At this point, Ben felt the familiar tingling of a Trump call. He pushed aside his thoughts on the matter at hand, murmuring mentally, "Yes?" The Captain answered, "I'm ready to be pulled through now."
"Not so fast," Ben thought to him, turning away from the table. "I wish a double guard to be put on the Pattern room--"
"Ahead of you there," the Captain replied succinctly. "There's already a triple guard down there, added before--I might add--Random and Flora took a trip to visit it."
Benedict frowned slightly. That was awfully quick, he thought. "Excellent. Please make sure that no one ventures inside without my express permission." With that--and Khyron's nod--he offered his hand out to the gentleman, pulling him through the Trump. Rainbow trails dissipated behind the Captain as the gent turned to face the room in general.
Captain Khyron stepped through, his usual kind smile replaced by a grim frown. Always a young looking Gamellonian, Khyron appeared to have aged a good deal in the past day.
"Greetings Princes and Princesses of Amber. And to you also Brand and Eric." Khyron made a sweeping bow, keeping the formality alive. "I apoligize for our less than pleasant meeting, and I'm sure you all have many questions...and I have precious few answers. Benedict has informed me you know of the kidnappings, so, instead of trying to tell you everything in a rush, let's try to keep this orderly. You ask, I'll tell...and we'll go on from there."
The Captain opened the doors, alerting the Guards to his presence, and then shut and locked them again, quickly tossing "cousin" Corwin a smile before it all hit the fan. Benedict grimaced inwardly, imagining the chaos to erupt once the questions started to fly. So, he stepped back, moving over to the end of the table, to let the Captain have his former spot. He waited for the Captain to get settled, then asked before any one else could interject, "So, what have you found out so far?" Simple enough.
"General to specific eh Benedict? Fair enough." The captain took a deep breath, and leaned against a wall, enabling him to see the entire family at once. "Obviously all three have been taken. Lord Oberon, Magician Dworkin, and Queen Paulette were all kidnapped. The four standard guards outside the Queen's quarters were found slaughtered...torn to pieces. The Guards outside the Library were found unconscious. So far six different exit points have been found. One being your room Benedict." Benedict blinked, surprise flitting across his features before he could squash it. My room? Must have been after I left to come to the kitchens...and he didn't post guards, with such beings loose in the castle? Didn't herd the rest of the family to someplace secure and safe? Benedict glanced over at Khyron, studying him for a moment before returning to his thoughts. Still, he couldn't have known. Makes me wonder what they replaced Gregory with. "Scouting parties are currently following up the six escape routes. Though two have already descended into the water...though no obvious signs of watercraft were reported. Another merely vanished, indicating teleportation or flight. Air Force scouts have been called in...though that lead is pretty much dead. The other three all descend the mountain. Those are the last reports I've heard from those scouts."
The captain then trailed off, indicating that he's done for that stage of the report, awaiting the next question.
Julian glanced about. "You mentioned... Six... Exit points. Escape routes. Starting from the library, I presume. How did you find those out?.. Broken walls, tracks, upturned furniture? And how could you follow the trails?"
The captain stopped and paused for a moment, looking around at the room, as if trying to associate the voice with a face. "Oh my, Julian...I don't think I've ever heard you talk before." Khyron trailed off for a moment, but then continued, "But, as for the six exit points. Simple trails. Mud stains throughout some of the corridors. Frightened and screaming chamber-maids. Guards just hearing the sounds of motion, and the breaking of the exits. As for following the trails, my men are the best trained trackers in Amber, as far as for moving through cities and buildings. Explaining it would take more time than I wish to take, so let's leave it at we know how to track beings once we know they're there."
Eric nodded. "Was there anything distinctive about these mud stains, or these noises? Anything which could give us a clue of what may have happened, or what manner of being could have done this?"
Benedict nodded as well, muttering to himself for a moment before saying aloud, "I suspect some of us will have a few busy days ahead." He paused, giving the Captain a long look, adding, "My sympathies, also, for those you've lost." He pushed Paulette's chair out with a foot, and sat down heavily in it.
