Disclaimer: all characters and some of the dialogue here belong to Roger Zelazny.
SPOLIERS ALERT
Previously (in chronicles, not in my fic): Bleys gets shot by Rinaldo; Merlin shows photo of Luke to Fiona, she figures that Luke is Brand's son and understands that Luke is the one who shot Bleys; Fiona takes Bleys to some secret place to protect him and heal his wound; Luke tells Merlin that his is actually Rinaldo, son of Brand, and proceeds to imprison him; Merlin escapes and tells Flora the entire story (obviously, Flora tells everyone who is willing to listen); Fiona meets with Merlin later cause she is worried about some big tornadoes; she says she hasn't been in contact with anyone, so she still doesn't know, and Merlin never mentions Luke's real name; Fiona contacts Merlin once again and mentions her meeting with Ghostwheel; she calls it wacky, mendacious and insulting, which probably means Ghostwheel didn't tell her Luke's real name (or anything useful at all) either.
Rolling and rolling and rolling... WHOOSH!
No, it's not what you thought. It's the sound of air rapidly coming out of my lungs - the result of my chest being suddenly stepped on. Couple of centuries later, I finally managed to focus my vision and evaluate the situation. As with any situation, there were good and bad things about it. Good things - the boot that was "resting on my chest" (pinned me to the floor is more like it) at the moment had stopped me two meters from Queen Vialle, and, thankfully, it was shiny clean. Bad thing - the boot belonged to Julian, thus overcompensating all the positive moments.
"What's going on?" Vialle asked softly.
It was only after her question that Julian slowly lowered his gaze from Vialle to me. Imagine the picture: a hero victoriously stepping onto defeated enemy's chest. Imagined? Now forget it. It was nothing like that. Julian's expression was closer to "I think I just stepped on a bug - ew..." It's not that Julian had something against me (Sure, Corwin and I had killed lots of his people back in the old days, but Julian doesn't give a damn about such things). It is simply in his nature.
"Nothing important", he drawled, shifting his weight to my side. My ribs creaked. "Just Prince Bleys... passing by."
The complete lack of emotions on his face only doubled my hate, but my respect for the Queen didn't allow me to act on it. That and Julian's boot.
"Prince Bleys", Vialle repeated with a confused look.
"Good morning, Your Majesty", something that resembled my own voice croaked.
"Good morning... What are you doing down there?"
"I had to trump in a hurry... I'll explain everything - if only Julian would be so ki..."
"Of course I'll help you up, brother", Julian said, removing his foot and offering me a hand. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"I'm fine", I muttered, raising myself from the floor (ignoring Julian's hand, of course) and using all kinds of gestures to show Julian what I thought of him and of all his ancestors (maternal). He reacted to these just like Vialle - he didn't. Too bad Corwin wasn't there.
"Well, you really do look ok", Julian acknowledged, "so, if you don't mind, Bleys, Queen Vialle and I were in the middle of discussion..."
Julian gave me that "get lost, kid" look, unaware that he had just given me the idea on perfect - and instant - revenge. If Queen's time was what he wanted, I was going to snatch it right out from under his nose.
"Actually, I believe that my news are much more important. I've spent this night in Tir-Na Nog'th", I said. That got her interested.
"Without a partner? That's risky", Vialle berated.
"You're right here, Your Majesty. But the news was worth it."
"News? In Tir-Na Nog'th?" Julian snorted.
"This isn't just about Tir", I continued, not looking at him, and proceeded to put a final nail in his coffin.
"I think we'd better talk in private."
"If it's so important, maybe you should tell Random?" Vialle asked.
"I think that negotiations in Begma are important as well. I figured I should tell you the story, and you'll decide if it's urgent enough to recall your husband", I replied. I had made that up on the spot, to be honest, but it sounded reasonable even to myself. That did it.
"We'll talk later, Julian, if you don't mind."
"Of course, Your Majesty", he said, and not even his despising look could spoil my delight. Delight changed to hesitation, however, on our way to Vialle's studio. But it was too late already - I had promised the news. Isn't it funny how most fate-of-the-universe level decisions are made? Not under the guidance of signs, portents or that thing called logic, but just because we are pissed of, in the mood, caffeine high, etc. So, I quickly went over my story to ensure that there's nothing that needed to be "forgotten", seated myself behind the table in the corner of her studio, winked to the bust of Gerard and started the story...
