaining ground."

Anthony was quiet for a moment, then said, "We know, or have suspected it for some time, though little proof exists. The vortices which have attacked in Amber's reach have also attacked areas in the Black Zone."

Draining my coffee I remarked, "It would be sad for the negotiations to break down while both Amber and Chaos are attacked from afar."

Setting the empty cup on the table I ventured a smile, "You never mentioned what you do here in House Sawall. All my friends will ask what my father does. Shall I tell them you are a fireman, or maybe a doctor?"

The Count chuckled, "Try investigator if you like. It's certainly one of the components of what I do in House Sawall."

I smiled, "Investigator, I like that. Covers a lot of ground. A person could do just about anything and it would fall under the heading of investigations. An excellent choice of careers."

/It's like looking into a mirror./

Anthony chuckled, "In a House of politicians and kingmakers, a humble investigator such as myeslf is also a fairly safe option. Now, shall we leave for Tintagel?"

/I know the feeling./

I pulled my chair away from the table and got to my feet. "I stand ready." As I watched my father, the Count, I added, "Any chance we can journey out of the Courts in mundane fashion? I'd like to get a feel for the geography. Though if you feel there isn't time or it's too dangerous I will understand."

The Count replied, "Dangerous no, but time is of the essence. On your next visits to the Courts perhaps."

I nodded my understanding. It was good to know other people could also feel times pressures. "I look forward to it." Privately I wondered if I was the only person in creation who hated trump travel....

A rainbow swirl and we appeared in a great hall, with many people surrounding us. Prince Corwin of Amber and a small entourage nearby stepped forward to greet us.

Corwin grinned, "Good to see you finally got here Anthony." The Count smiled back "Always a pleasure, Corwin."

Corwin nodded, "Good to see you Flavel." He then introduced the others "Anthony, Flavel, this is my son Matholim and the Lady Ryoden Minobee."

Flashback to House Abastillas. The lame slave Adontus explaining the complexities of protocol: /In multi-party informal introductions, make your greeting quickly and give space for the others to do so. Elaborate posturing will be misconstrued and only serve to crowd out the introductions of others. In short say it short./

With a smile I performed a brief bow, "Hail, and well met," I straightened, and immediately attempted to take a step backward to allow others present to take the floor if so inclined.

Or so I intended. As I began to step back the lady named Ryoden quickly stepped forward and grasped my hands and exclaimed "Hello!" As she turned my left hand over I broke out of my shock and reacted on pure instinct. Jaming my left hand into her grip and grasping her thumb in my hand and I twisted.

From the corner of my eye I could see Matholim react with surprise and his hand flew to his rapier in a lightning draw he had it out and was advancing.

Ryoden, for her part, squeaked as I twisted her thumb. Instinctively she threw her free hand into a pocket and pulled some sort of device that she squeezed and tossed into the air while looking away.

That was it for me. I released my grip on Ryoden's hand and began to tumble away from both Math and Ryoden at best possible speed.

I could hear Corwin curse volubly as the device exploded in a sudden flash of intense white light leaving me momentarily blind as a bat.

When it vision cleared, Corwin was standing nearer, "Put the sword away, Math." Corwin glared at me and to a lesser degree at Ryoden. Anthony, I could make out, stood off to one side, thin cat-like pupils slowly dilating.

Corwin said very, very quietly "Flavel, get over it. Paranoia is not healthy if it gets you killed. Ryoden, it's not normal etiquette to examine a fellow guest's hands for whatever and can be generally considered intrusive."

He walked away, throwing up his hands, muttering, "Not five hours and they're already at each other's throats. What in the name of the Unicorn did I ever do to ...."

Anthony looked slowly round at the three of us, "Are we quite finished?"

Matholim pushed down his sword with an audible click. He briefly looked over Ryoden to see if she was okay and then hurried after his father.

Ryoden sniffed, looking after the departing Matholim, bit her lip, and then burst into tears.

"I knew I wasn't going to like it here!" Her voice warbled. "Mean! I just touched your hand! It's not like it's private or anything! They're out there uncovered and everything! And I didn't Logrus them! I thought you'd be nice like your dad!" She sat on the floor and held her plutonium close, and cried softly. "Mean. He dresses better anyway."

I got to my feet slowly and brushed myself off. The afterimage of the flash bomb still danced in my retinas. Turning briefly to the Count I answered, "Quite."

Turning my attention to Ryoden I thought, /By the oracle it's Kit part two!/

That this was a bad scene was obvious, even to me. The girl was obviously just curious about me and I had been taken by surprise and acted quite badly. I was determined though to at least attempt to repair the damage done immediately. I couldn't afford the situation to go on.

Stepping a little closer to Ryoden I said, "You caught me by surprise and I did not anticipate your actions. Can we try the introduction again?"

Ryoden sniffed, pulled herself up using the wall, and made sure she avoids any sudden movements or bodily contact with me. With bitter amusement I considered that I had this particular way with women

"I'm Ryoden. This is my animated plutonium. He's tame now, so he probably won't eat you."

