The trump contact solidifies as Roland pulls his steed to a pause. Cold drifts to the contact to Brennus, while Roland can almost feel the warmth of the indoors upon his face. Roland's companion breathes slowly, obvious to the break in travel.

Brennus watches Roland carefully, fully aware of his reputation and of the truth that lies behind it.

"Cousin, greetings, my apologies for bothering you but could I be correct in thinking that you have recently seen... trouble?" Brennus smiles as he speaks but his eyes hold no humor.

"Yes," responded Roland stoically.

After a pause he continued.

"Would you be able to pull my companion, a horse, and myself to your location? My current situation is less than ideal for a discussion." Roland thought briefly about how and why Brennus chose this time to Trump him but he was not going to turn down anything that would help him along. He did, however, remain wary.

Brennus grins slightly, then looking serious he comments.

"I can bring you through but not here, I'm upstairs inside the Castle at Amber. I doubt her majesty would be pleased if I brought a couple of louts and their horse through here. Bide a moment."

Brennus quickly makes his way outside, bypassing anyone who gets in his way. Standing in the cold of the winter's night in the courtyard of the castle, Brennus smiles and reaches out to take Roland's hand and bring him through.

Roland reaches out and clamps onto Brennus' forearm with his steel-like grip and comes through with the horse and his very bloodied companion.

Rosy light fills the dawn sky as majestic statues look down into the courtyard. The ground is thick with snow, already being collected and carried out in wheelbarrows by a dozen servants. The center of the courtyard is dominated by a veiled sculpture, two stories in height. Partially broken scaffolding surrounds the structure; broken shards of wood litter the area, clearly the result of a violent storm. A young boy, not older than fifteen years, dressed all in white frantically examines whatever work of art is concealed by the large tarp.

A unit of royal guards, dressed in Brennus's colors stands a short distance away, eye on the surroundings and the royal Prince. With the sudden rainbow arrival of Roland and his companion upon his horse, the servants are briefly startled, but quickly resume their duties

Brennus staggers lightly as Roland appears and looks with evident distaste toward the injured man. As soon as the are all through, Roland leaps to the side of the horse to ease his companion down.

"I believe he is in need of a healer or he will expire with-in the hour," stated Roland to Brennus as though he was discussing the weather or crop reports.

"Welcome cousin, a fortuitous contact indeed."

Indicating the bloodied man Brennus asks.

"This one is important then?" Without waiting for an answer to what is now a rhetorical question he continues. Roland would not have answered anyway. He knew that if he said 'yes' Damien could be used against him and if he said 'no' nothing would be done. His concern for the man was out of honor more than anything else. Roland put the man in his current state and he would see him out again because that's what Roland does. Damien is not important yet. Not until he has proved his worth.

"Come I will deal with his injuries... Will you carry him."

Brennus beckons to a guard and orders him to arrange for Roland's horse to be tended.

With a nod toward the castle Brennus leads on to a small sitting room near the main entrance hall. During the short walk Brennus intercepts a servant and sends him to inform his staff where he is should there be any emergencies.

Roland picks up his man then follows Brennus without a word.

When they arrive at the sitting room Brennus turns to Roland.

"Set him down, I will fetch medical supplies."

After watching Brennus and his interactions with other, Roland intones cryptically,

"I see the boy I once knew in the man before me now." Said Roland to hide his surprise. He did not think that Brennus would personally deal with this. Evidently he takes his responsibilies seriously. Brennus frowns slightly in response to Roland's comment.

"You are still given to speaking in riddles I see." he responds with a smile. "I shall be back in a moment."

Brennus is as good as his word and returns several minutes later with the supplies. He sets things up quickly then asks casually.

"Can you help get his jacket off, I need a better look."

Meanwhile he positions a scalpel, several swabs and a bottle of medical alcohol so that they are to hand. Roland removes the jacket with the help of his wicked hunting knife. He then preps the patient.

"Beyond the minor cuts and bruises, he has suffered a significant ax wound to his shoulder. His clavicle is likely broken." Roland states in a surgical room style.

Brennus nods whilst carefully examining the shoulder wound.

"Very well, I'll check for any damage to major blood vessels other than that there's little more I can do right now than patch him up and pump some plasma into him. I should be able to keep him alive though."

Brennus grins, for a second he seems that younger man-child that Roland knew. Roland kept from grinning back but just barely. Despite his mother, Brennus appears to still be Brennus.

