Reflections on the Past, Part 2:
	I've said before that Jeanette seems to treat secrets like a miser 
treats gold.  I do not share her perception.  Most secrets are like 
power - useless unless used.  And I certainly used those secrets after 
I met the others.  Within the span of a few days, they were doing 
exactly what I wanted.
	Madrak and Jeanette were accompanying me on a few errands.  They 
did not know the true purpose behind them, but I gave them just enough 
hints to arouse their curiosity.  I went to Kaisarah, first.  Residing 
in a simple tailor's shop during the day, he is actually the Voice of 
Death - the spokesman of the Assassin's Guild.  Our conversation was 
innocent enough on the surface, as I inquired about a torn cloak.  
Behind words and a few innocent gestures, however, I recieved news of 
greater import.
	I was not surprised to hear that the Heart of Death had words for 
my ears.  After arranging a meeting for later that eve, I departed with 
the others.  I did note that Madrak was in an ill mood, as if something 
was troubling him.  As he asked me if I believed in justice, the boy who 
tried to mug me the other day caught my eye.
	The boy had news of an outlander asking about me - something more 
pressing than the other tasks ahead of me.  We followed the boy to a 
tavern, where I met Sean of Briarwood.  Though I did overhear him 
mentioning to the innkeep that I could inquire about him at the Castle, 
I didn't think about the true import of his words until later.
	I approached, and inquired of the innkeep who else was asking 
about Vance.  I learned from Sean that had been told to seek out 
the Sorceror Vance, and that he had heard of my wisdom.  He said another 
sorcerer had referred him to me...another interesting fact I stored for 
later inquiry.  As Sean, Madrak, Jeanette, and I prepared to sit, the 
last member of our little entourage entered the room.
	Rex was also looking for me, and had also been told I was a 
'mighty sorcerer', by 'one in the position to know the truth of things'.  
This was beginning to put me on edge - I knew I would have to question 
both Sean and Rex upon this matter, when I could get them alone.  Then, 
he mentioned the person who referred him to me was a beautiful princess.  
The amount of princesses possessing both beauty and knowledge of my 
existence are few and far between.  But, Flora was the one I contacted 
as Ashlin lay dying, and perhaps he communicated a few things to her 
before his passing.  I decided to persuade Rex to take me to this 
Princess...when there was time.  And time quickly became precious and 
rationed after our meeting.
	Rex mentioned that we had something in common - enemies who sought 
the resources that we controlled.  Rex's homeland is named Nadir, and 
though he refered to it as a 'real dive', I sensed the power within him.  
Then, Madrak was the one to shock the group, as he revealed that Begma 
had been completely destroyed.  It was no surprise to me on an 
intellectual level - Ashlin's letter had revealed this to me.  But, to 
have it confirmed that I had failed in part of my guardianship was a 
blow that hit me like a hammer.
	Madrak's words, plus Sean's revelation that the Black Road still 
existed in his Shadow, were the opportunity I had waited for.  I told 
them the secrets that would give me power of them, told them that Amber 
and Chaos were conquering the independent powers so they could gain an 
edge in their great conflict.  I also told them that an agent of the 
Pattern was responsible for Begma's destruction.  Most quickly fell in 
line due to what I percieved as a moral responsibility on their part.  
Jeanette was the sole exception - I think she joined us because it was 
the best way to gain her precious secrets, and remain protected in the 
process.  We agreed to meet after the celebrations for Rinaldo's 
crowning, and went our separate ways.  Except for Madrak, that is.
	I had known Madrak the longest of the others with me, if only by 
a few minutes time.  I knew his motivations best, and the ways to 
keep control of him.  Thus, he was the one I chose to accompany me to 
the meeting with Kaisarah.  I knew there was a chance that the guild 
would betray me, however small.  Madrak, though I did not yet trust 
him, was insurance in case the guild turned on me.
	Kaisarah wanted information on Rinaldo, although the guild was not 
planning an attempt against him, to his knowledge.  Kaisarah then 
mentioned the purge, and Ashlin.  Though Kaisarah was not responsible 
for Ashlin's death, he was part of the guild at that time - a part I 
allowed to survive.  A sudden anger enveloped me, and I had to take a 
moment to collect myself.
	I gave Kaisarah the information he sought, and more.  I told him 
of Begma's destruction, which Madrak confirmed - another reason to bring 
him along.  By the end of that conversation, I believe Kaisarah was 
ready to help support the Sorceror's Guild during this time of crisis - 
and such support was sorely needed.  Kashfa contained the strongest 
remaining Broken Pattern, and it was a prime target for both Amber and 
Chaos.  Kaisarah asked about Merlin, in return.  I knew little of the 
son of Corwin, but I told Kaisarah what I knew.
	Madrak learned much, that evening.  By the end of the evening, he 
had discovered my association with the Assassin's Guild, met Coral via 
a meeting I had the Voice set up, and had learned that Coral felt some 
sort of personal responsibility for the destruction of Begma.  Coral's 
knowledge must have come at a price - Madrak reported that she was 
missing an eye.  I asked Madrak not to reveal my associations to the 
others, and he agreed.
	It was a day that marked a great change, for all of us.  I had 
found those I needed to aid me, and all but one were present as we 
started our investigation into Begma's destruction.  Madrak was in my 
debt, and the others (save possibly Jeanette) were easily manipulated 
by their morality.  All in all, a good day.
	Yet, there was one other task that remained.  Rousing Silas, a 
prominant member of the Sorceror's Guild, we rode to Kashfa's Broken 
Pattern.  I informed him about Begma as we rode, and that the 
Assassin's Guild would offer him assistance.  As we arrived, I 
examined the Pattern carefully, looking for any changes.  Then, 
handing the reins of my steed to Silas, I told him to return, and went 
to walk the break.  It would be tiring, but the gloves would make it a 
simple matter.  In the end, I would return an hour or two earlier, and 
the sleep gained would more than make up for the effort.