Dinner, late evening.

It is well after dark by the time the heralds and ushers gather together the young royals of the Citadel. Many of the servants have retired to bed after the travails of the day, an only a select few are on duty to provide for the needs of the guests.

The usual compliment of uniformed guards, in their ceremonial purple and silver, are notably absent. In their place, the stern-faced combat hardened troops in camouflage that have been everywhere since Bleys' return to the Citadel.

The Banqueting Hall is once more partitioned, heavy tapestries reducing the huge area to a narrow strip and a single long table. This was the table at which Brand had celebrated his victory only a few days ago, a memory that now seems very distant for those that were there.

A pile of tomorrow's newspapers, the morning edition, lies on a small table by the door. A number of wine decanters are placed on a trolley nearby for guests to serve themselves. This is altogether a more sombre affair than recent gatherings, matched by the poor lighting from the wall sconces and table-mounted candelabra.

As the diners gather, each is announced with their formal title.

Present are - Castellan Aelric, Seneschal Lucien, Duchess Morvana of

Stormmount, Lord Malcolm and Lord Kendrick.(Please describe your current appearance)

[OOC: Some of you have met before, some have not. However, the events of the day mean you should have plenty to talk about. Others will be along shortly, but this is an opportunity to discuss things without intrusion should you wish to.]

Kendrick takes his seat. He is wearing a Navy Blue Tunic, with silver brocade. Not very fancy, but formal enough for dinner. "Good evening."

Aelric arrives, blank expression on his face. He's wearing a black pair of breaches, white shirt, and a conservative silver doublet. He is armed - he usually isn't. A sword and scabbard dangles to his left side on a plain looking belt. He grabs a newspaper from the table, and takes a seat, shifting the sword to accommodate his position. He frowns slightly while scanning pages, and eventually sets the thing down. Much of the time, he spends staring into his wine glass.

As Kendrick speaks, he lifts his eyes from the glass and focuses on Kendrick. He bows slightly from his seat in Kendrick's direction. "Evening, your Highness."

Malcolm enters as well. He's wearing a uniform of black in a military cut of some sort. Around his shoulders is a short mantel of plaid fabric of green, blue and gray and it's attached to his shoulders by gold clips. At his waist is a either a very slender short sword or a very long dagger in a scabbard. His auburn hair is pulled back out of his face. Those who know him would note that his walk seems more stiff then normal. He pauses to get the paper himself and stretches his back a bit before pouring himself a glass of wine and taking a seat.

He watches Aelric for a moment and then turns his attention to Kendrick.

"Lord Kendrick, I do not believe we had a chance to meet. I've been away...recovering..." Malcolm says and his eyes go to Aelric again.

"General, could you give me an update on what happened since the

'explosion'? Lady Artemis briefed me on some of it. It seems I owe her and Prince Bleys and some our shadow troops for my safe retrieval and recovery from shadow. But I was hoping you might provide more details."

Kendrick nods to Castellan. "Nice to see you as always Aelric."

Kendrick gives a polite seated bow to Malcolm. "A pleasure. I do hope your recovery was ... speedy." He smiles genuinely and sips his wine.

[OOC - How is Malcolm related??? and the other characters as well please. I am still learning this.]

Aelric shakes his head. "I'm afraid I've been in Argent for a while. With the time differential ... oh, several days it would, by now. Commander Bleys might be able to answer your questions. I just got back this afternoon."

As Aelric is talking, he glances at the newspaper, and his eyes widen. He stops, mid conversation, and rummages into his doublet. He pulls out a trump, and concentrates on it.

Kendrick looks toward Aelric. "A problem Aelric?"

Malcolm frowns slightly at that, "I'm uncertain how much time has gone by since the explosion in the Chapel."

[Aelric - Related? I'm not ;) Just a General. From Shadow. No Family Relation What-So-Ever. *grins*]

Aelric mutters something under his breath, and replaces the card in the doublet. "No, no ... Your Highness." He frowns, and reaches for the newspaper. He reads an article very closely, folds it back up, and sets it on the table.

Malcolm watches this and lifts his own copy of the newspaper glancing over it.

"I always find it interesting that they write tomorrow's headlines before they have happened. Wouldn't it be different if what would happen didn't happen?"

He looks over to Aelric again, "General, your men...have they been moved out of the citadel then? Is it true that his majesty Brand is in jail?"

Kendrick nods and returns to his wine.

