Copyright ©1998 Jonathan Cardon
Amber DRPG is Copyright ©1991 Erick Wujcik

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace, from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death."
      -William Shakespeare

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
      -George Santayana

Between the Pattern of Amber and the Logrus of Chaos are the lesser powers: broken patterns, the ravelled logrii, representations, designs, and wells. Realms of power. Shards.
Amber defeated Chaos in the Patternfall War, but the battle continues.

Now the Shards begin to fall. The realm of Begma is no more.
Slowly the eyes of the other Shards begin to open. Chiare prepares for battle, but most remain blind to the danger.
A small band in Thule listens to the signs of coming doom, and struggles to prevent another tragedy...
[- Rex and Calamus are resting at Vance's villa overlooking the lake surrounding the city of Atlas -]

[- The rest of you are attending an audience with High King Menelius -]

As the audience with the High King appears to be reaching its close, Ariadne turns to Vance, clears her throat, and nods her head toward the High King.

Vance steps forward. "I have one more request, Menelius."

The High King of Thule regards Vance, "And what is that?"

Vance says "I would ask that my daughter Ariadne be allowed to traverse the Watery Flame."

King Menelius nods, "Ariadne, daughter of Vance, son of Lir approach."

Ariadne, slowly walks forward and bows low before the High King.

Vance watches, arms crossed within the folds of his toga.

The High King asks, "Are you ready and willing to prove your blood by trial on the Watery Flame?"

Ariadne stands and looks the king in the eye, "I am."

King Menelius says "Then you have my permission."

Ariadne bows again and withdraws.

King Menelius says, "Vance, it will take me time to arrange a ship for your demonstration. If you will send for your wives I will bear witness to your daughter's trial."

Ariadne smiles with pride.

Vance bows. "I will send for them at once. That will give me the time to observe one other tradition, as well."

The High King looks puzzled, "Which tradition?"

Vance says "As you recall, I chose to undertake the Watery Flame in the clothing of my homeland, Kashfa. I would swim down as far as the entrance with my daughter. She will honor her home with her garments, and I will honor both the land of my birth and the land of her birth."

The High King laughs, "Or lack thereof, we were all puzzled by your insistence of wearing your own clothes, most choose to make the passage unencumbered, but as you will."

[- Flash forward a bit in time. -]

Vance is dressed in his travelling clothes, when he returns with Merope and Pleione.

[- Merope and Pleione did not want to leave their guests unattended. They brought Rex, his guests, and Sean with them from the villa. -]
[- Merope, Pleione and Vance are in a room with Ariadne getting ready. -]

Rex looks pleased to be back with everyone. "Hello again, friends."

Allyna stands back, not having been introduced to most of the group.

Sunfall regards Rex with unreadable calm.

Rex smiles, and seats himself.

Jeanette says "Welcome back, Rex."

Rex smiles at Jeanette. "And how have you fared, m'lady?"

Jeanette says "I am well."

Reed is quiet, and Sean wanders the room like a bull in a china shop.
Reed comments, "The king didn't seem overly worried about the Aurachulum."

Rex raises an eyebrow. "That what?"

Allyna says, "It seems, at the moment, that that's not the most pressing of his concerns."

Jeanette mmms softly. "Yes, it might indeed seem so."

Reed says, "That is possible, I wish I had better instruments so I could tell just how radioactive that stuff is."

Rex shakes his head. "What are you talking about?"

Jeanette says "If it does not form a critical mass, where is the danger?"

Reed explains, "They use a substance called Orachulcum for lighting, and it is radioactive which means it is harmful to be near it. Long term exposure to radiation can cause disease and birth defects. In strong enough doses it can be lethal."

Jeanette lifts an eyebrow, "Are you sure of that? I've never heard that before."

Rex nods. "And they have used this stuff for...how long?"

Allyna says, "The end of the world may also be detrimental to health, if I'm understanding things properly."

Rex chuckles, lightheartedly. "That is entirely dependent on one's world view."

Reed snorts, "I do know a thing or two about physics. Yes I'm sure it is a basic property of radiation."

Jeanette says "Interesting."

Rex says "What sort of time-period are you talking about for these ill effects, Reed?"

Reed says, "It depends on the exposure, both duration and intensity, and I can't make an accuate assesment with the tools I have here. Since I don't see everyone running around with tumors and there are plenty of healthy children, I have to guess that it isn't that strong a radiation source."

Rex says "Or that the people here have some kind of immunity."

Reed looks skeptical.

Rex grins. "They do tell me that the Universe in infinite, with all that implies."

A slave arrives to summon you to Ariadne's trial.

Rex nods, rises, and follows the slave.

Reed looks amused, "Do they now?"