"Unimportant for now. They have been mourned, and they are lost. Time to concern ourselves with the living." Well, then stop making a damn scene in the middle of breakfast then Captain, Benedict thought, irritated. The Captain regarded his glowing blade once again, before resheathing it, muttering in Gamellonian again. "And the soon to be dieing."
Caine said, "So they were taken quickly by someone who could use great violence, yet did not need to apply it to Grandfather, Father or his wife. This points to a magical adversary of some sort, who subdued the three targets by means other than the physical. Therefore, if the captives are still alive, they are likely to be held in Shadow, where the bulk of Amber's forces cannot reach them to attempt a rescue. Am I correct in my appraisal here?"
Eric nodded. "Sounds correct as far as I've heard, Caine... now all we need do is locate where in Shadow they hide... which I can not imagine would be so hard, for those attuned to the differences between Shadow and Reality."
Corwin sat listening to all of this information with a sad look in his eyes. He then got up and retrieved a cup of coffee. Then sat back down.
The Captain gave Eric an odd look. "And just how did you plan on doing that Eric?"
Gerard watched his brother with interest.
"Whether damage was done to the Royalty is unsure. Most of the room that the King and former King were in were destoyed though, so I'd assume they were both damaged in some way. It has now been only two hours since they escaped Amber, so even at top speed, it will take some time to shadow walk out of Amber. As you all well know, even Hellriding, it takes some time to escape from Amber's Reality." Sensible enough.
Benedict nodded slightly, contemplating for a few moments before asking, "Was there any residual magic left in the area? Any indication of how they might have been overpowered?" He asked right on Julian's heels, more to add pressure to the man...to see which way he'd handle it.
Deirdre asked, "The guards that were torn apart. How? Was it as if from a beast, or was it more akin to blades?"
"A bit of both Princess Deirdre. Each was decapitated...cleanly...cleaner than any blade could strike true. But the rest of their body....savagely ripped to shreds...parts of them are still missing. I assume eaten, or just taken for some reason."
"And there were no bloodied foot prints, I take it?" she persisted.
"Correct Deirdre. A mess of blood everywhere...ruining any individual footprint. Leaving a definite trail from Paulette's room to the Library. Then the blood trail stops."
Bleys raised his hand, "Since the guards OUTSIDE the room were slaughtered, can we presume the abductors did not Trump into the room?
"Since there are no guards inside the Queen's Bedchamber, it's tough to be sure for certain. However, Since there is a great amount of blood inside the Queen's room, and the door was broken down from the outside, with no Guards--or Guard parts--found inside the room, I'm assuming they didn't trump into the Room. However, there is no proof one way or the other that they didn't trump into the hallway."
"I highly doubt Dworkin goes anywhere without leaving some residual magic. However, none of the magic sensitive guards are currently in the palace. Neither are any of the Circle of 100. So, no magical traces can be made until--"
Fiona interrupted the Captain's smooth flow of information, "Of course there can. I am at your disposal. The sooner, the better."
"Excellent Princess Fiona...I had hoped you would be, but I would not wish to presume anything from you." Khyron bowed, also dropping to one knee before the Princess.
Fiona curtsied back. Benedict rolled his eyes inwardly.
Eric nodded. "As am I. I'm familiar with certain kinds of magics that, perhaps, the guards on duty may not know of."
Khyron then continued on, as if he didn't hear Eric, "As far as overpowering...it's the strangest thing. the room looks like hell on the inside. Half the library has been destroyed, with shelving destroyed and books scattered everywhere. The wall and door separating the Library from the Council room that the King and Dworkin were are totally destroyed. What's odd is that it all appears to be physical damage..and excessive physical damage...yet no sign of forced entry into the library. Even the guards outside the room weren't hurt badly. Something doesn't add up. Especially the fact that Oberon and Dworkin were taken purely by force. I wouldn't have thought that possible." There are more things on Heaven and Earth, Khyron, than are dreamt of in your philosphies, Benedict mused to himself. Anything was possible. Anything at all. It didn't surprise him...much.
