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 Post by SisyphusX on 05/09/2004 at 16:31:34
As your mind wanders, you find yourself walking a battlement of the Castle. The sun is coming up, and it is bright and radiant. It is a slight relief to feel the warmth on your face as you look out over the mountainside and into the City below and the Forest beyond. But the normal sounds of the morning - birds singing, wind softly wifting by, the tramp of feet on the courtyards below - all seem soft and diminished, and the feeling of unease creeps back behind your eyes. As you contemplate the day, you hear some rustling below you. On the balcony down one floor and to the left, you hear someone walking slowly. The amount of noise from clothing suggests a more formal attire. You hear very calm and relaxed breathing. Post by Shiro on 06/03/2004 at 02:11:24
Focus and calm yourself, boy. It all starts with breathing. I envy you below me, your calmness. Who is that down there, anyway? Ahhh, crap, there goes your focus, Shiro. At least my curiosity will be sated, if not my mind relaxed. Boldly, Shiro peers over to look down to see who is below him. Post by SisyphusX on 06/03/2004 at 08:20:16
You indeed see that she is calm and quiet. But at the same time, you see redness near the corner of her eyes, and her face has a sad and forlorn expression that speaks volumes to the anguish she feels at her husband's disappearance. She is just standing there, staring without seeing, deep in contemplative thought. But as you study her, your footing slips for just a moment and you slide an inch downwards on the battlement wall you had pulled yourself up with to see her. It's only a brief noise, but her head immediately turns and focuses directly on you. "Who is there? Tell me, or I will summon the guards." You answer curtly, somewhat taken aback by your discovery. "It is Shiro. We have met briefly when I was introduced to the court. I heard someone below and wished to know who it was. I humbly apologize for my intrusion." Her face brightens visibly. "Shiro? I have not spent much time with you yet - but I would wish to. Could you come down and have tea with me in the Solarium? I will confess that I am just familiar enough with your homeland to know that I could not attempt to observe all the practices you associate with tea - but I hope you will forgive me the errors I will make. My mind is so unfocused now - I would welcome the chance to relax a little, to speak with you and know you better. It is, of course, your choice - but I would much enjoy some of your time." She smiles winsomely, and brushes away her hair. You, of course, catch the subtle motion she makes to wipe away a few tears as well. Post by Shiro on 06/03/2004 at 11:24:55
Post by SisyphusX on 06/03/2004 at 11:34:36
"I have tried to become familiar with each of the children, and the worlds they are exploring and learning from, as their experiences will become important influences as they take their places in the powers of Amber, or decline to as they choose. I have spoken with Sterling many times, and each time he is more impressed and astounded at your discipline, your prowess, your practicality and your cunning. You are a strong and formidable warrior, and you are yet finding greater reserves of strength and determination within you. Although I have no knowledge, it would not surprise me if you were of Benedict's line. He has even shown a recent interest in the more..." and she searches for a word, "...structured societies such as yours. I believe he has been to Nippon once or twice on his travels." She takes a sip of tea as she listens to your response. "I am much glad to hear that you have traveled Amber and the surrounding Kingdoms. This knowledge will be helpful to you in the future, perhaps sooner than you might think." At your question about the King, however, her resolve temporarily cracks. Her face freezes, and then she throws her hands over her face, concealing what are obviously quiet tears. "Oh, Shiro, I don't know what's happening at all. I have tried to keep the family at ease, but with Julian off from the border, Benedict away and unavailable, and Rand... Rand..." She can't even finish, and she weeps again, but briefly. Post by Shiro on 06/03/2004 at 11:55:28
A puzzled look crosses Shiro's face. "Sooner than you might think"? Now I have heard that the Queen "sees" without sight, and if I had not been gazing into her lovely eyes myself, I would have dismissed it as rumor or just heightened intuition. But I now believe her eyes do see. See into the depths of my being, my soul. Does she see my inner desires, does she comprehend? Shiro's self-reflection is interrupted as the Queen begins sobbing, and he quickly crosses the barrier of space between them, kneeling before her. He reaches to remove her hands from her face, once again gazing into those beautiful eyes. "My Queen, I did not mean to cause you grief. Please... it breaks my heart to see you like this. What may I do to ease your burden? I offer my sword in your service. If my life or death will serve, it is yours to command. Upon my sword and my honor, I swear this to you." Post by SisyphusX on 06/03/2004 at 12:56:01
