Fall has come early to Arden, and the subtle textures of green have given way to brazen reds and oranges. Leaves part quietly at his feet as Roland makes his way back towards Evermoor, his visit to Amber having been a depressing affair. The memories of it come back to him as he navigates the unseen paths of Arden. The Royal Court had been preoccupied by the appeals of the nation of Coralline for economic support. "Cease your wearisome whining," she had finally told their ambassador. "Suffering brings strength... The people of Corraline will suffer and die, but the strong will grow like," she paused looking for the right words, and then smiled. "They will grow like flowers in the spring."
Roland's musings are interrupted when the part of his mind that belongs to the forest spies tracks. This portion of Arden is well outside that used by travelers, and is not even frequented by Julian's rangers. The forest here is wild and untamed, and a lost traveler might unknowingly place himself or herself in danger. The tracks are fresh, and not traveling too fast. If Roland made haste he could probably find the lone traveler in an hour, maybe less. As he studies the ground, Roland notices a second set of tracks, these well hidden, and almost certainly unnoticed by the wandering traveler. Storm hounds. Wild packs of Julian's fearsome war hounds often wander in this section of the great forest. They number perhaps twelve and must have their den nearby. The traveler would easy prey for them.
"Mighty fine boots you have, stranger," he mumbled to himself, "hmmmm... your horse is from the castle's stables. I wonder which lord has come wandering so far from home?"
Roland leapt up and headed after the tracks. He made no sound but traveled swiftly and surely. Remembering the closeness of Julian's puppies Roland opted for stealth as well as speed. Besides, it wouldn't do well if the stranger thought he was being followed.
Unfortunately the path Brennus and Falco are traveling on is now too narrow to ride in safety. Brennus is therefore on foot and leads Falco by the halter; the horse is a fine deep-cheasted chestnut stallion, a thoroughbred obviously, the only fitting mount for a Prince.
The day had become so warm that Brennus had earlier removed his tunic and cloak, wrapped them in a bundle and stowed them behind his saddle. He is now dressed in a loose fitting black shirt, black trousers and fine black leather boots decorated in red, he is armed with a sabre and has a compound bow strapped to the horses saddle.
The day had started well enough, a glorious morning, sunny without unwanted heat or humidity, feeling in the mood for some sights of Arden he’d left the castle and had ridden at an easy pace until just before noon. He’d then had a brief visit with uncle Julian, and taking his leave had then pushed on deeper into Arden, into an area he’d never before visited.
Now late in the day, the pleasant warmth of the morning has been replaced by uncomfortable heat, the beauty of the forest marred somewhat in his eyes by a growing sense of claustrophobia, a stifling feeling. The trees seem to be twice as tall here about and illogically they also seemed to be spaced about half as far apart. The forest is filled with the usual bird song and animal noises but stilted somehow, almost as if the wildlife is wary. Yes, things seem less pleasant and not a little worrying.
Ahead lies a fork in the path. Left or right? A difficult decision considering the fact he doesn't know where he is.
Roland quickly caught up to the stranger from the palace. As soon as he laid eyes on him he broke from the path and into some cover. As stealthy as he could manage he crept up on the man. Making sure that he was down wind from the horse.
He appeared young and familiar. He also looked sweaty and uncomfortable. He studied the boy for a moment, trying to place him. Then he got whiff of a familiar scent. The Queen but not quite... He did not look like Corwin so he was not Merlin....
Roland stepped from cover literally a foot behind Brennus. He seemed to flow from background. The hood of his cloak was pulled tight around his face, as the heat did not bother him. Only the lower part of his bearded jaw could be seen. His ax was resting in the crook of his elbow; the rampant unicorn etched in its head was plain to see.
"Prince Brennus," Roland growled softly, "You are far from home."
Brennus jumps, literally. But as he does so he spins and draws his sabre.
When he gets a proper look of the phantom that had just startled him, he grins in an embarrassed way, then sighs in relief.
"Roland of Evermoor?"
Brennus bows. "Excuse me your grace you startled me."
Putting up his blade he continues. "I fear I took a wrong turn somewhere.... Would you be able to put me back on the right track?"