Eric raised an eyebrow. "Then, perhaps, our mysterious assailants Trumped or teleported into the library and assaulted the council chamber?" He shrugged. "And what leads you to believe that they were taken by force? Even if no force was used, I doubt that His Majesty would go down without a fight...he could well have caused the damage."
"Possibly. Since the Guards remember nothing, it's unclear how entrance was gained. However, Dworkin doesn't allow trumps of the castle's interior to be passed around to just anyone. Most of the Lords don't even have any, let alone one to the library."
Khyron looked around at the family, taking in all of their faces slowly. Just what are you implicating, Captain? Benedict thought. He steadied his features to betray nothing. "However, if Oberon had caused the damage...well...either way...the odd part is, well, there's no blood in the Library. Not a drop."
"Have the guards from outside the room been interrogated? What did they have to say about their assailants?" Fiona asked, in her sweet steady voice.
Rising again, a look of anger and frustation crossed his face, and he gripped his leather gloved hands tightly, the Captain spoke, "After severe questioning, to ascertain the truth of their words, I am sickened to report that none remember a thing about their assailants, or ever being assaulted."
Fiona nodded, as if expecting this answer. "After inspecting the crimescene, I'd like to give the guards an inspection." After a heartbeat, she added, "To see if their memories have been mystically altered or erased. I have no doubt you were thorough in your interrogation, Captain."
"I'm afraid it will be a while before you can inspect them Princess. Their current physical condition will prevent any tampering for a couple days. Their minds and bodies simply can't take anymore."
Bleys coughed, gaining the room's attention, "You stated the guards outside were mauled sir. How are we supposed to become apprised of the situation if you cannot keep the number of limbs on the guards straight?" Benedict smirked inwardly. Seemed it wasn't only he that Khyron was irritating.
However, to keep the proper propriety, Ben gave Bleys a warning look, "That's enough. There's no need to insult him, Bleys. The guards outside of Paulette's door were mauled--the ones outside Dad's rooms were basically unhurt." He glanced to the Captain, making sure that summary is accurate.
Bleys nodded to the Captain, "I mispoke. Been a long day." His words didn't sound sincere, but at least he spoke them.
"You have no idea," was the reply.
"Are you sure the trail is from the Queen's chambers to the Library... and not in the reverse?" Deirdre asked suddenly.
"Yes."
Deirdre frowned slightly, perhaps doubting the good Captain's words.
"Very Simple Princess. The Guards in Paulette's room were torn to shreds. The Guards outside the library barely had a mark on them. Unless the attackers knocked out Paulette's Guards, carried them to the library, killed them, and carried the pieces back to Paulette's door, they came from Paulette's room to the library." Khyron paused for a moment. "Now, if you all will excuse me for a moment, I need to collect myself. For though I understand the pain you all are experiencing from the kidnapping of your father, I just lost four of my closest friends, including my brother Lyndon, in a horrible way." Khyron turned his back on those gathered for a moment, dropping to his knees in a form of prayer, laying his sword before him, mumbling in a language recognizeable as Gamellonian. Three minutes later, He stood again, a tear still dropping from his right eye. "Now, back to the business at hand. Any other questions?" Benedict tsked slightly, understanding the man's loss, but wishing he had picked a better time to make peace with it.
Benedict nodded, "I think that Fiona may be able to aid you, as far as mystical means go. Eric as well.." He paused, glancing over to Eric, "..as he may be able to recognize the handiwork of a particular enemy.." Here's the lead-in... he thought to himself. Maybe, just maybe Eric's enemies were known in places as things other than myths.
"I would greatly appreciate the help from Princess Fiona, in absence of her Grandfather." A pleasant look crossed Khyron's face for the first time since he arrived. "As for Eric...I'd request you explain your recommendation, since I'd rather not take the word of one who tried to strike down my Lord without exceptional backing." The chill in Khyron's voice was far from hidden.
Benedict nodded slightly, giving Eric a rather cold look himself, "Understandable. Eric's had some experience with...well, Eric, why don't you explain it yourself?"