She looked down, avoiding the Count's gaze. "I'm done too."

I briefly glanced at the strange creature gracing Ryoden and decided an immediate change in subject was in order. It was fortunate that she had given me an opening regarding her pet for me to do so. "A beautiful being. It compliments you well."

I paused to rub my eyes and added, "Your flash bombs are most impressive as well."

"They are." Matholim's voice sounded from behind me. "I'm sorry I ran away. Just checking up on my father."

He walked up towards us and looked at Ryoden, then at me. I was accutely aware that my position wasn't all that good. Privately I hoped I could talk my way out of being challenged.

"Are both of you alright? I guess all of this was a misunderstanding or something like that. I apologise for going to my weapon as well."

Ryoden sniffled, and dried her face.

Studying me she said. "Thank you. About the bombs I mean. And my pet. I made them both." A pause. "Do you make yourself look so much like him, or are you really like that?"

She then smiled at Matholin. "I'm alright. Now. And my pet's alright." She looked down. "Maybe I can appologize to him later. Maybe when I find his friends."

Too much was being said that I could easily respond to. I was quite happy though that Math was being magnanimous about the whole situation, though having him apologize to me was totally off base. He could have demanded I apologize to Ryoden and I would have been pinned.

Looking genuinely startled at Math's apology I replied, "Er, no apology is necessary. I overreacted and you moved to protect a lady of the court. There is nothing at all to apologize for. I commend your actions."

I took a step back to better speak to both Math and Ryoden, "Can I get either of you a drink? Bombs and naked steel during introductions always make me thirsty."

Okay, as humor goes it wasn't my best but I desparately felt we needed to start doing something together besides apologize. Drinks sounded like a good idea.

Ryoden looked thoughtful and then looked over at me. "I think I could use something very strong. And a lot of it." A pause, "And another thing that's fruity. But not too much." Another thoughtful pause. "And a bowl. The first must be served in a bowl." She smiled widely.

I arched an eyebrow at Ryoden's two fisted request. Counting drinks I decided that I was one hand short and chuckled, "Okay, well, perhaps the three of us should head over to the main hall. It would be good to show the other guests we haven't killed each other

anyways."

Math said, "Actually, I've been asked by my dad before to look after the guests. If you want to drink something there are drinks in the main hall. I can also show you to your room if you want to retire or freshen up. Your choice."

I glanced at the assembled multitudes and noticed Anthony had gone missing. /What now?/ he wondered. Probably chatting with Corwin regards damage control.

Math motioned to a large door and made a small mock-bow. "Miss, Sir, Element, if you would like to follow me to the main hall, I will take care of your needs there."

In the main hall, Math motioned to a servant and had 3 glasses and a small bowl brought.

Going to the liquor cabinet, he poured a large amount of brandy in the bowl and offered it to Ryoden for the Plutonium.

"And for yourself? Ryoden? Flavel?"

My eyes swept the main hall as Math was bartending. Corwin walks back in the room, deep in conversation with Anthony. Danius and Anthonia walk over to join them. In another part of the

room, Gabrielle and Zeta talk while Be looks on with some concern.

I could see a young man with a strong resemblance to Eric enter the room and be called over by the elderly woman.

A young woman with brown hair moved to stand near Corwin, looking a little out of place, but smiling and being pleasant nevertheless.

Responding to Matholim's offer, I replied distractedly, "Gin, neat."

/I'll probably hear about this later. From Oberon no less. Wonder what I can do to top the introductions? Start a bar fight during the funeral? That would do wonders to set the tone for the negotiations./

Another thought occured to me, /Anthony and Corwin seem awful chummy. I wonder if they've worked together before?/

Appearing to observe Ryoden's element with increasing interest I asked her, "Your companion, what's it's name?"

She looked at the plutonium. Oh, a name. This isn't the first time this has come up... "Oh, um, he doesn't have a name. I keep forgetting about that. He bit me after I first made him, so I didn't

really think about keeping him around. But after your dad caught him he became kind of tame. I'm not going to try to combust him anymore, so we get along."

She cuped the plutonium in her hands. "Maybe he'll speak one day. Then he can tell us his name."

She put the plutonium at the edge of his bowl and watched him drink happily. "You know, this stuff is flammable too? Not an efficient gas, though. Much better for drinking."

Continuing to observe Ryoden's elemental, I said, "Why not just reference him by the origin of the element name?" I shrugged, "You could put the question to it anyways and see what it thinks...if it does think."

She looked confused for a moment, assaulted by questions... She pointed to Matholim. "You first. Something fruity please. I'm parched."

Her finger moved to Flavel. "And I don't think 'plutonium' is very catchy. Your dad caught him, so maybe I'll name him after him."

Math held his hand up to his mouth and coughed with a suppressed smile.

"Here you go." and he handed the drink to me and then said, "I don't think it needs a name, if you ask me. It knows you, you know it, and that's enough."

