The Journals of Morgan,

Prince of Rebma and Amber

For the Campaign: In the Dark -- prelude entry:

The Black Road War; the Rebman story.

We had known of the Black Road above the water in Amber, of course. What we didn't figure on was a watery version coming for us here in Rebma. I think it was either one of the dolphin scouts or a border patrol mounted on seahorses that first spotted the blackness on the sea floor and the tunnel-like dark water immediately above it.

Having seen Amber's version, I went out to view the corruption moving towards us. Aeron, my love and long time friend, came with me of course. She and I were really close while growing up, it was only after we matured (well... somewhat, anyway!) and I took the Pattern that we began to see less of each other. And that not willingly on our parts... Mothers can so obstinate at times...

The first time Aeron's link to the Old Powers manifested itself stands out in my mind to this day. She and I were playing with some of the other children and one of the younger dolphins. We would chase the young dolphin, named K'krri, trying to touch his tailfin. K'krri, a born swimmer of course, easily kept ahead us; leading us on a merry chase up, down, around and through buildings. Of all the children, only Aeron and I could come close to actually touching the dolphin when he didn't want us too. Aeron and I started viewing the game as a contest of sorts between she and I, more than between us and K'krri. First Aeron was closer to the dolphin, then I. Aeron and I constantly passed one another trying to touch K'krri. Then K'krri suddenly doubled back on us; Aeron had just put on a burst of speed and overshot K'krrii. I managed to flip under and keep on chasing K'krri. By now, the other kids where far behind us and steadily losing ground.

"Aha!" I thought when Aeron overshot K'krri, "Now I'll win!" I was steadily closing on K'krri when a grey blur shot by both of us. It was another dolphin! But for all it's speed, it swam rather clumsily, as if this was it's first day in the water. K'krri and I both stopped to stare in amazement at the newcomer. I, of course thinking quickly, reached out and touched K'krri's tail fin. K'krri, startled by this move, jumped! Yes, I know it's sounds odd, but he really jumped which is a sight you really have to see to appreciate.

It was then that I noticed that Aeron was missing. And that the rest of kids were all staring rather strangely at the new dolphin. Some were making the sign to ward off evil, others were simply drifting in amazement.

"What?" I asked them, confusedly. "What are you staring at? Where'd Aeron go?"

One, finding her voice, said; "That... that is Aeron..."

I spun around to look at the dolphin just as it's form shimmered back into Aeron's beautiful, graceful one. Everything was quiet for long moment, before Aeron shouted out; "Well! What are you all staring at anyway?" She then swam off angrily. Shaking the amazement from myself, I cried out; "Aeron! Wait lass! Wait up!" I then swam off after her, leaving the other children behind; but she was gone. It wasn't till much later that I realized those kids, friends of ours, viewed us... her differently after that.

That evening, I asked my mother about what had happened. She said that Aeron had been given a gift by the Seahorse; one not seen for many generations. "Not unlike your own, unique swimming abilities, son. Remember that will you?" She asked looking deep into my eyes. I smiled at her; "Yes, mother I will remember."

I found Aeron again a few days later and convinced her to go find K'krri and our friends so we could play. She agreed and we did find our friends. They stopped playing and stared at us.

This made me mad. Why were they doing this to Aeron? "C'mon guys! It's just Aeron! Sheesh!" A few of the kids joined me; the rest swam away. Aeron looked upset and angry at the same time. Before I could say anything, K'krri and a few of his relatives showed up and began gently head butting Aeron and then myself. Their way of saying; "We still like you. Let's play!" Aeron hovered there for a moment, then her face lit up in a smile that made me feel very warm of a sudden as she turned towards me. "You did this, didn't you Morgan?"

I simply smiled and shrugged my shoulders; "Me? Now why under the waves would you think I'd do something like that? I had nothing whatsoever with K'krri bringing his relatives here... Do you think I'd use my influence as the Queen's son in something like this?"

"Yes;" she grinned in reply. "I know you would. I've seen you do it before. Thanks my... friend."

"Then why'd you ask me for?" I said sarcastically but with a sly grin. I then winked at K'krri; "Now, maybe we can chase Aeron yes?" Dolphin laughter is another spectacular sight to behold, and we were given a good look at it as K'krri laughed and started chasing Aeron around. Things were almost back the way they were. Almost. I hoped that it was enough that Aeron saw that her ability didn't bother more than a few of her friends. And me not at all. Maybe it did...

Aeron started acting a bit more respectful of me from that day on. Which annoyed the hell out of me at times. All I did was help out a friend in need. And now she treats me like I'm a Prince or something. Oh, right. I am a Prince. Still, it was irritating, seeing that look she'd get when she went all formal and respectful on me. Then I'd note the laughter barely hidden in her eyes and realize she was doing it on purpose; just to tease me!

Yes, that memory, particularly that smile, I hold dear to me. That smile she bestowed upon me made me very much want to do whatever it might take to keep Aeron smiling so... That smile... I think that's when I realized I thought of her as more than a friend... I think that's when I lost my heart to her.

As for the Black Road War, well that was no time for fun and games. Still, we were having a friendly sort of competition that day; to see which of us could eliminate more of the enemy. I won of course. Barely, but then I had Aermacil to help me out. And in the end, my Lady Delfin had to come to my aid, so close had things become.

