My thoughts were awhirl. It's was obvious that Bleys has done some indepth research beforehand. "There seems to be several possibilities. None of which look appetizing. This Evran or Gith character," I muttered something about shapeshifters, "may have been using MATT as an elaborate trap to pull in more Amberites. That seems thin as our kind could normally care less if a group of people lives or dies." I glanced at Bleys, "Unless are own interests are tied up in the matter."

Bleys remarked coolly "The one time we do tend to get involved is when our children get intangled into such a scheme. One has already died in suspicious circumstances with Evran around and now we find another being requested to help. The plight of the people is as Matt has described it. That part is true."

Bleys frowned a little before continuing "There are another two lines to the Prophecy. They go 'In pain and sorrow, Seals the way closed.' It is my belief that Gith sought an Amberite child for the power they

could bring him. Prophecies can have a strange power in their own particular shadow. Either way, we are putting an end to this one."

He turned to Matt "Your orders have come from mixed sources. What do you think of this?"

Matt was silent for several moments, the cyborg tryed to process the information. But it’s processors failed. "I do not know," he said at last.

I grinned at MATT's perplexity. "The situation you have found yourself in is called a logical paradox. It's been known to wreck havoc with computers...endless loops, system crashes, or random behaviour. I would strongly recommend that MATT's central processing unit release control to it's biological components so that some analog decision making can be affected. Failing that, you might ask Lisa or Bleys for additional program instruction."

Bleys added in a cool tone "I would suggest you ask Lisa as she actually seems to have some interest in your wellbeing and that of your people. Odd one might think when you are responsible for endangering her. How do you feel about that, Matt?"

"I do not feel," he remarked blandly, though was a faint tinge of...something. Irritation? Frustration?

 "I have stated this before. How often must I repeat myself?"

Bleys shrugged "As you like. I was just curious as to why, if you do not feel, your logs showed doubt as to the wisdom of taking Lisa from the life she had. And at one point, I am sure you did feel. Be that as it may, you need to decide what you will do next."

Changing my stance slightly, I positioned my balance for flight or fight. "I think MATT is avoiding the

question. I think he doesn't dare visualize Lisa broken and dead on the ground with her blood on his hands. Digital devices cannot capture the analog of reality. You can make a decision that is correct and still be wrong. And being wrong can kill."

"By the way...that last question you asked...was that a rhetorical question? I'm just curious, I've never known a machine to ask a rhetorical question before."

"It is not rhetorical. I wish to know," he stated plainly. Then he looked back to Bleys. "I will

transport the people, as commanded. My primary function is to protect life."

/Is the man subservient to the machine, or is the man hiding behind the machine?/

I willed myself to relax. Brushin the hair from my face and I took a moment to regain my composure. In an even voice I said, "You know, if we are only going to an adjacent shadow to reconniter the area...we probably don't even need heavy weaponry. Why don't we skip the armory and just head out?" I didn’t relish the idea of Matt being armed. There was just too many unknown variables about the cyborg.

Bleys nodded, "Seems like a good idea. I'll take us to a nearby Shadow in which we will be in no immediate danger."

Adjusting my cloak, I whispered, "Saepe ne utile quidem est scire quid futurum sit." Which was a saying from my Roman shadow that sometimes it’s not advantagous to know what happens next.

Bleys paused and turned to Matt. In a neutral voice, he said, "Matt, this is only a reconnaisance mission. Given the potential complications and possibly unknown agents, I would prefer you to stay here and guard Lisa and Falkner."

"That would not be wise," Matt replied. "Trackers can find you easily. Do you have a device that allows the transportation of humans?"

I cleared my throat. Something that Matt had been hinting about worried me. "Uh, we are only planning to reconniter from an adjacent shadow. Are you saying trackers can fixate on us from nearby shadows and hunt us across shadows?"

"That is how I found Lisa," Matt responded.

I’m sure the blood drained from my face as I absorbed Matt’s words. I turned slowly to Bleys and said in a quiet, carefully controlled voice. "What confronts us is an order of magnitude greater then what I previously envisioned. Constructs that can track and trasverse shadow, designed and operating to hunt

Amberites?"