Roland throws back his head and studies the Prince for a moment. He purposefully ignored Brennus’ sabre. The boy was quick and practiced but no real threat to Roland. His ax may have been at rest but the knife he held hidden in his other hand would have reached the boy’s heart before he got his sabre into an en garde position. His words came slowly, not like he was trying to figure out what to say but as if he did not speak often and had to remember how.
"That would depend, Young Prince Brennus, on where exactly would you want to be?"
His question seems to be asking for more than a mundane answer. What he really wants to know is what direction the young prince plans to take his life. He cocks his head to the side as if listening. No Hellhounds yet.
"Time may grow short."
"Yes, I take your point. Well I had hoped to return to the Castle tomorrow, I do enjoy a night under the stars now and then you see, so I was planning on camping out this evening. But, well, this part of the forest seems somewhat less than appealing."
He pauses for a moment studying the frankly somewhat intimidating figure in front of him before going on the puzzled expression having reappeared.
"Er, time may run short you say? I'm afraid I don't follow you Roland."
Roland stares at Brennus for a moment as if assessing him. He conquered his desire to sigh loudly and roll his eyes. He reminded himself that Brennus was young. He suddenly turns on the ball of his foot and points with his ax back the way Brennus came from.
"If you were to follow this path back a half a day then take the right path you will find yourself back at Amber, civilization, safety, and your mother. However..."
He swung his ax to point down the right fork. Roland thought that now was a good time to expand the boy’s horizons a bit. Give him the opportunity to explore his options.
"This path leads towards all things wild. There be Evermoor, Hell Hounds, and the like."
Roland did NOT want the young boy venturing into Evermoor. Even with his protection. Although it would serve as a reminder that this wasn’t some park. He could die here. He altered the direction of his ax slightly.
"But down this path lies the entire universe. All that you could want, have, or desire."
He returned his ax to his shoulder. That was the path he wanted Brennus to go. Away from the influence of others, to make his own decisions. Unfortunately, Brennus was quick with the sabre but not so with his mind. Roland decided it was because he was under the influence of a strange situation and gave him a little encouragement to think about it.
"You could, of course, stand here until you starve or the hounds eat you. The decision is yours." The last part might be some type of joke but then again... it wasn’t. Roland was dead serious but he did find his delivery of the statement, after the fact, mildly humorous.
"I'd only planned a short trip from Amber Roland so... half a day you say? I'm not sure ... the universe? Shadow realms? I'll not venture forth that way today, though thank you for the directions."
Brennus smiles good-naturedly and makes a short bow. He then stands eyeing Roland for a moment.
"Pardon my ignorance or perhaps I'm a little slow today but you do appear to be speaking in riddles. What do you mean by waiting until the hounds eat me exactly?"
The boy is smarter than Roland thought, just not so quick. Roland hopes that will come to him before he finds himself out maneuvered by the rest of his family.
"Your Uncle lets his puppies run free in this area," he said offhandedly as he points down the path towards Evermoor, "There is a rather large den just over there. That's why those who get lost in Arden never die due to starvation or exposure. The closer to Amber, and to the larger trails, you are the more tame the hounds become. This far out, however..."
Brennus looks in the direction Roland indicates frowning. Suddenly a look of comprehension flashes across his face to be replaced almost instantly by a smile.
Roland stared at him while Brennus became a fearful child then quickly covered it up. He still needed validation, confirmation, and support. He did not appear to have enough experience to stand on his own. Not yet…
"You are wiser than you think. I will walk with you a ways back to Amber. I do not sense any danger yet but we should not waste time." Roland said as encouragement and as a warning not to tarry in the forest. Today he would help Brennus back to safety, home, and mother. Perhaps, some day soon, Brennus would be ready to stand on his own. Without waiting to see if he would follow, Roland turned and headed back down the path towards Amber.
The two lords of Amber make there way slowly towards the city. Having left the main trails and taking a more direct route through the woods. Roland was amused by the young princes attempts to emulate his natural quietness. He came to the conclusion that the young prince would do better if he did not try so hard.