Taking the offered drink I interjected, "Thank you Math. Your both doubtless correct. I just sometimes think a name is the core of our identity, without which, sentience becomes less probable. But it's an argument I'll leave to the philosophers."

Anthony approached us. He smiled and said, "I see the plutonium is in a better mood than last time. You may like to know some refreshments are being served through that door there. It will be an early start tomorrow so best eat and get what rest all of you can."

Ryoden smiled. "Okay." She pulled the sleeve of Matholim's tunic. "C'mon. Let's eat. I'm hungry."

She wandered off. "I wonder if they have tater tots..."

I watched Ryoden and Matholim depart. /I'd say my social blunder was about an 8, recovery was a 5. Flavel, 1st quarter. Down by 3. Important safety tip: do not mistake exuberant curiousity of my person for an assassination attempt./

Taking another sip of the Gin, I decided to wander a little ways down the main hall and finish off my drink while the first wave of traffic had a go at the food. Crowds of people in close proximity being something I tend to avoid.

The young Chaos Lord with a resemblance to Eric approached and made a small bow "Good evening. I'm Andrew Sawall. And you must be Flavel."

I returned the bow with an easy grace, "A pleasure to meet you Andrew. I am very pleased to meet another member of House Sawall."

Andrew smiled, "I'm glad to meet you too. A cousin on both sides. This will be my first time in Amber. What is it like?"

I paused to think how I could encapsulate a reply, "Compared to the Courts...if you look at Amber environmentally it's quite stable. If you look any further the stability drops off quite dramatically. You won't be bored. I imagine your training in House Sawall will prove quite helpfull."

Cocking my head to one side I asked Andrew, "Would you be adverse to answering a few questions about our house?"

Andrew, having listened attentively, nodded "Certainly. Ask away, Flavel. If I don't know something I'll just say so."

/Strange that Andrew did not give his title and referred to me without such at introduction. Are all Chaos lords this familiar with each other? Come to think of it Count Anthony didn't reference

either of us with title until I announced my disadvantage. Anthony described Andrew as a Lord. But that covers everything from Arch-Duke to Companion minor. Who am I talking to other then a Lord of Deception? Best keep it vague.../

I took a sip of my drink and nodded. Lowering my voice to Andrew's immediacy I whispered, "I've found in my travels and even more in the places I've called home there is that which holds a group of people together. Be it ideals, or ingrained social behaviors, or rarely a shared goal. Tell me Andrew, What is House Sawall's dream? For I will never be a member unless I know and in the knowing, find my place."

/Assumming the dreams of a house and one individual can find accord./

Andrew was quiet for a moment, he probably didn't expect a question like this.

"I suppose the dream of Sawll is multifold. Part of it certainly is the maintaining and gaining of power and influence. That's true for any House. Sawall tends to be a fairly political House so we favour influence. There's family too."

For a moment, Andrew paused and I could sense a personal significance for him in the word family. Then the young Lord continued, "The best person to speak to about this would be his Grace, Duke Grimble."

I smiled, and offered a small and silent toast to Andrew's politic answer, "Were that his Grace were here, but even so I feel his answers would be subject to the political pressures that define

his position in the house. Sometimes it is better to acquire an understanding from somewhere other then the top."

I waved my hand absently as if dismissing the subject like an unpleasant odor, "Twas an unfair question full of ambiguities. Perhaps you could tell me of Duke Grimble and the rest of the

family? What was it like growing up in such an auspicious house? You must realize I am woefully ignorant about the smallest detail of the social dynamics that comprise a House Major."

Andrew smiled, "I have been kept out of the limelight for the most part, so I am glad indeed you did not wish details of outside the House. Duke Grimble, my grandfather and your great uncle , is a kind man, with a very hard edge if need be. The lady Antonia over there is our great-

grandmother. Very proper and very shrewd. Mandor, the Margrave of House Sawall, is smooth and polished, but he has his passions. Your father is around. I think few know what he actually

does. I don't anyway. Politics is drilled into anyone in House Sawall, along with loyalty to family."

I nodded slightly. Andrew's reference to Mandor as "The Margrave" suggested a working title, and not an honorific of heredity. Slightly above the rank of Count as I could recall, it denoted the

office of a military govenor. /Most interesting. Perhaps this was the position that Count Anthony had mentioned; The Enforcer./

Setting my drink down on a nearby pedestal (whose job looked merely to show off a small vase) I asked, "Any chance you could introduce me to the Lady Antonia? I would hate to appear any more rude then I have so far by slighting her, and I promise to do a better job of it then I've done with the Lady Ryoden."

Andrew nodded, "Of course. If you'll come with me." Escorting me over, he bowed to the two Elder Chaosians. "Lady Antonia, Your Grace, I would like to introduce his Highness Prince Flavel of Amber, Viscount Flavel of Sawall." He turned to me, "Your Highness, may I introduce the Lady Antonia Sawall, former Duchess of House Sawall, and his Grace, Duke Danius Helgram."