As he works Brennus comments. "I contacted you to check on the Trumps more than anything else, but it seems that the disruption caused by the storm has reached you too."

"They shadows were odd. Hell-riding was unpleasant," Roland grimaced for a moment, "They seemed weak. I was well into Arden and still able to Shift with little difficulty. That does not bode well."

Brennus continues his ministrations as he speaks. "I am not happy about this Roland, not happy at all. Merlin seems to think this may simply be a shadow storm. I don't buy that for an instant. Whatever it is I think it's weakening the power of the Pattern somehow, did you feel how difficult it was for me to bring you through the trump. I've never heard of anything affecting Amber this way, other than the Black Road that is."

Brennus' face is set in concentration or perhaps a mixture of anger and fear. Whether it was real or genuine, Roalnd could not tell. Brennus had grown too old and Roland had been gone too long to be read so easily.

"The Black Road was different," stated Roland evenly. He knew that Merlin tended to downplay magical dangers to those who he felt were incapable of understanding their mystical nature but that does not mean there is no problems, "Tell me about the storm. I was cut off in Evermoor under about 7 feet of snow. So I missed a few details."

Brennus frowns as he examines the wound in the man's shoulder.

"I think I'm going to have to lose this arm for him Roland."

Then he glances across at Roland. He kept his face indifferent. Roland's only real concern is that if Damien lost his arm those damn Guild members would try to put a metal monstrosity on instead to 'improve' him.

"You have some blue substance on your clothes, there's some of the same in the man's wound, do you have any idea what it is?"

Without looking up Brennus responds almost distractedly to Roland's question.

"It was a big mother of a storm, and it was just wrong somehow. For one thing it was accompanied by Tir-na Nog'th's appearance in a moonless sky above Amber, and Tir was aflame Roland, that was too vivid an omen to ignore. I spoke with Benedict about it; he feels the storm may be a side effect of what was happening in Tir-na Nog'th, and that there is some power directing the whole thing. I must say that I have to agree."

Brennus pauses as he continues with his tending to the man. Roland had quickly learned that agreeing with Benedict was always wise even if you did not REALLY agree. He saw that Brennus learned that as well but also wondered what he really thought about the whole thing and what his position was.

"Also when Benedict went to check the Pattern there was a reaction there, sparks erupting along the Pattern's length or some such, but you'll need to speak with Benedict for specifics..."

"For Benedict, those are specifics," he looked at the blue stuff, "Not sure. The battle was intense and the whole area was filled with magic of some type."

Brennus nods and raises an eyebrow as he glances at Roland. "Still the loquacious sort I see. Get me a sample will you I'd like to task a look at it later.... Mmm, I think I'll try to save the arm, he'll probably lose a lot of feeling in it but some is better than none."

As Brennus begins prepping for the surgery, Roland noticed his cousins tendency to hide behind important sounding words. Evidently he did not yet believe that it is the man not the words that are important. Either that, or he still lacked confidence.

Roland simply nodded and brushed some of the substance into a torn piece of leather. Breaking off one of the many pieces of string on his cloak, he ties it into a tiny, neat pouch. He slips it into Brennus' pouch as the young prince prepares for surgery.

Roland then removes his cloak, cleans himself, and joins Brennus easily slipping into the role of Med. assistant. Showing Brennus that skill with the ax is not Roland's only talent. Give him things to wonder about.

"I think he would prefer to keep the arm as well," responded Roalnd neutrally.

Brennus' preparations are completed in a businesslike manner. He quickly begins to perform the procedure, calling upon Roland's assistance as needed.

Brennus's hands move with precision and confidence. Roland has seen many skilled surgeons in action and the Queen's son now ranks among them. Roland's instincts, and the tales told of the Prince, would indicate that these are skills developed not in the helpful training of a medical school, but on the field of battle. His knowledge of muscles and bones is likely only part and parcel of the skills developed under the tutelage of Benedict.

The Prince tends to Damien's wounds, and mends them as well, if not better, than Roland could himself. The outlook for the Damien is very positive, though his arm follows a less certain fate. All depends now on time and the healing.

After some time the operation is completed. Brennus sets up a saline and glucose drip for his patient then turns to Roland. Roland simply grunts as an acknowledgement to the Prince's skill. He does seem hopeful that the man recovers well.

