SHARDS
When the Black Road streched from the Courts of Chaos to Amber, it cast
its darkness across many lands.
In the land of Thule, a land of honor, power, and pride there was a
strange rebellion.
It started with the prophet known as Anakne. He preached that the end
of Thule was at hand and that before long Thule would be ravaged by fire
and would sink beneath the sea so that none would remember her name.
Predictably the High King ordered Anakne arrested and executed. That was
just the beginning.
Soon all the land of Thule was awash in controversy. From the
countryside to the capital of Atlas people listened to the words of the
prophet and paid them heed. They adopted a philosophy that if Thule is
to be destroyed, why worry about honor, live for today, for tomorrow we
all will die.
It was a time of riots and disturbuances. Crime rose to an all time
high, but there were no armies abroad no central focus to this movement.
While the young embraced this new philosophy more, people from all walks
of life foreswore themselves and became Anaknedon, the children of
Anakne.
Then came the great storm and the Anaknedon wailed and said the end was
at hand, but Thule survived, and most those who embraced Anakne were
deemed fools and scorned, and the strange rebellion ended
Or so it seemed.
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 seeks in the land known as Thule seeks to open other eyes.
While elsewhere others either knowingly or not are about to join them...

Krinac to Vance: You are still upstairs with Pleione. Merope spent part
of the night with you, but she arose early.

Vance to Krinac: Vance tells her, "I should go see to my guests."

Krinac to Vance: Pleione says, "Stay Vance, you will be with them soon
enough. Merope will see to their needs. We need to talk about our
daughter."

Vance to Krinac: Vance nods. "Very well. I had hoped to be back here
sooner than this, but recent events have prevented such. Do you think
she is ready?"

Krinac: "Faint voices can be heard from downstairs. They must be loud to
be heard from upstairs and they are getting louder."

Ariadne shouts, "You expect me to be glad he's home. He's never been
here for me why should I care?"

Krinac to Vance: Pleione hears Ariadne's voice, "I'm going to kill that
girl someday."

Vance to Krinac: Vance sighs. "Perhaps she is not ready, at that. I will
go speak to her." He pauses, then says, "Her temper must have come from
your side of the family."

Ariadne is yelling, "You know what they call us mother? 'The eleventh
house, and it isn't an honor.'

Vance to Krinac: Vance gestures to Pleione. "Shall we head downstairs,
and see if we can bring the fire down to a dull roar?"

Krinac to Vance: Pleione nods, "That might be best." She begins to get
dressed.

Vance to Krinac: Vance gets dressed quickly, then helps Pleione finish.

Ariadne continues to rant, "Not to mention that he has brought
barbarians into our house!"

Vance to Krinac: Vance places his gloves inside his toga, in a pocket
sewn in for such a purpose. "It'd look unusual to wear black gloves with
a white toga."

Krinac to Vance: In just a few moments Pleione is dressed and starts
downstairs.

Vance walks downstairs, escorting Pleione by the arm. "Greetings,
daughter."

Vance is wearing a white toga (as standard for those of importance in
Thule) in place of his usual garb.

Krinac: "There is a loud noise like a slap from downstairs, and the
loud shouting ceases."

Pleione comes downstairs with Vance.

Ariadne turns as Vance and Pleione enter the room, "I suppose you are my
father?"

Vance nods. "Yes, Ariadne. Have you calmed down enough to talk?"

Krinac: "One of Ariadne's cheeks is rosy."

Ariadne says "Yes I am calmer now."

Vance gestures for her to sit. "Pleione, you may want to leave. I plan
to explain a few truths, that you and Merope may not agree with."

Sunfall descends and sits on the bottom stair.

Jeanette sits beside Sunfall, smiling. "Hi. Sleep well?"

Sunfall shrugs and watches the dispute.

Jeanette and Sunfall sit at the bottom ofthe stairs.

Pleione sits down, "I have dealt with the fact that life isn't always
the way we would like it to be before. If this affects you, it affects
our family. I will stay."

Vance nods, and turns back to Ariadne. "You have had a difficult time,
due to my absence. For this, I am sorry. But those absences were
necessary, to ensure a better future for you."

Reed, Sean, Pleione, Merope, and Ariadne turn their attention to Vance.

Vance to Krinac: 'Have any other outlanders, to my knowledge, walked the
Thule BP?'.

Ariadne says "If you say so 'father'"

Vance frowns. "I overheard your comment about the 'eleventh house'. Do
you know why that is? Why they really call us the eleventh house?"

Krinac to Vance: yes, but usually they either (a) settle down, marry
into a royal family, and become a citizen, or (b) only wanted to walk
the pattern to be treated with respect. In which case they are treated
as outsider, but favored ones. You have walked a middle road, taking
family, but not marrying into the royal family, and not staying in
Thule.