I followed Andrew's lead and also bowed, though my movements probably appeared somewhat more tense then my usual. Youth rendering courtesy first seemed a safe enough rule to follow in this situation. Better anyways then attempting to figure out precedence with a dual title between opposite courts.

"I'm honored to meet such noble personages."

Lady Antonia smiled politely, her pale blue eyes sharp and assessing, her expression a polished interest. Danius Helgram on the other hand seems almost to shine with good nature. I realised then that I'd seen that face before on my cousin Loryn.

Anthonia said crisply, "Flavel, escort me through to this buffet, please."

Staring at Danius I replied softly, "Of course my lady." Casting my eyes up and down at Danius I added, "A pleasure meeting you...your Grace."

With a farewell nod toward Andrew I turned and offered my arm to Anthonia as a subtle gesture (Considering previous attempts on my person I though she may not wish to take my arm in escort so I made the gesture dimunitively such that any refrain would not seem amiss), and escorted the Duchess toward the buffet.

Anthonia smiled slightly as she took my arm and they walk to the buffet. "I see you have taken your father's teaching well."

I chuckled softly though my I felt very tense. This wasn't an elder I knew very well and my nerves screamed caution, "I was given the substance. It's the execution that sometimes falters."

My thoughts a chaotic mess, I struggled to make sense of what I'd seen. /Was Danius shapeshifting to look like Loryn or was that Loryn? It had to be Loryn. It wasn't just the look! The whole personae was Loryn to a T! But Daniel said he was originally Loryn. Which was it? Shapeshift or reality?/

I recalled the Tarot & Trump reading that showed the Moon and Brand. Bewilderment, magic, and deception. /What game is Chaos playing? Do I play along or call it out?/

Antonia smiled slightly, "Everyone's execution of politics and protocol may falter at times. It is how one recovers that makes the distinction between those who survive and those who do not."

/Was that a warning not to intrude on the Danius-Loryn affair?/ I wondered. /She must have spotted my double-take. Why else have me escort her away so abruptly? What are my other choices? Ask to be dealt into their gambit or play neutral observer and watch events unfold? Make a decision!/

"The lady is most perceptive. I will have to consider carefully your advice." I murmered in reply.

Antonia answered, "Those of my blood tend to be perceptive. Others are less subtle."

"Subtlulty is a flavor so rarely appreciated. There are few that treasure it's taste." As we reached the buffet, I took a plate and gestured at the foods with a shrug and a smile. "I just recently

ate but I would be happy to serve you if you would name your desire. Assuming the food is within my reach of course."

Antonia smiled and reponded, "You are a Sawall. Food is always within your reach should you wish it to be."

I nodded, "Usually. However, some things I tend to be allergic to. I'll point them out if it ever becomes an issue." Gesturing at the food again I asked, "Now, what will you have?"

Antonia smiled and indicated some of the more spicy savoury food, replying, "Allergies are certainly to be avoided I agree."

I deftly added food to Antonia's plate as she indicated. If there was a food allergy that I had mentioned, none of her requests seemed to alarm me. As we finished moving through the line I gallantly carried her food wherever she felt like dining.

Antonia indicated a place then smiled and said, "Now off you go, Flavel. You have better things to do than sit with an old woman. There are plenty of your age around."

I bowed with laughing eyes, "It was a pleasure to be of some small service."

Antonia's double meaning conversation was as stimulating as it was dangerous. As much as I was glad it was done with, I did feel good about having made my point in regards wishing to serve House Sawall with some reservations thrown in. Another test was passed maybe.

Walking away I casually looked around the main hall. Whatever else that could be said for Corwin's parties. They certainly were not boring.

I saw the tall, broadly built Amberite with dark skin and pale green eyes watching people, observing with casual ease.

Carousing through the main hall at a gentle pace I found a unobtrusive vantage point in which I could watch the proceedings. The edges of my smoke imbrodiered white cloak I clasped together at the front to better hide my hands and arms.

Bi-colored eyes swept the knots of people engaged in conversations. Silently I assessed those I knew and knew not. Quietly I recorded the patrons and began creating Universal Personality Profiles of those I could see. Are they animated, or sullen? Talkative or listening? Other properties come to mind and and with focused concentration I imagined a checklist for each. Are

they drinking, eating, laughing, whispering? How do they dress? Fanciful, somber, armed, armored? What of stance? Arms crossed and defensive? Or sweeping gestures with flamboyant airs? Who appears to be acting? Who has had a few to many? Are their those who speak angrily and, who else is watching? Lastly, who is with who?

I didn't bother to process the data. My entire awareness focused around the recording of details. Later on when there was time I could replay events.

As I sank into the myriad details I whispered half to himself,

"Take it into one's hand,

 Blow hot and cold,

 Play fast and loose,

 To be a mutable willow 'gainst storm.

 Whispers in wind and raindrops on ground

 Each to itself a symphony of sound

 Bind them, spin them, to my ears.