He stretched slightly, cracking his spine, "Ah...and the Jewel?" He glanced, feigning almost indifference, at Khyron, "Was it taken also?" Calm and cool...
"As for the Jewel, yes, it was also taken, unless Lord Oberon had hidden it before hand."
"Damn," he swore softly, "Soon as his rooms can be searched thoroughly, have it done, just on the offchance that Oberon had secured it."
"Of course Prince Benedict. The search has been made for the most part,there are just sections we cannot gain entry to, yet."
"Why is that, Lord Khyron?" asked Gerard, interested.
"For all of his charm and grace, Gerard, your father, Lord Oberon, is not a very trusting man. Many drawers, closests, and at least one room from his chambers are sealed off magically. And from what little I know of wardings and seals, most of the wardings are...hmmm...fatal, if opened improperly."
Eric nodded his head slightly. "During my time away from Amber... I investigated a number of different entities and creatures out in Shadow, that, perhaps, you have not encountered. Some have slight tinges of Reality to them, and may be unfamiliar to your magic-sniffers."
The captain frowned slightly, not liking the answer.
"Slight tinges? and if you could describe the creatures to our sketch artists, that would be far more beneficial than just 'a number of different entities and creatures.'" Benedict agreed, but kept silent.
Eric sighed, inhaled, and began to talk. "Try a large tentacled thing, quadrupedal, bat wings, roughly three to four times the height of a man... or perhaps a creature the size and general shape of a man, with distended canines, but very pale skin... or, mayhaps, something roughly a head taller than a man, but much like a fish in shape and demeanor, but with legs..." He shrugged. "And that's just the first three I can think of. They came in a wide variety of shapes. For all I knew, they were shapeshifters, and all were just one creature..."
As Eric described he creatures, Khyron's face continued to grow paler and paler. Finally, he started screaming in Gamellonian, much to Benedict's surprise, spinning on his heels and slamming a fist into the wall, and then through it. Waiting a few moments before turning around, Khyron looked at Eric, asking very very slowly. "How...how do you know of those things." Benedict's unease did nothing but grow, though he forced himself to stay outwardly calm, at least.
Eric's eyes went wide, and when the captain began screaming his hand found his saber very easily, and it's half out of its scabbard by the time the Captain found himself again. When he speaks, it was in an equally low tone.
"I know of these things because, Captain, I have spent the last thirteen years of my life fighting against them. I know of them because some of them have fallen before my blade. I know of them because they are the beasts that kidnapped my daughter, and I shall not rest, though Hell may bar my way, until I have rid all of Reality of these creatures and recovered my daughter from their clutches." He fell silent for a minute, letting the sword settle into its scabbard. "Is that sufficient for you, Captain Khyron?"
"No it doesn't. Because you're holding something back. Only a fool starts a war with such forces for no reason, and unless your daugher was kidnapped 13 years ago, you've given me no reason to start such a war. Or how or why you even found the Glaskinfrok" an obviously gamellonian word, "and I would have these answers now." The captain eyed Eric's half unsheathed blade, and then strolled across Eric's body. "And your explanation had best explain why you carry a blade of the Glaskinfrok and a belt which represents Them."
Corwin put his Trumps away and looked at the Captain with a confused look on his face. Benedict suddenly saw it all too clearly, by Eric's own admissions. He studied with these things until he had had enough, and when he tried to back out... Ben shook his head slightly, and closed his eyes for a brief moment. When he reopened his eyes, they fell darkly on Eric. Or he could be lying about it all. His hand came to rest upon the pommel of his sword in a casual and familiar gesture, one that comforted him, and left him ready in case it was needed.
"Captain," Deirdre said, calling for his attention. "We have all made mistakes in our pasts. And while it seems you won't be fond of my brother's, I would suggest that the both of you," and here she glanced over to Eric, as well, "back down from near attack-mode. Setting aside the fact that we should not be fighting each other right now, Eric is my full-brother. While yours is the oldest house in Amber, my blood is royal, that which your house serves, and because of all of these facts, I would not like to see either of you fight the other. Can we continue the conversation like rational beings?" The question was directed at both Eric and the Captain.