Our Hideout is a wonderful place - perfect, warm climate, nice view from all windows, and well-trained servants. The mansion is located on top of the hill, with the only road leading towards the nearest town. The town is close enough to allow for fresh products on our table everyday, which I can appreciate. However being the Hideout, its security is on the level as well. Its location doesn't allow anyone to approach it unnoticed within a mile, and the entire area within a hundred yards is a killing zone. If by some miracle unwanted visitors manage to avoid getting perforated by out elite crossbowmen, the'll be met by a platoon of swordsmen, who are as good as human beings can get. Yes, the mansion is that huge - miniature fortress, actually. I used to think that Fiona was overprotective, but sometimes it's very comforting to know that in order to get to you, someone would either have to Trump right inside and deal with all the guards on his own, or bring the entire army to besiege the Hideout.
My recovery was going fast, and I was actually capable to fend for myself already, so the real reason to stay was the fact that I was really enjoying it. "I'll stay for a little more, just to ensure my recovery", I was telling myself everyday, "and then I'll go and kill that arrogant kid." Fiona was probably enjoying it as well, even though she kept telling that she was only there to look after me. However, she finds it humiliating to just sit in one place and have fun, so one day, she mentioned that she had found something worth investigating and disappeared.
She returned several days later. It was early morning, and I was sitting in the living room, sipping coffee, when Fiona trumped in, wearing evening dress.
"Morning Fi," I greeted her. "Join me for a cup of coffee."
"No, thank you. I just had some."
"Oh. I can see that you had joined someone already - judging by your dress."
"How's your wound?" she changed theme instantly.
"Much better, thanks to you. I guess I owe you."
"I guess you do."
"On the other side", I smirked, "I'd have recovered faster in a real, civilized hospital."
"Or died faster. When there's civilization, there are sniper rifles."
"He wouldn't have known where I'd be. Speaking of Luke - any news?" I asked, wondering if it was his real name.
"Merlin knows where he is..."
"Good", I cheered up, "I'll get my sword."
"Unfortunately, he refused to give any details."
"Rats", I sighed. "What's wrong with youngsters these days?"
"You're getting too jumpy", she shook her head. "Why don't you do something useful for a change?"
"Like what?"
"Help me to find out the source of those anomalies."
"You mean like surround myself with piles of books and try to derive some stupid formulas? Thanks but no thanks. I had enough of this from Dworkin."
"Be that way", Fiona shrugged, "but you'll regret that when the universe will..."
I was saved from her lecture by a trump call. I tried my best to avoid showing my surprise to Fiona, but I'm not sure if I was good enough.
"How's it going, brother?"
"Delwin", I acknowledged without moving my lips. I heard the door slammed - Fiona understood that she wasn't going to get any info by eavesdropping here. "Oh my... you are still alive!"
"Why such surprise on the matter?"
"No one heard from you since you left Amber..."
"No one heard from me because I wanted it to be that way!" Delwin snapped.
"Are you still mad at Oberon?", I asked, getting agitated myself. Anger can be so contagious sometimes. "He gave his life to save us all - even you! Do you know at least that?!"
"Yes", confirmed Delwin. "And for all I know, he was only doing it for his pet kingdom."
"Maybe so. But now that he is gone, what keeps you away from Amber?"
"You really don't get it, do you, dear brother? You. You all!"
"We had nothing to do with what happened", I shook my head.
"Exactly. You just stood back and watched as people I cared about were humiliated!"
"You mean like you'd give a damn if anything like this happened to someone else?" I chuckled. He was silent for several seconds.
"No. I'm as bad as you. I don't want to be constantly reminded of who I am."
"I understand you don't count Sand as such reminder. Or, maybe, you parted with her for the same twisted reason?"
"I'm not telling you anything about Sand."
"And what are you telling me about?", I wondered. "Did you just call to remind me how bad I am?"
"I'm going to do you a favour."
"Oh dear, this is so sweet..."
"Not you personally, don't get any ideas. Are you in Amber?"
"No. Not even close. Why?"
"Well... anyway, you are the best man for the job."
"Job? I'm not looking for any."
"Listen, Bleys, this is bad time for your jokes. Amber might be in trouble now!"
"When it comes to my jokes, there's no such thing as bad time. And I thought you don't care about Amber..."
"I don't give a damn", he agreed angrily. "But this is a question of balance. This may result in troubles all over Shadows."
"Hmm... This is serious. Why don't we discuss it at your place - or at mine, if you don't want to show your location?"
