Lynessa Series, Pt. 1
It was shortly after I had succeeding in walking the pattern that I came upon the shadow called Fisernius. The experience of walking the pattern had filled me with confidence. However even those of the blood of Amber aren�t invincible.
The realm proved to be rather innocuous at first glance. There was nothing remarkable about the landscape or the humanoid inhabitants. I stopped at a local village to give my horse a much-needed rest. This was a joyride, as I had managed to sneak away without the company of Gwenhwyfer. The inn was warm and inviting and I was still feeling pretty good about myself for my recent success.
The locals indicated that there was a fantastic eatery located in the nearby trade city. I figured I would stop there on my way to the next world. The eatery was named the Drunken Bear, and proved to be worthy of its praise. As I was finishing my meal, the server brought over a glass of wine. Compliments of the Lady Lynessa he remarked, motioning towards an attractive young lady at the corner table.
I was charmed by her beauty; a petite redhead dressed in well-tailored clothing. She was accompanied by two well-armed men that I correctly assumed to be guards. We struck up a conversation and hit it off. I learned that she was a minor ranking member of the court of Fisernius. She was in town for a break after the conclusion of treaty negotiations, which we discussed in general terms. I relayed a quick cover story over my background. She knew me as a traveling student, simply passing through on my way to a nearby academy.
I also learned of her recent engagement to a minor duke of her realm, Lord Balgus. He was a cruel and unjust man that exploited his people so as to live well beyond his means. The engagement represented the repayment of a family debt, and she had little recourse in the matter. They were to be wed within the next year at the lord�s country estate. She was obviously displeased by the thought of a forced marriage to and living with such an evil person.
We quickly changed topics and I relayed a few lively anecdotes from my college years. She seemed to be I also learned that she was an initiate in the magical arts. We started a discussion on a line of arcane talents, she was skilled but no match for an accomplished sorcerer such as myself. Needless to say, I found her company to be engrossing and enjoyed the conversation. What the heck man, everything else seems to be going my way. This is a pleasure trip after all�
We went through two bottles of wine before ending up at her chateau. The evening was capped off with a demonstration of a different kind of magic.
I welcomed the next morning with a strange darkness. I realized that I had been bound and gagged. I could also discern that I was riding in a carriage and that there were at least two captors. Whoever had planned this wanted to make sure I wasn�t going anywhere. The darkness kept me from working with the shadows or the use of a trump card. For the moment, I had little choice but to wait for my captor to reveal his/her intentions. Redheads have always been my downfall