Chapter Fifty-seven: "Evisceration is just one of those things, but crucifixion gets your attention." Laughter dreams that she is putting Beauty down for the night when she gets a feeling of impending doom. She wakes up, but the feeling stays with her. It's pretty early in the morning. She checks on Beauty, but she's OK. She goes to see if Riftvan is awake and finds that the door is locked. She knocks and wakes Ariana up. Ariana asks what she wants. Laughter asks what sort of stock Amberites put in dreams. Ariana tries to figure out what she's talking about. Laughter is rather vague, but she eventually gets across that she had a dream which left her uneasy. Ariana admits she's not the best one to ask, since she didn't grow up in Amber. Laughter says she thought she'd ask Vetch. Ariana says that he's sleeping, but Laughter is free to wake him up. Laughter declines. She does manage to wake up the twins, who start crying. Riftvan groans and pulls a pillow over his ears. Ariana picks up the twins and begins feeding them. She points out that Riftvan appears to be awake now, so Laughter can talk to him. Laughter sits down on the edge of the bed, but Riftvan ignores her. Sequence tickles his ear, through the pillow. So much for the pillow. Ariana asks Laughter what's it's like to raise two children. Laughter says that unfortunately Sequence will never improve. Sequence adds cheerfully that it won't grow old, either. No one finds this comforting. Having gotten Riftvan's attention, Laughter asks if it's true that sorcerers can create dreams. Riftvan shrugs. Laughter doesn't find this helpful. Ariana points out that he's often like that. Laughter observes that Ariana has three children to raise. Ariana asks if Laughter wants to trade, since Sequence is more useful. Sequence says it feels loyal to Laughter, although it's willing take care of the others. Laughter tells it they're leaving. Sequence comments that it likes the sound of crying children, since it reminds it of wounded men. Laughter decides that her sword is sick. Bart spends the night in Rebma on his coach, letting Lyss use his bed. He wakes up the next morning and goes to his mother's quarters. He proceeds to apologize for his behavior of the previous day. Llewella is impressed by his groveling. The cleanup crew is dismissed, having done all they can until spring. Felix spots Gerard heading towards the inn. He goes to check on Foster, and finds him talking to Isabeux. Felix tells Isabeux that the cleanup appears to be done, so she should be seeing more of Gerard. Isabeux tells him the rumor is that Flora will be designing the interior of the new castle and Benedict the exterior. She suggests he talk to Flora before she does his room in pink chiffon. Felix asks if Flora could do Usires' quarters that way. Isabeux advises him to patch things up with Usires, since he's Felix's full cousin. Felix is still upset that Usires hit Foster, especially since he hasn't apologized. He isn't fond of Bart, either, since he calls him stupid. He does admit that not all cousins are bad and mentions that he had a nice conversation with Laughter last night. Isabeux asks who Laughter is. Felix says he doesn't know but she's walked the Pattern. Isabeux comments that suddenly Amberites seem to be crawling out of Shadow. She asks Felix to introduce the new Amberites to her. Felix says that will be difficult since Ariana keeps Trumping Laughter away and Bart hasn't been seen since yesterday. Isabeux points out that Ariana has been under a bit of stress lately. Ahab spends the morning sulking over his argument with Lyss. Usires looks for a Unicorn shrine. He is given directions to one outside of town and begins studying the inscriptions. He hears a voice behind him asking if he wants some help. He turns and sees a man dressed entirely in white, with black hair, brown eyes, and a silver medallion around his neck. Usires asks if he's the caretaker. The man replies that he's the priest. Usires asks to know the truth about the Unicorn. The priest gives him the condensed version: In the beginning, there was the Serpent and the Unicorn. They worked together to create part of reality. The Serpent dicked the Unicorn over, so the Unicorn took over one of the more powerful sorcerers in the Courts, had him steal the eye of the Serpent, and create this reality. It also gave Dworkin his son, Oberon. Usires thinks this explains much. He asks what happened to Dworkin and learns he's dead. Oberon is also gone, having died restoring the Pattern during Patternfall. Usires doesn't know what Patternfall is, so the priest explains. Usires spends some time examining the murals. He sees one about Corwin creating his Pattern and asks the priest about it. The priest explains the story behind its creation. Usires asks where it is but the priest doesn't know. Usires asks where the original Pattern is. The priest tells him it's someplace attainable only by members of the family, although it's reflected on the land, sea and sky (the last only at certain times). Usires comments that the family doesn't seem to openly worship much. The priest figures it's better to let them come to him, rather than the other way around. Ahab Trumps Ariana. She makes sure the twins are out of sight and takes it with her sword drawn. He asks her if she's going to be tied up with baby-sitting duties, since he's getting impatient to do something stupid. Ariana asks what happened. Ahab says he doesn't know what she means, and turns blue. Ariana points out that he usually gets this way when something has been done to him or he's done something. He says he doesn't think it's safe to wait until spring, like Benedict wants to. Ariana is surprised that Benedict is going