Post by Shiro on 06/03/2004 at 13:07:06
"Or was it the focus?" Shiro asks himself. These past couple of years here and about in Amber have been difficult. Being a member of the family and being a part of the family are two differnt things, I see that now. My experiences with Orion nonwithstanding. Surely, the others will act accordingly to preserve Amber and rally to end this threat. Won't they? Yes, they will... one way or another. What if one of my generation is behind this? That could explain why none of us have been attacked. Either the person doesn't know about all of us or figures that we are weak compared to the Elders. We may be weak in raw power and experience, but not in resolve. Beware my cousins, I view you all with suspicion. "Have you met my all my cousins, my Queen? I am anxious to meet them and do not wish to offend out of ignorance. Is there anything specific you can tell me about each of them?" Post by SisyphusX on 06/03/2004 at 13:46:30
"Orion is a son of Corwin, and was imprisoned during the Interregnum along with Corwin. However, his imprisonment was for his own protection, as someone had made an attempt on his life. Ran...my husband shared this with me, but made sure to advise me that he had never found out the assassin, so it was still a potential threat. I trust in your confidence, Shiro, that this will remain secret as is necessary. He has Corwin's strength of character, to be sure. He has dwelled in Amber for many years - he was raised by the Castle's Master of Horses. I've spoken with Duke Colvin many times, and we both agree that Orion is a fine young man." "Now, Killashandra is a recent arrival. She has been raised in a Shadow named Averdor, which has many similarities to Amber in feel and technology. I do not know her heritage, but she has essayed the Pattern, so there is no denying it. She has only been in Amber for a year or so, but already she has had many crossings with the Church of the Unicorn over her mount - a steed with a large central horn on the forehead and black-red colorations. They find it a mockery of the Royal Unicorn. I am somewhat surprised that she would flaunt this animal so openly, as it apparently has the ability to change shape into some object she carries with her. She seems a casual sort, and new to the ways of Amber. I don't know if she's ready right now for the challenges you all will face, but she has the capabilities within her." "Tanda I only know by name, and I believe her story to be a sad one. She is most definitely Gerard's daughter, but he rarely speaks of her, and when her name is spoken, he grows angry and silent. But she has learned the ways of the sword and is a fierce warrior indeed, if what has been said about her is true. She has been wandering in Shadow for some time now - I believe Bleys has been asked to contact her and ask her to return. I don't know why Gerard declined to do so - I fear there is some dark secret that separates the two. It is sad, truly, for Gerard is a loyal and loving person, who would risk much for his family - whatever can have happened to have separated him from his own daughter?" Her expression momentarily grows sad, and then returns. "Talen is the son of Brand. Brand apparently was grooming him as a right-hand man and agent, but Talen refused the charge and ran away. He has his father's extraordinary mental prowess, his father's temper, and his father's lack of respect for tradition and commitment. His resources will be vital to your effort, but I fear he will not easily agree to work for Amber's benefit. He is a...problem child, I believe." She smiles briefly, but with a hint of agitation. "I do not know if he still lives, but Caliban was a lieutenant of Eric during the Interregnum, and performed many secret missions for him. It was also rumored that Caliban was Eric's son. It was said that he was slain at the end of the War, and we had heard nothing from him. However, Gerard assured us that Caliban was still alive, and offered to contact him. I know there is some unique quality to him, but Random said it would be better for me if I didn't know. I'm not sure why - I am intimately familiar with many of the Third Generation and their...foibles. I wonder what Caliban can be to be so hidden." "My stepson Martin is adamant about not returning to Amber, and given his experiences at Brand's hand, I cannot disagree. Besides, he is...unfocused at the moment, and may not be able to help in the way you and your siblings will need. I would almost ask that he is to be kept out of the affair, but that may be my love for my stepson speaking, and not my sensibilities." "Corwin's son Merlin, being the son of Amber and Chaos together, has many people to appease and many viewpoints to consider. Consequently, it is difficult for him to express loyalty to any one side. Dara, his mother, believes him to be a tool to unify Chaos and Amber, but I do not think he wishes to play the part she has arranged. He has stated a desire to remain neutral - he has a natural