"Well Damn0," Brand said loudly. <[> Eric, whose blade HAD settled into its scabbard while he was talking, removed his hand from it. He inhaled deeply, and bit his lip, gazing back at the Captain. "I found them because I traveled out into Shadow. You may remember it. Minor matter of my being exiled." Clearly, he wasn't taking well to the accusations. "I'd chosen a patch of Shadow, and claimed it as my own. What you call 'Glaskinfrok' had other ideas. I felt confident enough to defend that bit of Shadow... for even an outcast may have a home." He glared at Khyron. "The belt, and the blade, I use because they prove useful in fighting them. Or anyone else who would harm me or mine." His eyes glittered dangerously. "Would you count yourself among them?"
Benedict shifted his stance, loosening his blade in the scabbard. "Eric," he said in a low voice, "Are you threatening the good Captain?" His stance was light and loose, not tense at all...he was fully prepared for battle, was completely ready for anything.
Fiona stood and walked to the Captain's side. Placing her hands in her robe pockets, she looked at Eric.
"It is well Benedict. Eric has gone far beyond just threatening the Captain of the Guard."
"I have not fogotten it Eric. I was on guard that night when you dared to draw blade against the Lord of Amber, and if it's ever mentioned again with such frivolty from your tainted lips...let's just say it would be a bad thing. The belt and blade prove your true taint you lieing dog of Amber. Hand it over to any of your family, if they are such good tools, give them to a brother of yours. Let a Pure Lord of Amber even touch what you weild so easily, and see what happens then. Though I think you know already...just as you know you lie again and again to me, and lieing to me here and now is the absolute last thing to be doing." While he spoke, the captain's blade appeared out of his scabbard, with only a slight tremble to the Captain's hand, with the blade tip into the ground, and the captain leaned slightly on the hilt.
Eric matched stares with the Captain. He began to draw himself back into a fighting stance... then stopped. "You know and I know what would happen if I complied with your request. Would you that I called your bluff?"
The Captain prepared to speak, when the sigh of Deirdre cut through the room, followed by some muttered curses from JiJi.
Deirdre sighed, stood up, and placed Jiji on the chair she had, until recently, occupied.
Khyron shut his mouth for a moment, his eyes shooting daggers at the interruption, but waiting through it like a gentleman.
She walked around the table to stand directly between Eric and Khyron. She crossed her arms once there, and waited for a few seconds.
Then, in a calm, not unfriendly voice, she said to Eric, "Sit down." Benedict watched closely, waiting for Eric to make a move. Is it true then Eric? Corrupted by these...things?? And to think I trusted you. What a fool am I. Bits of memories floated to the top of his thoughts, memories of Eric with his daughter, but Ben ruthlessly pushed them aside, choosing instead to concentrate on Eric's temperment and deeds of late.
To the captain, in the same voice, she said, "Please resheath your sword, Captain."
She glanced over to Benedict sending him an expression requesting help. Her head twitched towards the captain in so slight a movement that he was probably the only one to see it. He gave her a brief shrug back, choosing to see how Eric played his hand first.
"I'm afraid not Deirdre.." is all Khyron gets out before a soft and small hand landed on his elbow. Fiona regarded the throng calmly, "For all of Eric's bravado, he is not a foolish boy anymore, Captain. He wouldn't be so stupid as to attack you in front of all of us. Thus, unless you intend to arrest him, I suggest you do as my sister asked and resheath your sword. Now that you have made it plain that you know something Eric is hiding from us, perhaps you can enlighten us as to what you know of the Glaskinfrok, and of their weapons. Then Eric can tell the story of how he truly met the Glaskinfrok and why he has fought them for thirteen years."
She tossed her glance in Eric's direction, "Unless you have a valid reason for not telling the Captain what you told us earlier."
Khyron then stepped back, moving a few feet away from Fiona, and repositioning himself, blade still tip point into the ground, now arranged to properly face the new positions of the family. "The step into adulthood does not excuse sins of the past Fiona. And if he has done what I fear he has done, Eric is far worse than a foolish boy." Khyron paused, but not giving time for anyone to speak in. "As for arresting him, I fully intend on it, unless I get the full story about his involvement with the Glaskinfrok. Now. Just so you know, Glaskinfrok roughly translates to The Unbeatable. A word I doubt your scholars even knew existed in our vocabulary."