 That I would taste for all my years.

 Earth, air, and fire, and all that I desire

 I've got in the palm of my hand.

 Long moments that I can dwell upon.

 Within the sacred land of Avalon."

One of the details impinged upon my conciousness. A balmy breeze from the gardens, a scent of honeysuckle curling through the zephyr reminded me of other gardens and other nights. It called out to me.

Somewhat enchanted by the glimpse of the garden scene I strolled out of the main hall. Gardens at night possess a rare magic if the air is still. Colors are often muted but scents stronger. Perhaps too, a shortsword and flute might be found. Stranger things have been known to happen when a Pattern Lord was browsing.

I was not disappointed, the gardens of Tintagel were indeed enchanting, silvered with moonlight and rich with fragrance. Paved walks, fountains and flower bed were in abundance along with taller, formal hedges to lend a sense of privacy to the whole.

The gardens extended for a good distance. In the darkness, I thought I could just make out the shape of a large maze in one corner.

Approaching the maze I reached into my shoulder bag to find a roll of string but then decided against it. A pleasant diversion such as this would be spoiled by such crassness. I recalled that

garden mazes were typically designed to intice and beckon a person to enter. Dead ends could contain statues and other artwork. The idea being that upon negotiating a maze, something of the gardener was learned...

The maze was formed of high beech hedges, densely clipped. Upon entering, paths twisted off to the left, right and straight ahead. The darkness deepened and the shadows already there, contrasted eerily with the silver of the moonlight.

Slipping into the darkness I moved quietly. At the first branch I turned right. For it was on the right that somebody had dropped a shortsword and scabbard.

Making the turn I noticed something golden and glittering faintly in a turning off to the left. Reaching down I picked up the shortsword at my feet.

Changing my direction I approached this spectral object cautiously. I knew that once in a while these general shadow shifts could bring unexpected results. To play too strongly with the stuff of reality with over a dozen lords of creation nearby might produce some twisting to the affects. The ramifications of all their thoughts and desires might be enough to introduce a shifting variable.

As I approached, the glittering resolves itself into a jewelled serpent who slithers away into the undergrowth.

My brow furrowed as I absently strapped the scabbard to my belt. /okay...jewelled serpents in a maze. Either a random shapeshifted chaos lord had gotten curious to the change in the winds of shadow, or hmmm...maybe somebody's pet got loose?/

Quietly I whispered to myself, "I should head back inside." Still the mystery of the maze attracted me. With a shrug I plodded deeper into the labyrinth. "Nobody ever accused me of being smart."

With a chuckle I mentioned to the night, "Corner on the left, a gold flute, slightly scratched from passing sands."

As I turned the corner on the left, I saw my gold flute, slightly scratched from passing sands. Its appearance something known and familiar.

Picking up the flute I retrieved a polishing cloth from my shoulder bag and wiped the instrument down as another, more militant minded person would have cleaned a weapon. My steps took me past further junctures within the maze and I chose at random my passing. Satisfied with the flutes appearance I took the woodwind to my lips and played, 'The Holly and the Ivy.' It was an old medieval air the spoke of Christmas or Winter's Solstice depending on one's outlook.

Moving on, the maze twisted and turned, heading ever onwards to the centre. Occasional statuary filled dead ends. Sometimes stone benches, sometimes other decorations. Moonlight more akin to that of Avalon's shined now and soon Avalon's silver orb itself shined down.

Packing away the flute I continued my sojourn. A couple poems to Avalon's moon came to mind. /silver tangerines and other serene dreams/ but I remained silent as I navigated. There could be spies about and enough of that nonsense and people might think me a romantic philosopher. Difficult enough being taken seriously without that kind of baggage.

The next corner took me into the centre, a flower garden of pale flowers. In the moonlight, it seemed an ethereal place full of silver blossoms. In the centre stood a small gazebo.

I passed through the silver blossoms to the small gazebo. A small laugh escaped me and I murmured, "I might need to reassess my estimations of Corwin's tastes. This wasn't something laid out in a moment's reflection."

The inside of the gazebo was lined with a padded bench to allow one to sit at ease and reflect on the scene without or the landscape within. A place for solitude and meditation. Corwin's other title in Avalon came to mind. Sorceror King.

I took a seat on the padded bench. My eyes grazed over the pale flowers and silver moon. Time lost it's meaning as I mused on the wind's touch on midnight's petals. /Magic. Communication

between worlds. Moonbeams on nature's requiem./ I hadn't intended to snooze but my eyes closed and I drifted off in the sorcerous hibernaculum.

Whether it is the location or something deep within, I'd never know. I found myself dreaming and I knew it. Before me in the distance sat a proud city, spread over seven hills. The layout was familiar to me. Rome. From a distance, the city appeared pristine, pure. The bright sun touched the gleaming marble of the temples with a lover's touch, warm and sensual, contrasting with the purity of line in the architecture. Brightly painted columns supported carved edifices, heavy and rich with detail. Gardens of scented herbs and flowers, musical fountains, were all around. Everywhere there was light.

