From adric@engin.umich.edu Date: Mon, 10 Oct 1994 12:07:35 -0400 (EDT) From: Joseph Velez To: shadows@umich.edu Subject: Damion Diary 23 {Once upon a time, there was a beautiful castle filled with the most amazing people and creatures. The days were made up of fun, and the nights with magic and wonder. And in this castle of light were my friends and my family, and everything was paradise.} That is the way it was. But nothing can ever stay that simple, can it? That the wheel of life continues to spin, I must cope with the changes that come with it. I have found more family than I have ever known, and though the castle may not be made of spun dearms and gold, I know that it is mine and I am its. One may argue the values of home, family, and loyalty. How far off could they be from the reality of events? But then, no one has tried to argue these things with me. Better for them. I have been charged with the defense of Amber--a duty that I am both honoured and worried to have. For I shall be organizing our defense with people whom I do not know. I shall be using my tactical abilities in ways I have never dreamed. I shall be fighting family against family. I do not know who among the Amberites know this. Surely the historians-- assuming we have any. Benedict. Anyone in the dining hall at the tail end of the meeting... Ah well. I find it strange that I have tried for so long to play the Game, to bring myself closer to power, and found myself farther from it than I am now, when I have done nothing. Perhaps Benedict has always been right, and the Game was never really meant for our branch of the family. It is too much to think about right now. To summarize recent events: Benedict confirmed that Brand is not my father. What a relief. He also told me that my--our--mother has never been very open with me. How surprising, no? But, in retrospect, I think that trying to contact "Mom" to find out what she is doing would be quite the bad idea. I am somewhat surprised that she has not tried to contact me...but I digress. Benedict, Fiona, Archimedes, and Mok (son of Eric) will be going to retrieve the Jewel, while the remaining Amberites and I take care of the castle defense. Random has ordered me to take charge of the defense, and that I should share this responsibilty with Corwin--an order I will gladly fulfill. He also requested that Kalyn be put in some position that I will not have to deal with him directly. This is also not a problem, as I have not seen such a sullen and introverted Amberite since...well, Sandr. My loyalty is assured. My mind is fully on the task at hand. My heart...wanders.