Eric inclined his head. "So be it, Captain Khyron." He looked briefly towards a chair, as if debating to sit, but ultimately remains standing. "After my exile -- which I in no way regard lightly, Captain, believe me -- I went out into Shadow, where I was seeking... something, anything, that would give me the power to claim what I felt was denied. I was angry, stupid, and yes, foolish. I came across the Old Ones -- your Glaskinfrok -- while out there. I cut a deal with them." His frown deepened. "They take their deals seriously, I suppose. When I attempted to leave -- thirteen years ago, the day I learned I was to be a father -- they took it poorly. I've been fighting them ever since." An eyebrow raised, he continued, "But I've scarce found them Unbeatable. Numerous, aye, powerful, aye... but I've killed a few in my time."
"You have have you? Killed them with that blade and the belt have you? Slayed them with their own weapons, Destroyed them with their own magic. You might as well drown an ocean. All you've done is delay them, and in the process damned yourself. The fact that you're still alive means they aren't through with you." Khyron took a deep breath, resettling his weight. "I pity you Eric. When I die, I know my soul shall go forth and rejoin the light of creation. Yours though, to still weild that blade, must be damned for the darkest shadows of nothingness, to feed the bellies of the Glaskinfrok."
Eric sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping visibly. He turned away, staring sorrowfully into space.
Khyron stepped back, as if suddenly weary. "Prince Benedict, in light of this news, I must think. I would appreciate you all not to go off into shadow, else be named as conspirators in the plot to kidnap your father. With your leave." Khyron stated, awaiting Benedict's answer.
Bleys coughed, glancing over the family at the table, His eyes lighted over Ben, Eric, Fi, and Khyron. " We had planned an invesigative mission into shadow, a few of us had, to learn more of this menace. "
"Did you now, Prince Bleys?" Khyron stopped, turning his head around to stare at Benedict. "You didn't tell them did you? Sigh....come with me Prince Benedict. We must talk. Now." The Captain resheathed his sword, and stormed outside. Benedict rolled his eyes inwardly, sighing softly to himself. He chanced a look over at Eric and studied him carefully. He's not a warrior, that's for sure...shouldn't be hard, barring any tricks. Have to prepare for that, I'd suppose. Ah, Eric, why couldn't you have told Dee or myself? Ben shook his head slightly again, You've only damned yourself more thoroughly than you know.
Deirdre looked over to Benedict, almost seeming exhausted. She mouthed the word "Gamellonians," shrugged her shoulders, and then went back to the chair she was sitting in to wait for, well, something.
Brand didn't seem to care for the Captain, an outward look of contempt on his face. He stood and strolled over to Eric.
Corwin stood and looked at all present in the room, "I would suggest that for the time being we all do as the captain requests." Corwin headed for the door.
Fiona, who was standing next to the door, placed her arm in Corwin's path, and said, "I believe one of those requests, unspoken though it may have been, was that he speak to Benedict alone."
"So we're just going to sit here and wait?" grumped Gerard, disgusted. "That's not what dad would do." We're not Dad, Benedict thought to himself absently.
"I but leave for my quarters sister dear...whatever Ben and Khyron have to say to each is their own business." With that, Corwin took his leave.
"You know, I don't think it is," said Gerard to no one in particular.
Bleys nodded, "You are correct, most likely.", Bleys got up, and paced back and forth. "This is an obnoxious turn of events. I can handle that father had the audacity to get kidnapped while I was home, but to be imprisioned in this castle, when we could be out DOING something..."
Caine said, "I agree. Whatever happened to Dad, it is our duty as children to seek him out. And certainly it is not the place of a mere functionary, no matter how personally potent, to order us about."
Without hardly a thought for the discussion behind him, Benedict left the room, following the Captain back to his quarters and mentally preparing himself for the talk to come.
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