diplomat's reflexes. His education will be harsh indeed one day, and he will be forced to choose his side and abandon the other, I fear. He has contacted me very recently regarding his father's whereabouts, but none of us knew what happened to Corwin after he left a few days ago." She shudders a little, then sips her tea to calm her nerves. "Vorus...Vorus has gone off in a different direction than most of his siblings. He is interested in technology and science, and refuses to live in Amber until he discovers the scientific principles that will, in his words, 'bring Amber into its own as a power in every respect'. I believe he has suffered some sort of grievous injury, as the left side of his face and his left eye have been replaced by some artifact. He spoke to Random a few days ago, and apparently asked for modifications to be made in an agreement between the Crown and Vorus. I asked Random about this 'agreement,' as I'd never heard of it before, but he only said that Benedict arranged it and that only Benedict would be capable of modifying it successfully. I do not know much more, save one note of warning that Random gave me upon learning that Vorus was traveling to Amber. He said that Caine had told him something, and had never explained why, but that Random trusted Caine in this one suggestion. Don't let him touch you. I shudder to think about it." She looks away, and he notices the light in the windows of the Solarium, which have changed with the passing of time. "Oh, my dear, I hadn't realized it was so late in the morning. I can answer a few more brief questions, but if I am to leave, there is an appointed hour and it approaches. I should return to my chambers and collect some things." She finishes her tea and sets the empty cup on the table. Post by Shiro on 06/03/2004 at 13:56:17
"My sincerest regret for having delayed you, my Queen. I thank you for the information and most of all, the honor of your trust. Rest easy knowing that I shall not fail you or Amber." Shiro bows deep and long, confident that Queen will be safe. With purpose in his stride, Shiro seeks his uncle Bleys on the gathering of his cousins... and other questions. Like where the hell is Sterling? Post by SisyphusX on 06/03/2004 at 14:00:19
You make a cursory search of the first floor of the Castle, but there is no sign of Sterling. You do find a Guard watch commander, and you ask him if he has seen Sterling. "I believe I saw someone like that heading out to the infirmary some time ago. He appeared to be in a hurry." You dash the short distance out to the Castle Guard barracks, where the infirmary is attached. But as you approach, you see a moderately-sized party of Rangers from Arden. They are bearing two bodies on stretchers into the infirmary. You see the physician emerge, a concerned look on his face. The first figure is a young woman, who appears to be in her early twenties. She is of average height, and an athletic build. Her hair is long and dark, which is tied back in one long braid - but several wavy strands have broken free, possibly due to some physical exertions. They frame a heart shaped face, with high round cheekbones, curving down to a small chin. Her full, pale lips are slightly parted and shallow scratches mar her face and neck. There are otherwise very few lines on her face - it seems she does not smile often. Her skin is pale, apart from her face and hands, which have been tanned a light golden brown by exposure to a hot sun. The wounds are red and swollen, and the physician is already applying a dressing to them. She is clothed in close-fitting, rust-colored trousers and long sleeved shirts of the same. The material seems light and soft, but it is tough and durable. There is a bloody rent in her trousers over her right knee. Her boots are brown and well-worn, but you can see a outline of a dagger point on the left boot. She wears a short sword, hanging from her right hip. On the second stretcher being brought in, you see a taller man, dressed similarly to to the woman. His skin is much darker; it could be this color naturally, not just burned by the sun. He looks about 35, but he may actually be younger - it’s difficult to tell. His sword is on the left hip, dagger in his right boot, but he is otherwise similarly armed. He has the same type of wounds on his face, but there is more bleeding and the edges of the wounds are very pale. He is well muscled and perhaps two or three inches taller than the woman. His body is laced with fine white scars, marks of many battles and skirmishes. The lines on his face, around his eyes, brow and mouth, suggest he is given to laughter often, and quick to anger. On the middle finger of his left hand he wears a signet ring with a ‘C’ engraved upon it. You move forward, and one of the Rangers turns to you. "Prince Shiro? What are you doing here? Princess Tanda and her companion were found in the Forest, unconscious and wounded. We've brought them here for treatment." Post by Shiro on 06/03/2004 at 14:14:39