to wait so long and asks if Ahab is sure. Ahab admits that he hasn't talked to Benedict recently. Ariana urges him to do so. She asks if anything else has happened and learns about his argument with Lyss. Ariana thinks he should talk to her. Ahab says he'll do so when he's in a better mood. She tells him to let her know if he goes ahead. He says that's what he wanted to know and breaks the contact. Alex tells Benedict that he'd greatly appreciate magic being turned back on. He claims it would help rebuild the castle. Well, he doesn't mention magic specifically, but he gets the point across. Benedict is unconvinced. Felix stares at Foster. Foster notices this and asks what's up. Felix wants to know if the concussion is gone. Foster says he took care of it. They discuss the new relatives. Foster observes that Felix doesn't like Bart. Felix says that's not true and turns blue. Foster asks what caused that to happen. Felix hems and haws but eventually explains about the spell. Foster asks how this is possible, since magic hasn't worked in Amber for days. Felix admits Laughter was responsible. Foster asks where she is. Felix says she's in Shadow and asks why he wants to know. Foster figures she might be able to tell him why his spells aren't working. Felix mentions that all those present in the restaurant have a similar problem. Foster notes that one of them was the ambassador from Chaos and figures this can't be helping his job any. Laughter asks to borrow Ariana's Trump of Fiona. Ariana hands it over and Laughter is surprised to find that it's wrapped in tissue paper. Laughter steps behind a tree and concentrates but Fiona won't take the contact. She returns the Trump and tells Ariana she'll be leaving. She turns Beauty over to Caitt and then finds Senlin. She asks what he knows about premonitions and explains about the one she had. He suggests she try to investigate it more. She asks how. He tells her to find a quiet place and meditate on it. Or with time, more of might reveal itself to her. Or it could be paranoia. She says that hasn't been a problem so far. She checks to make sure she has nothing to do that day and warns Senlin that she may be out of touch. She heads for the grove. Ariana sees her pass and asks what one can and cannot do in the garden and grove. Laughter tells her the grove is sacred. Ariana asks if she would object to a sacrifice there. Laughter says human sacrifices aren't done anymore. Ariana explains it's an animal sacrifice for the Naming ceremony and tells Laughter what it entails. Bart waits for Lyss to wake up. She's not feeling any better and isn't interested in breakfast. He asks if she wants to talk about it since he feels he should be trying to help. She tells him that her father was a Pattern ghost of Ahab. Bart lets out a rather startled "What?" She asks why he's yelling at her. He apologizes and asks what a Pattern ghost is. She explains. He is less than thrilled about the idea. Then she has to explain about Corwin's Pattern. And a bunch of other things. Lyss says she's going to go home to Corwin's Pattern. Bart tries to dissuade her from doing so. Usires looks for information about Caine at the shrine but doesn't find much. He asks if the family comes out there very often. The priest says Corwin stops by occasionally, but he's the only one. Usires finds this puzzling. The priest admits that the followers of the Unicorn tend to be commoners. He says that without the Amberites, they would not exist. Usires goes into town and observes the attitude towards Amberites, which is generally good. He notes that some of the guards are wearing symbols of specific Amberites. He wants to go to a bar, but he has no money, so he just wanders around town for a while. Ahab finds Benedict and expresses his urge to go after Sand. Benedict says that nothing official is up, but he's not going to stop Ahab. Officially they're waiting for their borders to be more defensible. Unofficially, they're waiting for Fiona to stop sulking. Felix complains to Foster that Laughter is hard to reach since they don't have her Trump. He adds that Ariana knows where Laughter is, but he doesn't have Ariana's Trump either, since Ariana's not in the standard deck. Foster comments that Fiona is falling down on the job and offers to Trump her. Felix is less than enthusiastic about this idea. He admits that Ahab has a Trump sketch of Ariana that might still work. Foster Trumps Ahab. Ahab says he's talking to Benedict and asks to call him back. Foster waits a little while and tries again. Ahab asks what he wants. Foster asks to borrow his sketch of Ariana. Ahab asks why. Foster thinks Laughter could remove her spell and Ariana knows where Laughter is. He's also hoping to figure out why Laughter can cast spells and he can't. Ahab's not sure he wants to have any part in helping Foster get magic again. Foster pleads. Ahab threatens to tell Ariana that Foster was whining but passes the sketch through. He suggests that Foster find a Playboy, or ask Julian for the name of that girl. Foster says he's not interested in her since she's nursing. He breaks the contact. Ahab Trumps Felix and tells him to ask Foster if it's his. Felix looks confused but does so. Foster replies that it isn't. Felix asks what Ahab meant. Foster claims it was nothing important. Foster Trumps Ariana, who answers with her sword drawn. He notes her new look and says he liked her better as a brunette. She says she did too and asks what she can do for him. He asks to speak with Laughter. She says that can be arranged and asks how his head is. He says he's taken care of it. She tells him that Felix was worried. He says Felix is better now. She notes that's probably not quite the way she'd