[- Shortly afterwards the party is led downstairs to a chamber deep beneath the Hill of Clieto. -]

Rex nods, and shrugs. "I have yet to verify this for myself," he adds, with a wry grin.

[- The chamber houses a deep lake, and a design of blue flame can be seen indistinctly in the water below. -]

Allyna divides her attention between the lake and the card she's holding.

Vance walks over to the High King, and speaks to him quietly.

[- Four red crystals can be seen under the water in the corners of the room. Each is about one-third meter in diameter. Two people stand on a platform above each of them. -]
[- The rest of you are gathered on a sandy beach above the chill water. -]
[- The beach extends all the way around the lake but is largest at the foot of the stairs and appears to be the best view. -]
[- Merope and Pleione are standing by Ariadne, who looks nervous. -]

The High King and Vance appear to be done talking.
The High King says, "Ariadne, you claim the blood of Lir, may you pass through the Watery Flame and survive, and be welcome as a Daughter of Lir."

Ariadne gulps and replies, "I am ready for what comes, may Lir watch over me."
Ariadne removes her clothing, and dives into the lake.

Vance walks over to talk to Reed, and says quietly, "You've been given permission to use your instruments. I would be discreet...that permission was given grudgingly." He then follows Ariadne into the lake.

Reed nods gratefully, "Thank you. He palms an instrument and casually walks around the lake as if seeking a better view."

Sean seemed to enjoy the show he comments to Rex, "Nice place this Thule. Three women to every man, and they aren't shy about taking off their clothes."

Dimly, Ariadne can be seen traversing the beginning of the design, deftly swimming between raging flames. As she nears the second air pocket, a sudden current nearly sweeps her into the fire. At this point, Vance starts into the design.

Jeanette stands at the shoreline, watching....

Pleione is clinging to Merope, who is comforting her.

The High King watches with interest.

Ariadne reaches the second air pocket, and takes some time to collect herself. Vance reaches the first air pocket quickly, and pauses to watch Ariadne's progress as she starts again.

Rex grins to Sean. "Seem nice enough, but I just worry when things look too good to be true."

Vance stays still until Ariadne reaches the third air pocket, and then quickly swims to the second. As Ariadne attemps to reach the fourth, she seems to have a problem, turning back to the third. Vance is stock-still at this time. Ariadne makes it back to the third, but her swimming seemed noticably shaky. Vance does not go to third pocket, but instead waits.

Sean smiles a satisified smile.

Sean says, "I try not to worry until the trouble is real."

After an agonized wait, Ariadne swims to the fourth air pocket successfully. Vance stays one pocket behind her as she continues, until she is but one air pocket away from her goal.

Allyna slips her card away and focuses her attention on the action below.

Reed has completed one circuit of the lake, he slows his pace starts a second lap.

The last stretch passes through a narrow passage of flame. Ariadne swims through, and she is completely obscured by fire...

The High King's attention is mostly on Ariadne now, although he did gaze at Allyna for awhile.

Ariadne can dimly be seen in the center. Vance quickly completes the last stretch, to join her there. After a brief time to rest, they head back...the flames seem somewhat dimmed on the return trip, and the current seems to be aiding their swim.

Pleone is openly joyful, jumping up and down and hugging Merope excitedly. Merope is more reserved.

Rex smiles, and seems pleased.

Ariadne is the first to make it out of the water. Vance has paused at the first air pocket.

Ariadne breaks water, and breathes deeply for a moment, before giving off a joyous cry of victory.

Although exhuastion is clearly written on her, she quickly paddles to shore and rushes to her mother.

Merope and Pleione wrap her in a blanket, the High King nods approvingly, "Welcome to the family, daughter of Lir."

Vance emerges at the surface, and breathes heavily. He slowly paddles to shore.
Vance heads straight past his daughter, and goes to the room he originally came out of.

Ariadne's exicited expression quickly changes to a frown.

[- The same afternoon. -]

You board the royal barge to travel to the site of Vance's demonstration. Despite being called a barge, the vessel is built for the royal family to hold private parties. It is comfortably and richly furnished.

[- There are a slew of NPCs present, including Ariadne, Merope (not Pleione), Sean, Reed, Andra (no longer wearing a dress that glows), King Menelius, and miscellaneous servants. -]
[- The notable absences are Pleione and Calamus -]

Your vessel is escorted by one of the ironclads and you quickly arrive at a section of the lake of Atlat that seems to be almost empty.
As the barge reaches its demonstration, Vance emerges, looking a bit less tired.

Jeanette nods to Vance.

The target vessel is quite obvious. It is an old large merchant vessel that rides in the water with a pronounced lilt. It is flying red pennants and appears to be abandoned.

Vance walks past those assembled, to the bow of the ship.

Engela asks Rex, "So do you have any idea as to what this demonstration is to be?"