Ariadne says "You have not married into a royal house, but you chose
wives from Thule, and such wives that would not have been chosen by a
blood royal either. You have made no alliance, joined no other houses.
As a consequence we stand alone outside the ten houses."

Vance smiles. "That's the reason they are willing to admit to
themselves. No, there is another reason. They fear me. I bear power
greater even than that of the ten kings. And I am an outlander. They are
small people, in a small world - unable to see beyond their own borders.
Your mothers, though shaped by their environment, are different. -You-
are different. And you are heir to a greater power than those here can
imagine."

Ariadne seems taken aback, and finally looses her cocky attitude, "What
do you mean father?"

You say "Once you have assayed Thule's Broken Pattern, you will have
taken your first step into a larger world. I will not live forever, and
I need someone to learn the lore I have amassed, and put it to good use
after I am gone. When you are ready, I will give you the option to come
with me, and begin to learn that I have to offer."

Ariadne responds with cold tones designed to hurt, "If I am that
important to you, where have you been all my life?"

You say "Your legacy has been threatened. Amber's war with Chaos and the
aftermath has occupied all my free time. It was a charge I accepted
hundreds of years ago, once I cannot turn away from."

Madrak comes down the stairs, his heavy tread preceding him.

Ariadne says "And what brings you to Thule now?"

You say "Death comes to Thule, and I've only beaten it here by
days...maybe less. The greatest bastion of the power I bear has already
fallen, and I fear those who would see it destroyed will come to Thule."

Jeanette lounges against the stair, watching.

Ariadne, Merope, and Pleione all seem taken aback.

Madrak reaches the bottom of the stair, and nods to Jeanette as he looks
around, taking in the scene.

Merope says "So this is why you sent me for Andra?"

Vance glances back to Merope. "Yes. Begma was obliterated...not a trace
of it remains. Thule could share Begma's fate...which is why I must
speak to the High King. He is the one whose forces protect the Broken
Pattern here.

Krinac: "Hmm, rather than just repeat this conversation again for Andra,
and again for the high King, I'm going to do a little time
manipulation."

Vance adds, in a more reserved tone, "Should that fail...I will bear you
three from this place before the end comes."

Krinac: "Andra will arrive shortly, and we will pick up at this point,
with her asking about the same questions..."

Krinac: "However before Andra arrives an event of note occurrs.

Guardsmen arrive and ask to speak to the head of the house."

Vance steps forward. "I am Vance. What is the meaning of this
disturbance?"

The guardsmen (mostly women actually) are deferential. "I'm sorry to
disturb you, but a slave was murdered just down the street. May we have
your permission to search your home?"

Vance considers, then nods. "You may do so in the company of my wife,
Merope."

The guards conduct their search (rather boredly) and prepare to leave.
Reed asks a question of Vance while the guards are searching, "What do
you know about this light source they use here in Thule?"

Vance to Krinac: Vance turns the question over to the GM. "What do I
know of it? I don't remember anything special..."

Krinac to Vance: Not much really, just the name of the metal, orachulum,
and that the smelting of it is some kind of guild secret.

You say "It is a metal unique to the land, called orachulum. The secrets
of smelting it are well-hidden, but the effects are obvious."

Jeanette nods, "An interesting technique. Will it continue to work in
other realms?"

You say "I have not tested it."

Jeanette nods.

Reed says, "I wouldn't suggest that if I were you. I have serious
questions as to the source of that light. If you don't mind I would like
to go to the market. I need to build some equipment."

Sean's ears perk up, "I'd like to see some of the women, ah, I mean the
city myself."

Madrak hms. "Perhaps I'll accompany you, Reed. Maybe I can find some
clue, some hint of warning."

Jeanette says "Fortune to you."

Vance frowns. "You will need an escort. Unfortunately, I'm not sure who
I can spare to send with you."

Madrak looks askance at Sean.

Pleione says "I will go with them, you know my presence will not make a
good impression on Andra."

Vance nods. "Thank you, my wife. Try to keep them..." he glances at Sean
"...out of trouble."

Madrak sighs.

The guardswomen leave.

After the guardswomen depart, Vance turns to Merope. "Send away the
servants for the day, then search the house. I have been hindered at
every step by an unknown pursuer. I could easily see evidence being
planted here that would delay me further."

Merope does so, which occupies her most of the morning.

Vance waits for Andra.

Reed, Madrak, and Pleione return. Reed has a bundle of purchases, and
retires upstairs. "I have some work to do. Make sure my request to make
measurements of the place of power here is heard."

Andra arrives shortly afterwards.

Madrak motions to Vance briefly.

Vance listens to Madrak before Andra arrives.

Madrak murmurs to Vance. "Are you familiar with radiation?"

Vance nods. "Yes. Why?"