phrase it. Foster replies that you do when he's there. Ariana says she'll Trump him back when she's found Laughter. Foster tells Felix the results of his conversation. Felix asks how Ariana got Foster's Trump. Foster doesn't know. Felix checks his deck and figures it must be his. Alex Trumps Delwin and goes through. He tells Delwin that he's figured out what caused that power drain and informs him of the castle's destruction. He mentions that he's trying to find Lucretia. Delwin says he talked to her this morning, so he knows she's in Amber. Alex asks if Sand will try anything else. Delwin doesn't think so, since she's gotten what she wanted. Oberon is dead, so there was nothing else for her to target but his creation. Alex decides to return to Amber. Delwin gives Alex his Trump of the city, since Alex lost his. Ariana tells Laughter that Foster wants to talk to her. Laughter figures out what he wants and tries to deactivate the spell but fails. She realizes it's location centered so she'll have to return to Amber. She Trumps Felix, who asks if Ariana's there. He wants to know where Ariana got her Trump. Foster wants to know about the magic. Ariana replies that she got Foster's Trump from Murine's deck and asks if Felix wants it back. He does, so she hands it through. Laughter says she'll help with the spell. She comes through and suggests they go eat lunch. Usires gets lunch from the soup line and spots Felix, Foster and Laughter walking by. They spot him as well. Laughter asks why there's a Viking in Amber. Felix says he isn't sure. Usires growls. Laughter asks why he did that. Felix says he always does. Laughter notes that the druids sacrifice Vikings. Foster thinks this is cool. Felix doesn't want to discuss this. Foster notes that he's like that. Somehow the discussion moves to children. Foster says he's going to be a good enough shapeshifter to avoid having any. Felix points out that didn't help Kimdyl. Foster says that proves she's less than talented. Felix asks if he's going to tell her that. Foster says he will, right after he tells Fiona she's not doing a good job. Felix is horrified. Foster says he was joking. Felix doesn't think it's wise to joke about Fiona. Foster asks why. Sequence mentions cufflinks, which makes no sense to Felix or Foster. They come across Alex, who's on his way to the infirmary to look for Lucretia. They tell him that Laughter's going to try and remove the spell. Alex asks why they didn't tell him. They point out that they don't have his Trump. They discuss Usires and his apparent lack of funds. Felix mentions that he's Caine's. Foster is surprised that Caine slept with a Viking. The group reaches the restaurant and sit down at the same table as before. Other tables have been pulled away from it and the restaurant is rather sparsely populated. Laughter checks out the scene, magically. The waiter says it's nice to see them again, and turns blue. He's spends as little time as possible at their table. Laughter figures that the chair Bart was sitting in was the focal point. Foster is sitting in it now. She tells him to move and starts chanting. The other patrons clear out of the restaurant. After a while Laughter stops and asks someone to tell her a lie. Everyone looks at Alex. He says he's never done anything to earn that reputation and turns blue. Laughter says she has green hair and turns blue as well. On the plus side, she realizes that she's dispelled the focal point, so it's no longer affecting everyone who visits the restaurant. Laughter asks to borrow Felix's Trump deck and leaves with it. Bart offers to help Lyss find Ariadne. She asks why he'd do that. He says she has far too much going for her to waste her life going back to Corwin's Pattern and moping. Plus, she's the only relative who would give him the time of day. She agrees to take him along. She closes her eyes, concentrates and holds her hand out. He takes it and finds himself in Shadow. She tells him that the Courts aren't far and mentions that the rest of the family often wonders what Llewella does in Rebma. Bart replies that she's met the rest of the family. Lyss concedes his point. Bart asks if there will be water, because he needs it. Lyss tells him that he's walked the Pattern, so he can find water whenever he wants to. She demonstrates by finding a canteen behind a rock and says he can do the same, although it might be more difficult for him. He tells her he's just walked the Pattern. She says she can tell. All those excited molecules, you know. She instructs him in basic Shadow walking skills. Bart tries shifting the colors of their surroundings to make them more in his taste (meaning loud). Riftvan finds Ariana around lunch time. She ignores him and continues reading the book she found on Faerie language. He gives her the look of an apologetic five year-old, with big eyes. After a while she puts the book down and tells him to stop that. He kisses her hand and works his way up her arm. Ariana tells him that he lied to her. He conjures a rose and traces her face before giving it to her. Then he conjures some chocolate ice cream and feeds it to her. She still looks upset and asks if he's lied to her before. He crosses his heart. She's not convinced. He takes her hands and tells her psychically that he's never been drunk before. She finds this hard to believe. He points out that they learn shapeshifting while fairly young in Chaos, so he's always been able to adjust for the affects of alcohol. She asks if he recalls what he did while he was drunk. He doesn't, so she fills him in on the details. He finds the idea of a Shadow full of bearded Fiona's horrifying. She decides to forgive him and he spends the rest of the day making it up to