Kendrick stands and walks over to Malcolm. "As we have never been introduced, allow me." He bows slightly, "I am Lord Kendrick, son of Princess Flora." He pauses, "How might you be related to me?"

Aelric looks up from his newspaper. "Prince Malcolm is the son of The Reg - uhh... Princess Fiona, Your Highness." He returns to his reading.

"Thank you, Aelric". Kendrick nods to him, and then in turn to Malcolm.

"Lord Kendrick" Malcolm says and nods his head as well. "From what I

understand something happened to my mother at about the same time that the attack happened to myself. I was told the only trace of her was blood and arrows and that Prince Bleys was in charge of finding her. As far as I know whatever tried to interfere with myself also tried to get her and that is why she is gone. I did not hear that her status was reduced only that she was 'missing' and possibly a victim of foul play of some sort."

He looks to both men, "If any of you have any more information, I'd be interested in knowing it. I'm concerned about her and Prince Bleys apparently has another job in mind for myself that does not involve searching for her."

Kendrick nods gravely, "If I learn of anything, I will let you know."

Malcolm nods back, "Thank you. If I might ask Lord Kendrick, how long have you been in Jade? Were you here before or after the explosion?" Malcolm asks.

“I arrived back in Jade shortly before the explosion” Kendrick replies.

"Well, I hope you had a chance to enjoy yourself. I'm sure things will settle in time." Malcolm said.

Morvana walks in. She wears a long gown of lavender. Her hair is in its usual dark black braids, falling down her back. She also looks solemn, and carries a small leather bag. She walks into the room and glances at the newspaper curiously. Aelric is the only person she recognizes in the room.

Aelric stands, and bows to Morvana. He pulls out the chair next to him and holds out his hand, offering to help her into it.

Kendrick, seeing Aelric bow, stands quickly. “I am afraid we haven’t met. I am Lord Kendrick, son of Princess Flora.”

Malcolm stands as well, though the movement is a bit slow, he still stands straight.

"Nor have we meet, Lady. I'm Lord Malcolm, son of the Regent Princess Fiona."

Not that dainty, but also a lady, she takes Aelric's hand and sits down. She looks around the room and smiles at the two new people she does not recognize.

Malcolm sits after she sits. But he adds the additional comment as she turns her attention to Kendrick.

"Gentleman," she says rising and inclining her head to both. "I am Lady Morvana, daughter of Argent," she says simply. "It is a pleasure to meet both of you." She says to Kendrick, "Your mother was quite kind in showing me around when I first came to Jade. She sits.

Lucian walks in a shortly after Morvana. He is dressed in a Jade-green outfit; the color does not suit him. His mace is on his back and his cat on his shoulder. As he walks past Kendrick, he pauses to introduce himself. "Good evening, Kendrick. I am Lucian, and Bleys claims that I am his son." He winks and smiles.

Morvana turns to Lucian and smiles, "Hello Lucian."

Malcolm shakes his head at the outfit, "Lord Lucian, you remain a surprise each time I see you. We were talking about current events as General Aelric and I have been gone from Jade for different reasons. Maybe, you could fill us in a bit more? By the way, I had a chance to meet your sister and she mentioned that she would be arriving in Jade as well."

Lucian smiles slyly. "Current? Well, Brand is unaccounted for, there has been high turnover in the dungeons, tonight's main course is salmon, and I am going to be transforming into a vulture and flying off to Mithrahar tonight. What did you want to know?"

Malcolm smiles ever so slightly at that, "Who you were going to fly off to Mithrahar with?" he offers as a question.

Lucian considers the question. "Well, we all know that Dara can fly but I WOULD like to arrive in good health. Perhaps Paris; we could compare backgrounds over a few drinks."

"Lord Kendrick, I believe you met my sister recently?" Morvana asks politely.

Kendrick smiles, “Yes, I had the pleasure of her company recently. My mother arranged the introduction. She is very sweet.”

After a while as the silence grows on the group, Malcolm turns to Morvana.

"Lady Morvana, I've never been to Argent. I don't suppose you have any news from your lands?" he asks her.

Morvana turns to Malcolm and smiles, "Argent is a beautiful world. My city is a coastal city, the center of many shipping lanes. The seas are rough where I lived, but I love them. The latest news," she says sadly, "Is that my father, Sir Sapphron, died and my younger brother Rin has now been named King of Argent."

Kendrick is listening carefully.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Lady." Malcolm says. "I hope my own mother is well, where ever she is now."