Madrak says "Reed has a theory about the lighting he intends to test."

You say "I imagine I can guess what that is."

Madrak nods. "I expect so. Vance, a thought struck me, is there any
place where a great deal of this material is concentrated?"

Jeanette frowns softly, as if trying to remember something.

Vance pauses, and frowns. "I believe so, though the guild is secretive
about such things."

Andra arrives, in her brightly glowing clothes.

Vance turns his attention to Andra, upon her arrival.

Andra greets Vance with a warm embrace, and then steps away, "It cannot
be as it was with us before Vance, I am married now."

Vance nods. "Of course. That is not why I called you here. Please sit -
there are matters of import that we must discuss."

Madrak rakes his lip with his teeth, pacing and muttering something
about a 'chain reaction.' It takes him a moment to register Andra's
arrival.

Vance goes over the same information he gave Ariadne.

Vance finishes. "And that is why I must see the High King."

Krinac:, "The conversation is similar to the one before, similar enough
not to bear repeating, let us jump past the preliminaries."

Andra says "That is all very interesting, but I'm afraid you will not
get the warm reception you hope. Politics. You may have walked the
Watery Flame, and taken wives here, but you still aren't of Thule, and
you don't know us as well as you think you do."

You say "What is required, then?"

Rex knocks at the entrance to the Villa.

Vance keeps his eyes on Andra, trusting that someone else will answer
the door.

Calamus glances around the outside of the Villa, standing behind Rex's
entourage.

Andra hmms, "It is not so much that the High King will not listen to
you, it is that he cannot afford to have the news you bring announced."

Merope opens the door, "May I help you?"

You say "I don't care if it is kept quiet...as long as it is acted
upon."

Calamus glances at Rex.

Andra says "Yes, but you cannot ignore the politics of the situation.
You are aware of the disturbances caused by the teachings of Anakne?"

Rex looks at Merope, "Greetings, we seek Vance, and company. Are we in
the right place?"

Jeanette blinks, looking up as a familiar voice sounds. "You bloody
fool!" she almost yells, rising. "WHere've you /been/?"

You say "I have heard something of them, yes. But, nevertheless, the
peril is real."

Madrak blinks, and looks up. "Well."

Merope says "Yes, he is here, who should I say..." and is cutoff by
Jeanette."

Rex smiles, and looks at Jeanette. He indicates Calamus, and the others.
"Recruiting. I thoguth we could use some help."

Calamus rubs the stubble on his face, conveniently concealing any facial
expression.

Calamus:
This man's frame is most immediately reminiscent of a moutain climber.
He stands just over six feet in height, his dark blonde hair pushed back
to frame an angular face, grey-blue eyes, and a strong but unshaven jaw.
He is dressed in a heavy black leather duster, beneath which a frayed
shepard's sweater and thick dungarees are visible. The legs of his pants
are tucked into heavy boots, and both the boots and the hem of his
jacket are discolored with road dust.

Jeanette says "Could've waited until you wouldn't be under suspicion of
all sorts of horrible crimes for running away like that."

Calamus dips his head in greeting without comment.

Vance turns, and ahems. "Please sit - I will be with you shortly." He
then turns back to Andra.

Rex says "Everyone, I present Calamus, Engela, Aranor, and Middenriddle.
Friends, meet Vance, Jeanette, Madrak, and Sunfall."

Andra says "Yes, but do you realize that several of the royal houses are
now favoring the return of human sacrifice? There are those who say that
this infection should be burned out. Only by placing our faith in Lir
will we avoid this crisis. Menilius would not even be high king except
that the traditionalists split down the middle. This crisis will give
the fanatics the fuel they have been waiting for...." She trails off as
the others arrive."

Madrak's head snaps around. "Infection?"

Vance frowns, and continues in a quieter tone, "Could a challenge be
pulled off, perhaps? I normally am against such things, but I don't have
time to be subtle. I need to be heard."

Andra says, "I will see that the High King gives you an audience. He
owes our family. We broke with our party to support him rather than see
Orpheus crowned high king. I just am warning you that he might not want
to leave you free to spread such rumors. I am sure he would take
cautions quietly, and if the danger is as grave as you say, are quiet
precautions enough?

Vance hmms. "My companions may have uncovered the direction of the
threat. If so, it can be handled quietly...but it will not be easy."

Vance to Krinac: 'What is the name of the guild that makes orachulum?'.

Madrak grits his teeth indicisively for a moment. Then he waves to Rex
and the others, and strides back toward Vance and Andra. "My pardon...
might I interrupt with a question?"

Vance looks up. "Go ahead, Madrak. I value your council."

Krinac to Vance: The Orach Guild

Madrak says "An infection was mentioned. Was this a figure of speech, or
something more specific?"

You say "Andra refered to a infection of ideals counter to the ways of
Thule."