her. She tells him about Laugher's spell mishap. He finds the whole thing extremely amusing, especially Alex's involvement. Caine finds Usires and takes him to Bloody Jake's. He figures the crowd will be in a good brawling mood. Usires finds this idea to his liking. Laughter Trumps Bleys and asks about Fiona. Bleys asks if Laughter's heard from her. Laughter replies that Fiona is ignoring her Trump calls. She asks Bleys to come to the tavern and assist her with her renegade spell. He implies that he can't help her with Faerie magic. Besides, he thinks that Alex being stuck with the spell is a good idea. Laughter asks him to tell Fiona that she wants to speak to her. Assuming Bleys is able to reach her. Laughter returns to the table and tries a broader based dispelling. Sequence complains that it hurts. It occurs to Laughter that Calamus probably used Faerie magic to enchant Sequence so she stops. She asks Felix and Foster how they got a hold of Ariana. Foster gives her the sketch and tells her to be careful, since he has to return it to Ahab. Laughter attempts to use it, but nothing happens. Laughter asks if they're sure it still works. Foster mentions that Emer can draw Trumps, so they try and think of ways to bribe her to draw some for them. Laughter doesn't see how a delay in removing the spell would hurt, since no harm is really being done by it. Alex disagrees. Foster asks why she can cast spells in Amber. Laughter doesn't know. She says it worked in her Shadow. He asks what they use there and learns it's Faerie magic. He tells her she's in trouble, since regular magic has been turned off. He asks if she knows any Faerie sorcerers. She says the one she knows isn't answering. Foster asks why she's holding Ariana's Trump. Laughter replies that Ariana is with the sorcerer. Foster realizes who she's talking about and asks what he's doing in Foil. Laughter explains the circumstances surrounding Riftvan's arrival in Foil. Felix asks if she could put Riftvan back in cold iron and make him help. Laughter doesn't like this idea, since he's been cooperative so far. Except when he was drunk. Foster doesn't understand how this can be, since all shapeshifters can adjust to prevent being affected by alcohol. Laughter is surprised to learn that Riftvan is a shapeshifter. Felix suggests that it might be bad if Gramble found out that Alex allowed himself to be caught in Laugher's spell. Alex gives him a very nasty look. Foster suggests Felix back off. Felix thinks Foster has the best chance of convincing Riftvan to help. Unfortunately, Foster's Trumps were lost in the castle, so he needs to be taken to Riftvan. Laughter says they're welcome to join her on her first Shadow shift. After some banter between Foster and Felix they set off. As Bart shifts Shadow, he spots figures on the horizon. Lyss takes over the shifting but the figures don't go away. She comments that Bart got them to Chaos awfully fast. She tells him to take her hand and not let go. The Chaosites approach to within 20 feet and ask them to state their business. Lyss says they're looking for the Lady Ariadne. The Chaosites talk amongst themselves and one rides off to check with their mistress. When he returns he asks them to follow. Lyss looks worried. The man tells Lyss not to be concerned, her sister looks forward to welcoming her. Given that Lyss didn't know she had a sister, she doesn't find this comforting. They are given horses, but Bart has no idea how to ride one. He watches as Lyss is helped onto one and then does what she did. His discomfort is increased when the horse begins to trot. He figures out how to post right as they are led up to a rather stately looking mansion. He manages to dismount with great discomfort. Lyss asks if he wants an ice pack. He says he'll be fine and turns blue. This gets some attention from their Chaosite escorts. They are shown into a parlor. Bart opts to stand, so Lyss does as well. After ten minutes, a steward tells them that the Lady Dara will see them now. Laughter learns how to Shadow shift. Foster becomes impatient with the slow progress they're making and observes to Alex that they could get everyone there faster. Alex points out that they don't know where they're going. Besides, Laughter needs to learn. Foster disagrees. After five minutes he thinks of something to try and tells Alex to scoop everyone up. The others are picked up by an invisible force and carried along at an alarming rate. Foster is overjoyed to be speeding along at such a clip. He observes that you Amberites may be strong, but us Chaosites are fast. Felix doesn't like the implications of this statement. It occurs to Foster to ask if Laughter's Shadow has any wards on it, right before they slam into it. Everyone piles into Foster, who is knocked out cold. Laughter Trumps Ariana again, and gets no answer. She persists in the attempt. Eventually Ariana decides to take it, although Riftvan tries to persuade her otherwise. Laughter warns Ariana that they're coming to talk to Riftvan. Ariana thanks her and relays the information to Riftvan. She figures it has to do with Laughter's errant spell and comments that it would be a shame if it were to be taken off of Alex. Riftvan's eyes sparkle and he leaves with the twins. Laughter chants a mantra and tries to shift into her Shadow, which brings her through the barrier. She returns and tries to bring the others through but they hit the barrier. She realizes they each need to chant a mantra. Foster is dismayed. He argues that he does not have a poetic soul and can't do poetry. He says he could run through the periodic table of elements. Laughter offers to carry him in. Foster is more than happy to take her up on it. He wraps his arms