The Game Log: Part 2

by Don Anderson

minor Editing by George Gitari

Ambercon: March 14, 1997

ZANE:

He was doing an archeological dig and found some stone slabs with primitive paintings. The Arabic style writing did not match the stone paintings; wrong time period and locations do not belong together. One of the pictures was a tyrannosaurs-rex, a 25 foot tall dinosaur.

Armond, Aros, Auric, Fitzgin, Ian & Morgan:

Bleys invited me to a party several day after the large family banquet. This was at his manor house in the city to celebrate his being nominated viceroy of Amber City. Gerard has stepped down as official regent, but was still in charge. Vialle has taken over official castle duties and acted as the queen. Julian was in charge of Arden. Benedict was not around very much. Caine was in charge of the navy, so he was at sea most of the time. I consulted with a protocol expert to convey my acceptance and select my attire. I chose an appropriate style, but it would be more subdued, so it would not compete with Bleys.

Armond heard Bleys voice and went to see him. Bleys immediately dismissed his servants and welcomed Armond. Armond mentioned Bleys that his manor had been broken into and inquired if any other break-ins had occurred. Bleys thought Caine had experienced some difficulties. Bleys extended Armond an invitation to his party. On the way out, Armond heard Bleys yelling at his servants again.

Armond returned to his manor and thoroughly examined the mess to look for clues. He noticed some branches that were seared off, not broken. Further study revealed an unusual energy residue and he was able to trace a trail that lead through house back to the tree to spot where someone teleported in. He located a bird, ensorceled it to spot this energy residue, search for it and return when it was located.

Ian and Gerard ran most mornings. At the beach, Ian put on his full speed. They had a little chat about their roles and responsibilities. Gerard was now the steward instead of regent; which was better for him and kept the others busy. Ian was still in charge of castle security. Ian expressed his concern about the unknown Aros having free run of the castle. Ian thought that Gerard should physically hold the key to the Pattern room to control its use, but Gerard explained that it was the birth right of the family and anybody else would be destroyed. Gerard said it was the responsibility of the family to police themselves. To prove a point, Gerard hypothesized on what it might be like if Ian had the key to the pattern room and all of the family would have to see him to use it, like Bleys, Fiona, Benedict... Gerard made a trump contact and handed the sword through. A short lesson to Ian's comment that his sword would always be used for Amber. Gerard was reasonably happy about the new division of responsibilities that kept his sibling more occupied. Ian asked about Random's whereabouts and Gerard said it was possible for him to step down as the commander of the castle guard and lead an expedition to find Random. Maybe Ian should find a suitable replacement to take his place if he decided to leave on his own mission. Ian asked for his sword back and Gerard said he would have to see Fiona.

Morgan was in Rebma. A lot of people asked about Martin. He learned about the changes in Amber when he checked with the embassy and got a rundown on everyone's public activities. Several people expressed concern that Queen Moire was upset and he finally stopped in to see her. A guard stopped him and went inside to check. Morgan overheard some lady say, "I don't care what you say and he has a right to know and you can't stop me!" At this point, Morgan entered the room. Llewella was also in the room. He inquired about the numerous social events that she had not attended. He asked about what he overheard and all the other ladies in waiting left, so just Moire, Llewella and Morgan were there now. Moire admitted to feeling a little under the weather of late, it has been very stressful. Llewella left. Moire said that Llewella would no doubt exaggerate and everything was really okay. Moire had to return to court.

Auric spent a lot of time with his father, Julian, in Arden. Julian was heading out in shadow to retrieve someone and Auric was to freshen up the chalet. Auric asked what he role was and Julian it was his own. Julian asked Auric if he would produce a deck of trump for his sister's use. This was the first time Julian had ever acknowledged Auric's professional ability. Auric returned to Amber.

Ian put Andrew in charge of Lady Vialle's honor guard to Bleys' party tonight.