Andra says, "I was refering to the infection of our moral values and way
of life, the beliefs of the Anaknedon who believe that the end of Thule
is soon at hand, and since this is so, what good is honor."

Jeanette says "Honor is most important of all when facing death."

Madrak frowns. "Ah. Who are the Anaknedon?"

Vance turns to Andra, letting her answer.

Andra glances at Ariadne, in her clothing died all black.

Andra says, "They are people who have forsaken the belief that is honor
and pursuit of perfection that sets the people of Thule apart from the
barbarians. Instead they seek nothing but pleasure and self-
satisfaction, all justified by the belief that Thule is doomed, so why
not enjoy their last day."

Madrak rubs at his eyepatch with one thick finger. "People face death in
many ways. Why do they believe Thule is doomed?"

Andra says, "There was a man who called himself a prophet, Anakne, which
certainly wasn't his real name, but he foretold the end of Thule. He had
a way about him and gathered many to listen to his words. When he was
executed, his followers began to spread the word in his name. It has
become a cult."

Merope, Ariadne, and Andra all seemed to nod almost as one in approval
of Jeanette's comment.

Madrak inhales with a faint hiss. "I see."

Madrak rubs his beard. "I need to know more of this. How he believed
Thule would end, and why."

Vance looks to Madrak. "I will have one of my wives explain it. For now,
I need Andra to get me that audience."

Madrak says "Vance, this may have some bearing on your message."

Madrak says "As may Reed's experiment."

Vance nods. "I plan to have you accompany me to see the High King,
Madrak. It will be explained before the audience."

Madrak nods. "Very well."

Vance looks to Andra. "I also need to bring a few of the outlanders with
me. I will do my best to see that they blend it, so as not to attract
attention."

Calamus quirks an eyebrow quietly.

Andra says, "I will make the arrangements, and I recommend that all of
you be wary of what is said here. As to the outlanders, Menelius is now
High King, and he spent many years studying outworlders. He once claimed
there was much we could learn from them, although with the political
climate today, I don't think he would admit to those words."

Andra says, "May Lir guide your path until we meet again."

Andra departs.

Vance nods. "May Lir guide us all."

Madrak bows slightly toward Andra.

Jeanette nods quietly.

Madrak mumbles to himself, "If Lir have any interest in guiding us..."

You say "Merope, Madrak needs to know about Anakne. Also, I'm taking
Ariadne with me to the audience, and there are other preparations to be
made, as well."

Madrak finds a seat, and sinks into it.

Vance pauses, then adds, "You and Pleione will prepare a travelling bag
of essentials that you could not leave behind. Clothing is not necessary
- I can always buy more if needed. If the worse should happen, we will
be departing Thule rather quickly."

Vance glances over to Ariadne. "The same goes for you. Pack as light as
possible."

Merope says, "Vance you should know by now that if there is a threat
Pleione won't leave. She is a member of the Crystal Guild, and is
expected to defend Thule at time of need."

You say "This threat won't be defended against. If it occurs, we will be
lucky to escape with our lives. She knows what happens when there is a
mishap with the crystals. Imagine that on a scale that would engulf the
island."

Ariadne says, "The Anaknedon say that Thule will perish in fire, and in
seven days will sink beneath the waves, so that nothing is left not even
a memory."

Jeanette nods. "There is a legend among my people... perhaps this
prophecy is a thing that has travelled among the Shadows, itself."

Vance frowns. "Not if I can help it. I was not present when Begma was
destroyed. But I am here, now, with advance warning."

Madrak murmurs. "Fire..." He glances up. "What are these crystals?"

You say "Pleione can explain better than I. But, Madrak, I am not quite
ready to start jumping at shadows. Reed's experiment will prove if
orichulum is part of the threat. I doubt the crystals could be."

Reed emerges from downstairs, "I have that answer now. Aurachulum is
radioactive. It is definitely emitting gamma radiation. I can't tell how
strongly without better equipment, but that stuff is hot."

Madrak frowns.

Vance frowns. "Strange. Still, if it was harmful, surely that would have
been noticed by now. I believe those of the Orach guild are no more
prone to ailments than anyone else of Thule."

Madrak says "Ariadne, how soon do the Anaknedon believe this end will
come?"

Merope says, "Actually the people who work in the Orach Guild are known
for strange ailments, but it is one of those things that you don't talk
about. It would be too close to saying they were morally imperfect so
Lir throwned on them."

Vance frowns. "I see. Then the audience with the King becomes even more
important." He turns to Reed. "Is there a way to shield the radiation,
while still letting the light through?"

Krinac to Vance: And I'll note that Vance is more used to sword and
sorcery level technology than the advanced stuff.