"How about a drink? We can wash up in a while."

"Yes. We need some time to talk," said Roland as he grabbed his cloak.

Brennus gathers his belongings and after giving his patient one final check to ensure he's OK moves to the other side of the sitting room where there is a drink cabinet. He open the door of the cabinet and after a moments perusal takes out a brandy bottle and two glasses.

"This alright for you cousin, there's wine, scotch and lots of other stuff in here if you'd prefer?"

"A bottle of whatever's close," requested Roland as he eased himself into one of the chairs. He absently puts has finger through one of the many rips in his shirt, "Damn, that did come close."

Brennus nods unsmiling and pours two full measures of brandy. He fetches them over to a pair of armchairs and offers one to Roland as he sits.

"Care to tell me how your man there got his wound?"

"We were returning to Amber for Dara's arrival and I thought a horse was in order... so one appeared," he took a slug of brandy before continuing, "With it also appeared three dead men hanging by their throats, not what I had sought... But the horse was good so I went to claim it. That's when it struck."

He finished his glass and signaled for another. Roland decided not to begin exactly at the beginning. How Damien came to be with Roland was no concern of Brennus.' He continued with the story also leaving out how thouroughly screwed he thought they were at the time.

"Some how it slowed my companion and me down... Magic... and began striking at me while fading in and out of reality. Slowed as I was, I could barely keep it at bay. Until it made its first mistake... it let me get my hands on it. I was able to grab it and make it hurt," ended Roland with a growl.

"It tried to flee through my companion, either thinking I could not anticipate that move or that I would dare not strike for hitting Damien. It was wrong and Y'Geseth cleaved it in two. Unfortunately, for Damien, I had to throw my ax to make the strike and it went through my adversary and pinned Damien to a tree."

He waved his hand saying, "And you know the rest. I was Hellriding to the city and you Trumped me in."

His shaggy brows furrowed. It was concern for the Pattern that worried Roland. From what Brennus said and his own recent Shadow Shifting experience it defiantly sounds as if the Pattern is weakening. If it becomes unstable then Chaos could step in... If it hasn't already. Especially with Dara on the throne. Is it under assault? Is it reacting to something out in the Universe? Roland suddenly felt the need to speak with his mother. She would know. She always does. He gave Brennus a water-down version of his thoughts,

"The Shadows close to Amber should not be so unstable... It is as if the have grown weak."

Brennus shakes his head and frowns.

"Damned unfair the proverbial malodorous package striking the rotating blades just now when I'm supposed to be in charge.... I'm left to deal all of this whilst Merlin swans off to who knows where and my little brother Merek ignores my call!"

He sits pondering for a moment. It took Roland a moment to remember who Merek even was. And when he, did he wished he had not. Roland was under the impression that Merek was someone who needed their height lowered by a head. He forced his attention back to the conversation.

"We need to establish where everyone is, family I mean. I tried doing that earlier but everyone's so damn testy about having their lives remain private I didn't get very far. There is definitely something weird happening and I for one haven't got a clue what's causing it. We'll do better if we get everyone together."

Brennus takes a large slug from his brandy glass and sighs, then looks at Roland, his expression is set, resolute but he seems a little tired. He was beginning to look more and more like Corwin, his father, in Roland's eyes.

"I don't suppose you know anything about the army of the Black Lion? "

Roland's eyes went flat and a burning rage seemed to dance in their blue depths.

"I know of AN army," he said as he reached into his pack and removed some arrows and threw them onto the table, "A large force completely destroyed South Bend not more than a few week ago. Every man, every woman, every child..."

He his fist slammed into the side of the chair causing a sharp cracking sound. The deadly light continued to dance in his eyes. The Hunter in Roland hated the waste that the army caused. It destroyed a village for no real purpose. It was no threat unless it's destruction was aimed at Roland which did not make sense unless the leader of this army is a moron. The last thing any sane being should want is Roland mad at you because he will find you and you will get hurt. The Warrior in Roland suddenly warned of not knowing the Big Picture. It would not be so strange to use an entire army to lure one Amberite away from Amber. Especially if it lead someone away of significant power and who was loyal, such as Gerard, Benedict, or Roland. He felt himself calming

"Now I have a name," he whispered harshly before continuing, "If this was the same force, I was tracking it from the ruins of South Bend when I decided to return to Amber to report since I had to return anyway to celebrate the Anniversary of the Dara's reign."