After a while Brennus grins to himself and shakes his head slightly before speaking.
"Roland, have you spent much time with Uncle Benedict? I think you'd get on"
"Possibly. Maybe." Replied Roland in his best impression of the taciturn Benedict.
Taking a piece of leather he makes a quick loop and places it through his belt. He then slides his ax through it. With both hands free, he strings a large compound bow and knocks an arrow.
"We leave the trail now. Do you have a ranged weapon with you?"
Brennus' face hardens slightly, either in thought or apprehension. He moves quickly to the right side of his mount and produces his compound bow, and begins altering the straps on its case and quiver to allow it to be worn
"Indeed I do, trouble?"
Brennus then strings his own bow; he makes an effort to scan his surroundings for possible threats whilst doing so.
"No," said Roland with a whisper, "Supper."
He pointed to a thicket and very fat rabbit could be seen.
"That one is yours."
Brennus looks at Roland wryly, smiles and quickly but with care, draws forth an arrow and nocks it ready for his shot.
He takes careful aim then says quietly.
"On you word cousin."
"Your shot, your call," replied Roland as raised his bow and took aim in a different direction. He still kept an eye on Brennus. Roland was curious to see how good he was. He wasn’t disappointed. Roland quickly fetches his rabbit and points with his bow to a tight grouping of trees.
"We'll make camp there."
He turns to his cousin as he is unstringing his bow.
"Do you know how to cook?"
Having regained Falco's reins Brennus turns him with care before mugging an offended look.
"Of course, aren't I Dara's son? I don't have any cooking implements other than the bare minimum though. Shall we?" he says indicating Roland's chosen campsite. Roland followed him to the site looking for signs of danger. None were apparent. He wondered about the prince’s self directed sarcasm. It was hiding something. Fear? Arrogance? Low self-worth? It was hard to tell.
Once at the site, camp was set up relatively quickly as it looked as if people have been here before. There was a fire pit already dug, most of the brush was pushed back, and it was very defendable. After starting the fire, Roland began to clean and skin supper with a really wicked looking knife.
"So, what does being a prince have to do with cooking?" asked Roland. He knew there would be questions coming even if he was not sure what they would be. He thought it would be best if he started with something innocuous and almost innocent.
Brennus cocks his head to one side and gives Roland a quizzical look whilst preparing his own catch. Preparatory to doing so he had drawn forth a smallish hunting knife, an attractive but fully functional piece of work complete with an elaborately carved ivory handle.
"Truth to tell, I usually only take part in the eating end of things. I do occasionally like to spend some time alone though so learning the basics seemed sensible." Brennus pauses here, looking thoughtful.
"I... well, I've generally learned such things from Prince Julian. He and I tend to get on fairly well, but then we've never been at odds so perhaps that makes a difference?" Brennus eyes Roland cagily as he speaks.
"Julian knows a lot, if you can get him to tell you, pay attention," said Roland indifferently. Roland was always amused by the perceptions others had regarding his relationship with Julian. They don’t quite hate each other. People always assume that discussing Julian in front of Roland will cause him to fly into a rage. He will, of course, but not always.
"Are you learning anything else while you are away from your mother?" asked Roland evenly as he spitted his meat.
Brennus frowns for a moment uncertain of Roland's meaning. He speaks, almost shyly at first.
"I can't really say for sure, I've only ever been away from her a few times and those were for short, generally pre-arranged durations, usually in the company of Benedict, Caine or Julian, which cramps one's style as I'm sure you can imagine. I know I like having control of my own actions though."
"I've seen you at court a couple of times, from a distance, you know, boring state affairs and so on. I like to watch people, you do now that you worry people don't you?"
"What is it about me that causes them so much worry?" Roland asks plainly, ignoring the subject change. He knows damn well why he causes people to worry. Sometimes he even does it on purpose, but he wondered if the young prince was perceptive enough to notice, "I am who I am, nothing more, nothing less."
Brennus continues with the task of preparing the rabbit for a moment, studying Roland the while, then smiles crookedly.