Vance to Krinac: 'True. He knows enough to know that it is
dangerous...he equates it with some of the more dangerous magical
radiations (harmful magical energies produced as a byproduct of a poorly
constructed item). He's heard of nuclear technology, just enough to
avoid it.'.

Krinac to Vance: I'll assume you have a passing familiarity with it from
your travels, but Vance could be understandably weak on the technical
details.

Vance to Krinac: Vance nods. "He hasn't gotten very technical...mainly
working with what is said to him."

Reed says, "No when my people need to handle the stuff they use three
feet or more of rock or metal to shield them. Gamma is hard to shield
against, and then there is the problem of secondary radiation.... Reed
goes off into more scientific trivia details.

Vance to Krinac: Vance gained a brief interest in technology after the
events in 'Guns of Avalon'. An army coming to Amber with advanced
weaponry to drive off Chaosians peaked his curiosity.

Krinac to Vance: Ok, makes sense to me.

Madrak coughs. "Ariadne, how soon do the Anaknedon believe this end will
come?"

Ariadne says, "Soon, less than seven years they say. Perhaps much less.
What _is_ radiation?

Jeanette hmms. "There were rumours, when I left England, of research to
turn this sort of thing into some sort of bomb..."

Madrak looks at Jeanette. "I pray that they fail, for their own sake."

Reed says, "If you world and mine are shadows of each other, as they
seem then the Americans cracked the secret in the 1940's."

Calamus says to Ariadne "Like sunlight that burns you from the inside",
his response is distracted as he follows several conversations at once.

You say "A harmful byproduct of a substance, that can cause disease.
I've seen it before in poorly-constructed artifacts of power, but the
source has always been magical in nature."

Jeanette mms. "No one said anything about - strange illnesses, though."

Rex listens closely, but seems to have little to add. Middenriddle looks
lost, and Aranor seems posessed of a dignity that belies his odd fashion
of dress.

Vance turns to Rex. "My apologies, but we are in the midst of a crisis.
Please pass along my greetings to your companions - lodging will be
prepared in the event that we stay in Thule."

Reed says, "Human beings have a talent for inventing technology that
kills themselves, lead pipe for drinking water, mercury for dies,
nuclear fission for power, internal combustion engines for
transportaion, chloroflorocarbons to keep our hair in place. If it isn't
obviously lethal, we aren't shy about putting it into widespread use.

Jeanette shrugs, "Unlike those who have an eternity, we don't have the
luxury of testing an invention to see what its effect will be in a
hundred years."

Madrak frown thoughtfully. "I'll need to know about the crystals, as
well. And I believe I'd like to hear Rex's story."

Rex smiles, lazily. "Where shall I begin, my friend?"

Reed says, "How about with your new friend here?"

Madrak purses his lips thoughtfully. "Chiare. Or more preciesly, your
departure therefrom."

Jeanette's tone is notably cool. "Your... quite precipitous... departure
therefrom."

Calamus clears his throat following the elegant young woman's statement.
"ahh... yeah. I was sort of hoping we'd get to the part where all the
politics and Doctor Strange monologue tied in with my interest in seeing
certain poles of reality /not/ destroy my homes... again."

Rex nods to Madrak, and then to Reed. "We were in a large cell at first,
all together. When they led us to individual cells, I walked through the
door of mine, and found myself at home. This is not an unusual
occurence; I believe I mentioned my curse. Engela, Aranor, and
Middenriddle all came along with me from there. Calamus joined us along
the way."

Madrak blinks, as if uncertain how to take this. "You were simply...
home?"

Vance does not seem surprised. "Of course."

Jeanette lets Madrak do the doubting for her.

Calamus picks up from where Rex left off, "I noticed Rex and his
entourage crossing my path in a way I hadn't run into before, so he and
I had a chat. According to him... you folks have similar feelings about
the Princes and the Courts. Since I was looking for 'people of like
mind', so to speak, and Rex was looking for you... well, we all ended up
here.

Calamus adds, "After spending a day cooling our heels with those
pillocks in Chiare, that is."

Madrak glances at Vance, and rubs his eyepatch. He shrugs. "It would
seem the avalanche has started."

Rex nods to Madrak. "Just like that."

Vance nods. "And those from your homeland, Rex?"

Rex sighs. "It really is bothersome. I had to track you all here, with
Calamus' help, and the Karcist Almirant's, once we settled that mess."
He turns to Vance. "Aranor is my travelling companion,
Middenriddle...does odd jobs for me (Midden beams at the mention of his
name), and the Lady Engela was intrigued, and desired to join us...is
that right, Milady?"

Madrak chuckles softly. "Well. At least you settled it, Rex."

Krinac to Vance: Engela's pointed ears scream Alfar.

Rex shakes his head. "Nothing like a good mind-probe. Can't blame them,
though."