The fact that I might have let that slip out while talking to my mother later on, had absolutely nothing to do with her knighting Aeron before the entire Court a few days later. Nope, as I've said, I don't do things like that. (Well... not much and only for good friends/loves who deserve it that is...)

Patternfall War.

For the Campaign: In the Dark -- Entry 1: Con '96

Most of you will no doubt have already heard and/or read about the events surrounding the period of time that came to be called 'The Patternfall War.' At least those that transpired above the seas. Corwin's disappearance - caused by Eric as we now know. It was a falling-out or simultaneous desire to kill each other as Corwin was later heard to call it that caused Corwin's disappearance. Eric got the better of Corwin in a fight and came close to killing Corwin before coming to his senses and dumping Corwin in Shadow. Those two never got along, why, I am not sure. Strange, that trait or tendency; the hatred or jealously of one's siblings and peers, seems to have skipped the younger generation, of which I am one of its oldest members.

Or maybe not.

My place in the generations or succession I mean. I am well into my fifth century of life now as I write this and still have no idea of who my father is. I do know who my mother is; Moiré, Queen of Rebma. I believe I inherited the ability to walk the Pattern from my unknown father. Mother has never claimed to be able to walk the Pattern, nor have I ever seen her do so. Yes, yes, I am aware of the rumors that she has, over the centuries, ordered several of her subjects to attempt Rebma's Pattern only to watch them fail and die upon it. Let me just say this, those are just baseless rumors unless you have proof otherwise; and even then you had better be prepared to back those claims up at sword's point because I will not listen to such drivel.

Anyway, so that must mean my father has to be one of the Blood Royale of Amber. Exactly whom, I do not know. At various times I have thought it might be Corwin or Eric who sired me. Perhaps Gerard or Caine as they are dark haired as well. Julian seems a remote possibility, as he prefers dry land to the watery environs of Rebma. It could be Bleys or ... Brand, perish the thought, as well though I do not resemble either of them and therefore consider the possibility remote. It could be Benedict I suppose or one of his dead brothers; Osric and Finndo. I have only seen pictures of them, they were gone before my time I think. I rather doubt Random is my father. Mother disliked him with a passion for some reason. If he was my father, she would never have allowed him to see her daughter, my sister, Morganthe.

Two more possibilities occurred to me though as I attended Oberon, the late King of Amber's funeral in the Courts of Chaos. It might be Oberon who is my father. Yes, I know he sired Llewella on Moins, who is also my mother's mother, but I put nothing past that man. He is that suave, powerful, whatever you wish to call it. Oberon did not disappear from Amber until long after my birth. The other possibility? Well, this is stretching things a bit and giving into rumor, but it could be Dworkin as well. How, you ask? Well, rumor has it that Oberon is the son of Dworkin, the man who drew the Pattern. If he had one son, why not another?

Where was I? Oh yes, the Patternfall War... A great deal of blood got mixed into the waters during those dark days...

There's a saying in Amber that Rebma is Amber's reflection beneath the waves. There are times when this is true; oh so very true. And those are usually the times when we Rebmans wish it were otherwise.

As Eric, Gerard, Julian, Caine, and Ian fought on the slopes of Kolvir in the defense of Amber; so did Llewella, Martin, Aeron, myself and others fight below the waves for Rebma. And what a battle it was! Untold numbers of elementals, demons, and Chaosians in one underwater form or another; and all bent upon Rebma's destruction. We met them on the ocean floor, in and above the sea on the outskirts of Rebma. It is oddly disquieting to see something burn underwater but that is what happened whenever I managed a good blow on one of the enemy with my blade, Aermacil. Even nicks and small cuts would start streamers of smoke from them. Yes, my blade was potent in Rebma's defense that day. But why it is so, is a tale for a different day.

Suffice it to say we fought the enemy off, but not without heavy losses on our part. It is thought that the Chaosians had just enough troops to launch simultaneous attacks on Rebma and Amber with a reasonable chance of success. Corwin's timely return with working guns wrecked their plans. His riflemen were shooting the Chaosian troops at a furious pace. One faster than they overcome even after committing their reserves and pulling troops from the attack on Rebma. So the enemy was forced to fall back rapidly, soon it turned into a full fledged retreat. Llewella counseled us to let them go and I reluctantly agreed with her. Our forces were in not that great a shape anymore either and pursuing the enemy could have strung our forces out the point where a counterattack by Chaos could have doomed us.

Later, I did take a contingent of Rebman troops with me when Benedict took the war to the Courts front yard. That battle was... surrealistic in a way, both above and under water. And yes, before you ask, there are bodies of water in Chaos. Weird, strange ones, but bodies of water nonetheless. That whole realm is strange; everything seems to be moving or changing, nothing seems to remain stable for very long. Being used to seeing objects and people through the distorting effects of the sea, this did not bother me as much as it did others. The battle was long and fierce, but with Benedict's planning and leadership, I never doubted the outcome for a moment.

