When they arrive back at Amber, Scherazade, Breyd, and Zariya are met by Balaam and a number of guards...and Alexis in full court dress with Dame Margot in tow.

Alexis stares down coldly and aloofly at Balaam.

Balaam is dressed in all black with higher heels on his feet for height. He is wearing a 19th frock coat and looks gaunt. He has a cane which he taps annoyingly and to what he thinks sounds sinister.

"What is the meaning of this, or are you part of this traitorous clutch?" Balaam stamps a foot.

Alexis is holding her gloved hands clasped in front of her and stares down icily at Balaam from her 6'2". "These are Princesses of Amber. I have asked Dame Margot to assist, so that there can be no hint of impropriety to besmirch their virtue whilest the investigation is conducted." Alexis blinks twice.

Zariya smirks slightly, but doesn't say anything.

Breyd s a bit preoccupied with a scrap of paper in her possession. She's ignoring most of the room while she scans it. When she comes to the end of the note, she looks up with a furious expression in her dark eyes that stays off of most of the rest of her face.

"Dame Margot has kindly assented to chaperoning the Princesses while they are being held and questioned. After all it is the only proper way."

"You are overstepping all authority and your grandfather will be furious!" Balaam threatens. "They have made a mockery of Amber, and one in particular, renounced her fealty and tried to defect! Traitor." he looks over and hisses that at Scherazade with a murderous expression.

Alexis stamps her foot. "It is not overstepping anything. The Dame Margot has often helped with matters of court and protocol, conduct, and manners, for many years for Our Majesty. Surely at a time like this decorium _must_ be served as well." Alexis still has the cold look for Balaam. "Quarters have been prepared for the Princesses as well as a debriefing room. Dame Margot shall be accompanying any and all of them until your debriefing is over and they have been released."

Zariya executes a smallish half-bow to Alexis and Dame Margot when it seems that Alexis is done speaking.

Dame Margot favours her with a slight nod.

Breyd's examining Dame Margot like she thinks she may bite...

Balaam looks pouty and then sits down again. "So girls, what do you have to say for yourself." he states as he mounts the high bench and tries to look like a judge and be out of Alexis' grip

Zariya looks pretty calm, despite the circumstances. "It is not my fault that my father--or people rumored to work for him, at least--had the ill timing for an assassination attempt in Neuvo Sangre while I was there."

"That incident is an accident. Old Valdrusian agents. You are cleared of that, Your Highness." Balaam says with a click of the cane. "Your King exonerates you."

"I understand there was a destruction of protocall, but might I add that not all were thrown out. That King Jason allowed me to remain till King Oberon polietely asked for my return." Scherazade started politely.

"You prove once more Master Baalam, you have excellent selective hearing. I stated 'originally' I had sworn feality in fear, before I had a chance to understand how His Majesty conducts busness. For in all I had know I was here to be beheaded. Caution is a wiser tool then blind faith. It would also prove to any who listened to me that Oberon, where not the easiest to understand. He dose not mean harm to thoes who do not act againt Amber."

"An oath is an oath. To break it is Treason. And conviction of Treason is the headsman." he then asks,"Do you renounce your oath made."

"And there were no threats made in your oath in front of all the Court." Balaam says,"I rule that your argument is void and null." he hammers the cane like a judges' gavel.

"Most think that Amber is a blood bath A place of death, tourcher, and havok, and look to Chaos for order. Amber is misunderstood, and that to see its royal house act with respect, polite manners, and decent actions. The only thing I denounced was the rumors of my parantage that were throw with sloagans without base of truth."

"SILENCE!" Balaam says with another click of his cane,"That is sedition. Amber is the centre of the universes and the one true world!:"

"I accept that I am somehow related to this family. But there is no reason I should believe the common rumors created by the enemies of Amber that are intended to send us at each others throats. King Jason has given me some information that is reliable. Information from reliable sources that can be looked into. But I doupt that whoever the hell they are their willing to come forward and admit what they did to a simple child."

"You are Caine's granddaughter. That is confirmed." Balaam says,"The rest is inconsequential and you should not worry about the rest. House Law applies to you and your desires to work with the Son of Brand should be seen as inappropriate at best and subversive at worst."

"Wicked Girl!" Balaam claps the cane one more time."Shame be upon you." [Editor’s note: Like they’re listening to him.]

Breyd starts to snigger like a schoolgirl.

"Master Baalam, if you all would have told me that 'before' I went to NS I wouldn't have had a reason to go to find that out. I had to find out from King Jason instead of my own family." [Scherazade says]

"Do you think you know everything that you do not ask of your cousins of this strange country? Do you not check books or visit the library. Do you not ask the tourist information bureau at the border for information?"

"And Scherazade is right?! Perhaps Amber is right and Scherazade is wrong. How you ever considered that?" he clicks his cane harshly and his beady eyes focus on her.