Vance to Krinac: Vance calls up the lens. "I want to see how real Rex's
companions are. If he can control reality as he says, it's possible they
could be companions of the mind, brought into physical form."
Calamus mutters something that doesn't remotely sound like agreement on
that count.

Madrak shrugs. "Well, to bring you up to date, Vance is trying to
arrange an audience with the High King of Thule... and I fear our time
is growing short."

Jeanette says "Very short."

Krinac to Vance: They appear to be real enough. Calamus seems to be
carrying a rather simple item of some power, but they all appear to be
real.

You say "Indeed. I'm simply waiting on Andra to return. And those
accompanying me will need appropriate attire."

Jeanette says "What /is/ appropriate attire?"

Vance smiles. "My wives have a better understanding of fashion than I."

Jeanette nods...

Merope says, "I'm sure we can find a chiton or a peplos to fit you."

Rex says "Wives. Hmmmm; this is an interesting concept."

Jeanette says "If it must be, it must be."

Madrak frowns a little.

Vance nods. "Many have stated such."

Engela doesn't seem to find it amusing.

Jeanette says "Whatever does a peplos look like, though?"

Madrak heaves himself out of his chair, and paces slowly.

Vance to Krinac: Vance considers addressing Engela in the High Tongue
(language of the Elven Court of Arcadia).

Krinac: "The GM flexes some muscle and suggests we fast forward a few
hours to the meeting with the king."

Krinac: "Sean is off somewhere. Reed is going. Merope and Pleione stay.
Ariadne goes."

You are all met by a boat to carry you around the city and close to the
royal palace. From there you are led to an audience with the High King
Menelius.

Calamus nods to Madrak.

Vance introduces himself formally to the King, and awaits an opportunity
to begin his tale.

The High King fits his office. He is a large and powerful man with raven
dark hair just beginning to show streaks of gray.

He has a powerful sense of presence and command about him.

He meets you not in the main court room, but in a lesser room. The kind
that has draped alcoves that might or might not house unseen listeners
or armed troops.

There are no visible guards visible when he greets you.

The High King says, "Vance, I have spoken with Andra, and she tells me
that you bring me ill-tidings."

Vance nods. "I admit the infomation I am about to impart would not be
well-recieved by the general populace. But you need to hear it...the
survival of Thule is at stake." Vance then begins his tale. When he is
finished, he waves forward Madrak and Reed.

Krinac: "Hmm, Vance I need a little more detail... what threat do you
hit him with? Do you mention the destruction of Begma? The prophesy? or
just vague promises of trouble?"

Vance speaks of the destruction of Begma, mentions (but does not recite)
the prophecy, and tells about the multiple attacks the group has faced.
He then says that two he has brought with him have more details about
the possible danger.

The High King nods his assent, "What more do you have to add to this
tale?"

Madrak lets Reed precede him.

Reed says, "I am a scholar from another realm, and I need to warn you of
the dangers of the metal Orachulum. In addition to the light it casts,
it spreads a posion to any that draw near it. A poison that can cause
sickness, and even harm the unborn causing birth defects and
miscarriages.... Reed begins to plunge into more technical details.

As Reed continues, the High King looks more bored than worried.

Vance interrupts Reed as he gets into the technical details.

You say "Such a problem should be looked into, but that is not the
immediate concern. Reed, what potential problems could resort from a
large quantity of this material being stored in one place?"

Reed says, "Most likely nothing but being a worse hazard than it is
already. It is remotely possible that by stacking enough of it together
you would form a working nuclear pile, in which case it would melt
itself down through the ground until it hit the water table, and then
there would be a steam explosion and a cloud of nuclear fallout."

Vance ahems. "In less technical terms, please. Can this hazard you speak
of be artifically induced?"

Reed says, "With the right compounds, concentrations, and techniques,
yes it can, and to be less technical the result would be that tens if
not hundreds of square miles of land would be rendered uninhabitable for
on the order of ten thousand years.

Vance looks to the King. "My power is enough to destroy a city. My
enemies have destroyed an entire world. And the danger Reed speaks of
can be caused by one person with access to enough orichulum and the
proper knowledge.

The High King looks bored still, "I am not overly concerned about the
dangers of Orachulum. I would like to hear more about Begma though. Tell
me more about how an entire realm came to be destroyed."

Vance looks to Madrak.

Madrak studies the High King intently with his single eye. "Begma held
within it a source of great power, what Vance and others have called a
Broken Pattern. It was absorbed or destroyed by the Pattern of Amber,
and the process consumed those intiates of its secrets and the kingdom
itself in fire."

You say "As I recall, Madrak, you stated that the one you met tried to
call upon his powers, and was consumed from within. Correct?"

The High King says, "I see, and why would Amber destroy Begma, who is
their long time ally and member of the Golden Circle, instead of some
other realm like Kashfa?"