"I don't want anyone to know where I am, and I don't want to leave my post either. Not at the time like this."
"Post? What the hell are you occupying yourself with, brother?"
"Ever heard of spikards?" he asked after a long pause.
"Powerful devices that gather energy from the Shadows?"
"I protect those I have and track the rest."
"Uh-huh", I nodded slowly. "Why would you need any in the Shadow? Just give them to us and find something more enjoyable to do."
"I wish", he sighed. "Bringing these close to Amber or the Courts would unsettle the balance."
"So, you've got a job as a universal counterbalance. Sounds like fun. Did you call me to brag?"
"The fun is only about to start. I have a way to find out every spikard's approximate location. The one from Courts of Chaos is going to give us troubles."
"Don't 'us' me, please. Why?"
"It was taken away from the Courts several days ago. That got me worried."
"Maybe the owner is just taking a walk through the Shadows."
"That's what I thought - until now."
"Ok, ok, you got me intrigued", I admitted. "Now spill it already! What else is wrong with it?"
"It's in Amber."
My surprised face was more a formality than anything else.
"So, you want me to find out what's going on? Where is it - exactly, I mean?"
"I told, you, I can't pinpoint the location. Somewhere in Amber is all I can tell you."
"Great", I muttered. "And how am I supposed to look for it?"
"Hey, I can't think of everything for you!"
"Why me, anyway? Fiona is better with such stuff..."
"I don't like the idea of Fiona getting her hands on a spikard", he confessed, and I couldn't disagree. Fiona likes power too much for her own good. For Amber's good.
"Right. And what if the spikard's owner won't be willing to cooperate?"
"Then you'll use this", he said, handing me a spikard.
"And it's not even my birthday", I muttered, admiring the ring in my hand.
"You celebrate birthdays?"
"That's just a saying... Nevermind, better tell me how to operate it."
"Don't do this", he said as I was about to put the spikard on my finger. "It's quite hard to take off, so wear it only if necessary. Using it is simple enough - and my instructions would only get you confused."
"Ok. I better go before Fiona sniffs this thing."
"Good luck."
He broke the contact, and I took a trump from my deck, plan already forming in my head. I'll go to Amber, find the spikard, grab the spikard, find Luke, kill Luke.
Then I'll return here and finish my coffee.
SPOLIERS ALERT
Previously (in chronicles, not in my fic): Bleys gets shot by Rinaldo; Merlin shows photo of Luke to Fiona, she figures that Luke is Brand's son and understands that Luke is the one who shot Bleys; Fiona takes Bleys to some secret place to protect him and heal his wound; Luke tells Merlin that his is actually Rinaldo, son of Brand, and proceeds to imprison him; Merlin escapes and tells Flora the entire story (obviously, Flora tells everyone who is willing to listen); Fiona meets with Merlin later cause she is worried about some big tornadoes; she says she hasn't been in contact with anyone, so she still doesn't know, and Merlin never mentions Luke's real name; Fiona contacts Merlin once again and mentions her meeting with Ghostwheel; she calls it wacky, mendacious and insulting, which probably means Ghostwheel didn't tell her Luke's real name (or anything useful at all) either.
Rolling and rolling and rolling... WHOOSH!
No, it's not what you thought. It's the sound of air rapidly coming out of my lungs - the result of my chest being suddenly stepped on. Couple of centuries later, I finally managed to focus my vision and evaluate the situation. As with any situation, there were good and bad things about it. Good things - the boot that was "resting on my chest" (pinned me to the floor is more like it) at the moment had stopped me two meters from Queen Vialle, and, thankfully, it was shiny clean. Bad thing - the boot belonged to Julian, thus overcompensating all the positive moments.
"What's going on?" Vialle asked softly.
It was only after her question that Julian slowly lowered his gaze from Vialle to me. Imagine the picture: a hero victoriously stepping onto defeated enemy's chest. Imagined? Now forget it. It was nothing like that. Julian's expression was closer to "I think I just stepped on a bug - ew..." It's not that Julian had something against me (Sure, Corwin and I had killed lots of his people back in the old days, but Julian doesn't give a damn about such things). It is simply in his nature.
"Nothing important", he drawled, shifting his weight to my side. My ribs creaked. "Just Prince Bleys... passing by."
The complete lack of emotions on his face only doubled my hate, but my respect for the Queen didn't allow me to act on it. That and Julian's boot.
"Prince Bleys", Vialle repeated with a confused look.