As battle was winding down, due to a combination of our troops soundly beating the Chaosians and a strong desire on both sides to avoid the storm wall of Chaos rapidly approaching the field, various members of the Family began heading for an outcropping of rock over looking the Abyss. I did not know it until I arrived, but that is where Brand had taken the Jewel of Judgment to use against us. Fiona, Random, and Deirdre along with a disguised Caine, several of Amber's lords and a hidden Corwin had somehow managed to corner Brand and nullify most of his powers. It was then while we were arguing with Brand, trying to talk him into giving us the Jewel, that Oberon's image appeared in the clouds/sky overhead, passing on his final words.

According to Corwin, it was after Oberon's image that he acted, doing something to Brand through the Jewel. Brand screamed and slashed Deirdre, who struggled to get free of her brother. Suddenly, Brand was shot through with arrows launched by Caine. One in the throat the other in the chest, Brand staggered back and over the precipice. Somehow he succeeded in grabbing on to Deirdre's hair and pulled her with him into the Abyss. I will never forget the look of terror on her face as she fell. Corwin screamed and made to lunge for them. Random had to tackle him and club Corwin with the hilt of his sword before Corwin ceased to struggle towards the edge. Several of us rushed forward towards the edge but we were too slow. Deirdre and Brand were gone from sight when we looked down.

Brand, you Bastard! I liked Deirdre. Most of us did. She was fun to be with. That slender, sensuous body of hers packs a rather surprising punch if angered, but she always had a ready smile for her friends and loved ones. She always knew the best bars and clubs to go drinking in. And speaking of drinking, you do not want to try drinking her under the table because you are doomed to a miserable failure. I do not think Corwin himself could manage that feat when she was in top shape. I would kill you myself if I could, Brand. It was all I could to keep myself from yelling at the archer revealed as Caine for not shooting earlier or surer as it was.

Later, as Caine and Corwin were talking and the armies of both sides making their way towards the Courts, a break appeared in the storm wall and a procession of troops bearing the Unicorn standard of Amber rode through. Horsemen, footsoldiers and musicians, not all human, rode or strode from the storm. Strange looking creatures and machines came through as well. Even a dragon or two. All to a vast a pervading silence except for the sound of the storm and their own singing. How long this procession was, I do not know. It seemed to stretch on forever. I know not how much time passed while they marched through, for time seemed to stand still while they moved. Even the storm wall halted its ominous advancement while the procession marched through/from it. Finally, sometime later, a black wagon pulled by a team of black horses emerged from the storm wall. Upon the wagon was what could only be a casket. Over it was draped the Unicorn flag, and I knew who must be inside it. Oberon.

Later, as we stood there watching the troops continue to cross the Abyss, Dara and Merlin came to see Corwin. I did not know who they were at first. I had heard some of the rumors about Dara; who she was supposedly a descendant of, and that she'd walked the Pattern. Around the time of the battle on Kolvir I believe. Later, Fiona told me who Merlin was. Not that anyone could mistake him for being any but Corwin's son, they look that much alike. I wonder if I should be envious of him for that? Dara left after a few sharp words with Corwin. What was said between is not known to me.

Corwin, somewhere in the course of the Family's discussions, let it be known that even if Oberon had failed to repair Amber's Pattern, he had managed to create one of his own. A fact that surprised all of us and succeeded in causing a worried frown to briefly appear on Fiona's face.

While Corwin and Merlin were getting acquainted, yet another strange thing happened to us. Someone shouted and as we turned to look in that direction, fell silent for the second time that day. And not just us, both armies below had fallen silent again as well. For the Unicorn had appeared, rising from the Abyss. And as she nervously pawed the ground, we saw that she bore the Jewel of Judgement around her neck. She slowly turned her head to regard the Family members present. What passed between her and the others, I do not know, but I felt her judging, evaluating myself; all that I had done and thought, she knew somehow. While no words passed between us, I gained the understanding that she loved me and sympathized with me for all my longings and hurts. Then, she moved onto the others.

Finally, she came to stand before a large grouping of the Family. Judging them like she had judged those of us before them. Then, she slowly knelt before one of them and tossing her head, caused the Jewel to slide down to by its chain upon the tip of her horn. It was pointed at one of us. It was pointed at Random. He took it from her horn with a murmured word of thanks, and we all moved forward to unsheathe and lay are blades at his feet. For we remembered Oberon's final words about the succession and leaving it on the horn of the Unicorn. Random was King, by the closest thing we acknowledged to true divinity. He accepted our oaths and told us to rise. Then Unicorn stood up as well and raced away, vanishing from sight in a matter of moments.

Between Corwin, Fiona and Random, they managed to figure out a way to initiate Random into the workings of the Jewel. I did not see much outwardly happening as Corwin and Random were about it and turned back to helping Benedict with the troops. Assured by Fiona that Random could divert the Storm once he had been attuned to the Jewel, our main problem was getting us and the troops across the Abyss before being drenched in the Storm. A thing everyone was keen to avoid.

Well, we managed to get everyone across except for the new King, Corwin and his son, both of whom had chosen to stay by Random's side as he battled the Storm. I wouldn't exactly say we occupied the Courts of Chaos with our armies, but it was plain everyone knew who had won the war.

As I have said before, the Courts of Chaos is a strange place under a stranger sky. Here, in the city, as beyond it's walls, nothing seemed to retain its shape for long. When we entered the city, the place was eerily quiet and somber. Whether over the fact that they had lost the war or that one of their greatest foes and apparent one time member had passed on, I do not know. It could be that place is naturally like that. It's just creepy, allright?