"I am sorry for your trouble, I am sure you must be worried," Morvana says.

"Surprised and confused I suppose as much as worried. And thankful to be sitting here and walking on my two feet. The attack on her seems to have happened about the same time as the attack upon myself. Hopefully there will be more news soon." Malcolm says.

"What happened to you, if you don't mind telling us more" Morvana asks.

"I actually wish I knew more myself. I was in the Chapel investigating it per the orders of the Regent when the explosion happened. After that the world became rather funny for a time. I passed out and woke up again in far distant shadow, with various injuries including a broken back. It seems that someone attacked Jade's medical team which had been taking me for recovery and took me. A military strike force was able to counter attack and took me back again and thanks to Lucian's sister, I was able to recover and return to Jade. I'm not even sure how much time has passed here in Jade since the explosion, but it seems that Prince Bleys has things under control."

Lucian chimes in. "Very few things explode in Jade, as I understand it. And a military operation? Do you have a habit of napping in coffins?"

Malcolm turns his head to Lucian at this, "A coffin? You thought I was dead then? Your sister indicated that I was being transported by medical personal and not that I was on my way to a nice grave site."

Lucian nods to Aelric, "Our General was on an operation of his own - recovering a coffin. Was Artemis leading another force, then?"

"I didn't get the impression that any family members were leading the forces, but conventional forces were used with family control from the distance. I only know Artemis gave me a nice ride coming back to the Pearls from distant shadow." Malcolm answers.

"Nice to see that one of us is getting out and about," says Lucian.

Malcolm turns his head slightly to the side, "Want to trade? The foods not the best, but some of the nurses are quite nice to look at."

Malcolm looks down at the paper then and glances towards Aelric, "Coffins? Queen Jasra's perhaps?"

"The Regent saw fit not to disclose many details. Master plans to take over the world are strange like that." he comments casually. "No matter. The coffin is probably gone, by now, and the army destroyed." He tosses his copy of the newpaper towards Malcolm, landing it face up. "Massacre at Razalla" is the headline prominent.

The report is as follows:

MASSACRE REPORTED IN RAZALLA

From the Eregnor News Agency.

Survivors fleeing the besieged city of Razalla report the fall of the town with great loss of life. A force sent by the Regent of Jade to lift the siege was delayed by local conditions and warring tribes, despite the presence of renowned General Aelric in command. Despite having provisions

sufficient to withstand a long stand-off, the local commander was undone when mining engineers succeeded in bringing down a large part of the barbican wall. It is reported these mercenaries originated from nearby Electrum, dread fortress of the vanquished Dark Lord Corwin. Worried

diplomats are speculating what effect this might have on the fragile cease fire.

Malcolm looks up from the paper, "Any word from your end on who it was who took Razalla down and why? I'm expecting that the local troubles you experienced were sent by family to slow you down. With the Regent gone, I'm now curious about the timing of that. Was she attacked at the same time that I was aducted or was she attacked at the time that our General was trying to help Razalla? Maybe to keep her out of the picture? Your thoughts, General?"

Malcolm says to Aelric and hands the paper back to him.

Aelric replies, "General Han has been less than responsive via Trump. Someone's blocking me or him, he's blocking, or he's dead." He shrugs. "And yes, I fully suspect the Royal Family was involved, somehow, in the Massacre at Razzalla."

"Why Razalla though? What was so important about Razalla? The coffin? Or something else?" Malcolm asks looking to Aelric.

-------------------------------------------- Conversation Break ------------------------------------------------

"Argent sounds wonderful. I had a chance to relax at one of the Pearls on the coast before coming back to Jade. The coastal climates are very nice for a change. Will you be staying long or just for the meeting?" Malcolm asks.

"I had planned on staying, but I will guess that will depend on what the Prince has to say to us tonight," she says.

Aelric looks up from his newspaper at Morvana. "It might be safer in Jade, regardless, M'lady."

Malcolm gives Aelric a curious look before turning to Morvana, "I suppose we will all know more after Prince Bleys speaks, but I certainly hope you'll be able to stay."

"I meant, I will only stay here, if I am welcome.” Morvana replies.

"You certainly have my welcome, if I still have any influence when Bleys gets done talking." Lucian looks at Aelric and raises an eyebrow, "Castellan?"