Aros arrived at Bleys' at 5:10 and Bleys personally greeted him and introduced some of the city nobility. Armond and Ian arrived at 5:30. Ian came with his wife Alis. Vialle came about 5:35. Fitzgin arrived at 5:35 with an escort. Bleys introduced each of the family as they arrived, he addressed Vialle as Lady Vialle. Bleys purpose was to demonstrate his new position in the city. The city nobility noticed Ian's and Armond's audience. Fitzgin and Reign were popular.

Armond noticed that Ian's sword was missing and inquired. Ian said something about its being pledged to serve Amber and it was needed elsewhere. Armond asked if it was something he could speak of or only after several drinks.

Finally, the party was over. Aros thanked his host before leaving.

Ian trumped Morgan and inquired why he wasn't at the party. Morgan would come the next day.

Ian gave Armond a new horse. Armond gave Ian a duplicate of his missing sword, but Ian said he had to refuse at this time. Ian told Armond that he should talk to his mother about things.

Aros had a lengthy discussion with Fitzgen and basically gave him his entire background and purpose for being in Amber. I remember Oberon as my father, but he wasn't around very much and has been absent for centuries. I have been in my world for more centuries than I can remember. It was disconcerting at first when everyone except grew old and died. Through the years I moved around and done just about everything possible to do, including being a god for a time. It was boring without out. Then, a little while ago, I felt my father's death and that was the first sensation I ever experienced from outside my world. I was able to locate Oberon and manage to find my there, which turned out to be Oberon's funeral at the Abyss. Dworkin recognized me and vouched for my identity as a family member. I stayed for the funeral and was the only one from Amber, if you can call me from Amber, that stayed after the service. I met three Chaosians, a Swayvil, Shuhuy, and Borel. I think I actually saw Random based on description I have heard crossing a bridge in Chaos. I decided to come to Amber and met my long unknown family. The journey took me a few weeks, but I finally found Amber. Bleys found me in a street side cafe and there rest is history; I met the family at the banquet a few days later. I came to met my family, but I have found it very difficult to do when everyone went their own way and the younger generation avoid me for the most part.

JENNA:

Jenna trumped Benedict. She thought this was really weird, he mouth didn't even move when he mentally spoke to her. He offered her some basic survival skills that he thought prudent for a person of Amber.

Julian came to her house and they talked. The next morning, two moving vans came and everything was packed. The second trunk was filled with her plants. A large white limousine was also there to convey Julian, Jenna and Marion (mom). They drove off and things weren't quite the same and the changes became more dramatic the further they went. Before long, nothing at all was familiar and some things were very strange; a green sky... Eventually they stopped. The moving vans were unloaded into several carts drawn by oxen. There was a giant horse that nuzzled Julian; Morganstern. There were some other normal horses for Jenna and Marion. They continued on and the terrain got increasing strange; mammoth flowers, rain without clouds... Julian halted for a moment and it started to rain heavily. Now, Julian wore white scale armor. They setup some large pavilion sized tents and the torrential downpour continued. Julian concentrated on something heavily. Jenna noticed that one of the flashes of lightning outlined something like a large statue. The storm got worse and worse; the ground even shook. Julian stood outside, but he didn't get wet. Fire streaked through the sky. Trees appeared out of the ground where lightning struck. The ground undulated. Julian continued to concentrate and uttered a scream. The sky turned electric blue white and ... When she woke up,

SLOAN:

She was a sailing ship and Caine was about two day overdue to return. A squall came and turned into a nasty storm. Sloan trumped Caine and he pulled himself through immediately. He had a dagger in one hand and his sword scabbard was empty. "Oh no, not here too." Caine was bleeding from numerous wounds and his back was charred. He left the cabin and barked orders to the crew to move now. He took the helm and steered to a new course.

Sloan: What's going on?

Caine: There is an obstacle in our path and I went ahead to make preparations. Everything should be okay now.

The rain stopped momentarily, but it started back up again. Caine went back to the cabin and searched for his trump deck; he couldn't find them. He swore and went back to the helm. This time he was unable to navigate out of the storm. Sloan made a mental contact to Caine and was hit with hideous pain, like she was on fire; she broke the contact.

