--Gore Vidal
All Princes and Princesses are required to attend.
The Princess Sabine arrives at the doors of the green room and signals to be announced. She is dressed in sapphire blue - both her sleeveless velvet dress and the knee high boots beneath it's long skirt. A wrap a transparent blue chiffon is pinned to the bodice with a jet brooch, covering one shoulder and then falling down her back to trail behind her as she moves down the carpet in confident strides. Her long black hair is loose and frothing abound her hips, a black curtain against the mindight sky of her gown.
Oberon greets her with a nod,"So girl, tell your old grandfather how you have been running the County I gave you."
Sabine drops a deep curtsy to Oberon, then stands an offers him her crooked grin, "Dagobert is recovering nicely, Your Magesty. Both the vineyard and glassworks are well staffed and production is going full steam ahead. The locals were in desperate shape when I arrived, but seem to be gaining back both pride and weight. Their low numbers have been augmented by vagrents who have chosen to settle in Dagobert and work for me."
"Are these vagrants being productive or do you need to chastise them to work?" Oberon says,"How difficult is training them?"
Sabine waves this aside, "No trouble at all, Grandfather. Actually they have fit in quite nicely in all levels of Dagobert society and my personal holdings as well. They have innate craftmanship skills that have enamored the locals to them. As to training them," Her she smiles a cheshire grin, "They arrived fully trained."
"If they are lazy," Oberon says,"Don't feed them until they work." Sabine nods at the advice but says, "They work the fields alongside the populace, so they eat as the populace does. Others have done such beautiful carving work that I will begin trading their handiwork outside of Dagobert. I have brought one such chair as gift to you, Grandfather. It awaits your inspection outside." If Oberon wants to see the chair now, 4 strong servants may carry it in. It will look rather at home in a hunting lodge as it is a large wooden chair with a leather seat and back. All exposed wood is carved with hundreds of animal images, all swirling out of the dark wood's grain as if swimming through it.
"Thank you for the nice gift." Oberon says having it moved up to his office suit by a couple guards,"I encourage everyone to bring me fine presents."
"Also have you found more gold and silver for the Royal Mint? I have not heard much activity there."
Sabine nods and continues, "Small traces of precious metals were found, but petered out upon investigation. The locals do not have any survey skills amongst them, but both the infirm and young have been panning local streams to augment your coffers. Their finds have been low, but it does involve them in Dagobert's recovery..." Here she shrugs and smiles. "It seems I must look in other provinces for raw metals, Your Majesty, but I do not want to tread on anyone's toes." Her smile is thin as a blade's edge at this remark.
"You are wise, girl." Oberon admits,"It is easy to step on other's feet. Small incremental growth without incident is always the best. This of course is hard because I must ask you to increase your contribnution to the Royal Treasury from the Mint. We need to obtain more gold and silver. We do not need the coins milled or debased, yet we need to make more money."
"By your command." Sabine sweeps Oberon a bow and stands to regard him, "Have I leave then to investigate other lands for precious metals?"
"Crown land which is 95% of the realm. yes."
Sabine grins and says, "Then I shall begin examining crown lands as soon as I return to Dagobert and collect my survey teams." She bows again to her monarch.
"Well done, girl."
Sabine bows again and will resume her seat next to Breyd if Oberon is done with her.
"Add Secretary/ Minister of Trade to your position,"Oberon says,"You need to work with the Industry and Commerce Department headed by Zariya."
Oberon continues."Here is the definition of trade. Inside Amber is commerce. Outside is trade."
"Customs is run by Revenue. Me." Oberon says.
Sabine looks a bit stunned by the new appointment, but bows again all the same.
HRH Breyd arrives at the hall looking paler, thinner and slightly drawn. However, the dark eyes are as fiery as ever as she takes her seat in the gallery with the rest of the princesses. The coppery curls are drawn up and twined with ropes of gold beads and emeralds in an sleek roll at the nape of her neck. The delicate points of her ears are highly visible, her lobes holding golden earrings cunningly fashioned as tiny acorns.
The overdress is a dark forest green velvet, trimmed with autumnal russet and exposing glimpses of a silken chemise in a dark gold colour. The scalloped edges of the trailing sleeves of her are lined with the same russet brown in satin and flutter green and brown, like falling leaves.
Oberon looks her over,"Besides mauling Reinhard's stinking mutts in Haven, tell us your reports. We are due three from you."
"I want to know about how things are doing in Salic Hills. Rory and Zariya and even Scherazade have theirs making progress. What about yours?"
"What of my capital? I have not had a hanging night this quarter. It is soon Samhein and we need to amuse the people."
"And lastly how are things in my Grandson Kelric's lands?"
Breyd dimples as she curtsies. "I'm so very glad to see you again as well, Grandfather. I missed you as well.
"Salic Hills is being reclaimed from fallow grounds into fruitful farms, to provide grain, honey and the wealth of the land for you, my Liege. It takes a bit of time. However, I do have some other plans in mind, which I will present for your approval when the time is right." Breyd quirks an eyebrow, toying with the trailing end of one of her sleeves.
"Not much of this has reached your people in the capital." Oberon says,"Balaam told me that your seneachel is selling it to neighbouring counties and pocketing some of it for himself."
Balaam visibly looks up from his desk to Breyd and snickers at her.
Breyd lets her gaze linger on Balaam for a moment. "I'll have a word with him after court and investigate this source of information, Sire." She smiles faintly, like she'd anticipate this interview. "And of course Sir Digby should have relevant documents."
"Good." Oberon nods ready for the next topic.
"The number of arrests are down, but we shall have some suitable candidates for hanging, I assure you.the Mecklenbergs are either covering their tracks better for a change, or have decided to focus a bit more on Uncle Caine out skipping stones off their helmets in Ygg."
"I found several spies from the the SHADOWS. Hang them at once. They are even more evil than the Abyss. They destroyed Kashfa with as much as a shrug."Oberon orders her sternly. "Do not let anyone touch them directly or the Shadows will possess them. They are trapped in the bodies of their confederates. And burn them when you cut them down alive. Skip drawing and quartering. Give the people a good show and don't look scared." Oberon says sternly.
Breyd actually looks serious for a heartbeat as she digests that. "Would protective clothing help in handling them?" she asks.
"Asbestos suits." Oberon advises,"Caine has some that he stole from Jasra's hospital before torching it."
"Then I would like to respectfully request my uncle's aid in this matter," Breyd says without missing a heartbeat, a sidelong glance sent in Caine's direction.
Caine smirks at Breyd.
Breyd mouths the words, "I love you, too," at him.
"As for Kelric's courts, there is friction between him and his son, Sean...but that's hardly surprising given what I hear. Lord Holland is anally retentive as usual. There was a new crop of debs or something stuck in the receiving line with us...And everybody wants to petition me like I'm holding a second bloody court or summut. I'll submit the petitions through the usual channels."
Breyd curtsies low to Oberon at the end of her summation.
Oberon chuckles,"Continue what you are doing. Remain a presence in Haven. Be present. Get on TV. We need to see Amber as a power. Let HBC do our work for us. Fiona was supposed to be Ambassador Proconsul in Random's times but her arrogance and hatred for the boy destroyed her mission."
"Very wise, Grandfather. It is always best to use somebody elses resources whenever possible." She says with a wry smile.