He looks up from his paper, and sets the thing down. "Your status in Jade, My Lady, is firm in my mind," he replies. He stands. "If the imposter held below is not his Majesty ... then we will find him. If it IS his Majesty ... we will restore his apparently lacking memory. If we find out who is behind all of this nonsense ... " he glances at Malcolm ... "we will arrest him, OR HER, and they will be subjected to the Laws of Jade. The Law states that Brand is King, and it shall be so until His Majesty says otherwise."

Malcolm meets the glance and doesn't seem phased by it. He just takes a sip of his own wine.

He walks over to the table with glasses, and obtains another wine glass, this time with a dark red wine. He sips the glass.

"And if his Majesty is dead, the Church will crown a new Monarch. And Hell save the soul of people responsible for his death." He sits down, composed once again.

"Hell will not bar the path of vengeance," Lucian promises. He tries a goblet of that wine himself, and snatches a paper as he heads back to his seat.

"I'm curious, "Malcolm says, "why it is believed the Brand that is here is false? It would seem to me that if the Matrix or even Jade suffered a blast that the King would also suffer the same to some degree. Wouldn't the creator be connected to the creation? Not that anything could hurt the Matrix. It is quite..." his eyes seem to stare off into space for a moment as his gaze goes to his wine, "amazing."

The Herald announces: "Merlin, Lord of the Black Rose."

Malcolm lifts his head up from a discussion with Aelric as Merlin is announced. He does not rise, but waits for Merlin to sit.

Merlin is dressed in black, a stark contrast to pale white skin. His pants are leather, as are his boots, and a roll-neck sweater completes the unbroken sombre color. Only his swordbelt, the plain buckle in silver, gives any color, for even the hilt of the longsword at his right hip is wrapped in ebony. His hair is worn loose and long, and seems darker than it should be, not the lustrous blue-black of life, but the light absorbing matte of death. His eyes are bright, if sunken in slightly dark sockets...

Morvana stands, "Brother, how are you?" she asks.

Merlin's head swivels to Morvana, then eyes flicker in recognition and he smiles slightly, "Better. And you, Sister?"

"I am quite well," she says simply. She sits back down. When Aelric offers red wine, she will take some.

Merlin nods, "I am pleased to see you remain, despite all the recent troubles." A long pause, "My thoughts turned to you often."

"Oh?" she says curiously. "I am fine, things have been interesting here and at home in Argent."

Merlin's jaw tightens, "How is our Father?"

"He is well," she says unhappily.

Merlin eyes her for a moment, but does not press. "Perhaps one day we can visit him...together."

Morvana nods, "That would be good. I would like that." she smiles at Merlin.

"As would I." Merlin nods, and turns to regard the scene.

"What brought you back here tonight?" she murmurs.

"Bleys." Merlin answers simply, without much emotion. "And the completion of the circle. My work was done, or at least, well in motion."

Lucian swirls his wine. "So does that mean that your family ghost has been laid to rest?", he says with a wink.

Merlin turns to Lucian, "At least one of them." He pauses, "My arrival is young, and new ghosts are always in the next darkened Hall."

"Lord Merlin, we have never met, but it seems I know those who know you or something like that. I'm Malcolm, son of regent Fiona. It is interesting meeting you at last." Malcolm says to him.

Merlin sits nodding to Aelric, and then turns to Malcolm, his eyes taking a moment too long to absorb the sight of the man speaking. "Malcolm. Yes, and how is your Mother?"

"I wish I knew." Malcolm answers. "She is gone. From what I was told there was a cross bow and blood left behind. I was told that Prince Bleys was in charge of searching for her, but my services for the search were declined."

Aelric nods back.

"Perhaps with good reason. Anything that could contain Fiona would be dangerous indeed. I can think of only one being, and that is no longer a possibility." Merlin replies absently, more thinking out loud than being engaging.

Malcolm gives Merlin a curious look. "I certainly have found her formable, but I could think of several powers that might be stronger then even her. I certainly hope she is safe, wherever she is."

"As do I." Merlin nods, "She promised me something, and I should hate to see her break her word."

Malcolm looks to Merlin closely at that. "Have you ever broken your promise?" he asks.

Merlin does not seem surprised by the question, instead he cocks his head as if taking a mental inventory. Finally he answers, "No. I don't believe I have. But my memory is not what it used to be."

Malcolm gives a caustic laugh at that. "I can appreciate what being dead or close to it can do to one's memory, Still, I'm sure that everyone you know are pleased you have kept your promises."