You say "Because the Broken Pattern in Begma was the strongest of them.
Kashfa would have been next, but I was able to alert them to the
danger."

Madrak says to Vance, "Correct." He looks at the High King again.

The High King asks, "And was it before or after you alerted them to this
danger that Rinaldo decided to kill Lord Caine of Amber?"

You say "After."

The High King says, "You must think me awfully nieve, you are not the
only ones who can walk between the worlds, nor the only ones to have
contacts in Amber or Rebma. The reports I have received show no action
on the part of Amber. Can you explain that?"

You say "Amber is not unified. You know as well as I that the Princes
feud among one another."

Jeanette says "No action upon the part of the armies of Amber, perhaps.
But there are other forces than armies at work here."

Madrak says "Begma was betrayed."

The High King says, "Do you have proof of that?"

Vance to Krinac: Vance aarghs. "I should have said before, not after.
That's what I get for posing tired."

You say "What proof would you ask for?"

Madrak says "It was my task to tell the Queen of Kashfa, Coral of Begma,
that I had seen her brother die. Before she sent me on my way, she wept,
and said she had been betrayed by an agent of Amber."

The High King says, "I seem to hear the same players emerging again.
Isn't Begma the traditional enemy of Kashfa, not Amber?"

Jeanette says "Regardless of the exact source, is it not obvious that
steps must be taken to prevent it from happening here?"

Madrak says "A marriage alliance was made, with newly crowned King
Rinaldo of Kashfa."

Madrak says "This is not about politics, it is about power and avarice
without limit."

The High King says, "I hear vague threats, rumors, and on that basis you
would have me do what? Confront Amber? I can very much see where a
prince of Amber could gain by raising up the Broken Patterns against
Amber. The Lords of Order do not care how many people die for one of
their distractions."

Madrak says "I would have you take precautions, to prepare to defend the
Watery Flame from agents of Chaos or Order."

Jeanette says "Or of Kashfa, Begma, or... wherever."

The High King says, "I have indeed taken such precautions, in fact just
yesterday my guards found someone in the chamber, someone with no
visible means of entry, and like you she is fond of speaking of vague
threats. Allyna, would you join us please."

Allyna pushes aside a curtain, timidly entering the visible area of the
hall.

Madrak says "Your precautions are inadequate."

Vance frowns. "If you wish, I can provide a demonstration of what
threatens Thule. It would have to be outdoors, though, by the
shoreline."

Allyna:
    About 4' 10", you almost look past this woman on first glance. But
your gaze returns as you note that she is as easily as thin as she is
short. She keeps her dark eyes always roving, not so much to see
everything as to not linger too long on any one thing. Her dark hair is
cut in short tresses, sheerly practical with little regard to style. You
note her clothing, all of a charcoal gray, is of a similar styling,
practical and maybe a bit worn. For a moment, your gaze starts to wander
when you notice her left hand. Thin and small, it's not so much the type
of hand as the almost flash of green on its back. As you gaze more
closely, you spot a few other boughs of a tree apparently part of an
extended tattoo peeking out from under the edges of her clothes. A satchel
is slung over her shoulder, and a narrow oaken wand is tucked into her
belt.

The High King says, "Really, I have four Fire Crystals mounted in the
water over the Watery Flame, and at all times there are people to man
the crystals. Those four can turn the water into a boiling froth in a
very short span of time. NO ONE will reach the Watery Flame without my
permission and live."

Allyna shudders at that image.

You say "Inadequate. I could destroy all four crystals with but slight
preparation, along with those guarding it. And, as I have said, my
enemies have a greater power."

The High King says, "Vance, I would like to see your demonstration, and
perhaps you should listen to Allyna's tale, both of the danger to her
realm, and as to the means of her arrival."

Vance nods. "Then I will listen, and we will speak after she has
finished."

Allyna bites her lip, and sketches an overly hasty bow. "I've been sent
from Ebeer, in hopes of finding some aid-- Some way to escape the
dreadful prophesies that have been given there more and more
frequently."

Madrak studies Allyna as she speaks, rubbing at his eyepatch.

Madrak sigh gravely. "More prophecies. Are you familiar with Ebeer,
Vance?"

Allyna says, "In the land of Ebeer, the Seers have been prophesying
death from beyond the Spheres with... tremendous urgency."

Allyna says, "The seers who have these visions... They offer little hope
of averting this disaster, and even less information about its nature.
I-- I have little to offer."

Madrak says "Do they say what form this disaster will take?"

Allyna rubs her hands together, nervously.

Allyna shakes her head in the negative.

Madrak nods. "It is much the same with some of us. Homelands are
threatened. The cause is not obviously external in some cases, but
neither is it entirely natural."