And shadow.

My eyes were drawn to a circular construction, adorned with fine statues. The people of the city were dressed in their finest, and made their way to this place. Slaves with downcast eyes carryied some in silk covered litters.

As my eyes moved, another building came into view. A sprawling palace, richly adorned, bustling with servants and slaves, ringed by soldiers in darkened armour. Helmets shined in the bright sun. Purple cloaks flapped in a slight breeze. I was left wondering if they were there to keep something out or something in...

From the palace spread a white flame that consumed first the soldiers, then the city, then raced towards a nearby hill on which waited a unicorn and a serpent. Even as they opposed each other, the wall of flame consumed them and came rushing towards me.

In the wall of flame, I saw a man whose face was darkly handsome, eyes as black as night and with raven hair, curled slightly, skin a pale olive. His features were near perfect, like a mythical being. He was clad in dark armour to the same design as that of Shado's.

Behind this raven haired man, in the flickering wall of flame, I saw a crucifixion. Shado's broken body hung crucified, the life in the dark eyes long gone. The flame rushed onwards...

I awoke. Looking up, the moon still shined full, only a little more advanced.

Waking from the dream I leaned back and considered the Moon, so far removed and yet so influentual on those below. Odd that it was also in the background of the cards shown...

I pondered again the reading I had performed. It too had a moon represented.

/Brand though...what was his place in these readings? A laughing Loryn? Maybe a jewelled serpent? Or merely the distant influence of such; like the moon above. And what of the hanged man reversed? Letting go and sacrifice. So strange and yet.../ the image of Shado crucified came to my mind and in a flash I drew my trumps. Time was running out. A force majeur was on the move.

In the moonlight of the mazed garden I focused on the visage of Loryn-Daniel with all the grace of a jackhammer. Antonia could threaten and Oberon could want me as a neutral observer but neither would matter worth a damn if the white flame came.

The trump call was blocked somehow. Shuffling through the deck, I found one of my rooms in Amber...

Looking out at the garden scenery I paused to rethink my plan, or rather, my utter lack of one. Still, there was only one person I could think of that knew of the white flame, and she wasn't here.

Focusing on the Amber Card I felt the contact take form. The edges of the card becoming indistinct in my hand as the picture represented became real and the garden around me just a picture.

I looked up from the card and found myself back in my quarters, duly tidied up and freshened by the efficient Castle staff. I would have to make a point of thanking them later with some gift. The light showed it to be late morning.

/On the clock again my friend,/ I reminded myself.

At a brisk walking clip I headed to the popular castle brunching areas. As I encountered castle staff I asked if any had knowledge of where Princess Shado could be found.

The Castle staff directed me to one of the chambers on the current floor in the same wing, adding that the Princess Shadoania was currently in her chambers. I marveled briefly how they always seemed to know these things but pushed the thought from my mind.

Stopping at Shado's quarters I paused to collect my thoughts before rapping on the door. /Gee, and just a week ago I was out in shadow speculating on shadow storms./

Shaking my head I knocked twice on the door. I recognised Shado's voice with the distinct Roman accent inside say, "Come in."

Opening the door, I looked briefly into the room in a brief appraisal before entering. Entering I said, "Non calor sed -" As I spied Clovis in the room as well I switched to Thari, "oh! hello Clovis, good to see you as well."

Shado smiled in my direction and I felt warm, "Greetings, Flavel Abastillas. Please join us."

Walking into the room I took a seat across from Clovis and Shado. With a smile that contradicted a certain grimness in my eyes I asked, "How has Amber been for you both?"

"Fascinating," said Clovis dryly. "I can't open a closet door without tripping over a new cousin. Of course, I'm now so at home here that they're starting to trip over me."

As greetings go that was as close to a "I'm-busy-get-lost" as I've ever received. Pity I couldn't do so.

Shado glanced at Clovis before looking back at me and saying quietly "It has been illuminating. "

Speaking to Clovis, I said, "I'll try and keep from falling."

Turning to Shado I said, "I've recently spied an individual, I wonder if you know of him." I then went on to describe the man I so recently saw in my dream in excruciating detail.

Shado paled, "Where did you see this man?"

Clvis moved closer to her, protectively, but watching her...and me...closely.

I chuckled, "Luckily, only in my dreams. Still it's rather frightening that his intent was so devestating that I would pick up on it. It would seem that his intentions toward you are nefarious and he has complete control of the white flame. I'm not certain as to the level of power the White Flame represents but I get the feeling he could lay waste to this realm. He is the emporer is he not?"

Shado nodded, and seemed almost to withdraw into herself. In a carefully level voice, she answered, "Yes, he is the Emperor of the Court of the White Flame, equivalent to your Oberon I think. The Caligulas of your Roman shadows are pale shadows of his malice and arrogance."