"You speak as if this matter is black and white, that there is only one solution, and one wrong. Where in fact there is many subtal tones of each." [Scherazade says]

"What about the people you work with? The people you call family when it serves your purpose? Are you willing to sacrifice them? What about your family? What about your God? What about truth? What about your blood? What about right? What about wrong? What about your future? What about faith? What about sin? What about hell and Chaos? What about death? What about life?" Balaam says wiping foam off of his lips with his black sleeve.

"Power plain and simple exists to help others. No blood should be shed unless nessary and only sparingly at that. I will not sacrfice a soul to anything unless I can help it. Life is presious comody that should be perserved, especally the life that exists to bring the Order that Amber stands for to the rest of the universe as it should. Which answerers if I'm willing to sacrfice anyone, including family, and coligues, as well as my views on life and death."

"I suggest you advoid the subject of religion with me Master Baalam. For that is a topic that should not be breached. Find the decendent of Caine that is responsible for my life and ask what they left as my fate and you will know why."

"What is right, is what keeps harmony in the Universe. What is wrong brings discord to the universe. My future is what the Crown desides it to be. Chaos is the destruction of Order that must be kept in check."

"Your answers are churlish and willful." Balaam smugly says,"I will break you of this vice."

"Religion. Religion is what King Oberon decrees it to be. If we convert to the Goddesses of the Abyss, it is the will of the King. If we worship the hapless and petty Brand as they do in Rolandae, so be it. It is the will of the King. If we are to worship the Chaos Dragon of Oberon's uncle Swayville, so be it. It is a royal command. So goes the King so will follow the people."

"Order, right, harmony. They matter not, unless the King says it matters. If he wishes discord, wrongs, and disorder, then it is by his command."

"You do not dictate to the King when he tells you whom your parents are or are not. Is that clear girl?"

"Heavy on the simple," Breyd snipes under her breath. She's looking less than thrilled as she folds a bit of paper up and slips it up the sleeve of her gown.

"Then you must risk everything on the premise that the universe will not let you die." says Balaam mysteriously tapping his cane impatiently.

"What?" she says in protest to any stoney stares. "I wasn't doing anything in particular. I'd turned up to discuss an extradition treaty to keep Amber's enemies from legging it over the boarder to NS. I'm out shopping for sushi-grade tuna to bribe a Mrr and the next thing I know there's an angry mob upset over some stunt Caine's done. They decide to get arsey about that stunt I pulled to wind up Wolfie involving the rats and I didn't want to be told what to do by a pack of commoners and a man well renowned for his atrocities...especially the latest crop at Ygg." Breyd looks put upon in an adolescent fashion. "Don't blame ME for an international incident...blame Caine for being daft enough to set off bombs while his precious daughter was there, and Jason for not going through the proper channels to have a discussion about any rat-activities he may disapprove of and sending a mob to do his dirty work. A hell of a lot of dipolomatic genius those two displayed." Breyd makes a rude noise through her lips and sulks.

Balaam looks at her in disgust,"You are a horrid little creature." he says sternly tapping his cane. "while she is a fool." Indicating Scher, "You are as malicious and horrible as your mother. Without the redeeming qualities. Yet as savage and terrible as your father."

He looks at her and says,"This is hell Princess and you are it's chief damned soul."

"Better to rule in hell than be a slave in heaven," Breyd retorts, quoting an obscure Earth poet. It's a rare flash of something other than her street rat heritage.

Balaam says,"I will take your words into consideration, arrogant girl, and render judgement on you."

"Why not? It seems to be what so many, many of our cousins before us have chosen." Breyd counters. "Even Queen Jasra has chosen this."

Zariya shrugs, unconcerned, "King Jason was in no mood to talk when he was there, and it would have been pointless to try to negeotiate with the mob. I was ready to leave, and try to repair the damage later, if possible."

Balaam looks to Zariya, anxious to start a fire in her,"Have you nothing of your own? Nothing to stand on that is not provided, defined, delineated, stamped, sanctioned, numbered and approved by others? How can you be expected to fight for someone else when you haven't the barest idea of who you are or what great works you can do?"

Dame Margot sighs and holds her hand on her forehead checking if she is feverish.

"I serve His Majesty Oberon faithfully," Zariya replies coolly, unruffled by Balaam's questioning (and this being before she started getting really irritated at Scher). "I need no one and nothing to define me. Everything that I do is for the betterment of Amber. If people disapprove of me or my methods, I do not care. I know exactly what I can do, and have the potential for even more. I know who I am, and who I serve, and if that is not enough for Shahinshah, then it would be better that he strike off my head now."