"God knows they have more resources and cash than we do." Oberon grouses.
"Perhaps," Breyd admits, "But we are Amber. They cannot change or alter that. I'd trust more in men's greed than their ideals."
"Then use their greed to serve me. And I am the second most greedy SOB in creation," Oberon reminds her.
"I intend to, Grandfather. I intend to. Why do you think I trust you so much?" Breyd riposts, a wry smile in place, her dark eyes shrewd. "Opposing idealogies seek to obliterate each other in mutual attrition, but wars fought for acquisition are always less brutal, for the victor seeks to keep what he takes."
"The opposite is more Jason of the Thousand Shadow Storms, King of NS." Oberon quips,"I want my sheep shorn not skinned."
"I know, Sire." Breyd smiles at Oberon's jest. "Unfortunately, the wolves have been having a go at the flocks..."
"Yes especially the black ones."
Prince Laszlo arrives looking a little harried, but with determined stride. He wears black trousers with a gold stripe running along the seam with a pike grey jacket, the polished brass buttons showing the emblem of the Postmasters. The jacket is loose revealing a cream ruffled shirt beneath and ornamental sash d'or. As usual of late, he is wearing the sabre the king presented him, and the golden spurs of the Order of Ganelon, which jangle on his mirror-finish high black boots.
"Well boy?" Oberon glowers conveying an image that he may or may not be annoyed,"How goes the realm and its roads?"
"Very well sire, given our financial constraints. Princes Breyd's asistance with the canals has been invaluable," Laszlo replies formally.
"Tell us how," Oberon bids him.
"How come my letters to many Princes and Princesses seem to not be heeded. Can you answer me that?"
"Perhaps they have Laurre's disease. They might respond after a five hundred year snooze, or a bomb under the seat of their pants." Laszlo replies. "Your correspondence has been delivered, Your Majesty. Incendiaries will be despatched on request"
Oberon looks at him carefully as he says Laurre's name then his eyes narrow."What do you know of this Laurre Menelrea?"
"Everything that you told me about him. I learned it by rote, in case I should happen upon him and his brethern in Ardor." Laszlo replies. "I recall you saying 'he has a flaming sword, right for a flaming idiot'."
"You are so right. I was glad that the Court of Ardor removed his father for me."
Laszlo looks as if he about to say more, then pulls a piece of crumpled paper from his packet. He studies it a few seconds, pales slightly, and returns it to his pocket.
"Anything else,Boy?" Oberon's voice cuts across the quiet court.
"That is all, Your Majesty." Laszlo reports.
"Good. That boy Rory and that girl Alexis are taking their sweet time getting Princess Aura to court. Please go and hurry them up somewhat."
"What of Ardor. What can you tell me of the kingdoms therein?"
"Neatly devided, my liege, between those who dislike Prince Rory and those who detest him. I sit happily in the DMZ." Laszlo responds. "Truly, our profile abroad has not been higher in millenia."
"So you truly do not detest or despise him," quips Oberon says,"I am sure he does not mind as long as you pay your bills."
"I have had no complaints as yet." Laszlo replies with a smile.
Prince Constantine arrives, looking very tired, attired in a black suit with a flame red tie, the corner of a pressed kerchief visible in his breast pocket. He's wearing rimless glasses.
Oberon looks at the tie and looks at the ceiling, then he sees him once more,"How goes the boy Constantine. How have you been serving Amber?"
"By preventing my father from succumbing to his ambitions, Majesty," he says, softly.
"Oh?" Oberon looks curiously,"What are his current ambitions, thus far?"
"To thresh the wheat from the chaff in my generation," he replies. "He seeks to avoid the surprise of Michael. . .of Trillium. . .and will stop at nothing to cut down the offending trees before they grow tall enough to offer and shade."
He adjusts the rimless glasses.
"Father is preparing. . .for something."
"Oh?" Oberon says.
"Yes," nods Constantine. "I can feel it. It aches like Patterndeath did. . .like an old wound does when the weather changes. Like Dealunde Bridge. Like Galipoli."
A visible shudder passes through the young man.
Oberon pauses,"It nears Samhein." he says,"Here take some of these."
He tosses Constantine a few of those strange blue crystals that Alexis gave him. "These should help, boy."
He examines them with the same enthusiasm one would a handful of writhing vipers.
"They work." Oberon says pointedly,"My bed is filled with a ton of this material. My chambers have them."
"Patterndeath is a bad choice of names. I call it Pattern Renaissance." Oberon correct him afterward. "My errant old father is back in his pattern looking at seashells and counting grains of sand for fun and profit."
"Call it what you want, you weren't the one who dove into the earth to remake it," he replies, sourly. "It felt like I had crawled into someone else's grave, and all I could hear was my father's laughter."
"Better that than ending up as a play thing for the hags of the Abyss,"Oberon reminds him,"Besides you did a good job until I could return. I heard that Suhuy wanted you to abjure and return to Chaos."
Constantine looked down at the crystals again, then pocketed them without further comment.
"That's a boy. We should discuss if you want a wife." Oberon ponders. "Hmmm chaos blood or elf blood or both."
Zariya arrives to court wearing a dress made of white samite. The cut of the dress is moderate, and for once, doesn't show a huge expanse of skin somewhere. The sleeves are long and dagged, and there is golden embroidery around the edges of the sleeves, hem, and around the bodice. She wears silver jewelry to complement the dress, and silvery white slippers upon her feet. Her hair hangs loose, and flows about and over her shoulders in an artful tumble.
Oberon smiles to her favouring her today,"Well grand daughter," he says , "Tell us of your missions to Ygg. Tell us of how you are in Garnath."
Zariya looks as if she wants to grimace. She doesn't, but for a moment a flicker of distaste crosses her features. "Shahinshah, I have not been to Ygg as of yet. With the attack on Viallevale, on Amber soil, I felt it best to settle my affairs here before taking a prolonged visit to Ygg."
"You will be going to Ygg soon?" he asks.
Zariya nods, "Yes, Your Majesty."
She pauses momentarily, "As for Garnath, when I was last there, I asked Rowan the Mrr for tribute. I am still waiting an answer from his rotundness."
"What chastisement do you advise me to make on Rowan of Garnath? I do not like my granddaughter being talked back to by fat moggies." Oberon says.
"As much as I loathe saying this," Zariya replies, "it is not Rowan who is at fault. His Chubbiness is following orders, I am sure." She sighs, "I am sure I could achieve greater results if the round one could speak without Rory being present at every visit of mine to Garnath."
"Rory, please explain." Oberon shifts to the gaudily dressed Rory.
He adds"I plan a cabinet shuffle and while I am not displeased with you for NS, I will promote you."
Zariya inclines her head, "If you so wish it, Shahinshah."
"You are now the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Find out why trade is stifled in my Realm and make it work."
Zariya says, "These added honors in Amber will delay my visit to Ygg, Your Majesty, while I try to give commerce in the realm order."
"You do not need to worry about NS - I plan to give it to a new girl." Oberon says "However you do keep Garnath."
Zariya curtsies to Oberon, "As you wish, Shahinshah."
"How does she say that without dribbling on herself?" Breyd stage whispers to Alexis on her right. "I'll bet she can't say it three times fast."
"It's a more elegant way of saying king of kings, now sssh." Alexis replies in low tones back.