around her and checks out the view. Laughter is able to bring him through the barrier. Felix walks through reciting a line from "Kubla Khan." Alex follows with "Tiger, tiger, burning bright." After waiting a while for Laughter and co. to arrive, Ariana goes to dinner. Riftvan joins her and hands her Jalana. Laughter asks her staff if anyone's about and is told that the Lady Ariana and Riftvan are in the dining room. Both of them are smiling when the gang enters. Alex observes that they appear to know why they're here. Riftvan looks most amused. Especially when one of them tells a lie and turns blue. After dinner, Laughter asks Riftvan if he's willing to help. He indicates he is by making the OK symbol. Laughter doesn't understand what this means, so she does it back to him, causing the rest of the group to crack up. Ariana points out to Riftvan psychically that he said he couldn't leave Foil for two weeks. He tells her he can if he goes with Laughter. Dara asks Lyss and Bart what she can do for them. Lyss asks if they're sisters. Dara says they are. Lyss is at a loss for words so Dara turns to Bart. He's also at a loss for words. He explains that he's troubled by a misplaced spell. Dara says she thought they were looking for Ariadne. Bart says they were. Dara tells them that she hasn't heard from Ariadne and suggests they try the Hendrake side. She invites them to stay for dinner. Lyss is still stunned, so Bart accepts for the both of them. After Dara leaves, Lyss looks at Bart and says "I have a sister?" Laughter and the gang return to the inn, and the owners are not happy at all to see them. Riftvan walks around the place, stops, and points at a chair where Bart was originally sitting. Laughter sits in it. Riftvan touches two fingers to her head and tells her psychically that he will channel the spell through her, so it will have a better chance of success. He adds that she should sing out if she's in pain. Laughter tells Sequence to move away. Sequence doesn't like this idea, but Laughter points out it will be hurt by the spell. Ariana recalls that Ahab was one of those affected by the spell, so she Trumps him and pulls him through. Ahab is somewhat disconcerted to see Riftvan, since he currently looks a lot like Corwin. Riftvan concentrates for a while. Laughter realizes that Riftvan does not need to chant to cast spells, which puts him a step above the wizards she vanquished in Foil. There is a pushing sensation and the spell is dispelled. Laughter tells Riftvan she's impressed. He bows. Jurt joins Dara, Bart and Lyss at dinner. Dara spends most of the meal pumping Lyss for information and learns about Corwin's Pattern and Ghostwheel. Lyss looks uncomfortable. Bart decides to help her out and takes a stronger part in the conversation. Dara asks if he's stopped in to see his father, since he's in the Courts. Bart asks what he'd be doing in Chaos. Dara says he lives in the Courts. Bart looks uncomfortable. Dara asks if she should send his father a note. Bart doesn't think that's necessary. Dara observes that they've never been introduced. She says his father is such a sweet man, if he inquired she wouldn't know how to lie to him. She asks if Bart knows what House he's from in the Courts. Bart keeps eating. Dara tells him that House Jesby isn't that far away. They are a poetic house, who breed like flies and die the same way. Bart says they came here looking for another, and since Dara can't help them, they should continue as soon as possible. Dara suggests they stay the night, since Chaos is not a place to wonder around after dark. Bart insists they'll be fine. Dara won't hear of it. Felix apologizes to the barkeep for the trouble he's caused. The man is much happier when Felix pays for the damages. Laughter asks if there's a good place to spend the night in Amber. Ariana offers to put Laughter up in her house. Laughter accepts. Ariana takes Ahab aside and asks if he's talked to Benedict. He tells her about his conversation with Benedict and says he doesn't plan to wait. He asks if Vetch might be able to help. Ariana says was planning to talk to him about Sand. Ahab says he'll talk to Fiona and try to get her help. Alex goes to the infirmary but can't find Lucretia. He uses Logrus sight to look around but can't find her anywhere in Amber. Bart and Lyss are shown their rooms for the night. A short while later, Lyss comes to Bart's room and says she thinks they should go. Bart thinks that would be rude. Lyss says she's feeling like the lamb to the slaughter. She tells him that she told Dara far more than she should have and she had no control over it. Bart wonders what could happen in the space of a night. Lyss tells him several ways they could be killed. Bart says that would be rude. Lyss points out that these are Chaosites. Bart doesn't think anything will happen. Lyss insists on at least staying in the same room. Bart decides that would be improper and asks where they left the horses. Lyss leaves a note with an excuse for their departure and Pattern teleports them back to Amber. Lyss decides not to mention her encounter with Dara to Ahab. Ahab Trumps Kimdyl and talks to her. He tries to Trump Fiona, but she's not answering. He Shadow shifts with her in mind for a while, then sends a Pattern lens along that line. It bounces off of her Shadow and he gets an insistent Trump call. Fiona tells him to think of her as unavailable for the near future. Ahab suggests that brooding isn't the solution. He points out that Deirdre brooded over him for 800 years and look what happened. She concedes the point but says she's handling it in the only way she can right now. Ahab asks if this has to be by sulking. She says it's the only way she knows. He