As the woodsmen take their leave, Shiro turns his attention to Tanda and her companion. A fierce warrior? In my world cousin you would be bound and stoned for dressing as a warrior. I sense a boldness in you, one that not many women have and far less act upon. Vialle says you are a schooled in the arts of war and I will not question her verisimilitude. Though I will have to see it to truly believe it. I guess the fact that you are here wounded and alive might lend some validity to your status as a warrior. If you were found dead, then the question would be moot. But it is your companion I am intrigued by... mostly who the hell is he? Shiro waits patiently as the physician works on his patients. Making eye contact now and again, Shiro sends a clear message that he wants to know his assessment of their condition. Post by SisyphusX on 06/07/2004 at 18:24:45
"Ah, Mistress Tanda. It's a pleasure to see you're awake. It was touch and go for a second. I've only seen the venom that you were attacked with once or twice, but it's similar to a snake found in Arden, and you seem to have responded well to the serum. Don't move - your muscles are still fatigued and your leg's in a splint. It'll need to stay that way, at least for tonight. It's not broken, but I think the only way you'll sleep all night is if that knee's fixed in position." You hear a moment of silence, and then a rustle of movement. Then the physician speaks again. "Calm yourself. The gentleman you came in with is alive, but there is nothing more I can do for him. He had received more of the venom than you did, and his body is less resilient than yours is. He is, I'm sorry to say, in a coma. He might wake up today, or next week, or next year, or even never. There's nothing else you can do - rest yourself." You hear a woman's voice - rough, dry and pained. "How did I get here?" "One of the Ranger patrols found you, and I must say, they were quite concerned about your state of health, and especially that of your companion. They brought you straight here. Really, Mistress Tanda, you need to rest and recuperate." The woman speaks again - a clear effort. "Where is Jez?" "He’s in the room next door, and he is as comfortable as is possible. May I bring you some water?" A moment of silence, and a groan. "Yes." She sounds weak and exhausted, both physically and mentally. You hear a few steps, and the sound of water pouring into a glass. A few more steps, a shuffle, and a few gulps followed by a series of raggedly drawn breaths. Then more drinking, and the glass is apparently drained. More rustling, and a few steps. Then, she speaks again. "Where is here?" "You are in the infirmary, in Amber’s barracks. Do not concern yourself with anything else - the palace has been informed of your arrival." You hear some more rustling, then approaching steps. The curtain is drawn back briefly, and you see her resting on a cloth-covered mattress, an empty glass by her side. She appears to briefly stare at you, eyes locked - and then consciousness finally eludes her and she collapses onto the bed again. "Poor girl," the physician says with a soft voice as he draws the curtain closed again. "I don't fear for her health so much - she is strong and resilient. But with her current state of exhaustion, it will not be well for her if her companion does not survive. And his health is much more an open question." He turns to face you at last. "Prince Shiro, isn't it? I'm sorry - I was rather occupied and forgot my manners. My name is Huntington, and I am the Castle Physician. Is there something I can help you with?" Post by Shiro on 06/07/2004 at 18:53:09
Jez, who the hell is Jez? At the very least a travelling companion. Could be more since she is obviously concerned about his well being and not in the right frame of mind to recognize the castle grounds. Not my place to speculate nor my place to care. But if this attack on them is linked to our present situation, then two sources of information are better than one. "You have helped more than you know Huntington." He didn't offer a title, so I didn't give him one. "I am grateful you could tend to my cousin's wounds so quickly and efficiently. I did not mean to overhear your conversation with Tanda, but if my suspicions are right, you might want to make more of the anti-venom just in case. I know you said that Tanda's companion was in a coma, a warrior such as he should not be in living death. Your honest opinion, is there any hope that he will recover? And how soon will it be until I can speak with Tanda? I understand she is in need of rest, but I do not take attacks on my family lightly and in lieu of recent events, I am less inclined to be merciful to those that do us and Amber harm." Post by SisyphusX on 06/08/2004 at 12:34:27