"Hold on," said Clovis, frowning. "You speak of him devastating =this= realm? But we are in Amber! The centre of the Universe and all that. Chaos alone can challenge Order, and it's made a pretty poor showing of it from all I've heard."

Shado bit her lip, "It's a long story involving a lot of metaphysics, but I'm really not from around here. Leave it at that please. I didn't think he would find us here. Obviously, he has. If you will excuse me a moment."

She got up, still shaky, and picked up the two large statuettes and one of the candles before disappearing into Julia's room.

Turning to Clovis, I asked, "Did she mention anything about going on a trip?"

"I had nearly gained her confidence sufficiently to have her open up," replied Clovis, with barely repressed irritation, "when you show up and start prattling about emperors and white flames and devastation. Hardly the sort of fireside chat that makes a girl felt all cosy inside..."

"I'm going to take a wild guess that she has a set of trumps with her in there, and she'll now be half way to Chaos now."

He regarded me with obvious disfavour. "Or perhaps that was your scheme all along."

He rose to his feet.

"Well, hunt for them here all you wish. I've spotted a remarkably good-looking guardsman who, with any luck, will help me while away a few hours when he comes off duty. Doubtless we'll meet at dinner."

He flourished an extravagent bow and withdrew from the room.

I remained seated. As much as I'd like to intrude on Shado it would be better to give her the option to flee. Though if she chose such an option it would be disappointing. My reputation with women seemed likely to stand.

/What other options can there be?/

Taking out my deck of trumps I shuffled through it looking for a particular card.

After waiting perhaps twenty minutes, speculating on Cloviss' odd humor and other things, I looked down on the card representing Julian.

Concentrating on the card, the forest to Arden came to brilliant, green life and the Lord of Arden turned his gaze upon me, "Flavel. Good morning."

"Good morning master of the hunt. I would speak with you in person regarding Shadonia Livia Ceasar if you have a moment's time."

Julian nodded and extended his hand to me. "Come through."

Taking the forester's hand I stepped into the brilliant greenery of the most primevil of landscapes.

Julian indicated a hunting lodge and said, "Shadoania is in that lodge there. You will be able to speak without fear of being overheard." He then turned and walked away.

I bowed at his retreating form, "My thanks Lord Hunter. I appreciate your hospitality in this matter."

So saying I turned and walked to the hunting lodge.

Inside a good sized den, I found Shado standing, staring into the flames of a crackling fire. She said quietly, "I apologise for running out like that."

I shrugged, "No problem. It was easy enough to narrow down the number of people you could trust. I take it you were not comfortable talking about such things in front of other relatives?"

Shado turned, her dark eyes still haunted, "No, it was... I thought Quintus had found Julia and I by your description."

I raised both my hands palm up to chest level, "I didn't mean to cause you panic. I did not know if the person I described was your emporer or something else. It was part of a dream I had. It was either something I ate, or something that seems to be coming here eventually. Now I know. Though the knowing gives neither of us much in the way of peace."

Shado nodded, "He is, or at least I thought he was, the oldest of my brothers, step-brothers now. He... he fathered Julia on me against my will."

My jaw clenched momentarily in anger. /Anger will not due/ Forcing myself to relax I said, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Does he really have the power to destroy this realm?"

Shado looked uncertain, "I do not know. He was working on a prototype device to ease travel between the realms, but I stole that when I fled with Julia. He may have come up with another one by now." She bit her lip, "There is another reason I came to Amber."

With forced deliberation I sat on one of the benches throughout the hall and attempted to appear relaxed, "and that would be?"

Shado turned to face me, "The late Emperor's death is not thought to be an accident, but we have no proof. Left unchecked, Quintus will lead the kingdom into war with the Court of the Black Flame. I was charged by Claudius, another brother, to find a safe base for the legions loyal to our

cause. There is rumoured to be an unguarded Gate near Amber that will allow this."

I nodded, "I know of the gate you seek."

Shado looked up sharply "Where?" She frowned, "It has been long though since I have heard from Claudius. Quintus may have crucified him by now."

I swallowed, "You know, I don't normally make it my policy to divulge information like this to exiles so that they can send through a random amount of legions from other realms. But in light of how certain cards have fallen, and some rather odd dreams, I'll have to make an exception. Do you have a means of contacting Claudius, or does somebody need to venture back into your

realm and contact him directly?

Shado looked at me, her expression grave, "Don't tell me anything. Not yet. If Quintus does capture me, that's not information I want him to have." She carefully sat on the bench near him, "I'm tired, Flavel. This is the first real home Julia has ever known. Five years, we've been running and fighting against his pursuers."

I frowned, "I wouldn't think that a good idea. He knows you and is actively looking for you. I on the other hand, am a nobody. I might be able to journey there and contact Claudius if he still survives."

Shado shook her head, "I'm not going back while Quintus is alive, if I can avoid it." She looked off into the distance, "However, I don't want to bring death to the people of Amber either."

A small smile graced me, "Shado, you are Julian's daughter. Your one of us. An Amberite. We take care of our own. Win, lose, or something in between we do not judge life with scales."