"I think...I would dearly like to speak with this Evrangith."

Softening my voice I nodded at MATT, "It is no slight to you MATT. But your programing places constraints and inhibitions on your person. On another being I could just as easily say that you are

spellbound. This compromises your reliability. Evrangith may have placed within your programming...subroutines that would execute if you found an Amberite or Amberites in a vulnerable position. You seem an honorable, though slightly lobotomized individual. Say how we should act? What would you do if our positions were reversed?"

"It's true, that saving some people is an honorable persuit, yet your agenda has no basis beyond the impetous of your programing. Affect without cause as it were. More to the point, Evrangith is the cause

and his source is sinister."

"What I'm getting at is...these constructs strike at Amberites, which is to say the true reality of existance. I weigh this in the scales of these people you wish to rescue and I find a woeful imbalance. I see a trap and you are the lure. How many can you bag in one go MATT? Regicide and Genocide, what side are you on?"

"I take no sides," he replied neutrally. "I ask again, have you any devices that will allow the transportation of humans? Trackers will seek out K'Tesh. I do not possess K'Tah. I will go."

I stared at Matt a moment before speaking,

/That has GOT to be one VERY sophisticated filtering mechanism you have Mr. Roboto/ The damned tin can had completely ignored my carefully constructed argument and answered my last question as a footnote.

When he finally got my voice to work it was several degrees cooler; "Wrong answer. You have chosen, or rather-" I cut myself off from speaking, momentarily lost in thought. Turning to Bleys I said, "We

have information that Amber has need of. Assuming Matt’s veracity is legit. From what I've seen of MATT...I think it is. At least in this respect. A reconnisance could proof useful, and provide better

intelligence, but if it is a trap, and we succumb to it...Lisa, and Falkner would be left in a lurch and Amber herself may become vulnerable. I will-"; I paused again to choose my words, "I recommend that MATT and I make the reconnisance while you report the information to Amber. Your Senior, and Lisa has need of a father more then another cousin."

As Bleys was about to answer, his eyes took on a distant look and he held up a hand. The universal sign of a Trump call. After a couple of minutes, Bleys turned to the Matt and I. "We will all be returning to Amber. Evran has been detained by Richard and placed in Amber's custody."

Matt seemed disturbed. "I would rather move the people first. Do you have a device that will enable me to do so?"

Bleys smiled coolly and replied, "Code Six-three-eighty."

Matt appeared to lock up and stand powerless.

Bleys' smile widened, becoming almost cruel, "Rescuing your people is not in the best interests of Amber. In fact, given what you've told us, destroying your Shadow is. Given your source, you are not reliable and certainly will not be allowed to traipse off by yourself while the threat is active. As I said, we are all going to Amber."

As much as I detested the twisted cyborg that was Matt, I felt a twinge of sympathy for it's plight. A man robbed of his soul to become slave to a machine and forced along a one track existance by the program of it's creator. Shaking my head, I surmised, "I'm sorry Matt, but we are not a relief agency."

Jerking my thumb at the pile of metal that was Matt, I smiled and said to Bleys, "I do hope you have suitable transportation, I don't relish the idea carrying him all the way to Amber."

Bleys smiled, "If Trump will suffice, may I suggest you fetch Lisa and Falkner here?"

I essayed a short bow with left hand cupped. Taking my leave of Bleys, I walked back to where last was seen Lisa and Falkner.

Alone at last I called the stuff of shadow around me and let my clothing transform into something more appropriate as I walked the corridors. Gone now was my attire from the Festival of Flame. The shades of red I had been wearing transformed in hue and texture becoming loose black silk trousers and a Randi Hillesø smoking jacket of dark green and black trim, lastly the soft soled boots became black leather sandles.

A plasticine porter with a looking glass tie walked past me from an intersecting corridor as I finished my transformation. Realizing I might have stepped a little further into shadow then was intended, I focused on the image of Lisa and Falkner and continued my walk.