Vance places his hands together as if in prayer, fingers pointing upward.

Allyna watches Vance closely.

Rex smiles at Engela, but shakes his head. "I'm afraid not; but I imagine we will come away enlightened."

Jeanette nods, "It will certainly be an interesting sight."

Reed has his binoculars out.

Vance quietly says something to Madrak, who stands next to him.

Sunfall leans casually against the siderail.

Madrak mutters back to Vance.

Vance stands there, unmoving except for a few whispers to Madrak, for perhaps five minutes. As of yet, nothing else has happened.

Andra approaches Reed and begins a quiet conversation about Orachulum, she seems worried about Reed's claims.

Madrak nods to Vance, then moves over to speak to Sunfall.

As Madrak approaches, Sunfall steps away from the rail.

Vance suddenly brings his hands apart. Between them is a line of blackness, as if the world were nothing more than one big canvas, cut by a razor's edge at one point. Vance says, in a quiet voice that nevertheless carries, "Behold, the Dark Well." It seems unimpressive at the moment, barely a foot high.

Allyna stares.

Rex looks like he wants to do something, and isn't sure he should.

Vance makes a slight pushing motion, and the line drifts toward the abandoned ship. There is a sucking noise as the air around it is drawn in, and the crack in reality begins to grow. The darkness drifts slightly back towards the ship at one point, and Vance says, "The Well seeks its own. I would suggest that you not tempt it."

Madrak frowns. He moves to the rail, standing beside Sean.

Allyna mutters, just barely audible, "The power..."

The Dark Well grows. The bottom touches the ocean, and it's like a god using some massive soda straw to suck water out of the great depths. It's taller than a man, and still growing, widening as well. As it touches the ship, there is a ripple, and the boards are ripped apart like a child tearing paper. They get sucked into the great Void at an immense velocity, disappearing forever. Again, the Void begins to drift back, and Vance growls, "I do not warn idly."

Rex nudges Aranor with his elbow.

Vance gestures, and the manifestation cuts directly through the center of the ship, devouring it like some insatiable maw. Before the ship can finish sinking, most of it has been completely devoured by the darkness.

Everyone from the High King down to the sailors gapes at the demonstartion of sheer power.

Vance's arms tremble, and he starts to push his hands together. They tremble slightly, and the darkness contracts, grows slightly, then contracts again.

Reed has dropped his binoculars in favor of his instruments.

No one saw it approach. All eyes were on Vance's demonstration of power, but now it rises from the waters of the lake.
It is big. Dark and grey and old like an elephant, but of a size to dwarf a whale. The body of the beast extends on through the water, and on, and on.
It's head rears up far above the mast of the ship on a neck that seems narrow for the immense body, but is actually wider than an ancient oak. It looks down upon you with eyes of mottled red and black,eyes that are larger than a man.

Rex steps back.

Eternity passes in the beat of an eye.

None of the crew moves or speaks, they are frozen immobile as the bird that sees the snake.

Sweat appears on Vance's brow, and he holds the void in place. Then, with a push, it begins to move towards the beast.

The beast begins to move toward the ship, it's head diving, it will crush the vessel as casually as a horse might swish at a fly.

Vance calls out, "Rex! If you can help me contain the Void, now would be a good time!"

Madrak roars out, "Scafflech!" He holds his staff above his head. "Madrak the Mighty challenges you!"

Although it seems forever, not even seconds have past. The beast (Scafflech?) was aiming to crush Vance, but Madrak challenge turns him, and it's head dives toward him.
It's jaws descend crushing Madrak, and incidently the ship.
The Void then strikes it and it bellows like a thousand whales. The ship lists, tilts, and snaps.

Vance's whole body trembles with the struggle of containing the Void from infinite destruction.

Everywhere people are knocked into the water.

The High King is still frozen there, immobile as the ship goes down around him.

Jeanette grabs a handhold, and tries to make her way towards the High King...

Allyna grabs the High King's hand, focusing on the card in her hand. "Your Majesty, you must go to the Watery Flame, for your own safety!"

There is mass panic and confusion, Jeanette saves the High King from being tossed overboard, and grabs his attention so he hears Allyna's words.

High King Menelius, "The horses of Lir, yes, we must go."

Scafflech submerges as quickly and mysteriously as he arrived.

Jeanette nods, "Take his hand, you... and can you reach anyone else?"

Sunfall is floating on her back, somehow buoyant even in the waves.

Miraculously, Vance is still afloat, leaning over the rail of the bow of the ship. The bow bobs unsteadily, but it has not submerged. He continues to face the Void, hands trembling as they are held in front of him.

Rex treads water to Aranor, grabs him, and tows him toward the shore.

The ironclad slowly begins to move to rescue you.

