More and more, I am of the feeling that my companions are more hinderance than help. Even the simplest matters require me to give orders...it's as if I've somehow leeched the last bits of common sense from them. Perhaps it's because I normally work alone. Rex is the host of a travelling circus that is more useful than he is. Jeanette has moments of brilliance, but they are few and far between. Sean is the only one worth bringing along, but even his skills are a poor substitute for Madrak.
Damn. I should never have ordered Madrak to protect Sean. Anyone can hire a few swords, but sharp minds are few and far between.
Our arrival in Arcadia was marked by the appearance of Puck, a rather mischevious alfar. After letting the others experience his antics, I put him in his place and got down to business. I charged Puck with telling Titania about my forthcoming visit to the Court of Light, and sent him on his way. Then, gathering the others, we stepped off the boat.
Thus began our descent into darkness. We arrived at Mordred's fortress a few days later, and were given the usual reception. I kept my gun hidden, and at hand...Arcadia is similar enough to Amber that Dalt's gunpowder may actually work there, and I wasn't taking chances. And, of course, my gloves never left my sight. I prepared myself for the verbal sparring that was to come. Mordred is wise, but an opportunist. I would have to make sure that my argument left no temptations for him to act other than as I wished.
Mordred recieved my traditional speech...one that I feel very comfortable about giving, after my experiences in Chiare and Thule. I was surprised at his knowledge of events outside of Arcadia, including his recognition of Dalt's body. He did not take umbrage at my use of the Flaw to deter Caine's pursuit, and seemed open to suggestions as to his next course of action...or so I thought at first.
Mordred informed me of Julian's capture of the Keep of the Four Worlds, and then his line of question kept digging into how to destroy the mark of the Pattern in Arcadia, leaving only the Flaw. Mordred was grim when I told him directly that destroying the Pattern in Arcadia would eradicate Arcadia, and summoned Lord Yama to his presence. Sean approached me, and revealed the true nature of this mysterious Lord Yama...he was a Lord of Chaos, and the apprentice to the Keeper of their design of power, known as the Logrus. I collected my thoughts, and prepared for a much greater challenge than I had expected when I arrived in Arcadia.