"I think I know, and to be honest I think it's little more than instinct. People are generally bound by conventions, mores, morals. . You are too I'm sure, but they're your own. People don't know what they are, hence the worry."
"As I said before," states Roland as he tends the fire, "You are wiser than you think. Maybe wiser than they want you to be..."
He sits back and watched the flames dance.
"The real question, I think, is when will you know, Prince of Amber?" Roland stared at him over the fire with his ice blue eyes. That is the real question. When will the boy stand on his own and, more importantly, where will he stand.
Brennus purses his lips, eyebrows raised, thoughtful. After a moment he speaks, at first slow, hesitant.
"It will be soon cousin, not tomorrow, but not too far ahead I'm sure. Despite averring my adulthood, I do realize that I am still very young by the standards of mother, my uncles and yourself even... They'll not stop me though, when the time comes I'll be off a-truanting to my hearts content, it's not as though I'm the only heir after all."
While the boy paused, Roland noted, once again, that he belittled himself. He also did not believe that the boy was so stupid to believe that he was not an heir to the throne. Maybe not the favored but it could very easily be his.
"We've skinned them, shall we cook them too? I'm pretty hungry."
"By all means," said Roland, "It would be nice to eat someone else's cooking for a change."
They continued to make small talk. Roland made is simple observational statements while Brennus made sarcastic quips about his varies assumed inadequacies. Roland’s throat begins to feel dry. He is not used to talking so much.
He sits with his back to a tree and lights a handcrafted pipe with a twig from the fire. He watches Brennus put the food together. Seeing that he doesn't really need any help he continues talking.
"So, how do you perceive the state of things in our fair Amber?"
Brennus pauses for a moment and looks up whilst stirring the pot.
"I think mother knows what she is about, and having uncle Benedict installed as Lord protector can't hurt either. How about you, I know you don't visit often but I'd wager you have your ear to the ground so to speak?"
"Hmmmm...." puffed Roland on his pipe. "Well, Amber appears to be recovering her strength. Stabilizing a bit. Placing Benedict as her Right Hand was wise. Those who are hesitant to follow your mother will follow him. He also has an intimidation factor."
"Although... Gerard seems distressed by some of the affairs of state. And when the Pillar of Amber hesitates one would be wise to pay attention."
He puffs his pipe thoughtfully.
"As to everything else. New guilds, increased population, expansion in commerce... Change is often necessary. We need to wait and see how that turns out. Civilization tends to do better when it is growing. Not that I care much for civilization."
As Roland leans back and puff his pipe, that last statement may have been made in humor, then again, since he never smiles, it is hard to tell what Roland thinks is funny.
Brennus nods seeing to the stew for some moments then speaks again.
"I doubt me Amber has any need to worry, enemies she may have but none she can't handle. Growth won't be a problem either, we have infinite room after all."
Brennus smiles slightly before continuing.
"You value Gerard's opinion highly then cousin, how would you react if he were to openly declare against queen Dara? I doubt he ever would you understand, but I find Gerard difficult to understand sometimes."
"He wouldn't," Roland stated matter-of-factly in response to a dangerously loaded question. Roland wondered whether it was savvy or inexperience that caused Brennus to put out such on obviously dangerous question that could get them both killed.
"His loyalty to Amber is absolute. He will do nothing to harm it in any way. Attacking its monarch, even if he perceived her to be absolutely evil, would hurt Amber. He would not."
He pointed is pipe at Brennus.
"I'll give you a little insight into our uncle. He puts Amber and his family ahead of everything else. Including himself. That is why I value his opinion. That doesn't mean that I'll follow his lead."
Brennus nods thoughtfully for a moment.
"Gerard is too... strong. Physically and morally perhaps. He's not the type to make compromises, and I think I've still never gotten over my childhood fear of him."
Brennus grins self-consciously. Then glancing at Roland seemingly nervous.
"Roland, you know I was born after my father's passing? You met him I believe, how would you categorize him, as a man and as a king?"
Roland paused as he looked at Brennus. He was waiting for this question, or one like it, since he met up with the young prince. He decided to be honest.
"To be fair, I was raised away from Amber so my interactions with him were brief at best. He was a poet and a warrior. Julian did not like him then."