His expression grows more somber as you speak of Jez' condition. "It is as I said - the man is in a coma, unconscious beyond my means to reach. I have seen patients emerge from such a sleep in hours, I have heard tell of people remaining under the black cloak for years. But I have hope that he will recover - for that is my calling and my faith." He moves away from the door to Tanda's quarters, beckoning you to a small counter. "I will speak while I gather ingredients for another dose of the anti-venom - for it is growing late, and I do not wish to be up the whole evening." He picks up a few vials as he continues. "Princess Tanda will be all right come morning, I believe. She has the traditional resilience of the Royal Family, and neither the venom nor the injury to the knee should impair her too seriously. I would be surprised if she were not up and about tomorrow morning - but that only if she now gets the rest she needs." He pours a few powders into a stone bowl and begins to grind them. "I will certainly ask that you be contacted when she awakens - but I suspect the simplest route will be to inform her that you wish to speak to her, as I don't think I'll be able to keep her here tomorrow morning." He laughs quietly as he pours a little water into the bowl. "Forgive my slight impudence, but I am always pleasantly amazed by the energy and the health of your family. I have seen many injuries that would cripple other men inflicted on your aunts and uncles, and these wounds were shrugged off, almost with a lack of interest. Treasure the gift of your blood, for it will do you good service." Post by Shiro on 06/08/2004 at 14:21:10
Shiro watches Huntington for a few moments. The mysteries of how the body works, let alone heals itself has always puzzled him. Anyone who understands and can even aid in that process is to be both respected and feared. "If the princess is to be able in the morning, then there is no need to send word to me. I'm sure we will run into each other in short order. I shall take my leave of you Huntington, but again I applaud your skills..." A wiry smiles appears on Shiro's face. "...and your impudence. I hope I am never in need of the former and I look forward to hearing more of the latter." Post by SisyphusX on 06/15/2004 at 12:51:52
You step out into the soft rays of the afternoon sun, but it is growing close to evening. The castle is rather quiet, and indeed looks rather peaceful - if you were still unaware of the roiling tension and unrest that swells even now beneath its' contented exterior. But there's still some time left to the day. You remember hearing that Bleys would be in a parade in the city, Caine was out conducting naval maneuvers, and Flora and Bleys are preparing for tomorrow's visit from House Hendrake. You believe that Orion is more than likely surveying his new realm of Arden. Post by Shiro on 06/17/2004 at 01:20:24
Post by SisyphusX on 06/21/2004 at 16:05:50
"I believe she's in a private council with Princess Killashandra, Prince Shiro. I'll make sure she is informed of your desire to speak with her as soon as possible. And I regret to say that I have not seen Lord Sterling since you left to seek him. Have you found him?" Post by Shiro on 06/21/2004 at 17:32:14
Regardless if the gate guard tells him where Flora is at, Shiro will go kick down every door in the castle if necessary. Women! What is it with the women in this place. Some think they are warriors and others think they are important enough to make decisions... men make decisions, men are warriors. Women are to be wed, serve men's desires and bear many sons. They should know their place and not keep a man waiting while they gossip and giggle about mundane things. If it weren't for my oath to the Queen to protect ALL of them, I would have them stoned for such an offense. Post by SisyphusX on 06/21/2004 at 17:58:33
Post by Shiro on 06/21/2004 at 19:54:06
"Bah, I care not if I ever talk to them. I'll handle the emergency myself then." Shiro lies boldly to the guard. "Though I have not cried wolf, I am denied. I shall be meek with the other sheep and retire then and await the shepard to tend the flock." Shiro gives a very slight bow mockingly to the guards cleaning their weapons and retires to his quarters in disgusted rage. Post by SisyphusX on 06/28/2004 at 19:34:36
It is but a second and a slash before the envelope is open and the letter in your hands. "My Lord Shiro; I regret that I must leave you, for a little while at least. Now that I have returned to Amber, I have obligations to honor to other members of the Royal Family here besides yourself. But fear not - I know you will bring a sense of purpose and discipline to tomorrow's counsels. I will Trump you in two days, to ask if I can be of any advisory assistance. I do not think I will be away from the Castle any more than a week. I apologize for my sudden departure, but I am an obedient servant and wish to accomplish my mission without delay. I will also be taking an observation of Nippon, and I will bring you any news I discover there. Trust in your instincts, your mind and your spirit - they will carry you in this matter with more strength than any blade." And then you see the ideograph that Sterling uses to sign documents in Nippon. Post by Shiro on 06/29/2004 at 12:53:05
Post by SisyphusX on 06/29/2004 at 17:43:58
This Prologue is concluded. It will remain up until two weeks after the campaign starts, at which point it will be archived into a PDF and posted online. Thank you for your attention, gentle reader. |