Allyna says, "I-- It would be appropriate for me to offer such aid as I
am able in preserving other lands. If only in hopes of winning
assistance for my own. I had no idea that this threat was-- widespread."

Madrak says "Nor did most of us, it seems."

Madrak glances at Vance. "And I believe we can make use of all the aid
we can gather, at this point."

Jeanette nods. "These are the times most often referred to as desperate,
when all will have to stand together."

Vance nods, and turns to the King. "It is important that you understand
the power Thule and the other lands with Broken Patterns face. Do you
have an old warship, about to be taken out of service? I will require
something of that nature for the demonstration."

Allyna continues her oration, what passes for her story. "His Majesty
wished me to speak also about the method by which I arrived. And this
may be the greatest aid I can offer."

High King Menelius says, "We don't have so many warships that we can
spare them, but I'm sure we can find a merchant vessel that you can
destroy, and you should hear how Allyna arrived."

Madrak nods to Allyna. "Go on."

Vance nods, and turns back to Allyra.

Allyna bites her lip, at the attention brought to bear on her. After a
moment, she regains her courage and explains. "I have arrived here by
means of a thing called an Image, from another world entirely. I have
some limited skill in creating these Images."

Madrak glances at Vance, then back to Allyna. "Might we see one?"

The High King says, "Trumps, Vance, she can draw trumps. Now will it do
more good if we just sit and defend ourselves? or would it be better if
the Broken Patterns started to talk to each other, so that we could act
in concert?"

Allyna pulls a small card from inside one of her sleeves, and offers it
to Madrak. "Be careful not to look too-- Trumps?"

Madrak takes the card carefully. He blinks. "Cold," he mutters, and
peers at it, front and back. "Fascinating."

Vance hmms. "Both."

Madrak offers the card to Vance or Jeanette, if they're inclined to look
at it.

Jeanette takes it for a look...

Vance glances at the image on the back, briefly.

The High King says, "I suggest that you take Allyna with you on your
journey, and that she distribute some of her artwork about the other
broken shadows, to those that you can convince there is a valid danger."

Madrak murmurs his thanks to Allyna, then turns toward the High King.
"Your Majesty?"

Vance looks to Allyna. "What do you base your 'Images' on? Such working
traditionally are backed by initiation in one of the greater powers."

High King Menelius looks at Madrak, "Yes?"

On one face of the card is a simple design, intertwined lines of grey,
brown, and yellow surrounding a rose. On the opposite, a strange image:
What looks like a Pattern, or broken pattern, somewhat idealised, and
distorted, as if seen through water. The lines of the image shine with a
bright silvery color. The space between is a deep and comforting green.

Madrak hesitates, then continues. "There is one more thing... I fear
death is coming to Thule. I wish I could say how or when, but I do not
know, only that it is coming. If there are any preparations that can be
made for such an unknown calamity; be it an attack, or natural
disaster... I suggest they be made, quietly."

Krinac to Vance: The image of the Watery Flame.

Allyna looks quizzically at Vance. "I don't know what you speak of."

Vance frowns. "Have they ever proven unreliable to you?"

Vance to Krinac: Vance is basing his knowledge of Trumps on his
relationship with Ashlin, BTW.

Allyna says, "In what fashion?"

High King Menelius says, "We have a problem in that regard, a political
problem, there are many who would light the altars to Lir and see them
fed night and day, there are others who feel that our doom is already
upon. There are many changes I would like to work upon Thule, but for
now it is important to move quietly and with confidence. I have made
what prepartions I can, but I will try to make more.

Krinac to Vance: Ok, but you don't know much trump theory, Ashlin didn't
know much to tell you. As far as he was concerned Dworkin drew all the
trumps.

Madrak nods. "I do not envy your position, Your Majesty, but at least
our warning has not fallen on deaf ears. Thank you."

Vance says to Allyna, "Failure to function...or worse. I have heard of
deaths occurring due to Trumps backed with a lesser power."

Vance turns back to the King. "If you can arrange that vessel, we can
reconvene tomorrow for the demonstration."

The High King says in a voice that cuts through the little discussions,
"And I want something from all of you. You say there is a danger. Tell
me what, tell me how, tell me who. Give me something to act against."

Madrak sighs, and nods. "When we are able to do so..."
You say "If it were as easy as pointing to something, we wouldn't have a
problem. Arrange what is needed for my demonstration, and I will show
you why."

The High King nods, "It shall be done, until then you may remain here as
my guests. Thule has problems enough, I can guard the watery flame, I
can prepare for disaster, but unless you have more than words, I will
worry about Thule."

Vance to Krinac: 'True. But I imagine I've seen at least one artist who
based it on a lesser power. They're common near the Courts, from what
Merlin says...and I have done some investigating.'.

Madrak nods grimly. "For the moment, I am content with that."

Vance bows. "Till the morrow, then."