A smile may have crossed Roland's face but, then again, probably not.
"Outside of Benedict he was probably the most respected and feared of all our aunts and uncles. Then he disappeared and everyone went looking for him. Even Julian. That alone should tell you something about his character."
He dumps out his pipe before continuing. As it grows darker Roland appears to blend more and more into the forest.
"As to what happened while he was gone, well, I heard some of it from him. Merlin heard all of it. You should ask him. But we all know what generally happened and that it ended with the Patternfall War."
"King Corwin was different. He was the same person but tried and tested. He had suffered loss. He was a good king. He would have been a great king."
"If you want a word to categorize your father, I would say he was Unstoppable. It took him centuries to regain his memory, but he returned. I was there the day Uncle Eric burnt out his eyes. I felt the curse. Everyone did. Still, he grew them back and took the throne. He then fought a war across the entire universe. Even attempted to make his own pattern. He won. He always won eventually"
Roland sat back and watch the young prince. He was also caught up in his own thoughts regarding the King. It bothered him still that somehow he WAS stopped.
Brennus sits, thoughtful. He glances up at Roland and gives a brief almost painful smile.
"I've heard most of my father's story from Merlin, we do speak occasionally, and we were closer when I was very little. Corwin seems a strange mixture to me, honorable, the dutiful son and prince, naïve yet pragmatic. I wish I’d met him. He’s a difficult model to live up to.”
"He's gone. You need not measure your self by him. I do not believe he would want that."
"I feel Dara would disagree, or so it seems to me.” Responds Brennus, “She compares me unfavorably to him quite regularly; perhaps that's why I’ve spent so much time training with Benedict, you know, trying to reach a level in something, anything, that comes close to my father’s ability... Perhaps I should accelerate my development as it were, move away soon. I still don't expect to go just yet though."
"The queen can disagree with whomever she wishes," grumbles Roland.
Brennus pauses here, then seeming to give himself a mental shake he moves on, and begins finishing up the stew.
“Roland, I realize that to all intents and purposes we’ve just met but can I ask you a personal question? I expect you’ll say that I can ask but you’ll not promise an answer so I’ll go ahead and ask."
Brennus pauses here again looking nervous, unsure of himself. Roland was beginning to wonder how much of this was real and how much was an act. Either way it granted an opportunity for him to observe his cousin. It was also mildly entertaining.
"Well, I’ve said that I generally get on with Julian, and I know that you and he don’t… It’s just I was wondering why?”
Brennus appears genuinely embarrassed at this point and hurriedly goes on.
“Listen Roland, forget I asked, it’s none of my affair really. Shall we eat?”
Brennus sits, thoughtful. He glances up at Roland and gives a brief almost painful smile.
Roland digs two wooden spoons from his pack and hands one to Brennus.
"As far as my relationship with Julian... you're right. It is personal and it is not any of you business. But, I will tell you this, in addition to our core issues, he and I are very different people. I honestly don't think I'd like him anyway..."
Still looking askance at Roland following his ill-considered question Brennus eats some of the stew before speaking.
"I think you were correct. I may improve next time, this stew is not very good." Brennus smiles. It seemed forced to Roland as if he was smiling for practice.
Brennus lapses into silence, eating more of the stew. Meanwhile the day has been getting on into evening, the forest has darkened subtly, the camp fire is beginning to cast small flickering shadows.
"I will agree with you regarding the stew.” Says Roland as he takes a bite of stew. To his credit he does not grimace. “I have had better. Then again, I've made worse."
He leans back against the tree with his ax over his knees and continues to eat. He seems to be expanding his attention beyond the campsite and into the surrounding forest. He sniffs a couple of times almost like a blood hound.
Just when Roland feels he can lessen his heightened guard, he hears something. A sound of movement within the woods... Roland's ears strain and he hears other, barely audible movements. It could very well be the hounds, drawn by the smell of the cooking food... perhaps five of them, maybe six. It’s hard to tell at this point, but you think they have surrounded the campsite. These are definitely wild hounds, and not the specially bred ones Julian has, which is fortunate as Julian's hounds are much fiercer than the wild variety.