Vance calls out again, "I...could use...help..." His gaze seems to indicate that his concern is not for his own safety, but based on the Void's continued presence.

The High King, Jeanette, and Allyna disappear.

Ariadne swims to her fathers side, "Tell me what I must do."

Vance sighs. "Keep me afloat, for now."

With Ariadne helping him, Vance focuses his undivided attention on the Void. It fights him as it slowly shrinks, moving unpredictably in jerking motions. Finally, it diminishes to the size it started at, and Vance wearily closes his hands together. He then slumps on the rail.

Rex struggles to shore, dragging Aranor in and dropping him there. His face is pale, pale...no. A silvery sheen has tinted his skin, and continues to do so. His eyes flash bright silver, and his gaze falls upon the phenomenon on the lake.

The Void remains still as Rex stares. Slumped over the rail, Vance makes a fist with one gloved hand.

Rex calls out, "Vance...I'm ready to try, if you still need help. Remember last time!"

Vance seems to nod, though it is hard to tell from this distance.

Rex takes a deep breath.

Vance slides off the rail in a state of complete and total exhaustion, falling into the water.

Rex continues to stare at the Void.

Suddenly the void shrinks and disappears.

Rescue boats are put ashore from the ironclad, and everyone is gathered in.
There is no sign of Madrak.

The sailors from the ironclad want to know what happened to the king, Andra reassures them that he departed along the wings of a teleport spell.

Rex helps Aranor rise, and seems to be looking for someone. His skin goes somewhat less silvery, but his eyes remain shining.

Engela staggers through the water looking less than her best over to Rex, "Are you well?"

Ariadne swims with Vance's unconscious form to a rescue boat, and the two are taken to join the rest.

Middenriddle is huddled on the shore, "I'll make a fire" He begins to rub two soggy sticks together.

Merope joins Ariadne for a moment, "I'm going to look for injured, I memorized two spells for this morning, so I still have one ready."

Rex rejoins Engela, nodding, and the three of them find Midden. "Aranor, are you up to helping poor Midden here with your talents?"

Sean swims slowly to shore, with Shamus helping him along.

Merope nods to Ariadne, "Take care of Vance." and joins the search for the wounded, stripping off her dress and diving into the waters of the lake.

Aranor nods, and mumbles over the soggy sticks. They light.

Sunfall joins the group. Her clothing appears dry, and she seems completely unharmed.

Meanwhile in the chamber of the Watery Flame the High King thanks his rescuers.

High King Menelius says, "You both did me a great service today, but I have no time for gratitude now, come we must see that ships are sent out to rescue the others."

Jeanette nods, "We shall assist in any way we can, of course."

Ariadne seems unnerved as she gazes out to sea at the remnants of the ship. Her look is that of a person who's found out they're a small fish in a very big pond.
Ariadne turns, examining her father for injuries. His breathing is slow, but regular.

Lady Engela says to Rex, "I believe that you stopped the void there at the end."

Rex nods wearily to Engela. "I think you may be right. I wish I knew how."

Merope swims to shore with a wounded sailor. After placing him in the hands of others, she head back into the sea to continue helping the wounded to shore.

Allyna turns to Jeanette, "I've already used up my last trick. Have you got anything that might be helpful?"

Middenriddle looks for more firewood.

Jeanette shakes her head, "Nothing more than quick effort, I fear."

Allyna says, "Well, do you remember the way, at least?"

Ariadne says something quietly to herself. "... said... heir to... "

Jeanette nods, "I think so. We can at least get moving."

Allyna says, "After you, then."

Rex says "Aranor, keep tending the fire as best you can. I go to help the wounded in. Engela, will you tend to their hurts?"

Aranor nods.

Jeanette leads on, heading for the boats.

Merope swims back with one more sailor. She then heads toward her discarded dress, saying with a downcast expression, "Those remaining in the ocean are beyond my help now."

Rex and friends run their little aid station on the shore.

Vance remains unconscious.

Engela makes an expression of distaste, but helps with the first aid.

Rex laughs!

[- Jump forward in time about two hours when everyone is dry and reassembled. (well except the generic sailors) -]

Vance is now able to speak and move again.
Vance sits up, wearily.

The High King returns with Andra to talk to him.

[- Madrak is also among the missing. -]

Vance is helped to his feet by Ariadne, and looks to the High King.

The High King approaches the couch upon which Vance is resting, "Sit, rest, tell me how much of that went as you expected?"
The High King does not appear angry, more like overawed or shocked.

Vance sits back down. "Nothing after the monster appeared. Especially when I used the Dark Well against it. Nothing survives the Void."
Vance says "Yet I only wounded it."

Jeanette nods... "I could feel... power... rolling off it."

Allyna says, "What is the Void?"

The High King says, "That wasn't a monster, it was one of the Horses of Lir. One of the creatures that pulls the chariot of the god Lir. Until today I thought them no more than legend."