tells her things are becoming rather urgent. She asks what he's up to. He says he hasn't bled for the cause lately. She says she'll bring him through, as long as the conversation stays with what he needs her for. Ahab agrees and comes through. Fiona offers him tea. He says she can't sulk and be polite at the same time. She pours the tea in his lap. He tells her that Benedict is waiting for her to be ready before proceeding against Sand. Fiona doesn't like the fact that Benedict is dumping this in her lap and says she's not going to do anything about it. Ahab says he is and asks for advice. She tells him to get all of the information out of Vetch that he can, since he's intimately familiar with Sand's domicile. She says the place isn't friendly to Pattern so his trick won't work. Plus, the only way in is via Trump. Ahab figures they'll need to lure her out. Fiona wishes him luck. Ahab wonders if Vetch would like to steal the Jewel. He figures it would give Random exercise. Fiona doesn't encourage this line of thought. Ahab switches the conversation to Laughter. Fiona doesn't want to discuss her. Ahab warns Fiona that events have proceeded beyond her control. Fiona asks if Laughter's claimed her yet. Ahab says not as such, but everyone's guessed. Fiona is not surprised. She says she'll keep a line open for him if he does go after Sand. He asks what Sand's quarrel is. Fiona supposes it was Oberon's murder of her mother. She was probably originally targeting him and was disappointed when he died. Ahab asks what her target is now. Fiona admits she hadn't been giving it much thought until the castle came crashing down. Sand doesn't have much of a heart, so there's not much to lure her out. Ahab mentions that he thought Shadow was formed by the interactions of Pattern and Logrus. Fiona tells him that Shadow predates the Pattern. Ahab asks where Shadows that are immune to those forces spring up. Fiona says it has to do with where they lie. Ahab asks if that can be changed. Fiona admits it can. Ahab asks if she could do it. She asks how subtly he wants this done. She can squeeze Sand out like a zit or just make an opening. Ahab prefers the former method, provided Fiona can determine where Sand emerges. Fiona says she can. Ahab says he'll be in touch. Ariana tells Riftvan that they are going after Sand and asks if he knows anything that will help them. Riftvan takes her hand and says she isn't going. She raises an eyebrow. Riftvan thinks Sand will kill her. She admits this is possible, but she is afraid of what Sand will do if they leave her alone. Riftvan asks if this is why she wanted to determine what would happen to the children if they died. She admits the thought had crossed her mind. Riftvan assures her that Sand will only be going after him and Theresa. Ariana doesn't find this comforting. Riftvan points out that he's avoided the Hendrakes for a while, so he can avoid Sand. Ariana observes that he wasn't successful the last time. He says he's OK if he avoids distractions. He adds that he could hide her and the twins in Faerie. She points out that didn't work before. He says that was because he let Sand in. Ariana says she doesn't want to spend the rest of her life in Faerie. Riftvan asks what she'd do if she did catch Sand. She says she'd have to kill her. Riftvan thinks that's passe. He claims he's getting tired of all the violence. Ariana says that she can't leave Sand alive, not after she chopped off Foster's fingers, took out Riftvan's tongue, and blew up the castle, among other things. Riftvan says he deserved what Sand did to him, but he won't explain why. Ariana says that if it was possible to eliminate the threat Sand presents without killing her, she'd do it, but she doesn't know of a way to do so. The problem with trapping her like they did Rygat is that she might get away. Ariana asks how Rygat is related to him, anyway. He admits that she's his younger sister. She wasn't his only sibling, but the others had "accidents." Ariana comments that Chaos is a nasty place. Riftvan says that's why he's trying to keep her away from it. She says that Ahab will go ahead with the attack with or without her help. Riftvan doesn't think this is a problem. She says Ahab is her friend, and points out that he did help her find Riftvan. Riftvan finds it disquieting that she didn't have to bribe Ahab to get his help. She says this is the advantage of friendship. He notes that Ahab's plans tend to be messy. That time with the Velociraptors, for instance. Ariana points out that Riftvan set that one up. She asks if that bothered him, since Rygat might have killed them all. He admits it would now. She figures that's something. Riftvan resigns himself to the fact that she's going. He tells her that Sand is a better Trump artist than Fiona, and the other powers don't work in her Shadow. She asks if magic will work there. He says it will, but implies that Ahab's abilities won't. He tells her that if Sand is holed up in her Shadow they may as well give up, unless they have Fiona's help. Sand also has friends in Chaos who might help her. And those wolves of hers. Ariana asks how long it takes Sand to Trump someone and learns she can do it instantaneously. Ariana finds this all disquieting. Riftvan points out that she wanted to know. He would still prefer she hide in Faerie. Ariana says she can't live her life that way. Ahab teleports to Lyss and asks to speak privately with her. She explains that she visited Dara and stares at the floor. Ahab asks what she's not telling him. She says they didn't leave on the best of terms. He asks what happened. She says he doesn't want to know. He tells her he shouldn't have said what he did yesterday. She says she didn't