Cain: What the hell did you do? Strap yourselves down!

The crew went below deck. Sloan strapped herself in. The storm got worse and worse and worse. The ship sustained considerable damage. She fell unconscious when the white flash hit.

When she woke up, they were on a different ship and the sea was calm. She up topside and Caine was there and he seemed fine.

Sloan: Are we past it?

Caine: Oh yes.

Sloan: What was it?

Caine: I don't know. If I find out who was responsible, he's dead.

She noticed the lighthouse of Cabra up ahead. They were almost in Amber.

Sloan: You arranged this gig. You better tell me what you want out of it.

Caine: I hadn't considered that in those terms. I would introduce you to your birthright and to extend the possibilities of shadow to you. I do this for your father and you will be safer in Amber.

Sloan: How'd you find out where I was?

Caine: Eric told me.

Sloan: What did he tell you?

Caine: Not much. He wanted to protect you. I was one of his few confidants. I am best able to look after you if you are where I am and that is in Amber.

Sloan: What else?

Caine: There is no such thing as a secret where we are going. I don't know if Eric planned it, but you are well suited to our family right now. You are clearly capable to withstand clumsy intrusions, cynical enough to socialize with your relative and a little paranoia can go a long long way. You have the potential now to get more power than you ever thought possible.

Sloan: What do you want?

Caine: I want to make sure you get your birthright. Not everybody liked Eric like I did. Everybody is looking for something. What I want for you is for you to take the pattern.

Sloan: Good lawyer.

They docked in Amber harbor.

IAN & ANDREW:

Ian and Drew had dinner. Alis was also there. Ian actually made this into an interview for Drew's potential for a direct commission to a lieutenant.

When Aros returned from his morning in shadow, he found Armond, Fitzgen and a woman I have never met. I introduce myself and she was Joss Sloan. Armond always seems uncomfortable around me and he soon excused himself. Fitzgen and Joss were on their way to the dock to get some information. I offered to tag along and they didn't object. Joss stopped to change her clothes. I took the opportunity to order some lunch. The servants brought it up quickly.

We started down to the docks. I described my study of the family to Joss. She inquired about the pattern and Fitzgen said that Ian now kept the key for security reasons. We got down to the docks and looked for the ship Armond described. Joss did the negotiating with a guy named Dirk. After some time to get acquainted, she asked how to locate some guy that was here yesterday, a tall guy that docked in this area. She was going to sell him something. He wanted to know what was in it for him. Fitzgen got a trump call, but he resisted it. They walked her down the dock. Fitzgen and I followed discretely. When the started down an alley she stopped and asked where they were going. I setup a magic eye to kept a good view of Joss. Fitzgen also did something. They entered a building at the end of the alley. They tried to force her into the room, but she knocked out the guy in front of her. Fitzgen rushed in and broke a glass bottle over the head of the guy behind her. She grabbed the weakest looking one, who was the one she initially talked to her, and put a switchblade knife to his throat. The other guys closed the door. He weaseled, but didn't know anything. Fitzgen read his mind and he really didn't know anything about the man we were looking for, he simply was taking to his boss to rob her.

We left this area and went to a decent sailor's bar Fitzgen recommended. After a few round, the bar tender said the guard that was on duty was at the back table. Fitzgen went over a talked to him for a while. He guard had seen the man and at least was able to improve the description of him.

Fitzgen said he would check the records for yesterday to gather more information. Joss and I went to the specific dock stall. I investigated the area for residual traces and found an unusual magical. I sent a filament out to Fitzgen and he accepted a contact. I showed him the residual magic energies and suggested he trump Armond so we could show him. Joss got some information about the ship and the man from some men around the docks. (Tall guy with a blue jellyfish symbol) We made contact with Armond and he confirmed this was the same magic.

In the Dark Game Logs are Copyright © of Don Anderson 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999.

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