Vance says "The Void, or the Dark Well, is the ultimate manifestation of the break in the Broken Patterns. It is the danger that all true initiates fear, except I can actually summon it forth."

Allyna says, "Broken Patterns like the Watery Flame?"

Vance says "One of many, yes. Each Broken Pattern manifests the break in a different fashion."
Vance glances around. "Where is Madrak?"

Allyna nods. "What do the other Broken Patterns look like?"

The High King says, "I would advise you not to summon the void again here in Thule. It appears you angered Lir. You know the priests will demand your death when word of this gets out."

Rex turns to Vance. "I have not seen him since the Beast struck. I suggest we begin looking, soon, when we have our wits regained. Tell me, Vance, what exactly did you wish of me, when you asked me to help you touch the Void? A joining of the minds, to work together...if such is possible...or simply to wield my power in your aid?"

Vance manages a chuckle. "I doubt a priest can inspire fear in me, after what I witnessed." He then frowns as he looks to Rex. "Your power, you said, dealt with entropy and altering reality. It was my hope that you could somehow assist me. As you did."

Andra says quietly, "When word of this gets out King Orepheus may have his way and human sacrifices will begin again."

Vance sighs. "Madrak could see death. Could he have seen his own?"

Rex nods. "I find I have more to learn about the nature of my curse than I had thought."

Jeanette nods, shivering a little, perhaps at the thought of human sacrifices...

King Menelius nods at Andra grimly, "This could cost me my throne, but now I have little choice but to believe you."

Vance hmms. "Perhaps there is yet away to turn the creature's appearance to our advantage. After all, were I truly sacriligeous, I should have been killed, correct? Which leaves two possibilities - I was not meant to die, or I am more powerful than Lir. Which do you think, Menelius?"

The High King considers, "I am going to handle this by appealing to a power higher than that of any king of Thule. I am going to take you to Clieto."

Sean shakes his head gingerly--he appears to have been struck by debris at some point. "Madrak's dead. I was right beside him, I saw the creature strike him... nobody could have survived that."

Andra gasps!

Merope and Ariadne seem stunned.

Vance frowns. "He took your death, Sean. He saw it, right before I began. He must have sacrificed himself to save you from your fate."

Vance nods wearily to the High King.

Allyna says, "There are tales of people living in the bellies of great beasts of the sea. I heard two of them when I was on Sight."

Andra stammers, "That is forbidden even to mention to one not born to the royal house, even to a High King."

Vance glances at Andra. "Extrordinary times demand extrordinary measures."

Sean looks at the ground.

The High King says, "I know, but it is Clieto's words that I obey. She foretold that I would see one of the Horses of Lir, and that I would bring those responsible to her."
The High King says, "Come with me, to the house of Clieto."
The High King stands, and leads the way for all of you.

Allyna follows.

Rex joins.

Jeanette joins the rest.

While all of Thule is a marvel of architecture, you are led to the very top of the hill, where a lone palace stands. A palace that is a work of art, marble raised to its highest form.
A troop of guards are at the gate, but they part for the High King.
He leads you within, everywhere is marble, red, white, black, often inlaid with gold, and fine traceries, but always polished to a mirror sheen so that you can see your reflection in the stone.

Allyna looks around, observing everything.

Vance does not speak during the journey. Ariadne and Merope walk together at his side.

The room is a small and round composed of dark black marble and inlaid with gold. The walls must be muffled somehow for all sounds seem to just damp down and die off, creating an unnatural quiet. A dozen pillars line the edges supporting a dome.
Beneath which lies what at first glance to be a casket. It is a large box of dark marble, in which lies the body of an old woman. She is thin and withered. Little more than skin and bones, and yet somehow a remant of beauty still clings a memory of how she must have looked in her youth. The box is sealed with a lid of transparent crystal, and hazy vapors swirl within.
Three attendants sit in the room. They are all young girls (about 14 to 16 years of age) of exceptional grace and beauty. All of them look more than a little stoned. One of them is holds a hookah. She occasionally takes a puff, and expels it into a tube, which runs into the coffin.

Vance crosses his arms, and waits silently.

Rex looks interestedly at the water-pipe.

Aranor looks more interestedly at the girls.

One of the girls speaks in a dreamy voice, "Vance of Kashfa, holder of what was once mine you have come at last."

Vance frowns, but says, "Why have I been summoned here?"

Sean glances at the women pensively, but his attention is focused mostly on the woman sealed in the coffin.

A different girl speaks, "To learn what you must know."

Vance nods. "Then, let the lesson begin."

One of the girls speaks, "The ritual that destroyed Begma requires three things."

Vance's full attention is captured instantly, at those words.

Rex listens intently.