Caine leans beside Breyd and says loudly in her ear,"It means shut your bloody gob!"
"Why UNCLE," Breyd gushes, "You even manage to sound like you're not a dedicated heckler yourself!" She flutters her eyelashes and blows kisses.
Scherazade arrives and waits to be intruduced at the herolds convience. Her hair is pulled back and up a bit falling ellgantlly in a layered pony tail. She's wearing a turtleneck longsleeved dress, slightly form fitting, with the bottom flowing out arround fer feet on all sides. (Emperor's Daughter in the new Dune Movie, without the wrap and headpiece.) The dress shifts colors as it moves from black to violet, being both at once. Her gloves are of the same coloring, trimed in the top with silver, they reach past her elbows. Her eyes and lips are accented in silver, as she wears an Amythesis on a silver chain.
Oberon notices her right away, and says nothing.
Balaam looks upset and sends a note to Oberon. Oberon reads it, crumples it and throws it over his shoulder.
He looks at Scherazade. "Well? You forgot something." he says noting her appearance.
"Can anyone remind this princess what she forgot?"
"Her sign," Breyd notes absently from the Princess Gallery. She's cleaning her nails.
Scherazade simple pushes her hair back proving that indeed she did not forget it. As she still waits camly as the others file into the green room.
Balaam looks wolfishly at her hoping to report her for her disobediance. He is laying in wait as he nailed Alexis and Breyd earlier.
With the hearlds permission to enter and approch.
Scherazade elegantly walks up to the approate place. Curtising to His Majesty as approate before taking any further course of action.
Oberon looks at Scher carefully, waiting for her.
Balaam comes and gives her a new sign with a string on it. "Your sentence, Princess," he gloats.
Oberon watches not reacting.
Scherazade slightly raises an eyebrow without loosing her demenier. She takes it camly, reading it first before putting it on.
Oberon notices and nods,"After Court you no longer have to wear it."
Scherazade smiply nods and wears it. Without any sign of rebellion, still wondering what it says exactally.
Scherazade curtsies deeply to His Majesty, so that her knees slightly graze the floor.
"May your wisdom and grace always reign forever, Your most gracious majesty." Scherazade replies in an obedient tone.
"I certainly hope so," mutters Oberon who turns to her,"Now what are you doing to improve the coffers of Amber for me?"
"Your Most High Majesty. The land of Dianadale is presentally producing proper argiculture produce that can be sent anywhere it is needed. To lessen the need for buying from elsewhere in places that are not up to meeting the peoples needs. As well as producing many exports to gain efficent funds for the Crown." Scherazade replied.
"Good. Congratulations on you and your cousins for stopping the last Mecklenberg raid. I take it you will be having local hangings this Samhein." Oberon says pleased. "Make sure you invite neighbouring peasants."
"If they're using your speeches for fertiliser, then it's going to be a bumper crop," Breyd heckles under her breath, smirking.
Oberon sighs,"Girl if you do not stop interrupting my reports, I will have you gagged with Rory's sock."
Scherazade simply stands and awaits His Majesty's opinion, or one from thoes that are important enought to matter.
"As well as I have a solution to the problem of not enought hangings. There is that which is called acting. My solution is to create a theater under the dictate of the crown. So that a select few would be taught in the ways of acting. So that they might entertain the masses as well as get a point across to them that you might wish. As well as portray events over and over again without the loss of life of anyone that is not needed when thoes agents you have in your imploy can not find sufficent bodies to execute."
"Don't have theatre nights conflict with hanging days,"Oberon says firmly.
"I have trained a few in the art of musicianship. That could serve the crown or theater in this manner. None of this comming from the resources of Crown or city."
"Even better. Work with Flora and Ben on that. Good luck finding Ben though. He likes stuffy Shakespeareans and sneaks to Haven to see that Clown Achmed direct."
"I shall watch carefully. A simular intrests should hopefully increase the odds." Scherazade said with a smile.
"Make it so." Oberon bids her.
"Unicorn knows we've never heard of acting around here," is the next dry, running commentary from the ginger firebrand.
Oberon glares at her once more,"Rory, Take off your left sock. The one with the hole in it. Have it ready." He glowers at Pepper.
Rory pulls off his left boot, then pulls off a rather disreputable-looking sock.
"Such a shame. I was about to retire this one to shoe-shining duty, too," Rory says regretfully. He wrinkes his nose and holds it at arm's length. "Phew! Direct sun on black boots sure makes for hot and stinky feet."
"Go stand beside Breyd in case there is one more outburst. I think the Lord Mayor will be rethinking her conduct." Oberon glowers at her.
If a glowering, seething guttersnipe could be considered penitant, Breyd is perhaps repentant. However, she is keeping her mouth shut. She simply tilts her head to give Rory a sidelong glance that acknowledges him, realises his situation and expresses no hard feelings as far as HE is concerned. Overall, she doesn't seem to care a fig about any titles that have been stripped off her so much as the principle of the thing.
"You know what lies in everyone's mind. That everyone here dose know what acting is. Then come gives up some examples of such that we all have seen, for their are very many. So that everyone knows it for what it is. You have ignored it when it happens so far right infront of you, And thus taken it for truth. So logic would point that the reason for such is that you do not know what acting is. Or that your defenition of such that it dose not properly define it." Scherazade softly replies.
Oberon groans.
"My appoligies for that interuption, and the intruption of others. Your Grasious and Wise Majesty, the ignorance of others is truely a matter that should not be seen in your court." Scherazade replies with another curtise that reaches the floor. "If there is anything that can be done to redeam these matters. It would be in my most humbolists duty to do so."
Sabine couchs into her hand and it suspiously sounds like 'bullshit'.
"How about looting Yggport and annexing it to Amber,"Oberon says playfully." I think that it needs a stronger hand than the hapless absentee monarch Tabitha. Then again, as everyone knows, woman are unfit to rule."
He looks at Scherazade,"Don't you agree girl?"
"In part your Majesty." Scherazade replies. "Where Tabitha has at present proven herself unfit to rule. To judge all others by her example is unjust, for each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. Where Tabitha's weakness is an inablity to rule, there is in existance others that have the ablity to rule as a strenght. To judge all women by the example of one, leave too great a room for error." Scherazade replied.
"OF course,"Oberon laughs, "That's a good answer."
"As for your request, I shall at the earliest conveanence start planning for such. There is a great miltary force at present in Yggport. From all other powers of the universe. It bring the possiblity to a great challange. That shall when succesful should prove the ablities and power of Amber. Not as a weakened state like they other powers perfer to think of us. A strike I should not think to happen rather quickly. But to be planed out and executed with knowledge of the strengths and weakness of the foes."
Oberon chuckles,"Rather than you donning Deirdre's battle armour and racing to battle, I recommend you contact Lord Paolo and ask how you may assist."
"I shall of course do so. As with His Majesty's permission. Thoes in Ygg of forgin powers see me as part of an ambassadral party that has caused no trouble to them or the people. To return there to gain the support of the people of Ygg. Certinally they are perhaps intimadated by so much miltary force in their normally peaceful home. To gain them to ourside. So that when Amber's forces reach Ygg, that they will be more willing to support us and betray the others. That before hand they were befriend by us. Thus willing to help us, and be open to Amberian ways and rule." Scherazade replies.