After quartering the troops, Benedict and I were conducted through a myriad of streets, passages and tunnels towards the Royal Citadel. A point of interest here: Not all of the passages led us to where we thought we were going. Walking down a long, dark hallway led us to a shimmering in the air and suddenly we were on a sunny garden path. Very strange.

Once inside the Citadel, we were conducted to a small, darkly paneled room where the other members of the Family and Amber nobles were resting and sampling various offerings from a small buffet table. There were also small, adjoining rooms where we could get cleaned up if we so chose. I chose. Later, I chatted with Armond, Flora's son, about our respective roles in the war. He had taken part in the battle, commanding his mother's guards. I had heard he'd acquitted himself well on the field though I did not observe him myself as our roles were greatly different.

Sometime later we were once again led through various passages into a large amphitheater overlooking the Abyss. Indeed the entire 'backstage' area overhung the Abyss as I was to learn later. Ushered down to the front of the amphitheater, we of the Blood took seats in the front row according to our internal, semi-official, hierarchy: Benedict, the eldest of us was first; then came Fiona and Bleys; Llewella followed by Caine, Julian and Flora. Next came myself and Armond. The nobles filed into the row behind us.

With one exception. A man dressed in garments of black and blue took a seat next to Armond upon Dworkin's insistence. None of the Family appeared to know the man, but then we are well practiced in the art of hiding our emotions, so it is possible someone of us knew of him. All I know is that I did not.

Slowly and quietly, the tiers and rows behind us filled with the High Lords and Ladies of Chaos. Soon the amphitheater was packed with the assembled nobility of the two realms. In casually glancing about me, I noticed that the color red seemed predominant among the Chaosians. A symbol of some kind? Some sort of uniform perhaps, or merely current fashion? I wondered but did not ask my neighbors as I rather doubted that they knew the answer either.

Dworkin, the hunchbacked dwarf, said to have drawn the Pattern, and if rumor were true Oberon's father, slowly wheeled out a flag draped casket a few long quiet minutes after the crowd had settled. The flag bore a white Unicorn on a green field, the flag of Amber. And it clicked suddenly in my mind what we were gathered here for. Oberon's funeral. I had thought this might be the opening 'ceremonies' if you will of the armistice or treaty I knew was to be worked out with the Courts. But, it was our last chance to honor the patriarch of our House, that was why we were here.

Dworkin, unheeding of my inner thoughts, had removed the flag, opened the casket lid and had been quietly speaking. Of Oberon I had no doubt, and his life given the circumstances. What, exactly, he said is lost to time unless someone else who was present then has a better recollection. I do remember that it moved me at the time, as it rightly should have. Judging by the continuing silence on the part of the Chaosians, they too, respected Amber's fallen King.

After Dworkin finished speaking he nodded to us and one by one the Family stood and moved forward to stand by Oberon's casket and be with him for the final time. What passed between them and Oberon, if anything, is something you will have to ask them some time. As for me, when my turn to say goodbye came, I strode forward slowly and calmly. No, I will not tell you of what I thought then, that is for Oberon and myself to know. I will only say this, the universe is smaller place without Oberon's presence in it. As the others before had done, I left a small token of remembrance behind. My cloak pin; it bore my symbol upon it's surface. It was all that I had to give at the time. I felt that this would suffice, and a small reassuring nod from Dworkin confirmed this. Armond walked forward as I began to return to my seat. As I did this, I noticed that Benedict and Julian had already departed the amphitheater. No doubt they were off to secure our position in the Courts.

After Armond's turn, the stranger was ushered forward by Dworkin. Clearly this man was of some importance, but who he was still remained a mystery. Standing silently before Oberon's casket for several long minutes, he suddenly reached up and swiftly snapped a chain hanging around his neck and placed it in the coffin. Dworkin took him to one side and began to quietly speak with him.

The nobles of both Amber and Chaos then passed in silent review before the open casket. Vigilance and no small concern on my part proved unnecessary as this review passed without incident. As they left the casket, the Chaosians continued up the stairs and back to their seats.

One thing remained to do, and Dworkin shortly performed that action. Dworkin lifted the casket and carried it to the edge. Setting it down upright and facing away from the audience allowing the caskets remains to spill into the Abyss. He then carefully spun the casket around, to display the now vacant interior. The crowd began filing out of the amphitheater. Soon, none but the Family remained behind, and we began to leave one by one shortly thereafter. I took my leave some minutes after Llewella had, for I had it in my mind to seize the opportunity provided to ask about my own father. A silently weeping Flora, and Armond watching over her, stayed long after everyone else had departed. Maybe she took Oberon's death that badly. Maybe she just wanted it to look that way. Maybe a little of both, you can never be too sure of Flora's motives.

Exiting the amphitheater, I promptly managed to get lost in the labyrinthine ways of the Citadel. Later, having found two gardens, and a number of closets (why they need so many closets in Chaos I don't know), I stumbled out into the streets of the city once more. And once again, was struck by the nauseating movement of everything. Resolved to viewing little more of the Courts than the paving stones passing beneath my booted feet, I headed out into the city.