It is a large number of the hounds, and you're not sure you can hold them off. Assuming Brennus is any good with his sword, the best bet would be to injure enough of them to cause them to run off, show them you are more formidable than the average hunters. The other concern is Brennus' steed. Wild hounds have been known to hold off humans while a smaller number try to scare off, chase down, and kill horses. The hounds could be clever.
"Roland? What is it?" asked a worried Brennus.
Roland jumps to his feet and kicks the remaining wood into the fire. As the fire flares up he spins his ax into a combat position.
"Secure your horse if you have any care for it and ready your steel young prince, " Roland growls loudly, Roland was curious if would show any concern for a ‘lesser’ creature or if he was cut from similar cloth as Julian "We are about to be set upon by wild hounds."
Kicking things aside he puts himself in a defendable position where he and Brennus could fend the hounds off from the horse and each other. He seemed to do well with the bow. Hopefully he was competent with the blade as well.
He growls menacingly.
Brennus' face is a study in surprise for a split second, his mouth a huge 'O'.
Coming to himself he launches himself to his feet, draws his sabre and his hunting knife and positions himself in as ready a position as he is able, covering Falco as well as possible and appeared ready to support Roland if need be. Tactically appropriate, if not obvious maneuver. Brennus seemed to have the basics or, at least, he was practiced.
He looks out into the forest warily, he hisses a question;
"Where Roland?"
"They're all around us," he replies with a feral grin, "Make sure your steed doesn't flee or it will be picked off."
He kicks more fuel into the fire to increase the light.
"Be brave. Be fierce. If we show them that we are superior they may flee. If not..."
...there are only 6 of them anyway," he says evenly. Roland knew he could handle 2 of the beasts himself. Possibly 3, but he was limited in his options. He had to stay close to Brennus so he would be unable to use any maneuvers that allow him ‘hit-and-fade’ tactics. If it was just him he could keep them at bay long enough to get to Evermoor. There they would not live long enough to harm anyone.
Roland watched for signs of panic in the young prince. Seeing none he planned for their defense. These were wild hounds and Roland knew a lot about things that were wild. They would test their defenses and try to split or occupy them while they went for the weaker target. Roland guessed it would be Brennus. He was smaller and he was by the horse. More meat for the money. Then they would come full force.
Straight on assault it was to be.
The boy fought well. Very quick and accurate. He didn’t panic or become erratic. In a few decades he would rival any one of them. Roland saw a lot of similarities between Brennus’ style and his fathers. When he told him this, the boy seemed to get embarrassed… again.
Unfortunately, after the fight, the real battle began. Brennus seemed to be suffering from ‘shell shock’. The shaking and fear and panic, which he kept at bay during the melee, came screaming back. Roland could do nothing but watch to make sure the boy didn’t hurt himself. This battle he would have to fight on his own. Brennus would either learn to deal with it over time or… he wouldn’t.
Roland watched over Brennus that night. He didn’t let Brennus know that, of course. He wondered what kind of person the boy would become. He seemed to recover from the encounter with the Storm Hounds well enough. Roland found himself wondering again about how much the young prince was actually feeling and how much was acting. How much was Dara and how much was Corwin. The boy seemed intelligent and, although he tried to hide it, very quick. He would survive to become a good Amberite, Roland was certain, but beyond that… Brennus’ future was a mystery.
The next morning Roland lead Brennus to one of Julian’s outposts. One of the few he kept contact with. His arm stung terribly but, as he told Brennus earlier, it would heal. It did bother him enough, however, to accept Ulrich’s offer of hospitality.
After a quick, but filling, meal, Roland took his leave. Brennus followed him out to say a ’formal’ farewell. It wasn’t necessary but it made Roland wonder if Brennus was truly aware of his position and was looking for allies. As he continued his trek back to Evermoor, Roland thought about it. If it was not true then the boy was acting foolish. If it were true, Brennus took a risk finding him for very little gain because Roland would treat Brennus as he treated everyone else. Roland decided that it was probably a little of both.
Evermoor called.