"Good girl," Oberon says,"That is all. Now after Court, go see Paolo."
"Yes Majestic Highness." Scherazade replies, as she bows out of the Kings presence.
"Here fishy, fishy, fishy," Breyd says with a cagey grin and makes a reeling in motion. "Tell me, can you only understand what people think and know if they give the same sort of kneejerk reactions you do, ducks? Or are you so caught up in your own Mystic Meg assumptions, you assume everybody else is as deaf, dumb and blind to situations as you are?"
Grab your popcorn folks, this might take a while.
Scherazade simply curtisies to His Majesty. "My appoligies your majesty that my presence would make some forget what manners grace and nature have given them. For your courts is one that should be above such petty intreuptions."
Oberon favours her with a nod,"Proceed."
"Well, you never turn up for your other appointments," Breyd replies flippantly. "I'm never one to turn aside an opportunity to vent spleen, lovey. Catch as catch can, the saying goes." Breyd does darling dimples.
Oberon ignores the dimples,"Vent your spleen in the fishmarket with the other screeching fishwives, girl. Not in my court."
Oberon absently looks at Breyd as he is getting the report,"Hush." he says.
Breyd seems unrepentant, but does hush as she focuses back on playing pinocle with Sabine. "Wanna help me go interview Balaam after Court?" she offers with the same vixenish grin.
Seeing how Sabine is losing badly to Breyd she agrees with a knife-edge smile, "Sounds good to me, cousin - will it be up close and personal? I might like to change first." She chuckles and has another go at pinocle.
"With the crowns permission. It would be prudent to set up a small theater. Where as to entertain the masses of course at a fee. That would revert to the crown. Thus when there is not enough apphrended to serve for a hanging. The actors may act out hanging, as well as other things to keep the people happy. For the actors can have to perform great acts of Amber and other such things. To teach them the morals and ideals of Amber. So that the ways of the forgin powers look horrendus, and unimagnable." Scherazade replied.
"Here here," says Laszlo, momentarily forgetting protocol to express his approval.
"Benedict and Flora had theatres when Random was around. You may work on this. If you succeed with them and others, I am sure we can give you some sort of ministry in that area," Oberon says,"But the hangings will not be reduced. They are Breyd's jurisdiction except for special crown executions."
"I had no intention on doing anything other then picking up where others leave the citizens wanting for something more. In this I hope to also bring about more prosperity to Amber , and peaceful citizens in our cities." Scherazade responds.
"Get one up for Samhein." Oberon tells Breyd.
"A Theatre, hangings or a horrendous Forging Power?" Breyd asks Oberon merrily. "The last one might be a bit tricky, but I could talk to Kelric."
"That was for you, Girl,"Oberon tells Pepper,"Hang lots for Samhein eve."
"Sorry, Old Man," Breyd says in return, her tone of voice mimicking the king rather closely. "Your instructions got obskoor." She smirks at Cher as well before examining her pinocle hand more closely and discarding a nine of hearts to lose the rubber. She seems to know when to draw Sabine out with medium clout cards to drain her trumps and increase the value of the trumps in her own hands rather deftly.
Oberon gives her a glassy eye and looks pissed though does and says nothing.
Sabine is not very good at this particular game and is loosing gracefully - she's not unsheathed a weapo yet. She does keep her eyes on Oberon and Scher while Breyd insults them. Wisely saying nothing.
Alexis arrives in a full length ice blue gown. Full skirts of layers, bodice of silver embroidered brocade, and slashed and puffed sleeves. Her hair is pulled up and covered with a net of fine platinum chain with pale sapphires set over it. Drop earrings match that and the full choker collar with drops of platinum and pale sapphires that she wears. She enters with grace, advances to her seat, and pauses on the runner to curtsey fully to the throne before taking her seat. She is followed by a dark blue silk brocade dressed reddish haired teen girl, bearing a gilded wire basket with an ice blue silk cloth lining it and ends folded over the top. The girl manages to find room to stand at the end of the row of seats Alexis sits in (near the side out of the way).
Oberon looks at Alexis,"Nice for you to drop by." he stumps over to the throne and sits down.
"Well tell me how the public works have been doing?"
Looks at Gram, then back to Alexis,"And don't tell me about the petting zoo you set up either."
"What about Typhoid? I heard that the slums are like what happens when Typhoid Mary trots up and down?" Oberon says.
"Typhoid, Plague, Influenza...all being vaccinated for. Cases reported have dropped significantly in the last month." Alexis reports.
"Even Cloven Hoof?" Oberon asks seriously, "We had an outbreak from illegal demons. Lutterkin almost had his horns burned off for that."
"We can't get the serum vaccine. Thelbane and Linchester have both been petitioned through the correct channels." Alexis replies.
"well if they aren't co-operating because that shit Colmar hates us as much as the Mecks, then get busy and find one in Acquitainia."
"And how much is your petting zoo costing me?"
"As already stated Your Majesty, nothing. It is entirely privately funded. The books have been open for inspection since it was founded...and notarized copies regularly submitted to Gram." Alexis replies.
"I still think it is a waste of time." Oberon grouses.
Alexis tactfully doesn't reply.
"To the Crown, nothing." Alexis replies. "City planning and public resources are run with the bond issuance. There is no Crown expenditures from my departments." Alexis points to the pages given to Gram. "It's all in order in there."
"All departments are property of the Crown." Oberon reminds her,"How much is it costing the department?"
Alexis sighs. "Under the terms of the Bond issuance, they are out of the loop until the bonds are paid off, at which point they are then turned over to the Crown. Until the bonds are paid, any revenues remain within those confines to pay off the bonds. Until the bonds are paid off in full, the departments are officially running at a loss." Alexis points to the ledger pages. "Everything is summed up there."
"How many percentage points above Suhuy Prime? And how is repayment made?"
"As part of the record, Gram should have the official issuance terms in his files." Alexis begins. "It was a set payoff of 20 years, 240 months. Payments were on a schedule, to yield 2.5 to 1. You purchased one hundred dollars of bonds, they matured to two hundred fifty paid back over the 20 years. The payments were set firm. No floating or fluctuating. The only thing that could be changed, was a payment time could be moved up. The rest after that were still set at the fixed intervals. No matter if the bonds could be paid off tomorrow, the entire sum of all promised payments not yet made would be paid." Alexis sighs. "Four months and 50 payments have been made. So the schedule of 240 payments has been moved up 46. Final payoff date has been moved up almost four years." she pauses. "IF the Crown happens to hold any bonds, new schedules would have been provided with the payments." she says carefully.
Balaam is writing this all down and doing the math multiple times to check. He glares at her.
Gram is nodding verifying what she says.
Oberon says ,"What is the bottom line? Interest percentage?"
Balaam goes up and whispers in Oberon's ear and he nods,"Oh yes. Do a security check on the bondholders to see if we can hang or arrest any of them and attainder their debt."
Alexis shakes her head slightly. "I can tell you, Your Majesty, that over 99% of those bonds, at one hundred per issuance, are held by three holders, and you're not going to see them in that situation." she sighs. "The other one percent are the devalued ones sold by stamps to the public, such as the schoolchildren. They buy stamps over time, then gain possesion of a devalued ten pound bond, or one tenth of one of the regular issue bond, and at term, can cash their devalued bond for twenty five pounds. They do not receive any direct payments, just the cashout when the bond matures..." she explains carefully. "One million pounds of the regular issue, or ten thousand one hundred pound bonds, were diverted for this use. They are held in the trust that holds the payments made on that block of bonds; that will pay the value at maturity. THOSE books are also in the regularly submitted financial records to the Crown." Alexis finishes.