Sometime and several wrong turnings later, I managed to come across a street that led me to the city walls. There, I found Llewella and Bleys upon the ramparts talking with one another. They turned to greet me as I climbed to join them. Bleys had little new to report, didn't say much when I asked him what he'd been doing of late either. He just smiled a lot. Typical Bleys.

Llewella said she would be returning to Rebma soon, most likely taking our soldiers with her. I nodded my agreement to this plan, adding that I would most likely be along shortly myself. She smiled then and said; "See you there then." as she departed. I'd wanted to ask her about my father, but I wanted to do so in private. Asking about him in front of Bleys was bound to start rumors about me flying again. I swear, sometimes he's almost as bad as Flora about Family gossip. Bleys said that Fiona had told him that Random, Corwin and his son, Merlin, were still out there beyond the city walls. Random battling the Storm and the others adding moral support. I later learned that they had also managed to see Oberon one last time, how I don't know. Maybe Time itself was as mutable as Shadow in the Courts of Chaos. One of the mysteries of the place, I guess.

I found myself thinking of Random as I watched the remnants of the Storm rain down into the Abyss. Would he be a good king? Surely the Unicorn chose him for a reason. I'd have to trust that she knew what she was doing.

The area of land near where Brand and Deirdre fell was clear; Random's efforts had kept the Storm from reaching it entirely. Most of the battlefield itself remained untouched by the Storm. Strange things seemed to writhe and dance behind the Storm wall. Were they, if you'll pardon the expression, just random formations or beings of some sort? I could not tell. I remembered Corwin saying that a Pattern existed, even if Oberon had failed in his attempt to repair Amber's and this comforted me even as it gave me more reasons to be concerned about. What would happen if there were two Patterns in the universe? Would they merge into one? Would they stand together against Chaos or fight amongst themselves even as some of my family members seemed to do? What effect would Corwin's Pattern have on the balance between Amber and Chaos? Was there a balance to begin with? And how would all of this affect my homeland, Rebma? Perhaps Fiona or Dworkin would know the answer to those questions, or at least have a few ideas about it all. I sure did not.

Entry 2:

Heading for Home

Head full of strange thoughts in a stranger land, I decided it was high time to head back home myself. Removing the deck of Trump cards from the pouch hanging at my side, I shuffled out the one depicting Rebma's main hall and returned the others to the pouch. What? You say you did not know such a card existed? Well it does, along with others you and even I know nothing about, so leave it at that, allright? Calming my mind I tried the card, expecting this to take some time and effort on my part to reach so far and through the aftermath of the Pattern's repair and the Chaos storm. And I was right. It took a long time to achieve contact and I was suddenly glad that Llewella had seen to getting our troops back as I stepped through and into the water.

Yes, water. Remember, I was going to Rebma, the realm under the sea. It can be unsettling the first few times you go from one medium to the other. It is also amusing to watch the startled expressions on people's face the first time they experience the transition. Quickly adjusting to my home environment, I strolled through the palace intent on finding my mother, the Queen, and reporting my safe return from the war.

I entered the throne room only to be surprised by a hearty chorus of "Welcome home Prince Morgan!" from the assembled court. How they knew I would be coming home exactly when I did escaped for a few moments until I spied a smiling, grinning Llewella near Moiré that is. It had to be her, my other 'mother'. Smiling, I bowed to her by way acknowledging her work here. Moiré, Llewella, Aeron and Martin (both of whom had remained in Rebma to bolster the defenses) swept forward to greet me. Rounds of warm hugs, kisses and handshakes soon followed, the longest ones by Moiré and Aeron for similar if subtly different reasons of course.

It turned out to be one hell of a party, lasting well into the night though Moiré soon retired for the night. During the course of the party, I managed to get caught up with Martin, see how he'd been getting along and all that while I had been gone. At least those things he was willing to admit to anyway. Martin can be damned reticent about his doings when he chooses to be. I also got a chance to start another in the long round of discussions Llewella and I have about my father. And she gave me the standard response; "Your father is alive, does care about you and regrets not having been able to come forward and spend time with you." If true, and I had little reason to doubt Llewella's word, this eliminated several possible candidates for being my father. The more cynical of my kindred would say the above statement would eliminate all possible candidates from the list. I held a somewhat better view of my family; although there are times when I have to side with the cynics.

There was a time, when I was a great deal younger, that I really wanted to know who my father is; just to get to know him, to learn if we had much or nothing in common, that kind of stuff. As I grew older, I began not to care if I learned who he is. He could not be bothered with a son, fine, I would not be bothered by wondering about him. Now, well, I would like to know just to solve the mystery if nothing more. Maybe learn why it was he could not come forward or let one of my mother's tell me of him. I would have sworn an oath to keep the secret if necessary. Anything more than; "Well, now I know. Nice to 'finally' meet you, as my father. See you around, I guess." will depend entirely on what the man says.

Anyway, back to the party. It was a welcome and pleasant surprise, and moreover, a great success. It lasted a day or so before winding down. As I said, Moiré left early that first night though she did make appearances off and on during the course of the thing. Aeron and I left the festivities late that night, for a private celebration of our own. Periodically, we would make appearances in the ballroom or at one of the various party sites scattered throughout the city, to the delight of the partygoers.