Within a few minutes, I found myself outside the door of the room that we had left just a short time ago. Upon opening the door, I saw Falkner sitting in one of the chairs, his face tense. Lisa, on the other hand, was looking out of the window, her expression curious and attentive. I could see that she was already starting to adapt and trying to learn of her surroundings. Reminded me of myself on my first journey into Shadow, the same desire to learn, to understand.

She turned round and said cautiously, "What is it, Flavel?"

Attempting to appear casual, I said, "A small change of plans. It was decided after further discussion with Matt that we should all sojourn directly to Amber. If you would both follow me, we can depart forthwith Bleys and Matt."

Lisa nodded and moved to follow me, asking "Why the sudden change?" With a resigned look, Falkner got up and moved to stand just behind Lisa.

Walking so as to allow for Falkner and Lisa to follow alongside him, I stated, "The nature of the opposition that confronts us requires something other then a reconnisance mission. The kingdom of Amber needs to be alerted as the threat may be great enough to endanger more then just one...geographical area."

Perceiving Falkner's general unease, I mentioned, "I know much of what is occuring may appear foriegn and outlandish to you both. I can only suggest that you maintain an open mind and stay flexible.

Adaptation is sometimes difficult as events can occur quickly. It is often necessary to change plans at a moments notice."

Lisa looked to Falkner then turned her head back and nodded, "That we're getting used to. We've gone from serfs to runaways to something else." She asked "Is this normal for K'tesh?"

I chuckled, "The range of normalcy for Amberites exceeds all wonder. But seriously, we don't typically vary our social standing as much as you two have done recently."

Lisa nodded and she and Falkner followed me. We came to Bleys and an unmoving Matt. Lisa's eyes narrowed and she asked "Matt, what's wrong?"

Bleys said precisely, "Code Six-three." Matt seemed to animate and Bleys added, "Understand this, Matt. Until the situation has been satisfactorily investigated, any offensive manoeuvre on your part or attempt to shift Shadow will result in complete shutdown. If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear."

Lisa began to speak and Bleys held a hand up, continuing "Because you have helped my daughter to survive, you still have movement and a certain degree of freedom and are not sitting in a cell along with

your rather suspect maker." He smiled at Matt, "Are we clear?"

Matt just looked at him. "You do not care for the lives of others, besides K'Tesh. Am I correct?"

This was too much! I cut in before Bleys could reply, my voice controlled in it's intensity. "We care for

both, but we also prioritize when it's discovered both may be endanger."

Matt shifted his gaze smoothly. "Send someone who is not K'Tesh to help the others. My purpose will then be complete."

Bleys drew a Trump card out and said, "Everone please make contact." more for Lisa and Falkner's benefit as the newest to this form of contact...

The rainbow colours fade and the small group find themselves in a wide courtyard in Castle Amber. Guards came instantly to attention around the courtyard. Bleys said smoothly, "Flavel, please arrange

quarters for your cousin and her step-brother while I arrange Matt's accomodation."

"It would be my pleasure. Thanks for a very interesting interlude," I responded.

I turned to Lisa and Falkner, "Let's go see if we can hunt up a steward in the palace."

As I walked towards the palace, I mused that the complex is going to be need another addition soon if this keeps up.

I quickly found a steward and one that I recognised at that. A sensible, pretty woman named Margarite. After I relayed my instructions, she smiled and said, "There are plenty of rooms available in the Royal Quarter, Prince Flavel. Will you prefer any particular placing in relation to your aunts and uncles?"

I remembered Margarite. A confidant from another time when I was young and my place in Amber awkward. There was much spoken and yet unspoken about her. I wondered privately what might have

transpired if I had stayed longer. Eheu fugaces labuntur anni...

"I would think something near to Bleyss' quarters. Although, perhaps not too near. If you catch my meaning." I looked at Lisa and Falkner, "Do either of you have special requirements or particular

needs? Say, play the piano? Swim everyday? These and more can usually be accomodated."

Lisa and Falkner looked at each other and for a moment, I could see their anxiety underlying them both. Lisa turned to me and asked quietly "What will happen to Matt?"