"How nice," Oberon says drily. "Extend the stamp program to the Golden Circle and any part of Ardor we control. Let the blond Hathoreans and even Rory's slaves all buy stamps."
"They are because they could become Crown revenue." Oberon notes.
Alexis nods. "After everything is in place there is a transition period schedulled when the services currently being run under the bond issue will transfer to the Crown. At the moment though, everything is running at loss, but is covered within the bond funds."
"Bonds mean debt. How much?" Oberon says.
"Original issuance was One Hundred Million Thelbane Pounds." Alexis replies. "Because of the fluctuating value of the Amber Gold Sovereign, issuance was in Thelbane Pounds." Alexis pauses. "I personally underwrote the issuance, so it was not a voting issue. As underwriter I guaranteed the payoff on a certain schedule, and if funds were generated in advance, the payoffs would be moved up. Under the original payoff schedule, it has already been advanced 46 months ahead of original. Every payment has been on time or ahead of time, Your Majesty." Alexis ends.
"Good."Oberon says,:"Make sure that goes on our credit report to the Suhuyean banks. It may help renegotiate some loans for the Navy."
"It's under my name, Your Majesty, as I am the guarantor." Alexis says softly. "As registered in the Suhuy Exchange."
"Good." says Oberon,"Make sure you don't have to mortgage Wayne Manor. You own it."
Alexis bows her head again. "From Caister there is not much revenue as of yet....we have done remarkably well in attracting settlers and finding water for crops." Alexis reaches into her basket and pulls out a gold crown coin, a few silver, and a few lesser coins. She puts them on a cloth in a page's hand. "All the taxes so far...but." The page kneels to show the meager take to Oberon, then ferry it over to Gram....
"Well, get busy." he nods as Balaam reaches over and snatches the take out of her hand as if it was his gin money.
"Receipt!" Alexis says sharply to Balaam.
Balaam hisses and looks at Oberon.
"Give her a receipt." Oberon says to him. Balaam glares at Alexis and will pull out a quill and prepares a receipt and a wooden counter which he breaks in half as well. He then counts the small amount of money thrice and then grudgingly hands her a completed signed receipt.
Alexis bows properly to Oberon, and takes the receipt and her counter piece.
Alexis pulls a bundled cloth out of the bottom of the basket and unfolds it carefully to show a clear glass vial about an inch and a half wide and eight long, corked. About two inches of small bright blue crystals catch the light. "We've found a few of these while digging in the hills for water....and they are not sapphires. This is what we've found so far." Alexis gives it to the page to show to Oberon. "My geologist on staff doesn't know what they are, but he's from my shadow and that could be why..."
Oberon motions them to be brought closer. He holds one up to the light looking through it.
He smiles.
Then a hand of his reaches down and takes the crystals and then a second hand takes the other one as they go into his pockets hidden in the robes.
"Bring me all of these that you find." Oberon bids her sharply.
Alexis bows low to Oberon in reply. "They are scarce." she admits. "We shall, your Majesty."
"Good. Have go at it."
Alexis bows low again.
(Rory can describe his entry to the throne room)
Oberon is tapping his foot.... "Where is that boy Rory? I would prefer him to show off to the rabble of Amber City in other people's time."
Five ships from Rory's High Seas Fleet pull into Amber Harbor. As soon as the last gangplank hits the docks, a deep, heavy booming sound echoes across the bay. A group of brightly dressed Mumukan soldiers bearing enormous drums tromp out of the lead ship. Following them are more Mumukan soldiers, their dark skin standing out against the dark brown uniforms of Rory's Mumukan Guards Legion.
At last rory emerges from the ship, riding a sedan chair borne by four privates of the Guards legion. He wears golden pants with a broad black stips at the seam tucked into polished knee-high boots, a golden shirt, and a black waistcoat with silver embroidery.
Rory is followed by a series of litters, each with its own detachment of guards. Many of the litters carry sealed and locked chests, while others carry elephant tusks or exotic hides.
The procession winds past the royal treasury, where the loads carried by the porters are deposited. The porters and guards form up behind Rory, and march in a long parade to the castle, where Rory aligts and enters for Court. After a massed salute and singing of the Mumukan Guards' Legionnary Hymn, they march back to the ships.
"Your majesty, int the absence of a hanging - which I must say that our new mayor has been doing a fine job of providing - I thought that a bit of a parade might entertain the masses," Rory says as he strides through the opened doors of the green room. He still wears the loud and flashy clothes from the parade - pants and shirt of a goldenrod yellow, black waistcoat with silver and gold embroidery.
"The people do love a spectacle, and so does the royal treasury," he adds, smirking.
"Oh then if you are bringing in more money, then parade through the town twice if necessary."Oberon says pleased. "You look like you have come from a carnival. That outfit alone indicates that you are far from abject."
"Actually, your Majesty, I buy my clothes from myself at a steep discount and write off the losses as a business expense," Rory replies. "Having clothes made in offshore export processing zones cuts the cost, you know. Speaking of which," his eyes narrow, "I could give one heckuva deal to the castle steward on some new uniforms for the castle staff. Cheap."
Oberon looks pleased,"Good. Have the Royal Tailor contact them. The racketeers we buy from here are abominable. I have had to custom order my robes from Haven because no one here knows how to make them anymore."
"Of course, your Majesty. I'll put the Royal Tailor in touch with my factor here in Amber city and see what we can arrange," Rory says. "I can probably even arrange an extra-special deal for the crown on shipping."
"No Kelric gave me the regalia back."
Zariya stands after this, and curtsies to Oberon, "With my apologies for the interruption, Shahinshah, but my tailors in Viallevale do know how to make your robes.."
She gestures to one of her staff lurking in the back of the court somewhere, and her staff members bring in several robes, all in the cut that Oberon prefers. The robes are done in rich colors, gold and green, red and silver, and so on, with exquisite embroidery and fine needlework apparant. Not only are the robes presented for His Majesty's inspection, but also matching dresses made for the Queen. All in all, there are ten excellently-made sets of clothing presented. "From my tailors in the 'Vale, Your Majesty," Zariya says as they are presented. "They send their regards and wishes for good health to You and Your Queen, and hope that You enjoy their gifts."
"Good." Oberon favours her with a smile,"I will have my Chamberlain Nicolo review those later. I am pleased."
Zariya returns her grandfather's smile warmly, curtsies deeply to him, and returns to her seat. Her men and the gifts they presented exit to a side room where stewards are given the care of said gifts.
There is a sudden arrival.
Pearl arrives with five large shaved monkey human types that barely pass for human. They are carrying chests of gold and precious jewels.
Oberon looks at these five chests with unabashed avarice. Some notice he is licking his lips.
Pearl is wearing a large dark green 40s style coat. Her hair is curled and she has enough make up to rival Tammy Fae Baker. She has on black gloves, a black leather stretched dress and black boots. She is a very large gal. She has a purse with her.
"Lord Oberon." she bows about 45 degrees to him.