"Good morning, Your Majesty", something that resembled my own voice croaked.
"Good morning... What are you doing down there?"
"I had to trump in a hurry... I'll explain everything - if only Julian would be so ki..."
"Of course I'll help you up, brother", Julian said, removing his foot and offering me a hand. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"I'm fine", I muttered, raising myself from the floor (ignoring Julian's hand, of course) and using all kinds of gestures to show Julian what I thought of him and of all his ancestors (maternal). He reacted to these just like Vialle - he didn't. Too bad Corwin wasn't there.
"Well, you really do look ok", Julian acknowledged, "so, if you don't mind, Bleys, Queen Vialle and I were in the middle of discussion..."
Julian gave me that "get lost, kid" look, unaware that he had just given me the idea on perfect - and instant - revenge. If Queen's time was what he wanted, I was going to snatch it right out from under his nose.
"Actually, I believe that my news are much more important. I've spent this night in Tir-Na Nog'th", I said. That got her interested.
"Without a partner? That's risky", Vialle berated.
"You're right here, Your Majesty. But the news was worth it."
"News? In Tir-Na Nog'th?" Julian snorted.
"This isn't just about Tir", I continued, not looking at him, and proceeded to put a final nail in his coffin.
"I think we'd better talk in private."
"If it's so important, maybe you should tell Random?" Vialle asked.
"I think that negotiations in Begma are important as well. I figured I should tell you the story, and you'll decide if it's urgent enough to recall your husband", I replied. I had made that up on the spot, to be honest, but it sounded reasonable even to myself. That did it.
"We'll talk later, Julian, if you don't mind."
"Of course, Your Majesty", he said, and not even his despising look could spoil my delight. Delight changed to hesitation, however, on our way to Vialle's studio. But it was too late already - I had promised the news. Isn't it funny how most fate-of-the-universe level decisions are made? Not under the guidance of signs, portents or that thing called logic, but just because we are pissed of, in the mood, caffeine high, etc. So, I quickly went over my story to ensure that there's nothing that needed to be "forgotten", seated myself behind the table in the corner of her studio, winked to the bust of Gerard and started the story...
Our Hideout is a wonderful place - perfect, warm climate, nice view from all windows, and well-trained servants. The mansion is located on top of the hill, with the only road leading towards the nearest town. The town is close enough to allow for fresh products on our table everyday, which I can appreciate. However being the Hideout, its security is on the level as well. Its location doesn't allow anyone to approach it unnoticed within a mile, and the entire area within a hundred yards is a killing zone. If by some miracle unwanted visitors manage to avoid getting perforated by out elite crossbowmen, the'll be met by a platoon of swordsmen, who are as good as human beings can get. Yes, the mansion is that huge - miniature fortress, actually. I used to think that Fiona was overprotective, but sometimes it's very comforting to know that in order to get to you, someone would either have to Trump right inside and deal with all the guards on his own, or bring the entire army to besiege the Hideout.
My recovery was going fast, and I was actually capable to fend for myself already, so the real reason to stay was the fact that I was really enjoying it. "I'll stay for a little more, just to ensure my recovery", I was telling myself everyday, "and then I'll go and kill that arrogant kid." Fiona was probably enjoying it as well, even though she kept telling that she was only there to look after me. However, she finds it humiliating to just sit in one place and have fun, so one day, she mentioned that she had found something worth investigating and disappeared.
She returned several days later. It was early morning, and I was sitting in the living room, sipping coffee, when Fiona trumped in, wearing evening dress.
"Morning Fi," I greeted her. "Join me for a cup of coffee."
"No, thank you. I just had some."
"Oh. I can see that you had joined someone already - judging by your dress."
"How's your wound?" she changed theme instantly.
"Much better, thanks to you. I guess I owe you."
"I guess you do."
"On the other side", I smirked, "I'd have recovered faster in a real, civilized hospital."
"Or died faster. When there's civilization, there are sniper rifles."
"He wouldn't have known where I'd be. Speaking of Luke - any news?" I asked, wondering if it was his real name.
"Merlin knows where he is..."
"Good", I cheered up, "I'll get my sword."
"Unfortunately, he refused to give any details."
"Rats", I sighed. "What's wrong with youngsters these days?"
"You're getting too jumpy", she shook her head. "Why don't you do something useful for a change?"
"Like what?"
"Help me to find out the source of those anomalies."
"You mean like surround myself with piles of books and try to derive some stupid formulas? Thanks but no thanks. I had enough of this from Dworkin."