I winced internally but I’m certain my face remained relaxed as I considered Lisa's concern.

/Our newest relatives will have to be briefed on issues of security and conduct around Amberites./

A lesson played back in my head of Fiona's saying, "The servitors of castle Amber hold high position for they are none better at their craft. But they earned their positions on quite a range of talent and circumstance. Probably the best informed group in existence. Always remember their loyalties are as diverse as any other collection of individuals." Even Margarite, I knew, had to operate within an environment where the most priceless coin was knowledge.

Realizing I had been silent for way too long I deadpaned, "Sorry about that, had a trump contact. To answer your question Matt will be well taken care of. To the best of my knowledge he has committed

no crime, but his creator is a suspect in dark issues. Until we can investigate this matter he is our...guest." This wouldn’t have worked if anyone knew anything about Trump contacts, but it was a case of ignorace working for me.

Lisa nodded. Her blue eyes still showed concern, and turned to follow Margarite. Just at that moment, an old misshapen man wandered round the corner, wheezing slightly.

Even as I recognised Dworkin, Lisa moved over and asked, "May I be of any help? You seem a little unwell."

I observed the exchange between Lisa and Dworkin. A part of me wished to rush over and ask Dworkin several nagging questions that had plagued me down the years. Another part screamed caution. The

old man appeared to carry all the ages of reality on his shoulders, and the old man's business was his own affair.

Dworkin straightened a little, the wheeze abating and he grined widely at the younger people gathered there. He looked at Lisa, "You took your time getting here, didn't you. Never mind, let's go and get started."

Lisa's face showed her confusion and she glanced at Flavel. Dworkin tucked her arm in his and added, "Don't worry, I'll talk to young Flavel later. Margarite, escort the lad to his room." Falkner glanced at

Lisa and she nodded hesitantly. Margarite then led Falkner away. Dworkin chuckled and added, "I'll see you later, Flavel. Time to go." and then, in a rainbow swirl, Lisa and Dworkin are gone.

What could I say? I stroked my chin as I considered Dworkin's ability to trump without a trump. "Patternmaster and Trumpmaster." The idea that Dworkin planned to visit me later I found vaguely unsettling.

In the silence that followed, I saw more activity in the courtyard below, through the window beside which I stood. Some people entered on horseback. Two of the people were Rangers from Arden by the looks of them. The other two were a petite dark-haired woman and a little girl, also dark haired. The woman was dressed in the armour of a Tribune, though it was of a dark cast. Her manner though was

unmistakably Roman.

My eyes widened in wonder and a smile came unbidden to my lips. I didn't recall Amber utilizing Roman Legions, so a Roman General seemed out of place. A visitor or perhaps kin? I shook my head. So many new faces of late. I walked towards the front gate to maybe meet or more closely observe this fellow Roman.

Before I could go far a pair of gentleman walked around the corner and as much confronted me. One looked to be a 6' 3" man with a mane of hair held up by white clay and lime. Beneath the mane, his eyebrows showed the true colour of his hair to be brown. His eyes, those of a hunter, were dark brown and alert. His clothing was simple (red and black tartans) and ornamentation minimal. The warrior's tattoos extended over his body, though not his face, were extensive and bore silent witness to his prowess

as a Celtic hero.

The other man accompanying him was somebody I had seen often enough. Lord Rein, the Amber Bard. Although I had never mentioned it to anyone I admired Rein, and my decision to become a bard for a time was heavily influenced by his presence.

Rein stopped and said "Prince Flavel, I would like to introduce Prince Fyerghus."

Thoughts of finally having a touch of civilization with the approach of the Roman Tribune quickly faded from my mind. Stealing myself to stillness I bowed to my equal, all the while furiously recalling what I knew of Celtic culture and traditions. A part of me damned Lord Rein for catching me flat footed, and reacting to the unexpected. It was becoming obvious a spy network was needed...

I had to deal with Visagoths, Vandals, and a couple individuals for Germanic tribes in my time as a member of House Abastillas on the German-Roman border. A common Celtic greeting came to me

and with crisp intonation I exclaimed, "SUBUTA!"