He regards her with distaste but looks more at the loot.
"Yes Mistress Pearl, what do you want?"
"I want a trade charter with the Hillmen of Arden and I want you to tell Rolandae and their ally Rory to stop blocading my ships to Koronande. The bypass through Elflands is too expensive."
"What blockade?" Oberon says feigning ignorance. "Rory is there a blockade?"
"Blockade, your majesty? I know of no blockade," Rory answers. He taps his chin for a moment, apparently deep in thought. "Ah, I think I understand. There is the matter of a trifling passage tax to pay for the upkeep of the forts at the Horns and to help support his majesty's treasury, which in turn supports the Royal Navy that your loyal merchants rely upon to ensure the safety of the sea lanes. Now, if Lady Pearl is unwilling to do her civic duty and pay taxes - which have added a tidy sum to the treasury - well, I'm just afraid she cannot expect to be allowed the benefits of passage."
Oberon turns to Pearl with a smile,"Ahhh, I am glad that is solved. There is no blockade and we are delighted in her payment of fair taxes. Next issue."
Pearl scowls to Rory bitterly.
Pearl waits for Rory's response as well then says,"King Oberon these are presents with no strings attached. Take them as gifts of my esteem for you. I hear that a friend in need... Is " She smiles wickedly," A friend indeed."
"I am willing to pay 400,000 Gold Crowns..." Oberon's ear perk up at this as he scratches his red hair,"To have a charter allowing me access to trade. Not a monopoly though. I do not fear competition without piracy." She stares at Rory with unhidden dislike.
"Well that is nice." purrs Oberon with some lust not for the corpulent Pearl but for her gold. "That can help Amber meet its targets as my grandchildren have been busy playing." He shoots the front rows a collective look of annoyance.
"Ahem...I paid at the door," Rory says. "Royal Treasury door, that is. Dropped off some extra candles as well, as your clerks will be working late tonight counting it all up."
"Splendid. Maybe you and Pearl should have a contest to see who is the best taxpayer and the winner gets an Order of the Unicorn." Oberon says cheerfully. "Everyone else is welcome to enter. Next year I should toss in a Duchy in Shadow."
Pearl looks coquettish,"Your Majesty, I found Prince Laszlo to be a very nice young man." She waves her black gloved hand to him,"Did you receive the cheque, my pet?" she says to Laszlo.
Laszlo smiles at Pearl, but does not think it appropriate to answer.
Oberon raises a red eyebrow at Laszlo curiously.
Gram goes over to Laszlo in case he has a contribution to make to the Crown.
Laszlo reaches into his pocket producing a calf-skin wallet lined with silver. Delicately extracting a slip of paper, he signs the back with a marble-effect pen and halves it, before handing it over to Gram.
Gram takes the note and then bows to Oberon and takes it to him.
Oberon looks at it then nods to Gram.
"Furhtermore, I request that Lady Pearl's trading privileges in Amber be revoked, that she be declared an enemy of the state, and that letters of marque be issued against her ships. She has willfully attacked the trade convoys that deliver the wealth of Ardor to Amber. She has done this at the behest of the enemies of Amber, and accepted their coin in payment. As an agent of the Mecklenbuggerers, who have referred to you as 'Cockroach', incited creation to slay or overthrow you, and have violated Amber's sovereignty on numerous occasions with their terrorists, I suggest that she be arrested for high treason and held under investigation for charges of high treason."
Oberon waggles his finger at Pearl,"Have you been naughty again you bad girl?"
She looks demure,"Call it a weakness, Obie." she looks down and threw her eyelashes.
Oberon shakes his head,"Cockroach?"
"I didn't call you that, just your blond beast grandchildren."
"Have you been sinking Rory's ships Pearl?"
"I call it fair competition."
"I call it piracy."
"I bought a letter of marque from Trinity so it's privateering."
"That's no good." Oberon says,"I am going have to punish you."
Pearl yawns,"Will that be Ruby Card or Cash."
"Cash is better, Pearl,"
She smiles "I knew you did not take cheques here. I heard from Your Mother, that the Kolvirii have a saying,"Don't take Little Obie's cheques if you are allergic to the smell of burning rubber."
Oberon glares at Count Throndo, the Kolvirii Ambassador who pipes up,"Not me, Your Majesty, just my enemies say that about your lumiscent Leige."
Oberon goes back to Pearl,"I want you to pay Rory for his sunk ships."
"No I won't Oberon. He is too much of a brat. You spoiled him too much, just like you spoiled those brats Fiona and Brand. You are as bad as Uncle Suhuy you know."
"Then I will include it in your fine at triple mark up."
"Oberon," Pearl says,"I know how you go through money like shit through a goose. How much for an out of court settlement. Three years budgets? Then you don't have to go through pinching pennies and shaking down your grandchildren's piggy banks."
Oberon says as Balaam continually shoves notes in his face,"I think ten no, eleven, er, thirteen. No let's make it seventeen."
"How about twenty?" Pearl says,"And I can build a new townhouse in Amber?"
"You negotiate with Zariya and Balaam." says Oberon ,"And buy Crown Land."
"of course Obie." she says.
"Then I sentence you to a fine of twenty million gold Haven Red Wolf Series A Coins of 99.44% purity or Thelbane Hundred Pound Coins of 99.41%." Oberon says carefully.
She sighs,"I thought you had your own mint."
"Yes but we aren't making gold coins yet." Oberon admits,"Sabine will make the first gold unicorn Crown eventually."
Pearl goes back to her spot passing Rorie,"Hope you can build better ships next time cutie." she reaches out and pinches his cheek.
Rory grins. "Well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we, dearie?"
Gram then gives Rorie a cheque post dated till after Pearl pays her fine for the damages from the Crown. It is listed at a Suhuyean bank.
Rory hands it off to an aide, who rushes to make sure that it's secured and payment flows the second Pearl's money hits the treasury.
Oberon calls Alexis and Rory to the Throne.
"While Balaam is boring us with his reading of the last month's receipts and the amount of graft and bribes he has hidden from us,"Oberon says flatly,"I would like the two of you to trot over to the Harbour and meet Princess Aura. She is coming to present herself. It seems that you need more help in running this Proud and Noble Country."
(OOC - This is the first of several possible new characters who are being integrated into the EQ community)
Looking at several of their uncles he says sourly,"I believe a couple of you boys already know Aura."
Most of the uncles and aunts look at each other rather confused not recognizing the name of Aura.
Oberon coughs, "Tempet Fugit Rory and Alexis." and claps his hands once. "Make sure that she is fit to present to Court. I am certain that Balaam can keep nattering and mumbling for a few hours to make sure that you can ensure everything is fine by my standards."
"Oh and by the way you two. Make sure I get the money back that I paid out for her trip. She sent me a note saying that she did not need it. I think she has offshore cash."
Alexis curtseys to Oberon and departs....
"As you command, your Majesty," Rory replies. He bows low and daparts.
Master Balaam stands up at a lull in court.
His beady blue eyes scan the room from the safety of his corner desk. "the King, his most august and Imperial and Royal Majesty, Oberon, High King of Amber, Emperor of the Golden Circle, Lord of Creation, Prince of Atlantis, doth herein and hereon Decree:
That Princess Zariya is the Minister of Industry and Commerce.