Merlin nods,"I will admit to not having made many." He glances up at Bleys’ assignment. "That should prove interesting."

Merlin turns back to Aelric, after his words with Malcolm, "How are you doing these troubled days, Lord Castellan?"

He shrugs. "Well enough, Your Highness. Someone was either attempting to set me up for an early demise, or made some rather uninformed decisions. We've yet to see which. Did you find what it is you were looking for, Lord Merlin?"

"Indeed. And then some." He holds Aelric's eyes pointedly. "Perhaps we can discuss it over a fine vintage at our leisure?"

Aelric blinks a few times, puzzled, then tilts his head. "I know a place we can go after dinner."

Merlin nods.

[I'm going to start bringing the NPCs in, but don't let this stop any conversation. If you'd rather it happened before, just mark the comment as 'Private' and it will be considered so. I don't want to hold things up too long waiting for replies, so please don't worry too much about timing.]

A young woman walks in, dressed in smart breeches and a tight green jacket that well describes her girlish figure. She has a sabre at her hip, though her hands look manicured rather than callused. She has long, wavy chestnut hair and a heart-shaped face that would be pretty but for her fearful scowl, aimed in Aelric's direction.

"Lady Beatrix of Gildur." The Herald says. "Geldris, you dolt." She angrily corrects.

"Good evening Lady Geldris," Morvana says to the angry young woman.

Aelric stands as she enters, and bows. "Good evening, Your Highness," he states calmly. He sits.

"Yes, it is a good evening," she replies, "when at last I am released from my wrongful confinement." "Good evening, Duchess Stormmount," Beatrix says to Morvana.

Kendrick smiles at Beatrix. "What could anyone have blamed you for?"

"Treason and Conspiracy against his Majesty," Aelric replies. "Confinement was better than the alternative, Your Highness. The Inquisition is ... was ... not a gentle lot."

Beatrix colours with indignant rage. "You rapscallion! You shouldn't even be here, among this noble gathering! Perhaps you are just waiting to clamp someone else in irons, is that it? Why don't you go jangle your keys somewhere else?"

He nods through it all. "The Commander invited me, Your Highness. Before that? Her Regency. Before that? His Majesty. I perform what is required of me. You're right. I'm not of noble birth. I'm a General. I earned every inch of where I am. Wine?" he says, holding up a decanter of red wine and wineglass in her direction.

Kendrick grins broadly but wisely says nothing.

"No thank you," she replies sharply, and resumes her simmering silence.

Malcolm on the other hand takes the white wine that he is drinking and offers a glass of this to Beatrix. "Of course, at the moment, his majesty is also in prison, so I imagine it would be hard to define what is a crime against him. I hope your time in confinement was short?" Malcolm asks her.

Beatrix accepts, and even manages a smile.

"Not short enough," she responds, in softer tone.

Morvana gets a glass of the red.

Another new arrival: a blond-haired young man of serious expression who wears the court clothes of old Amber. He carries a longsword of practical design, and walks with a spring in his step. His riding boots are polished to a mirror finish.

"Lord Peredur," the Herald announces.

"My, what a fine body of men and women!" He exclaims, before taking a seat. "Greetings all!"

Beatrix scowls at him.

Kendrick smiles. “Peredur, good to see you again. How did the clean-up go?”

"Just fine, thank you." Peredur replies with a grin. "We'll have the place ship-shape in no time."

Aelric replies, "Indeed. When will my men be free to resume their duties, General?"

"Father will discuss that matter with you later. I wouldn't worry. Just medical checks and all that." Peredur says.

"Very good. Any news from General Han? Any word at all?" Aelric says.

"I believe he's been debriefed. No doubt Papa will update you on that, too." Peredur replies.

A young lady enters with the distinctive walk of a woman who demands attention. Her blue eyes shining, her mother’s hair in perfect curls, she has a delicate face and voluptuous figure. She is dressed in pale blue with lots of cream lace and ribbon. Even the bandage around her forehead looks stylish, giving her a rustic gypsy look. She hovers, as if waiting for everyone to notice her before taking a step further.

"Lady Isabella," the Herald announces.

She smiles, showing her even pearly whites and strolls over to sit next to Kendrick.

Kendrick rises to his feet and kisses her on the cheek as he pulls out her chair. "How are you feeling?" There is a note of concern in his voice.

"Wretched," she replies, turning her cheek to accept the kiss. (Though she looks anything but wretched). "My head pounds like a bass drum. Are you well?" She enquires.