Jeanette becomes quite attentive, as well.

One of the girls speaks, "A person who has walked that shadow of the Pattern and survived."

One of the girls speaks, "A person who walked the Pattern of Amber and survived."

Vance seems to have a question on his lips at the first statement, but waits.

One of the girls speaks, "Oberon's stone, The Jewel of Judgement"

Sean glances at Reed, then back at the woman in the coffin.

Vance says "Can the first and the second be the same?"

One of the girls speaks, "No, it requires two people."

Vance frowns. "A traitor, then."

Allyna says, "Or a captive."

One of the girls speaks, "Not necessarily either, for the ritual need not destroy, it can heal, forming a new true image of Amber. Such as was done in Rebma, and the vanished kingdom of Tir-na Nog'th."

Vance frowns. "Is that not a manner of destruction in its own right? Begma was not a true image of Amber before, so such a change would destroy Begma's identity."

The High King, Ariadne, and Merope are kneeling.

Vance does not kneel, but stands with arms crossed.

Allyna says, "There is only one stone?"

One of the girls speaks, "Such is the nature of the Pattern. To shape reality into its image. As the nature of the Void is to destroy."
One of the girls speaks, "There is but one Jewel of Judgement, although it may have shadows."

Vance says "What must be done by the pair to enact this ritual?"

Allyna says, "But only this one Jewel will work the ritual?"

Vance says "If it requires Oberon's stone, Allyna, no lesser will do. A shadow is not the true object."

Allyna says, "You don't mean by 'shadow' what I know the word to mean."

Rex listens with interest.

One of the girls speaks, "Do you have need of that knowledge? You know enough to prevent it."

Rex says "The knowledge of restoration, of healing, could serve us well."

Vance frowns. "Need is an interesting question when it comes to knowledge. To not have information makes it difficult to judge when it is necessary. But I do have need of other information."

Allyna says, "What does this Jewel look like?"

One of the girls speaks, "Very well, but upon your heads be it. The pattern wielder must walk the shadow of the pattern bearing the Jewel of Judgement, healing the void as he goes."

Vance nods. "Noted. Any with me that attempts to use that knowledge to their own advantage will die."

Jeanette nods. "And the other path, that we may prevent it?"

Vance snorts. "Simple, Jeanette. Guard the Patterns and take the Jewel."

One of the girls speaks, "The wielder of the broken pattern must go ahead, and be waiting at the center. When the pattern wielder reachers her, they make love."

Sean blinks.

Rex raises his eyebrows.

Vance hmms. "I assume they must be of different sexes, then?"

Aranor grins.

One of the girls speaks, "Yes, when the ritual is complete, the design is a shadow no more, but a true pattern."

Engela blushes.

Vance finishes for the girl, "The power of creation inherent in the mating of male and female. I understand."

Allyna says, "Does anyone know what this Jewel looks like?"

Vance ahems. "All in good time, Allyna. They are seeresses, not witnesses."

Sean asks, "Could someone be tricked into being part of the ritual? Not knowing what it would do?"

One of the girls speaks, "Not so, I was there. It was I who helped Oberon heal the mirror of the Pattern and made Rebma what it is today."
The listless tones of the girls recital drain any emotion from the speech.

Vance gazes not at the girl, but at the casket. "Then you are the mother of both Rebma and Thule."

One of the girls speaks, "Yes."

Allyna listens.

Vance glances to Allyna. "The Jewel has been worn by Oberon in public events, but it was thought to only be a symbol of authority. I have not seen it personally, but a description can be garnered."

Allyna says, "If she was there, she has seen it."

Vance then turns back to the casket.

One of the girls speaks, "Oberon, husband, lover, betrayer, I betrayed Lir for you, and you were just using me to increase your own power. You denied me the power you gave me, but this day, I deny you. The Pattern shall not consume all."

Vance thinks hard. "Oberon had a Rebman wife...but her name was not Clieto."

One of the girls speaks, "No, he called me by another. I was known as Faiella."

Vance nods. "Faiella, I would ask you other things, but one of my companions wishes to know the appearance of the Jewel of Judgment. If it would not strain you, I would like to know as well. If it would, I have one more question for you."

Allyna reaches into her satchel for a pad of paper and a charcoal pencil.

One of the girls speaks, "It is a small red stone of no particular prominence, the size and shape of a human eye."

Allyna says, "No distinguishing marks? flaws?"

Vance frowns. "An eye...very well. I do not know if any powers of vision remain to you, but there is one thing that has concerned me since my arrival. Madrak saw a doom upon Thule. We have grasped at shadow, but have no concrete proof of anything. I must know if that doom remains...for I cannot leave it behind me."