Brennus frowns, and nods.

"I'm not sure whether to hope its the same force or not... I've just this morning received an intelligence report which makes for worrying reading, the Army of the Black Lion is by all accounts extremely well trained, armed and one assumes well led, and has lately attacked the city of Gofstan in shadow Begma. I believe a punitive strike against them may be in order. My main worry is that the said army may be led by someone of true ability, possibly with a familial connection." Brennus pauses to take another sip of brandy.

"Twould nae be the first time," responded Roland as he went to the cabinet and grabbed a bottle of whisky from the back. He tore off the cork and took a healthy swig. As soon as Brennus said it, Roland could see the fingerprints of the Royal family all over it. Anyone else would have been stopped before it became this much of a threat. So family of someone backed by family.

"We need to know more."

Brennus nods and sits back, obviously enjoying the comfort of the chair and the drink.

"Indeed we do, that's pretty much what I told the intelligence staff I met with earlier... I've also begun preparations for gathering a strike force. I can let you have a look at the initial report if that'll help at all."

Roland nodded affirmatively, suddenly finding himself in a battle of, so far, two fronts. The army being the most obvious and then the disruption of the Pattern being the other.

Brennus sits quietly for several minutes, perhaps tired, his eyes are closed.

Without opening his eyes he comments.

"Once you've looked at the report you might want to speak to lady Anita Chantris, and perhaps Commander Farsh, both struck me as being eminently competent and knowledgeable."

Roland did not always like to work directly with the court but in this case he decided it would be the fastest route. So he said nothing. With a sigh Brennus opens his eyes and placing his glass down nods toward Roland.

"I think we need to get moving cousin. Damien should be alright for now, I'll have a healer come look after him if that's alright with you, meanwhile I need to clean up, maybe change."

Brennus stands and looks to Roland. He did notice that Brennus did use Damien's name. It looked as if Damien was going to be pulled into the murky deadliness of Amber's politics. Roland briefly wondered if it would have been better to let the poor bastard die but it was too late now.

"Fine," Roland replied as he returned the bottle to the chest, "I need to fetch my other cloak from my room before locating the Lady and Commander. Send the report there."

He paused, fingering his worn, tattered, and blood stained cloak. Roland decided that it would be best for him to appear to be Brennus' lapdog since they seemed to be going in the same direction

"After I meet with the gentry, how long before we hunt?"

Brennus half turns to Roland as he asks his question, a grin appears.

"Soon Roland, but not today. There is a force in Eregnor, which I have put on alert, they should be ready to launch a strike very soon, in the meantime let's do some information gathering shall we. I'll have the report delivered never fear. We can meet later if you wish to compare notes."

Brennus bows slightly and still grinning comments.

"After you cousin."

Without a word he heads out. His great strides taking him quickly down the hall at the same pace as a normal man's jog. As soon as he leaves the room Roland literally grabs the nearest servant and issues a command.

"When Julian arrives tell him that his son wishes to speak with him," he growled softly.

The servant, a young red haired girl, trembles slightly at Roland's instructions. "Yes, my lord." Her voice wavers as she speaks and she lowers her eyes so as to not look the Duke in the eyes. Her eyes flash briefly to the Queen's son, but fall back towards the ground. Roland hated it when servants lacked respect for themselves and was going to 'request' that she look at him but changed his mind when he saw her look at the prince. Not knowing what it meant he filed it away and ignored it. He releases the young woman and continues stalking towards his chambers... looking very much like a caged animal.

As Roland and Brennus leave the room, one of Brennus's royal guards, an older soldier, who has clearly seen many years of service to the crown, pauses. "Your highness, what should be done with regard to the Duke's companion? Shall I have a watch assigned, or, um," the guard glances briefly into the room, "shall we transfer him, elsewhere?"

"The infirmary would be fine, Brennus," said Roland from down the hall. His sharp ears missing nothing as he continued towards his chambers without even a glance over his shoulder.

Brennus nods to Roland's comment and turning to the guard comments.

"As Lord Roland says, see to it will you, then come find me in the operations room."

As Roland continued he grew wary. For all of Brennus' apparent lack of confidence he had quite a few loyal people around him and held very real power in the palace. This was neither good nor bad but just was worth noting. Roland set his mind to working on what to do next. And what to say to his father.