“I am quite well. I tried to get through to you to help...” (He would expect nothing else of his sister and Flora’s daughter.)

"I know," she says, patting his hand. "I should have waited for you."

Malcolm watched Isabella enter as any man could hardly not notice her, but at this point he does speak as well.

"Forgive the interruption Kendrick, but was the lady Isabella injured in the explosion? I thought the damage was limited to the Chapel or at least that is what I could see from ground zero before I blacked out." Malcolm asks.

Kendrick looks to Isabella.

"Some cavalryman out of a gothic nightmare bopped me on the head," Isabella complains. "Damned unsporting interruption of a duel I was having at the time..."

"I do hope the Cavalryman paid for such an act. Am I'm glad to see that you did not suffer much."

Malcolm looks back to Kendrick and includes his head in thanks indicating that he might continue with his conversation with his sister.

"I hope he did too, though from what I hear all four of them got away. The injustice of it!" Isabella complains.

"I think I know who they were," Morvana says sitting up and turning to Isabella, "Who were you dueling?"

"The big guy," Isabella replies. "Dark hair, plate armour?"

"No, name?" she says.

(I'm assuming from the way she described it, she wasn't dueling one of the four horseman, if I am wrong let me know)

"We weren't properly introduced," Isabella says.

There are whispered words by the door, and the herald lifts a bugle to his lips and blows a brief lively fanfare before announcing: "Prince Bleys Clarisson of Amber!"

Aelric stands, and salutes.

Malcolm would stand out of respect and sit when Bleys does.

Bleys walks in, at first glance looking very much like his brother Brand, but his stride more assured, his back straighter. On his arm is the Royal Steward, Lady Claudia, in a full-length cream satin gown, her hair long in elaborate curls disguising the roundness of her face.

Bleys guides her to a chair, while seating himself at the head of the table. He dumps a large dossier on it, the contents spilling slightly as he does so. He looks around, noting who is present, who is not. He looks a little tired, and his voice does not carry its usual infectious enthusiasm.

"Thank you all for coming," he says, and flicks open the folder.

As he sits, so does Aelric.

"There are a number of issues arising from today's events, the most pressing of which is the abduction of the regent. Despite a prolonged search, my sister has not been found and is not answering trumps. As an interim measure I will be taking on the title and responsibilities of the

regent." Bleys says. "As a few of you are aware, someone resembling our monarch and protector,

King Brand, arrived in the Citadel a few nights ago. He has been confined to his bed for long periods, and has shown little or no inclination to take up the duties expected of him. After investigation, we have discovered this being to be a pattern clone created in the manner of those victims of Corwin's Nirvana Elixir, of which some of you will be familiar. It was sustaining itself by drinking the blood of Amber at regular intervals. We are having it analyzed to find out the identity of the unfortunate donor. I intend to prove, by depriving the creature of its sustenance, that it is not in fact my brother Brand but an imposter."

"Neither magical means nor trump will be sufficient to unmask the clone, which is why petitions to see the prisoner have been refused. Any questions before I proceed to the next items on the agenda?"

"Yes, Your Regency. Has an investigation been initiated to search for His Majesty? Or is he presumed deceased?" Aelric asks.

Merlin looks on with what appears to be mild interest.

"His status will be logged as 'missing, presumed dead' until further notice. I will be covering my reasons for this in the next item, involving Lady Caitriona." Bleys replies. "Call for the Gorgon," he says to Claudia, who rises to her feet and confers with the guards on the door.

Aelric nods, and picks up his wine to sip.

Malcolm also asks a question, "I'm unfamiliar with the pattern clone creation similar to Corwin's Nirvana Elixir. Would it be possible to have a short explanation of the process?"

Bleys doesn't look greatly pleased by this question, perhaps more particularly as it comes from Malcolm. He leafs through the documents in the file, and passes a few round. "Your mother was best placed to answer that question. This is all I have at the moment. I'll maybe ask Corwin next time he's round for tea and cupcakes." He adds.

"There are other ways." Merlin intones absently.

The file is a well-stuffed portfolio of documents, some hand-written, others are copies, all bearing the seal of the Crown.

Nirvana elixir.

Properties: colorless, odorless, tasteless. Slightly viscous, mixes freely with any water-based compound, turns blue when heated.

Origins: unknown, but not a naturally occurring substance. Derived from Amber's Pattern.