(OOC: One of the most common of the ancient Celtic greetings is "SUBUTA!" which means "blessings!" Literally it means "Good life" from "su" (good) and "buta" (life). Subuta is used to greet a friend or kinsman, or as a parting wish to the same.)

Fyerghus raises one eyebrow very high and paused for suitable dramatic effect, "We have not met before I believe. I stand as the greatest warrior of the Lands of the Goddess and my lineage is that of god and hero all. In hunt no animal has escaped my chase, in mortal combat never have I failed to slay, in feast never have I failed to drink all under the table. Three times, times three, three times are my powers."

I tensed. My greeting was typical between kinsmen. I would have expected a reply in kind. It was obvious Fyerghus considered the greeting inappropriate. But why was this Celt boasting? "We have both been introduced as Princes. Do I err in claiming kinship with you?" My eyes strayed from Fyerghus to Lord Rein forming the silent question, “Where did you dig up this Celt?”

Just as Rein was about to answer, a woman's voice, like honeyed mead, her accent that of Rome, said from the courtyard entrance "No, you do not err. The blood of Amber binds all three of us in kinship."

Two Rangers flanked them, the woman and child I saw from the upper window came forward. The woman was clad in the darkened armour over a black tunic and breeches, all edged with gold. Her hair was long and black, falling slightly over her face like a raven's wing. Her skin was pale as snow and her lips soft and full. Her eyes, black to match her hair. The little girl beside her showed a striking resemblance to the woman, though with dark brown eyes rather than the woman's black.

The woman stepped forward, "Fyerghus, this is not the Lands of the Goddess now, and the Prince is showing you hospitality and kinship." She turned to Flavel and nodded, "I am Shadoania Livia Ceasar, most call me Shado." As the little girl moved up to stand just behind her, the woman adds "And this is my daughter Julia Octavia Ceasar. Julia, say hello." The little girl curtsied and said, "Salvete, your Highnesses." and then immediately sheltered behind her mother again.

Stiffly I turned away from Fyerghus, my contenance softened at the child's words of greeting.

With a smile I bowed low and answered in reply, "Salve, to you both."

Straightening, I added to Shado, "Disertissime Romuli nepotum." Which translates to Most eloquent of the decendants of Romulus. Which in itself means a person of high culture and breeding, patrician and all that.

Shado and Julia smiled, Shado's smile warm, dark eyes twinkling, as she recognised the language.

Rein smoothly introduced Shado, "Princess Shado, this is Prince Flavel."

Shado answered, "A fellow Roman? It is a pleasure to meet you, Flavel."

She turned to Fyerghus, "How are you faring in Amber?" she then added to Julia, "This is the nice man I told you about that fought beside me in Silvermere."

Julia looks up at Fyerghus and nodded politely, a small, shy smile on her tiny face.

Fyerghus smiled back and said quietly, "happy to meet you Julia."

He then dropped his smile and spoke a little more loudly in my direction, "I have met the King Oberon

who I am mightly impressed with. His power is that of the storm which flattens forests and his anger must be that of waves that shatter cliffs, his armies like the seas that swallow nations. Gladly I accept that I maybe kin to him. I would know more before I have the grounds for my kinship with others here in this castle. An uncle is not a third cousin."

Turning specifically to me, he added, "I have not heard you proclaim yourself or any mighty deeds as of yet."

/It's like we are worlds apart. There's no common ground here./

I shook my head and replied, "I don't normally boast of my exploits. But if it would make you feel more comfortable...I am Prince Flavel, Son of the High Princess Fiona, a member of House Abastillas where the shadows lay. I am not a warrior, I barely know point from hilt. I am not a wizard. No wondorous spells do I cast. I am not a priest. I don't speak for any God, nor claim any special status with them. I possess no words of power, no skill at changing my form. I am far from the strongest, nor posessed of the mightest

will. No enchantments do I carry. My occupation has no meaning where you have dwelt previously. For all of this, some find my counsel of value. But this is not something that lends itself to boasting."