One of the girls speaks, "The doom was not upon Thule, but upon me. I have the mark of the true Pattern now, but Oberon stole the agelessness from me, yet I would not let my spirit go while I had this one last duty. Now I go. Guard Thule. Protect it from Amber."

Sunfall mutters to Vance, "... agrees with... the... told me... in the..."

Vance nods. "Rest, Clieto who is Faiella. The torch has been passed."

Vance turns to the High King. "I will be taking my leave of you here, Menelius. Have our things brought to this place, and then we will leave."

Sean bows his head.

Allyna sketches.

Sunfall has reconnected.

The three girls wail at once, and begin sobbing in the voices of normal young girls, "She's dead... she's dead...Clieto is dead..

The High King looks at Vance, eyes full of tears, "You may have whatever you need."

Rex bows his head.

Vance gazes directly at the High King, and nods as he continues. "The Horse of Lir tested our worthiness to see Clieto. She blessed us, and used the last of her powers to send the saviors of Thule where they needed to be. Do you understand?"
Vance looks at Allyna. "Your Trumps will provide our passage, though none outside those here will know of it."

The High King nods "I understand."

Allyna says, "Where are we headed, then?"

Vance says "Back towards...Kashfa, I believe. I have a hunch that is a longshot, that I need to play out."

Allyna says, "I don't know Kashfa. I almost certainly haven't an Image-- Trump of it."

Jeanette nods...
Jeanette says "Could you draw one from our description?"

Vance says "Get me in the Golden Circle, then, or as close as you can to Amber without entering it."

Allyna says, "You seem to think I've travelled much further than I have. I can work on one from a description... But it might not work."

Sean glances at Vance. "What are you going to try?"

Vance frowns. "Then, just get me out of this Shadow, and I'll do the rest."

Allyna says, "I've never heard of Amber before today. Or Kashfa."

Vance glances to Sean. "I won't say publically yet...not till I know more."

Sean frowns. "Well, how about privately, then. I might have an idea."

Vance shakes his head. "No offense, Sean, but I barely trust myself with what I plan next. I am willing to listen, but you'll just have to trust in me for a short while."

Sean crosses his arms. "You ask us to trust you, but won't trust us in return?"

Jeanette says "He trusts us enough to ask for our help."

Allyna says, "We should steal this Jewel. If we have it, we needn't guard all these broken Patterns, only one Jewel."

Jeanette nods, "If we can."

Vance looks directly at Sean. "I told Madrak to guard you, and he did, knowing what I asked of him. Tell me again how I am wronging you now..."

Allyna says, "We have two options. We can travel to Logal, or take the time to try the Kashfa Image. Trump, if you prefer."

Jeanette says "What and where is Logal?"

Allyna says, "Logal is the sphere I've usually called home. It was a wonderful place... But there was some political trouble, and the Empire had to crack down on it. It's pretty much dead."

Jeanette nods.

Vance continues to hold his gaze on Sean.

Sean flinches, looking at Vance for a long moment. "This is not the time, nor the place, Vance. I'm offering you another option, but at a certain price to myself."

Allyna says, "And the Chasm Jumpers-- Broken Pattern Initiates... They will be under orders to kill me."

Jeanette says "We have already been to Kashfa. Would a messenger suffice?"

Vance nods to Sean. "We will discuss it after we arrive in Logal, then." He turns to Ariadne. "Now is your choice. I cannot offer your birthright until the crisis is past...unless you come with me now."
Vance doesn't answer Jeanette, instead focusing on his daughter.

Ariadne says, "You are blessed by Clieto. I am ashamed for ever doubting you. I will come."

Merope says, "You will break Pleione's heart to leave without saying good-bye, but I wish you luck husband."

Vance nods, and squeezes Ariadne's shoulder. To Merope, he says, "I know. Please break it to her gently, my wife. Tell her that our daughter prospers by coming with me." He glances to Jeanette and says, "We're going."

Jeanette nods, "Then go we do."

Reed looks at Sean, "Go ahead and tell him. Vance, Sean has something important he is trying to say. You should listen."

Vance says to Sean. "Are you willing to speak in front of the others, Sean?"

Sean reaches into his vest, withdrawing a single trump card. "I can do better than that." He doesn't turn the card around just yet, though. "I want you to know what this means. I'm breaking a promise to help you, because I trust you in this."

Vance nods. "I value that, Sean. I ask much, but only because the need is just as great."

Sean says, "I know." He turns the card around. It bears the image of Rinaldo.

Allyna looks at the image.
Allyna says, "May I look at that a moment?"

Vance's expression doesn't change, as he gazes at the card for a long moment. Suddenly, he smiles. "My guess was close enough, it seems. I was waiting for you to tell me who your mysterious benefactor was. You could not have survived a Broken Pattern that far out without aid."
Vance glances over to Reed. "And you?"