Aeron and I also performed a more somber series of tasks during those days. We toured the various hospitals and healing halls in the city to visit with the soldiers from the wars. It is a saddening task that; trying to cheer an amputee, saying he'll have a rich full life in front of him even when you and he both know he won't. A medal of valor or bravery seems like a small thing to give someone in recompense for a lost arm or leg. And an even smaller thing to give to the widow of one who gave his or her all for Rebma. There were so many, we could not visit them all, though I very much wanted to. It is one of the more unglamorous aspects of being a leader; and one I do not ignore or fob off on others. I do not think everyone in the Family understands this part of leadership. Most seem eager to hand it off to their underlings. Benedict does understand, this I know from personal experience.

About a week or so after my return and recuperation in Rebma, I dug out my Trumps and shuffled out the one of my oldest friend, Ian. Gerard's son, loud and proud to be so. Strong as an ox, the man could crush me almost as easily as his father could. Luckily for me, he's had no reason to do so. All in all, a good man. A rare trait in the Family, I'm told. Ian had remained in Amber during Patternfall, serving his father as General of the Armies and otherwise lending a hand wherever needed.

Ian and his wife, Alis, a charming woman, have a lovely villa in Arden near the seashore. Parts of it were no doubt designed with myself in mind, I think. There is a large fishtank in one room and another has direct access to the sea, so that I might come and go as I chose.

So, I tried contacting him and was not surprised when answered in a short amount of time. He was in Amber, so I quickly asked him to bring me through which he did. After a few moments to towel off and don dry clothing, Ian began dragging me off towards the stables. There was something I absolutely must see and everything else could wait. I shrugged my shoulders and went along with him. I figured that whatever it was, it had to be good. Nor was I wrong as it turned out.

A short ride up Kolvir's slopes, away from castle and city, led us in the direction of Corwin's tomb. I'd been there a few times before now, even added to collection of shattered bottles at it's base on more than one occasion. Only something was different, new, here. Not far from Corwin's tomb, well within sight of it, stood another tomb. A graceful and beautifully built one. As we approached it, I could see the carvings and displays and then I knew in whose memory it had been built. Deirdre's. Ian was quite proud of it, having designed and built it. Rightly so, I thought. It was truly a breathtaking sight, and one I highly recommend if you have not seen it yet.

Chuckling under his breath, he said there was a custom attached to the tomb. The custom was that whomever visited the tomb, had to have a drink, preferably of whiskey, in Deirdre's name. He produced a bottle and three glasses and proceeded to pour the first round. He placed one at the door of the tomb, gave me one and kept the final glass for himself. "To Deirdre;" was all he said as he raised his glass towards the tomb. "To Deirdre;" I replied, raising my own. And then we drank.

And drank. And drank. Somehow, a few drinks in memory of an aunt became a contest of stamina and endurance. Random and Corwin like to brag about their duel which lasted twenty four hours or so before Corwin had to call it off because of a date. Ian and I 'dueled' for two days and nights and part of a third. Of course, we weren't swinging swords at one another, merely glasses of very good and strong whiskey. And hurling the empties at Corwin's tomb, something I don't think the intended occupant would have minded if he'd known.

Oh to be sure there wasn't that much whiskey on hand. No... that's what servants are for afterall; to fetch more for the Royals. There are a few perks to being a Prince of the Blood after all, you know. Exactly what all happened there... I cannot recall. Parts of it are a blur, parts of it are clear. And some parts of it are simply missing. I do recall times when we sang, laughed or cried for Deirdre. And times spent simply looking at the sky, mostly because movement was out of the question at the time.

And I seem to recall a few contests within the main contest; like who could drink a bottle faster (me), who could throw a bottle the furthest (Ian), and who could ... well, write their name in the biggest letters. Ian won that one, although I insisted he should have had to spell his name twice as mine was longer than his.

One other thing I recall vividly. Leaving another of my cloak pins outside Deirdre's tomb. She was one of the best of us, and will be sorely missed by all.

Eventually, Ian and I staggered back to the castle, and with the quiet help of Jesper, one of the staff, we managed to find our rooms and beds. Upon which, I promptly passed out.

Two days later, I was feeling almost completely recovered from the side effects of the 'contest' and considering sending for a servant to bring me something to eat when someone knocked upon my door. It was Jesper with a tray of soup, sandwiches and a tall pitcher of water, the man must be psychic I swear. He reminded me, as I dug in to the food, that there was to be a court event tonight. More specifically, that the Regent wanted to officially welcome back and thank those that had participated in the war in the Courts of Chaos; atleast those who'd returned so far - Llewella, Bleys, Flora, Armond and myself; and shouldn't I really start getting ready for it?

"Why," I asked, "I've got plenty of time yet. Don't I?"

"Well, if your highness considers an hour plenty of time;" he said struggling to remain straight faced; "Then, yes, you have plenty of time."

I growled dark mutterings and threats at him as he beat a hasty retreat, shutting the door behind himself. I gulped down my food and then got cleaned up as I could. Fortunately, my rooms here in the castle do include a small but efficient bathing room. I understand Armond's are best described as a 'nook'. Seniority has it's advantages after all.