I paused to let my words sink in, "I would like to stay and further continue this conversation, but my presence is required elsewhere. It was a pleasure to meet each of you, and I hope to do so again in

the near future."

Turning on my heel, I walked away. Lord Rein may have noted that I not bowing at the termination of a formal introduction of royalty. Whether this was from losing a moment’s control or just not giving a damn, I would let the philosopher’s decide. Honestly nobody present save Rein would notice anyways and I was

a little vexed he would spring somebody like Fyerghus on me. On the whole, not one of my best interviews, but considering the suddeness and of the introduction and the lack of common ground, I thought I had done…adequately. At least I wasn’t skewered where I stood by Fyerghus. That man looked incredibly dangerous.

I walked the halls of castle Amber to cool my blood. A review of recent events Seemed a good place to start. Fiona always said, if you can’t plan, review.

/Somewhere there is a key that will unlock the mysteries of what so far has transpired. As usual, the locks to the events are the people involved within them. Who though are the principle players?

Kit? Maybe in ways too personal to reflect. Shado, Julia, and Fyerghus? No, they are too new on stage for events to ensnare them. Salome and Daniel? More an island to themselves presently. Lisa and Dworkin are quite unreachable but wild variables. Falkner doesn't have the influence. Bleys was reacting as much anyone but he is close to much of what is happening.

Matt is... Wrapped all in tinsel. A man of chaos hardwired out his soul. Created by someone many think to be the murderer of Duncan. There must be a way to reach beyond Matt's program and find that which remains human. Where though did Bleys incarcerate him?/

I headed to Bleyss’ residence. On my approach I saw Bleys head out of his apartments. He grinned, "Ah,

Flavel. Just the man I wanted to see. Where is my daughter residing?"

I flashed Bleys a crooked grin. "Your daughter resides with strange company. Dworkin chose to take her on a magical mystery tour I think. My gut reaction is she is probably essaying the family's favorite artwork. Uh...on a slightly different subject. I was meaning to ask you what became of Matt? I would like to see how he is getting on."

Bleys blinked, "Dworkin? Oh, hell's teeth. He's off on that kick again." and he dashed off, he called over his shoulder "Come on, Flavel. Time to expand your knowledge."

I raced to follow Bleys. "Great, I could use the credit hours."

Bleys took a semi-familiar path to the dungeons and the Pattern. He muttered under his breath as he goes about half-mad geniuses. I could not ever remember seeing Bleys this peturbed or even ruffled.

"I can't say I know much about this Dworkin fellow. Fiona once mentioned he knew more about the Pattern than anyone alive."

Bleys laughed as he walked down the stairs and answered, "He should to, having created it in the first place and so burning it into all our blood."

Stunned at this news, my mouth dropped open. I’m certain I looked like a cow chewing it’s cud.

/Only those of Amber blood can essay the pattern. If Dworkin inscribed it then...Oberon is the son of-/

"Would calling Dworkin, Great Grandfather, be too far off the money?"

Bleys chuckled, "No, it would be right on the money. I can't believe Fiona didn't tell you."

I chuckled back, "Everyone thinks that have the ultimate Sorcerous as a mother should have me knowing everything. All it really means is Fiona expects me to figure things out by way of inherited brains."

Bleys shrugged, "Gets it from Mother. From what I've seen, she's more forthcoming with you though than Clarissa was with any of us." and continued down the long stairs into the depths of the Castle.

Following Bleys, I changed the subject, "Do you think Dworkin has ill intentions of Lisa?"

Bleys frowned, "Let's just say he has this idea about my bloodline that he wants to test and it's not something I was hugely keen on the first time I heard about it."

Better your bloodline then Fiona's, didn’t seem to be the correct thing to say. So I remained silent as he follows Bleys deeper into the dungeons of Castle Amber.

It's obvious that Matt will have to wait for the time being. But the cyborg's logs and some of what had recently been said, hinted upon a connection between Lisa and Matt. Knowing more about Lisa could in

turn help Matt.

/I wish I knew what transpired between Bleys and Matt when I was sent to find Lisa and Falkner. It's obvious Bleys installed some additional components in Matt./