Sean shakes his head. "No. I met Rinaldo long after that, and only briefly."

Vance says "Perhaps, Sean. Or perhaps you were watched."

Sean shrugs. "Being watched and being helped are different things."

Vance doesn't press the issue, apparently not wanting to touch Sean's pride at this point. He instead looks to Reed.

Reed says, "It is no secret that you and Rinaldo are not on the best of terms. There was no good reason to say anything before now."

Vance nods. "We may be on poorer terms, yet. But now I have a dilemma. Do I use your Trump to contact him, and perhaps get a quick way to my goal in the process?"

Sean says, "I can't answer that if you don't tell me what your goal is."

Vance says "In part, it relies on his wife, Coral. I may persuade her, or I may have to kill her."

Sean frowns. "Persuade her of what?"

Vance says "Helping our cause."

Allyna says, "She is the one who has lost her homeland?"

Vance nods. "And of the Begma royal family."

Allyna suggests, "Surely she would cooperate with us."

Vance says "No, that is not sure at all, Allyna."

Sean says carefully, "Well, given that her brother's already been killed, I don't think she'd be hard to persuade, unless you're leaving something out."

Allyna says, "Why not?"

Vance says "Think it over. The royal family of Begma had access to that Broken Pattern. And someone with that access caused the destruction by participating in the ritual."

Allyna says, "She was at her wedding. You witnessed this? You are her alibi."

Vance says "The wedding was not a sufficient alibi. We don't know exactly when it occurred, or how long it took before the destruction was total. She could have Trumped back in time."

Sean frowns. "I can't believe she'd deliberately contribute to her brother's death."

Vance says "You assume she is in her right mind, Sean. I cannot make such an assumption. Brand was not suspected by the Amberites until it was almost too late."
Vance says "And...Rinaldo is Brand's son."

Sean sighs. "What, treachery is in the blood? I don't believe that."

Allyna says, "Then how can you risk telling her?"

Vance says "Treachery, no. But insanity can be passed down the family line...or through power. We do not know what forbidden lore Brand had, or what his son may have."
Vance says "I can risk it in my own way, backed by all of you. If necessary...we will take her down. I hope that can be avoided."

Allyna says, "How will you know?"

Vance says simply, "Trust me...I'll know."

Allyna says, "May I see the card? The Trump?"

Sean glances at Allyna. "All right, but don't activate it."

Allyna says, "I won't."

Sean hands the card to her.

Allyna peers at it, curiously.

Sean asks Vance, "Is it worth going back to Kashfa for this now? Shouldn't we keep warning the other Broken Pattern lands?"

Vance says "It is. Besides, if we're in Kashfa, we can continue our journey to warn the others fairly easily. Otherwise, I have to ascertain where Logal is in the grand scheme of things. We have to disappear via Trump, to give the High King the clout he needs to salvage things here."

Allyna returns the card to Sean, shakily.

Jeanette nods. "It makes sense. We started around the ring from Kashfa... we can simply pick it up on the other side, and complete the rest in the other direction."

Allyna says, "Who drew this?"

Sean takes the card back. "I don't know, Allyna. Why?"

Allyna says, "It's very... Professional. I've never seen one like it."

Sean nods. "It's the only one I'd ever seen, before we met you. Should I contact him, then?"

Allyna says, "Unless you'd prefer another of us do it."

Vance says "When our gear has arrived, you can...no. Let me Trump him."

Sean frowns. "Why?"

Vance says "I want to start things off on the right foot, Sean. Trumping him gives me bargaining power...and, if you wish, I can claim that I discovered you, instead of you revealing yourself."
Vance says "If he comes back with our gear, he can come along. But I won't fetch him myself...we cannot be seen leaving this place."

Allyna says, "No one would recognize me."

Jeanette nods, "Girl's got a point... and perhaps she could draw an Image that could get us back here, later."

Allyna says, "Takes too long."

Sean shakes his head. "He helped me, Vance, and gave me the card in case I needed to talk to him. I think he'd probably prefer to hear from me, first."

Jeanette says "Why should it take so long? An hour, two?"

Vance nods. "Yes. But the question is simple. Do you want him to know you broke your pledge. If not...I can say that I searched your items while you were asleep."

Sean sighs. "I'm not sure lying to him is going to help things, but..."

Vance waits, listening.

Allyna says, "Maybe for the person who drew that one. In a rush, perhaps... An Image which would fade not long after it was used... But to make a real one, days."

Sean hands the trump to Vance.

Jeanette ahs. "I see..."

Allyna says, "It is not a trivial working."

Vance takes the Trump. "When our possessions have arrived, we shall go. Allyna, you have until then to make whatever drawings you wish of this place."

Vance says "As for the rest of you...prepare yourselves. The greatest trial of your lives may lie in Kashfa."

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