Usage: only one known usage confirmed: administered to Lucretia, daughter of Caine (d).

Lines of enquiry: none. Personal shadow marked for erasure (complete), family marked for execution (complete), retainers died under questioning. Codename 'Alys' thought to be still at large. Princess Beatrix needs to be brought in for questioning (assigned, incomplete).

Inquisition Status: Open, inactive.

Assigned to: Lord Sarael, Lord Hector, Lady Catriona, Lord Alexander, Lady Isabella, Lady Morvana. (enc - )

Suspects: Prince Corwin, Siobhan (marked for execution, scheduled -incomplete), Babel (executed), Princess Llewella.

Imperative any Rebmans spotted are captured and brought in for questioning. (Possible correlation with Edaj. L )

Hold for questioning: Julian, Caine.

Interview Thistle, Martin: ref Rebma.

Who is NADINE? What is The Wire?

Trump Activity: negligable. Activated Anvil, Dirge.

Enclosures:

- Diary of Lucretia (nb recorded death of 'Dalt': confirmed.) cf Random

- Relevant execution orders/erasures.

- License to Kill, auth. Crown of Jade

-Warrant to Search - Trump photo-fit of 'Alys' (inactive)

Aelric adds, to Bleys, "Jasra was also interested in this Elixir affair. She may have records on it in her former rooms."

"If that's the case, we'll find it in the stuff we confiscated from the Inquisition," Bleys says. "I'll be sure any notes are circulated."

Claudia, returning, makes a note on her pad.

A few moments later the approach of a Gorgon can be heard. The great brass monster strides slowly but purposefully in. It is a bull-headed construct with glowing red eyes. Steam issues from its wide dark nostrils.

"Gorgon," Bleys says in commanding voice. "Show us the scene you witnessed in the throne room, from the point of your most recent summoning by King Brand."

The Gorgon stands next to the table, and its eyes glow red. Beatrix noticeably leans way from it. Above the table, projected in red strobing, the shimmering image of a corridor comes into view. Ahead can be made out the doors of the throne room, and the sounds of melee. Four guards run into the throne room with crossbows loaded while the picture lumbers forward. Slowly, the view pivots through 90 degrees, and the interior can be seen.

Brand's voice can be heard crying: "Treachery!!" Werewindle shoots across the room.

Caitriona can be heard making a gutteral laugh, "Treachery..... who are you to speak of such......."

Caitriona is seen killing the guards with a sword. She moves incredibly quickly. Brand's bodyguard launches a lightning attack. The blow comes and goes quicker than she can react, and she is wounded. She looks oddly muscled, and her face is contorted into a snarl.

Meantime bolts of lighting are hurtling past. Brand is retreating before an advancing carpet of greenery and tendrils, and draws a long knife from his sleeve while throwing chairs, dropped weapons and ornaments at his opponent with telekinesis.

Brand is forced back down the Throne Room, and the bodyguard retreats with them, giving ground while Caitriona drives him onto the back foot with lunges, feints and thrusts. Finally Brand runs out of places to retreat to. He is surrounded by the advancing beast of holly and ivy, and dark tendrils of force. A woman's voice cackles from the foliage. "Call upon her! Call upon your former mistress to save you, and she will embrace you!" “No!" Brand shouts, expending the last of his stored magics in a burst of fireworks. "I will not yield!" "Then embrace your mother one last time," she says with malice, and steps so close they are almost touching.

In that moment, the bodyguard performs a reverse stroke, his blade shooting behind into the beast's ribs. Caitriona skewers the bodyguard, who staggers backwards. The green mass shifts into a pillar of flame, which consumes Brand whose hands are lifted to protect his face. There is a shriek like the snapping of metal under load, and all three vanish in a firestorm, leaving Cait alone with the Gorgon.

The Throne Room is suddenly quiet, but for the smoldering of furnishings. Cait sinks to her knees as her life-blood puddles on the stone floor... "Sinisalo," she is heard to say, before slumping forward.

The vision ends.

Morvana looks greatly disturbed.

Whereas Merlin's expression is almost...clinical.

Lucian looks at Bleys with resignation, like someone waiting for the punch line to a really bad joke. "When?" is all he asks.

"I'm sure there are persons in this room who can answer that question." Bleys replies.

Malcolm shifts slightly in his chair. One hand held tightly onto his glass of wine as the vision of his sister's fight against Brand fades.

He clears his throat to get Bleys’ attention.