That Princess Sabine is the Secretary of Trade
That Prince George is Secretary of Council.
That Princess Jessa is the new Master of Ceremonies.
That Princess Scherazade is the Solicitor General of Amber, in charge of jails, prisons, and enforcing national and royal law.
The Following Posts are declared Vacant: Master of the Stables, Master of the Rolls, Master of the Buckhounds, Ambassador to Neuvo Sangre, Lord Privy Seal
The Pattern Protect the King"
Balaam pompassly then sits down looking smug then he goes over and hands the seals of office to the new recipients.
Sabine takes her new seal with a playful growl at Balaam, enough that he should hurry on by her. She looks at it for a moment and then rises, addressing Oberon from her seat in the gallery, "Perhaps I might fill in as Master of the Stables, grandfather, that is until you find someone more worthy." Her dark head is lowered in supplication, but her mouth is twisted in it's normal crooked grin.
Zariya accepts the seal of office from Balaam graciously, even managing a smile towards him. As she accepts the seal, however, she is very careful not to touch his hand at all.
He looks at her with his watery blue eyes and puffed up mouth near the thin face.
Then he licks his lips at her quietly and smiles, glancing downward though not enough to show submission as he backs away from her.
Balaam trips and falls flat on his face. There is a crushing sound of glass which tears into his flesh and blood and alcohol drip from him.
Oberon ignores the incident while lackeys come and lead him off and clean up the mess on the rugging.
Zariya manages to look innocent and otherwise ignores Balaam as she examines the badge of office, then returns her attention to court proceedings.
Balaam gives her a filthy look that speaks daggers. However he says nothing and returns to his desk.
Scherazade bows then kneels before Baalam as he passes out the seals. She simply keeps her hands polietely lower then his, as to make him set the seal in her hands.
Breyd quirks up a corner of her mouth. "If I may beg the King's attention for a moment...Considering he has appointed the Princess Scherazade to enforce his laws, would it perhaps be more appropriate that she co-ordinates Hanging Night? I would be more than happy to hand over the people and processes that I have arranged so that Her Highness could take the reins and drive this operation. I can only recommend that she allows His Highness, Prince Rory, to retain concession rights during the show."
"No. That is YOUR job,"Oberon growls. "However as you wish to involve her, I will make in charge of quality control to ensure that the people get a show."
"My JOB as it was defined was Lord Mayor of Amber City - not your hatchet boy or are the two synonymous? I would have thought the job of Executioner would have been better suited to a Judicial branch of the Crown and not an Administrative." Breyd counters, growling in return. "I'm supposed to be helping to administer and improve the quality of life for the people of Amber City, not simply knot hemp. It involves co-ordinating sewage and garbage collection, improving public health, monitoring zoning and expansion of building and industry in the city. Trying to rebuild a sense of harmony and security in this DAMN CITY! In short, it is an attempt to govern...to ensure there are facilities for public execution when required...and gaols to hold them in. It is NOT my responsibility to enforce Crown Justice, no more than it is the responsibility of our policing force to execute the criminals that they catch."
"It would free me to keep my attentions upon more civil matters pertiaining to the office of the Lord Mayor, and perhaps allow me to prevent such unfortunate incidences as we seem to have been plagued with lately when our nation receives visitors."
"I am sure the ribbon cutting can wait."
"Unfortuantely, the sewers seem to be in a dreadful state again. The last inspector-general I appointed to the duties seems to have woefully neglected them, perhaps they were beneath her."
"Then go down yourself, girl." Oberon says growling dangerously.
"I seem to recall," Laszlo interjects helpfully, "the office of Lord Mayor currently includes the responsibilities of the Sheriff, whose duties I think are causing the problem here. Perhaps the Lord Mayor should delegate this office to some other loyal servant of his Majesty?"
Breyd glances at Lazslo, the dark eyes still flashing for a moment. "I believe His Majesty has already appointed a Sheriff, unfortunately, he never reported for duty. I also believe that my empowerment for appointing offices to any cousins has already been rather aptly demonstrated by my lack of sewage control at present. I would not deign to begin to try to assert an authority I did not have." Her voice has the edge of iron-control in it as she responds. "Indeed, I would not have tried to appoint a sewer inspector-general if I had not been given explicit instructions to find something useful for my cousin to do."
"It seams that yet again that you prove that you believe in fiction over reality." Scherazade simply states.
Oberon has a dangerous look on his face,"I think that Princess Breyd needs to be reminded that her role is to obey the Leige of Amber and not worry about bureaucracy. Perhaps her time in Haven is making her soft.
"Princess Zariya, you are immediately Lord Mayor. Please see that Amber's criminals hang and that order from the guilds and townspeople ensue. The citizens will not have an elected Mayor nor will the Aldermen show defiance to Royal Will. There will be no Charter of the City. The Lord Mayor's job is only one role. To enforce Royal Will."
"You may work with Princess Alexis on retaining whatever public works that you see fit."
It's not often at all that Zariya is caught totally flat-footed. This is one of those times. She blinks a few times before Oberon's words sink in, and when they do, she says, plainly for once, "As you command."
"Excellent work already,"Oberon grunts and then goes to the next portion of business.
Princess Breyd, you are now forthwith, the High Commissioner to Garnath. Please see to it that Rowan the Mrrr and his buddy, the Archcheetah Dover, decide that their tribute is paid on time. We will see how that shrill voice of yours will work when herding cats and redheads." Oberon says sharply.
"Balaam - please dismiss all of Breyd's appointees at Guildhall and see to it that they do not steal pens or office stationery. Make sure the Royal Guard are present in case I hear any more screeches before the end of court. There may be some hangings of the staff if the Lord Mayor's post causes people to turn into Dunstrees." Oberon says with dangerous finality.
"Girl,"he turns very dangerously to Breyd,"This is not Haven. Do not forget that. Do not ever screech howl or defy me in my Court again or I will punish you."
"Do you understand?" Oberon says dangerously,"Or perhaps I should add the role of Ambassador to the Court of Paolo at Firenze to your duties."
Scherazade simply steps back giving Breyd the main attention. As she watches on with a netural expression.
Breyd's dark eyes narrow. "I see. So representing Amber is strictly to be a punishment. I thought it was an honour, Grandfather...Or does even the King see no value in his kingdom any longer?" Her voice is rock-steady and quiet, filled with banked fire.
Oberon totally ignores the comment and continues on with business as usual.
"Most exaulted GreatGrandfather." Scherazade speaks out. "it seams that you are correct in that life outside of Amber has made her soft. That she has lost her civil toung and what manners she had by natural grace, to thoes that do not see the ideals of Amber. Perhaps learning some of these lessons again properly in Amberian style could improve her appearence in court in the future. If she is allowed back."
"If judged on her example alone, what a disgraceful image that puts on thoes working for Amber outside of this realm. To have one of our own carry on like a small child, here let alone elsewhere."
Gram for a moment looks off balance and then pulls a paper, "Lord Mandor insists that Amber renounce its claim to suzereignity over Ygg. He cites that the Great Powers Council has declared that Ygg is a site that is under their Protection."
Oberon snorts,"Tell Mandor Ygg is Amber's. I planted that Goddamned Tree. And I am not moving it because Swayville wanted the Amber border at Xanadu. I took it back after the War of the Dead Tree."