mean it when she told him to butt out. They decide to forget it ever happened. She thinks Bart's a decent fellow, he just got off to a bad start. Ahab asks her what happened. Lyss admits that she told Dara about Corwin's Pattern and Ghostwheel. Ahab is surprised that Dara didn't know before. He tells Lyss that he's going after Sand, but if she's still looking for her mother afterwards, he's willing to help. She offers to help him with Sand. He asks if she's willing to work with Fiona. His plan is going to require a whole lot of power to be applied very quickly. She admits that she doesn't get tired very easily. Funny that. They agree to be friends. Ariana asks if Riftvan knows of a way to let Sand live that doesn't involve hiding from her. He doesn't. She asks if Sand needs cards to Trump people and learns that she doesn't. He offers to help if they can't lure Sand out of her Shadow. She decides that's enough about Sand for the night. He admits that the topic does change the fine mood they'd established earlier. She says Laughter did that. He says that Laughter and sex don't go well together. She says she has one more question and asks if he and Sand were lovers. He admits they were. She asks how long ago that was. He says it was until he realized she was a much more fascinating person. She asks when that was. He asks if she really wants to know. She points out that she wouldn't have asked if she didn't. He says it was about a year ago. He points out that this is what comes of honesty. She says she isn't complaining. He conjures a white rose for her and observes that she's unhappy. She admits this but tells him she'd rather know the truth than be ignorant, even if it makes her unhappy. Ahab spends the rest of the night making sure that Kimdyl doesn't feel neglected. Bart finds Lyss in a better mood. She tells him she'll be helping Ahab go after Sand. Bart is happy that she's settled things with Ahab but not real thrilled about the Sand part. Laughter dreams again about leaving Beauty in her bassinet. As she walks out of the room, she sees a shadow come through the window and cover the door. She wakes up and Trumps Felix. She tells him of the dream and says she needs to go investigate. She asks him to watch Beauty. He agrees, but asks her to try to be back before Beauty wakes up. He gives her directions to Arden. She runs in that direction. Once she reaches the forest she begins looking for the nearest big oak, preferably in a grove like the one back home. She begins Shadow shifting in the process but doesn't notice. She eventually finds a satisfactory oak and tells Sequence to guard while she starts meditating. She's just getting into it when she hears a chopping noise off in the distance and decides to check it out. After a while she sees a light in the woods and one of the most incredibly beautiful oak trees that she's ever seen. There man with long, black hair in two braids chopping at the tree. The dog by his side gets up and starts walking in their direction. Laughter starts casting a spell and Battlestar cocks his head at her. He says hello. She notes that the man is chopping trees in the middle of the night. Battlestar says it's therapy. Laughter asks where they are. Battlestar says they're in Arden. He asks if she's lost and calls her little lady. Laughter protests that she's not little compared to her mother. Sequence says it doesn't want to compare them, her mother is evil. Laughter comments that the situation is rather odd. Battlestar figures "Talking sword, talking dog, lady in the forest in the middle of the night. No, it's not odd." She asks what he knows about premonitions. He says he knows the urge to piss on a tree. Not quite what Laughter was looking for. She asks why he's here. He says he's there to keep an eye on Shard. With Shard's luck, the tree will fall on him. Laughter is bothered by the fact that Shard is chopping an oak. She asks how Shard is associated with Amber. Battlestar says that Shard belongs to Julian, same as him. Laughter approaches Shard and addresses him. He swings around with his ax. Sequence tells him to back off. Shard's eyes narrow. Laughter tells Sequence to be civil and asks why Shard is chopping down that oak. He says it pleases him. She tells him she'd prefer he didn't. He asks why she cares. She says they worship trees where she's from. He points out that she's not there anymore. She asks what he's going to do with the oak, and is most unhappy to learn that he won't use it for anything. She argues it's a waste of life. He doesn't care. She asks if he's ever been in a tree, since it would give him a different perspective. He suggests that she go back to what she was doing and he'll go back to what he was doing. Laughter says he has a point and starts to walk away. Shard observes that he hates fighting women. Sequence says it does too. Laughter starts to cast a spell. Shard whips Sequence into a tree and tells Laughter that if she continues the next shot will hit her. Laughter tells him to take out his aggressions on something that can fight back. He complains that things out of Shadow aren't real. Sequence chops down a tree but it misses Shard. Sequence stays out of whip reach and says Shard should have been nice to Laughter when he had the chance. Shard tells Battlestar to attack the girl and see if that brings the sword down. Battlestar pauses and Laughter scales the nearest tree. Battlestar claims he was too slow. Laughter Trumps Felix and asks to come through. Shard snags Sequence again with his whip and pulls it down to him. Laughter starts casting her spell again. Shard throws Sequence at Laughter, but it turns to hit her with the flat of its blade instead of the edge. Laughter gets her