"If I may, when did this happen? And the name Sinisalo. Does this mean anything to you? And are you certain that was Caitriona? Could she not have been taken over by someone else? Or even a shapeshifter, who used her form." He dared to ask Bleys.

"The Gorgons can detect shapeshifters," Bleys replies. "It was Caitriona, and even allowing for possession does not excuse her actions." He offers an open palm to Claudia, who pulls a scroll from her bodice and hands it to him. Bleys pulls out the tightly wound vellum, signs it and seals it with the signet ring on his hand. "Lady Caitriona is hereby exiled and barred from returning to Jade, on pain of death. Lord Rinaldo is hereby exiled and barred from returning from Jade; may the Unicorn have mercy on their souls." He says, and returns the signed scrolls back to Claudia.

"..As for Sinisalo," Bleys continues, as if he had just paused to sip his wine. "I charge you, Malcolm to find out and report its meaning."

Malcolm glances down at the paper before him for a moment before lifting his head and meeting Bleys eyes.

"I shall endeavor to do my best, Regent. I will need access to any communications from Caitriona or any recent conversations with her. They might help me discover the meaning." He glances at General Aelric at this statement, before going silent himself.

Bleys shrugs. "Sure. Make an appointment to see the Royal Steward, here."

"Would after breakfast tomorrow be convenient?" Claudia enquires.

Malcolm inclines his head to her, "That would be excellent." he says and waits for Bleys’ next order of business.

Bleys nods, and turns another sheet of paper. "Right. Next item: the Inquisition. This organization has outlived its usefulness and has been found corrupt, unscrupulous and untrustworthy. With

the exile of its former head, and complicity in the escape of high profile prisoners, I have decided to withdraw the royal charter. As of now this institution is formally dissolved."

Bleys signs and seals a prepared document, and passes it to Claudia. "Sorry," he says in Lucien's direction. "I'll be looking to the Castellan to come up with some proposals for a

replacement body." Bleys adds, looking quizzically at Aelric.

Lucian sighs theatrically and cracks his knuckles. "And just when I was getting to know them, too."

Aelric nods. "As soon as my men are released, it shall be done, Your Regency."

Merlin speaks up at this, speaking his mind, "What was their original purpose" He seems interested.

"And what did they do to Princess Yang?" Morvana asks.

Aelric looks to Bleys. "I think the first order of business will be to investigate her involvement in the organization, and absolve her of responsibility, most likely. She was forced into the position. She was a maintainer, not an architect. She probably had no clue what it was about until she sat at it's head."

Aelric looks over to Morvana. "I only hope that she kept her wits about her, and didn't dabble much in their schemes."

"She was hard to read, I do not know," she says.

"She is absolved," Bleys replies, "and excused from further duties in the Citadel. With Her Grace's permission [Morvana] we will be returning her to her homelands."

"So, unless there are any other items you wish to raise, that concludes the announcements - for now, at least," Bleys continues. "I will be asking each of you to an interview shortly to cover those items you may not wish to discuss in open forum. I know some of you know more than you have been saying, so I hope that you will use this interview as an opportunity to assist the Crown."

Bleys rises from his seat, stuffs the papers back into the folder he set on the table and stuffs it under his arm. "Enjoy your meal," he says, and leaves.

Claudia lingers a moment longer. “I will call you to the Regent's office when you are refreshed," she says, then follows Bleys out.

Malcolm speaks up then, "What of Ghostwheel? Will anyone be transferred to be in charge of Ghostwheel?"

Merlin turns at the question, face expressionless.

"Ghostwheel is Merlin's responsibility," Bleys replies.

Merlin turns back to Bleys, again, his face difficult to read, and nods. "Very clever." he says it with little emotion, more like an observation than a compliment.

Malcolm turns to look to Merlin.

"Of course, I should have expected that. I'd like to speak to you later. Ghostwheel has always fascinated me. And we might have a few other things to compare notes on as well." Malcolm says.

Merlin nods, "That would be most interesting."

"I'm sure it will be" Malcolm answers, "I'll let you pick the spot for the chat."

Merlin nods, "I am afraid that I do not know the place at all. Perhaps you should pick, and schedule, as it seems you will be quite busy in the coming days..."

"I hope not too busy, at least if some people could provide a few pieces to the mystery that surrounds my sister. But if you are staying for awhile, I'll send word to you." Malcolm says.

"I believe I shall be in residence for some time." Merlin nods, and drinks a bit of wine.