Shado smiled slightly in return and said, "Trust me, Quintus will not give up. He has this mad idea about me being his Empress, producing heirs of divine blood and so on. When I refused, he said he would send both Julia and I to be sacrificed to the Gods. That's why I ran in the first

place."

Shado's smile became wry, "And that of course that was when Claudius came up with his plan."

I looked away from Shado and into the fire burning brightly in the lodge. In my dream I recalled the serpent and unicorn being consumed in the white flames. "I remember my dream and I saw you on a cross. Tell me of this plan and how I may be of service."

Shado shrugged, "I can't. I do not know it all. My part of it, you already know." She too looked into the flames, "Quintus may crucify me yes if I defy him again."

I laughed, "Between full moons, and jewelled serpents, things become more and more confused. What do you plan to do Shado?"

Shado blinked, then chuckled too, "Make sure Julia is safe and beyond his reach. Find the gate and rendezvous with Claudius and the legions somewhere. That's as far as my orders and plans go so far."

I stood up and stretched. My thin form casting a flickering skeleton of a shadow from the nearby fire. "I know a couple of Amberites that are tasked to investigate this gateway. Would you care to team up with them?"

Shado nodded, "As long as Julia is safe first, yes. Are you one of the Amberites?"

I turned toward her with a grin, "How'd you guess?"

Shado laughed, "You're a good investigator and your king doesn't strike me as stupid."

I laughed and I knew my face had colored slightly. Hopefully it would look to be the firelight. "Opinions do vary. Listen, if we do manage to contact Claudius, and we do manage to pull the loyal legions into this realm...what do you think the emporer's reaction is going to be?"

Shado pondered and replied, "If the legions have any sense, they'll bring their families with them."

I nodded and grew serious, "Certainly. What I'm saying though is the emporer is not going to look to fondly on this realm. In my dream I saw all of this burn in a wall of white flame. But, and this is pivotal, in the dream our equivalent to white flame and black flame courts were opposed. This is true even now. The denizens of the Courts of Chaos, and the Lords of Amber will soon negotiate in the hopes of avoiding war. If these people do not come to realize the danger of the coming emporer I am afraid we may lose this realm."

Shado nodded, "Especially with the recent developments."

I half-smiled, "The problem is, who would believe such a story? Many of us have heard rumor. Some of us may have had a troubling dream. What's needed is a means of convincing the nobles from both spectrums of their danger. And the only place and time we can really do this is during the negotiations."

Shado stared at me, "You have not heard?" She shook her head, "By the description given, Quintus himself came through into a Golden Circle realm. Something to do with Random's daughter letting him in. She survived physically, though Fiona has her under strict watch. Random got her and her cousin Zelda to safety, but is now in intensive care after battling Quintus. Bleys went to Random's rescue and himself got wounded. He does report though that Quintus was forced out. That's why I panicked so badly when you said what you said. I thought he'd made it into Amber itself."

My eyes grew wide at this news. Benedict had mentioned something like this but he didn't know the cause. "No, I did not know. But do our relatives even realize that which they fought? If they don't, it's just one more tantalizing piece of the puzzle. How many have a clear picture of the danger this realm faces?"

Shado hesitated then said, "I think this goes back a way, Flavel. I did some digging in the library."

"If you would please enlighten me. I've been running all over creation, trying to make sense of what's happening."

Shado nodded, "Well, I'm not sure if this will help clarify matters. I couldn't find much on the genealogy, then I started checking the ballads and found a family tree there by piecing things together. Anyway, Arielle, my mother, wasn't native to this land. Oberon brought her back out of Shadow as a little girl, with no Pattern or Thari, but fluent Latin. It just seems too much like coincidence."

I shruged, "The royalty enjoys keeping secrets. I would guess a dozen people in all this realm understands that there are other realms. Maybe more, but the numbers are few. What I'm saying is there are many people who have political influence but no clue as to the larger picture, or the danger we are all in. I think it would be constructive to provide some degree of illumination."

Shado nodded, "I know and will do what I can to help. I just... Do you ever wonder if your birth wasn't an accident? I carry both Pattern and the White Flame. Maybe Oberon saw this day coming."

I winced and switched to latin in my speech, "Aye lady, if you wish to speak of coincidences it will have to be at another day. I carry so many suspicions it would take all this day and the next to air them. Curious we both speak latin, is it not?"

Shado nodded and replied in Latin, "Strange indeed, it is." She smiled and added, "A good ambassador you would make though."

"Probably not. I find it difficult to follow the king's instructions at times." I looked at her and my bi-colored eyes shone an ambiguity of feeling. "Will you journey with me to Avalon and state your case to the royalty assembled therein?"

Shado nodded "I will. Will they not be coming here first though for the funeral?"

I raised a left hand dexter, "I know not. I had thought it would be in Avalon, for that is where both parties reside, but if Duncan's body resides here then this will be where the funeral is. And I'm to understand the funeral will occur first."