Hurriedly donning my formal garb; sent up from the Rebman Embassy, I exited my rooms and headed downstairs towards the throne room. I arrived in time, if only just. I had to hide a small grin as I caught sight of Ian. I looked better than he did, and Alis, Ian's wife, did not look like she was giving him an easy time of it. She'd probably try to chide me for letting the visit to Deirdre's shrine get out of hand. If I gave her the chance, which I had no intention of doing. She's a tiny, little thing, and normally extremely pleasant to be with, but her tongue can be razor sharp when the situation demands it. I wasn't in the mood to hear it tonight so I quickly headed over to where Moiré, Llewella and Aeron were waiting and watching for me.

A series of quick but warm hugs followed when I reached their sides, saying I'd spent the last few days in Amber when they asked where I'd been. Llewella grinned slightly as I told them that, could she know what really had happened already?

Most of the Family was there in attendance as was most of Amber's nobility. Notable exceptions, which did not go unremarked, were Corwin and his son. And the King. Which was why Gerard was still running things as Regent. Looked like it might turn out to be a big party, all in all.

Gerard, in his soft but carrying tones, officially bid welcome back to Amber to those of us who had gone to Chaos and on behalf of the Crown thanked us for those efforts as well. It was a short, but formal thing as Gerard hates these sorts of things.

Moiré and Aeron smiled proudly as Llewella and myself were mentioned and presented before the court.

All present, saving the foreign dignitaries of course, swore fealty to Amber once again, myself swearing only as 'Morgan, Prince of Amber' leaving out my Rebman titles. After all, I am a dual citizen of sorts. My primary allegiance lies with Rebma, I stand a chance of inheriting the throne there one day; I will not give any the opportunity to twist my words into making it seem as if I'd sworn Rebma's allegiance to Amber when we hadn't. To be sure Rebma does have a treaty with Amber and we stand just below Amber in the Golden Circle alliance, we are not a subject realm of Amber's. Nor will we ever willingly be so.

Then Bleys, in another of his perfectly timed moves, presented the black and blue clad stranger from Oberon's funeral as Aros, a long lost son of Oberon. Aros swore fealty to Amber, which Gerard accepted with due ceremony. Whether he was pleased to do so or not, I have no idea. Gerard can shield his emotions as well as the rest of us when he wants to. Gerard then bid all present to enjoy themselves this night, thus ending the formal part of the evening and opening the way for the real fun er... party to begin. By that I mean time for the politicking, rumor mongering, other types of court maneuverings to begin.

Mother stayed for a time, but not over long, claiming she had affairs in Rebma to deal with. I saw both her and Aeron off, wishing them both a good night. I, myself, saw little reason to remain for very long myself. A half hour spent watching the various members of the court in action convinced me little had changed since I was last here. And since I'm not the heir apparent here, I could leave anytime I felt like it.

As I was considering whether to have one last drink or not, Ian approached me. He wanted to know what, if anything, I knew about Aros. I obliged him by telling everything I knew about our 'lost uncle'. A minute later, he said; "Hmm.." which summed things up perfectly as far as I was concerned. Ian, never one to let a mystery remain so for long, asked me to help him interrogate, err.. get to know Aros. I thought, 'Well, it might make for an interesting night after all,' and readily agreed.

So, drinks in hand, we made our way through the crowd and introduced ourselves to Aros. Aros, for his part, greeted us politely if a bit reservedly I thought. Then ensuing conversation proved one thing; he was part of the family. He is as deft at changing the subject or avoiding questions he'd rather not answer as the rest of us. Ian and I were trying to learn as much about Aros as he was about us and Amber. He claimed to be more than a few centuries old and had never heard of Amber or Chaos until the events of the war swept him into our midst. I didn't believe this of course, nor did Ian I gathered from his carefully controlled expression and continuing questions. Aros claims to possess some power that gives him power over Shadow but is not Pattern or Trump. Or whatever power the Chaosians possess for that matter.

He did seem keen on learning what he could about the Pattern though, asking us many questions about it's workings and abilities and so on. Kindred he might be, but Ian and I were both suitably vague in our answers, until such time as we'd decided whether he could be trusted with such knowledge or not. I don't know about Ian, but the case of Dara was fresh in my mind as we talked with Aros. We did, however, take Aros down into the dungeons to allow him to view the Pattern. Of course, during the trip down and throughout the entire time we were in the Pattern room, we heavily stressed that under no circumstances should he try to walk it tonight. If that was something he wanted to do; a subtle test here - too eager to try it or a sudden nonchalance towards it, would set off alarms in Ian and my heads. Aros appeared content to merely observe it for a few minutes before agreeing that we should return upstairs to the party.

The rest of the party passed uneventfully and I trumped back to Rebma later that night.

Entry 3: Con '97

Mother's not Well

Over the next few days Aeron and I spent a great deal of time together, both alone and in public touring the city. Ten years or so had passed since Llewella and I had gone off to war in the Courts of Chaos, so much of the damage and signs of war had been repaired or otherwise taken care of. My chief purpose in touring the city was to continue my efforts in allowing the nobles and citizens to get used to the idea of seeing Aeron at my side. So that, in time, it would not come as a surprise when our wedding plans were announced. Aeron, if things fell out a certain way, stood to be their next Queen and I wanted the populace to become familiar with her. And she with them.