spell off, which turns Shard into a tree, and goes through to Felix. She tells him what happened. He tells her who Shard is. Laughter figures she'd better straighten things out in the morning. Alex follows Laughter's trail until magic works and then gates to his mother's house in Chaos. She's happy to hear from him. Apparently she got back via Eric. Alex puts on a phony smile at the mention of Eric. Lucretia asks why something that gives her pleasure makes him unhappy. Alex says he just doesn't want to see her hurt. Lucretia figures that's her problem. He asks if she's seen Mebd. She's not sure, although she's pretty sure she's alive. They discuss Eric some more. Lucretia says Eric makes her happy and she thinks he needs her. She asks him to check on his sister. She wants Mary to get in touch with her and let her know she's all right. Alex wishes her well. She tells him to stay out of trouble. Felix gives Laughter a raw steak to put on her nose, which is rather badly bruised where Sequence hit her. She finally goes to sleep and has the same dream as before. This time she lets it go further and sees that the shadow is cast by Riftvan. He caresses Beauty's cheek, picks her up, and walks off with her. He places Beauty next to Jalana, shapeshifts them to look like each other, then puts Jalana in Beauty's place. He caresses Jalana's cheek and then plunges a dagger into her heart. Laughter wakes up and picks up Beauty. Foster and Felix wake up. Laughter explains the dream. She's pretty sure it's being caused by someone else. Felix suggests that she talk to Ariana and Riftvan. Foster decides to have coffee and cocoa sent up. He asks what happened to her face. She says Sequence was responsible. Which reminds her that she needs to talk to Julian. Laughter Trumps Ariana and asks her to come to breakfast at the Moose and Squirrel. Ariana asks what's wrong. Laughter explains about the previous night's encounter with Shard and the dream she had. Ariana sits straight up when she hears how the dream ended and checks on Jalana. She says she'll be there. Riftvan gives her a questioning look. She tells him what happened. He thinks Sand is trying to goad Laughter into killing him. He considers faking his own death as one way to stop all of this. Ariana points out that would destroy his house. He tells her there's no one left in his house. They've either died or he's married them off. But, if he faked his death he'd have to take another form. Which he can't do right now. Ariana asks how Sand locked him in that form. He doesn't want to discuss it. She asks why the dream would show him killing his own child instead of Laughter's. He figures the rest of the dream would have shown him using the blood to open a gateway to the midlands and leading another na siogai invasion. Apparently only the blood of a half-human/half-Faerie can be used to open such a gateway. Ariana thinks that Sand is sick, twisted and deserves to die. Riftvan says one has to admire her planning. Ariana glares at him. He says he's over that. She asks if there's any way to stop the dreams. He tells her the only way he knows of that will block Trump is magic, and it's not something he can do. Usires talks to the priest again the next day and asks about the Unicorn. The priest says she's a mystical power source much like the Serpent that appears randomly. He relays the story of how Random was chosen to be King. He says that if Usires keeps thinking of her, she'll appear to him. Usires finds this interesting and says he may return. He meditates again. Caine comes across him while he's doing this. He observes that Usires seems to lack a bit of direction and asks if there's anything he can do to help. Usires admits that he doesn't know how he fits in. Caine says that as his son he's on the fringe. He figures Felix will forget what he did in time. Ariana probably won't, but Caine doesn't think that's a problem. He points out that Ahab will probably be going after Sand soon, and it might be a good time for him to redeem himself. Plus, it would give him an opportunity to get even. He offers to help forward the cause. Usires admits it might be a good start. He asks what Caine's position in Amber is. Caine points out to sea and says he touches land only when he has to. Gerard and Julian he can handle, but he'd just as soon live without the rest of the family. Alex visits Mandorways looking for Mebd. She throws open the window, cries out his name, and runs down the stairs. He asks how she escaped. She tells him she threw herself out of the second story window. She asks to go with him. He says he was going to look for his sister. She points out that a good demon can come in handy. In the meantime, it's a lovely day and there's a lovely lake nearby. She asks him to promise not to pass on something she's going to tell him. He promises. She shares her secret and they go to the lake. Quotables: "Impending senses of doom are just not cool." -- Laughter to GM "Evisceration is just one of those things, but crucifixion gets your attention." -- Ahab "(Bart) calls me stupid. I don't like that." -- Felix to Isabeux "The Amberites are a strange and wondrous race, capable of amazing things." -- Priest "More often strange than wondrous." -- Jason "You don't joke about Fiona" -- Laughter "Why not?" -- Foster "Cufflinks." -- Sequence "Caine slept with a Viking?" -- Foster "A woman, I'd imagine." -- Felix "That's not very honorable." -- Laughter to Bleys "(Riftvan's) been most cooperative, except when he was drunk." -- Laughter "Drunk?" -- Foster "Cooperative?" -- Alex "It's not that I can't handle scalding. It beats crucifixion any day." -- Ahab to Fiona "Raised by wolves? That just doesn't happen!" -- Laughter to Felix