"Be that way", Fiona shrugged, "but you'll regret that when the universe will..."
I was saved from her lecture by a trump call. I tried my best to avoid showing my surprise to Fiona, but I'm not sure if I was good enough.
"How's it going, brother?"
"Delwin", I acknowledged without moving my lips. I heard the door slammed - Fiona understood that she wasn't going to get any info by eavesdropping here. "Oh my... you are still alive!"
"Why such surprise on the matter?"
"No one heard from you since you left Amber..."
"No one heard from me because I wanted it to be that way!" Delwin snapped.
"Are you still mad at Oberon?", I asked, getting agitated myself. Anger can be so contagious sometimes. "He gave his life to save us all - even you! Do you know at least that?!"
"Yes", confirmed Delwin. "And for all I know, he was only doing it for his pet kingdom."
"Maybe so. But now that he is gone, what keeps you away from Amber?"
"You really don't get it, do you, dear brother? You. You all!"
"We had nothing to do with what happened", I shook my head.
"Exactly. You just stood back and watched as people I cared about were humiliated!"
"You mean like you'd give a damn if anything like this happened to someone else?" I chuckled. He was silent for several seconds.
"No. I'm as bad as you. I don't want to be constantly reminded of who I am."
"I understand you don't count Sand as such reminder. Or, maybe, you parted with her for the same twisted reason?"
"I'm not telling you anything about Sand."
"And what are you telling me about?", I wondered. "Did you just call to remind me how bad I am?"
"I'm going to do you a favour."
"Oh dear, this is so sweet..."
"Not you personally, don't get any ideas. Are you in Amber?"
"No. Not even close. Why?"
"Well... anyway, you are the best man for the job."
"Job? I'm not looking for any."
"Listen, Bleys, this is bad time for your jokes. Amber might be in trouble now!"
"When it comes to my jokes, there's no such thing as bad time. And I thought you don't care about Amber..."
"I don't give a damn", he agreed angrily. "But this is a question of balance. This may result in troubles all over Shadows."
"Hmm... This is serious. Why don't we discuss it at your place - or at mine, if you don't want to show your location?"
"I don't want anyone to know where I am, and I don't want to leave my post either. Not at the time like this."
"Post? What the hell are you occupying yourself with, brother?"
"Ever heard of spikards?" he asked after a long pause.
"Powerful devices that gather energy from the Shadows?"
"I protect those I have and track the rest."
"Uh-huh", I nodded slowly. "Why would you need any in the Shadow? Just give them to us and find something more enjoyable to do."
"I wish", he sighed. "Bringing these close to Amber or the Courts would unsettle the balance."
"So, you've got a job as a universal counterbalance. Sounds like fun. Did you call me to brag?"
"The fun is only about to start. I have a way to find out every spikard's approximate location. The one from Courts of Chaos is going to give us troubles."
"Don't 'us' me, please. Why?"
"It was taken away from the Courts several days ago. That got me worried."
"Maybe the owner is just taking a walk through the Shadows."
"That's what I thought - until now."
"Ok, ok, you got me intrigued", I admitted. "Now spill it already! What else is wrong with it?"
"It's in Amber."
My surprised face was more a formality than anything else.
"So, you want me to find out what's going on? Where is it - exactly, I mean?"
"I told, you, I can't pinpoint the location. Somewhere in Amber is all I can tell you."
"Great", I muttered. "And how am I supposed to look for it?"
"Hey, I can't think of everything for you!"
"Why me, anyway? Fiona is better with such stuff..."
"I don't like the idea of Fiona getting her hands on a spikard", he confessed, and I couldn't disagree. Fiona likes power too much for her own good. For Amber's good.
"Right. And what if the spikard's owner won't be willing to cooperate?"
"Then you'll use this", he said, handing me a spikard.
"And it's not even my birthday", I muttered, admiring the ring in my hand.
"You celebrate birthdays?"
"That's just a saying... Nevermind, better tell me how to operate it."
"Don't do this", he said as I was about to put the spikard on my finger. "It's quite hard to take off, so wear it only if necessary. Using it is simple enough - and my instructions would only get you confused."
"Ok. I better go before Fiona sniffs this thing."
"Good luck."
He broke the contact, and I took a trump from my deck, plan already forming in my head. I'll go to Amber, find the spikard, grab the spikard, find Luke, kill Luke.
Then I'll return here and finish my coffee.