"Moreover the GPC claims that much of the disputed Outer Patternlands between Paolo's Patternlands and Ygg is actually part of Open Shadow and not Amber Shadow. They cite Random's Treaty with Mandor that recognized the right of all Great Powers to have an equal slice of Open Shadow in a big pie." Gram informs him.
"If Chaos or their little puppy Great Powers even steps one foot between Ygg and Patternlands, I will order Paolo to kick their asses back to Ygg." Oberon snorts.
"What of Lord Mandor?"
"Tell him to stop dating my daughter lest he suffer the same fate of Chrys Menelrea." Oberon snorts derisively.
"And while you are it Zariya, there are five agents of the Black Zone in my dungeons. We abducted them from near Ygg where they were working for Colmar, hang them..."
Oberon stops, "No, Girl, Have them Garotted and send Colmar their heads in your capacity as Consul General. Amber must not be weak in the face of the Lordlings of Chaos."
Zariya inclines her head, "As you will it, it shall be done, my liege."
"Grandfather...The only disobediance that I have presented you with is to question this aspect of it now that you've defined and appointed a role that seems clearer suited to the task than that of Lord Mayor. Of course, if you could manage to get somebody to turn up and be Sheriff..." Breyd continues.
"I fail to see why the role of Lord Mayor must continue to be defined by Hanging nights -- when there are appointments to the Crown's Justice that would seem to serve the role better! I also fail to see how a little growling constitutes shrieking and howling. I could demonstrate the difference if it pleases your Majesty," Breyd promises. "If all you want is arse kissing without ANY attempt to follow your orders intelligently, you could fill the court with Cher's and see how your damn kingdom fares then! I notice she never fails to grab for the kneepads. If all you care for is that, then perhaps you'd better send me off to every foreign court you can think of, because I won't do that."
"I would prefer to speak to you plainly and openly than dance around behind a fence of lying flattery. I would prefer to question you and then follow your orders with understanding than be a mindless robot!"
Oberon turns to her, his face hard and unemotional.
"You are to speak to me in private after I have spoken to Alexis about those Midnight Blue Sapphires," He says sternly. "Gram you will attend us."
"Fiona, I know about your antics with that little rat, Bruce. If I see that shit in Amber, I will sacrifice him to the Abyss myself and buy Amber a year or two of peace." Oberon turns to her in a great bit of sudden anger. "I should shoot all your sons. You have caused nothing but trouble. Josiah is a menace that needs gutting. You have made Haven permanently Amberphobic."
Caine smirks at Fiona and looks like he would volunteer.
Julian stares at the floor.
Fiona glares at her father. He stares back at her. Oberon taps his finger on his orb...
Fiona stares angrily at Oberon.
Oberon says to Gram, "Did Alexis' research in Amber review the Interregnum where Fiona made her pathetic bid for the throne?"
"Yes, Sire," Gram nods,"She was so hated as a possible Queen of Amber that even grandchildren of Rilga endorsed Jasra taking over."
"Oh my," states Oberon with mock shock.
Fiona's face goes slightly red.
Oberon continues,"Yes, daughter, I was there watching when you used poison gas to stop a crowd of guildsmen and protesters who thought your abilities to rule Amber were lacking. I also know that your men killed several of my agents causing that the only choice for Queen was in fact Suhuy's daughter."
Fiona looks at the rug. Her small hands clenched in a fist.
Oberon smiles without his eyes moving from their agate flinty glare at her,"Daughter, you need to be reminded to obey. You have set a terrible example to your daughter. Did I not tell you that Haven was my project with Dworkin. Why did you convince your little brothers into trying to become Proconsul there? Why did you continue to push to destroy its Power though I went to great lengths to ensure it was not a Pattern. Stupid child. If you were younger, I would spank you."
"You are to obey - not ask why. You are to do as I tell you too. If Corwin listened to me, I would not have broken into pieces."
"We will not go into your Treason with Swayville and Suhuy and your alliance with Bleys and Brand."
Oberon says,"Now unless anyone else wants to play, we will continue with MY Court."
Laszlo will lodge his petition on behalf of the Koronanade Free Trade Corporation with Gram, so that it comes up at the appropriate time in the schedule of events.
Gram will pass this to Oberon at Court, Oberon looks at it, the looks over at Laszlo,"Boy, how much will you make as net revenue in years one two and three?"
Laszlo frowns, and pulls out his notebook. "We are legitimising black market trade, so precise figures are difficult to pinpoint. However -" he adds to forestall any growing wrath, "I have made some forecasts, and in start up year a turnover of 100 000 gold crowns is envisaged, with 25% payable to the crown. This will rise steadily to 250 000 gold crowns by year three, depending on the prevailing tax regime and other circumstance." Laszlo relates. "War, piracy and the such." He adds as explanation. "Forecasts will be rendered to the crown every six months, to show performance versus projections. It is anticipated that by year three 50% of turnover will be payable to the crown, since the venture capital will have been repaid. Thereafter it will be run as a non-profit making exercise, any funds exceeding costs will be payable to His Majesty."
Gram nods away and looks to Oberon mentally communicating.
Balaam hands Oberon a parchment with minute chicken scratches on it.
Oberon looks at Laszlo. "Granted. First payment of 100,000 gold crowns is to be done in 11 not twelve months."
Laszlo bows low. "By your command," he says formally.
Suring the portion of Court where Oberon hears petitions from those gathered, Rory rises to his feet.
"Your Majesty, I request two boons of you. The first involves the area I refer to as the Mumukan dependency. Whereas I am the sole member of the family to establish a foothold there, have sponsored immigration and colonization from Amber, am responsible for bringing its treasures back to enrich our fair kingdom, and raised up legions to serve Amber I feel that I have a vested interest in that place. In light of the fact that I have improved public sanitation for the local inhabitants, lessened disease by draining off swamps, and otherwise greatly improved the productivity and quality of life there, I believe that I have a vested interest in the people as well. That being said, I request a special charter and Your Majesty's recognition of me as Suzerain of the Mumukan Dependencies and Lord Protector of the Mumukans," Rory says.
Oberon smirks,"I name Rory, King of Roritania, as defined by the seven or eight enclaves he holds. That is his kingdom. I recognize that he may annex any Mumakan tribe that he can vanquish. I also set his contribution at 50% higher than the Tribute for Hathor though a less amount than Koronande because they don't have a King of Royal Blood."
"You are to map out your 7/8 enclaves and present them to Gram for me to recognize."
"Of course, your majesty," Rory responds. When the king isn't looking, he glances over at Zariya and sticks out his tongue at her.
Gram goes up to Alexis,"His Majesty would like a quick word with Your Highness," he says politely as he leads her momentarily from the others to the King who is standing by the throne.
Alexis nods to the others and follows Gram. When she gets to the presence of the King she curtseys fully, but somewhat slowly, and the scarf that obscures some of her face flutters a little.
"Hullo Alexis," Oberon says,"I would like you to do a task for me."
Alexis nods and stays on her knee.
He takes a passing wine goblet and drinks from it,"I want you to go to Ygg. Your father has asked me to repeal the travel restrictions which are done. You will ask Dunstree to come back to Amber and take up the post of Ambassador to the Courts of Kolvir.:"
Nods again, eyes still down, and goes lower in respect.
This text is copyright © the players and GM of Equinox; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.
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