Several times during these visits, dignitaries, merchants, nobles, and a few other people mentioned that it was good to see one of the Royals out and about again. That puzzled me a little, I knew Martin was not in Rebma, and that Llewella had only returned a short time before I did. That left mother to take care of the public relations while we were gone; something she normally enjoyed for the most part. So I asked them what they meant and gave Aeron a curious look. Turns out, Mother had been absent from all but the required state functions and even then her appearances were never long. Aeron said that this was true but that she could not say why it was so.

And then I began to wonder if something was happening here without my knowledge.

I also got a call from Ian. He wanted to let me know that Armond's mansion in the city had been attacked. Armond, himself, was unharmed and as of yet the reason for the attack and the identity of the attackers remained unknown. It was just a friendly call to warn me of possible trouble. Ian and I are like that. I told him to let Armond know if he needed help, to call and I would come. Armond's not a bad chap, a bit eager to be noticed and grab our attention perhaps, but I can recall trying similar things a few centuries ago myself.

Anyway, I decided it was time to ask someone what was going on with Mother, after a few more not so subtle hints about her lack of public appearances. And who better, I thought, to ask than Mother herself? So, off I went to find and have a talk with her.

Striding through the halls of the Castle, I smiled, waved and/or nodded to the people I passed along the way towards the Queen's private chamber. There, an unexpected surprise waited for me. Guards were posted outside her door; Rhys ap Daffyd and Declan MacConnal, men I'd known for a long time. Only in times of war or other emergency were guards posted here. And even more surprising, at first they thought to keep me from entering. As if they could if I wished to push matters which I did not. Not just yet anyway.

I informed the pair that 'Prince Morgan wished an immediate audience with her majesty, the Queen' and would they be so kind as to inquire within whether her majesty was available. Rhys and Declan looked at one another, looked back at my 'Don't screw with me or you'll be guarding the kelp beds' expression, gulped audibly and glanced at one another again before Rhys opened the door and darted inside without letting me get a glance in. In his haste, Rhys did leave the door slightly ajar, so I could hear quiet murmuring going on. Declan made a move to shut the door, but checked his move and snapped back to 'Attention' at my none too subtle cough/growl.

Several minutes passed by while I cooled my heels and glared at Declan. It wasn't his fault, but damnit, I don't like being kept waiting or in the dark where Mother and Rebma are concerned. Then, the murmuring gained sufficiently in volume for me to make them out.

"But he has a right to know!" called a voice I thought to be Llewella's. Thinking perhaps they (Llewella and Moiré) might just be talking about my father again, I shoved Declan aside and pushed the door open. Rhys, turning to block my entrance, took one look at my expression and wisely obeyed my curt thumb gesture for him to leave immediately.

I was all set to have one of my rare arguments with my mothers when I noticed who was in the room and, perhaps more importantly, where. Mother lay upon a couch surrounded by Cylla, Callisto and Fionnghuala, three of her ladies in waiting and Diancecht, the elderly court physician. My anger melted like ice in warm water as I rushed to Mother's side. Everyone backed away at my approach. I kneeled at Moiré's side, asking her in concerned tones what was wrong. She began trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation and Llewella took the opportunity to clear the room. Moiré would not say what the problem was, and for a few wild moments though she might be expecting another child. That idea was quickly denied without further explanation.

Several more minutes of gentle, insistent but fruitless questions followed on my part before Llewella managed to convince me to desist. She said something like; "You're not helping the situation any and only putting additional, unnecessary stress on your mother." That got my attention and I apologized to Moiré, telling her that I loved her as I let Llewella lead me out of Moiré's chambers. Llewella did quietly promise to tell me more later as we left and Diancecht and the others reentered the rooms. She told me that she would talk to me in my rooms after checking on and seeing to any needs Moiré might have.

Later in my rooms, Llewella told me that Moiré's condition had slowly worsened over the last month, the main symptoms being periods of comatoseness and dizziness. I asked her if she knew of any new staff members; thinking one of them might be poisoning the Queen. Llewella, way ahead of me on this, had already checked into that possibility. There were no new servants with direct access to Moiré.

Llewella and I began talking about Mother's illness. From her questions to Moiré and others, Llewella has learned that the Queen's illness had begun in the last month or so. I remarked that Random had been missing for about that long. Perhaps the two events were related somehow, I thought. Mentioning that possibility to my aunt elicited a somber nod from her.

I remembered Aros saying he was the last one to see Random in the Courts of Chaos. Or was it someone saying Aros had been the last the King along with Corwin and his son. Perhaps I should track Aros down and ask him what he recalled of Random then. If he mentioned any plans or trips he was considering. Trouble was, I did not know this particular relative very well. I would have to approach him carefully, if at all.

The next day back in Amber, Ian, Armond and I got together in order to get caught up on recent events and for a bit of a sparring match. Turns out Ian's blade was missing, he said Gerard had sent it to Fiona. Something about 'Putting the blade in service to Amber'. Armond was having a bit of a problem dealing with a mysterious fellow who bore him little good will. Seems this mystery person had attacked his mansion and servants. Why, Armond didn't know. We then fell to the sparring matches where, I am loath to admit, both Ian and Armond bested my efforts. That was on land though; I should like to try a match involving water sometime. Above, below or merely swimming in it and I feel certain I could carry the matches then.

To Aeron's Diaries

To Morgan's Personal Information

To Morgan's Journals: Entries 4-8

To Morgan's Journals: Entries 9-12

To In the Dark: Page