"Perhaps the simple term has been used on the wrong person. King Jason willingly talk to me, and invited me back to talk with him. The people of NS don't have a problem with me there. I am here by asking of the King. So how was King Jason not in a mood to talk?" [Scherazade says]

Breyd starts to laugh, mockingly. "Of course he was willing to talk when it started to sound like you were willing to turn on Amber, you little idiot. I wouldn't have cast aside an opportunity like that for information either, no matter how cross I was. Don't flatter yourself, sweetheart."

"You fool!" he abuses from his position of power,"What commission do you have to spy on our neighbours? Or does the Mayor of Amber City outrank the high King of Amber?"

"Jason's also not so stupid that he'd willingly clasp a viper to his chest either. Which is what you're giving yourself a reputation for. You're willing to sell out cheaply to the first person to flatter you slightly. The Meck were first, the Brandites were second and we're all waiting to see who you'll offer to sell us all out to next," Breyd states bluntly.

"His brother Rory certainly is that stupid as he embraced you, Princess." [Balaam says]

"I haven't broken any of my oaths, nor have I betrayed any of my allies," Breyd notes quietly.

"So you say." Balaam says dubiously.

"Yes, I do say," Breyd says with a quiet, dangerous sort of resolve in her voice. Her obsidian eyes snap at Balaam, daring him to question the word of a Princess of Amber.

"And have you thought you were right and the whole universe is incorrect. Let's proclaim it in the streets with town criers, lets pass it through intergalactic relays, lets tell it to Haven Palace on Palatir Night that Breyd is always right and the universes are wrong." Balaam reiterates sarcastically.

Breyd quirks a brow. "No need to go OTT," she chides. "I said I haven't broken my oaths, nor have I betrayed my allies. I have not declared myself an infallable font of knowledge. I believe that right has been cornered by self-proclaimed prophets and religion."

"And see that you don't." Balaam says to her sternly,"Now cease proclaiming your innocence lest I become more inquisitive."

"I never said I was innocent," Breyd corrects pedantically. "Simply that I'm not an oath-breaker." She seems quite firm on that point and unwilling to let Balaam put words in her mouth or twist what she's said.

Breyd smirks (a sure sign what's coming next isn't nice). "Look it's not MY damn fault Cher's so stupid she doesn't know which side her bread is buttered on. I didn't expect her to set you [Balaam] on fire, but I was willing to take advantage of it. I don't think you're one of my allies," Breyd says merrily.

"It would be prudent for you to look into matters you speak. I have no dealings with any Brandites, and my attempt to show a netural face to the Mecks to attempt to get internal information on them was approved by Gram, as well as was working before my heritage did come out into the open. Not like you would have been trusted with that information, when it was a plan in action. With your open hostility for me, you probably might have ruined the whole opperation out of spite, or to the highest bidder. I believe the phrase is 'Never trust a relative.'"

"And does that release you from your Holy Oath?" Balaam asks,"Or do you recall the oathbreaking of Harold Godwinson to William of Normandy when William rescued him from a shipwreck?"

"That dose not release me from any oath. I am unfamilar with the situation being refered to Master Baalam."

"Then answer yes or no. Only." Balaam says,"Without the speech."

"Do you think that your actions cause us to question your oath?"

“My actions never cause me to question my undying loyality to Amber which has given me more then life in shadows ever would.” [Scherazade says]

Then...

"Would you, if you could go back in time, do different actions and say different words?" Balaam asks reading a page in Gram's hand.

“Yes, Master Baalam I would change some things.” [Scherazade says]

"I'd suggest you take your own advice and understand who you are dealing with first. King Jason is a Brandite, my dear. He owns a Mrr. It's a bit of a givaway. As for the Mecks, it's a case of give her rope and see if she'll hang herself, I believe. Little to lose on that wager." Breyd's gaze is shrewd.

"Silence" yells Balaam with another whap with his cane,"What do you know of those hellbeasts called Mrrr. Those sandclawing mousechasing talking scions of perdition?"

"I know that they are the province of the Children of Brand," Breyd says quietly. "I know they are partnered for life and that they are highly intelligent, magical and psychicly potent creatures themselves, but still subject to the capricious and cruel natures of the cats they were created from. I don't know much more beyond that," she admits.

"Rory is a Brandite as well," Zariya says, still looking pissed. "Yet you were willing enough to make a deal with him at one point."

"Rory is encharge of the Amber Isles and Shipping. It is only natural to work with him, if one has goods to be shiped."

Rory is a Prince of Amber and in favour with the King." sighs Balaam regretfully,"Dealing with him may be foolish but is not illegal."

"No," Zariya corrects, "It is only natural to work with Jada, who is the Harbormaster here, if one has goods to be shipped."

"The Harbors were closed down. Goods had to be shiped. You would rather I had the good sit in storage rotting till they were no longer of use? Not to mention Rory exports mass amounts of wood that was needed. No one else has came forward producing such goods. Thus I did turn to him." [Scherazade says]

Breyd laughs. "Bollocks. You did it for the same reason that you tried to short the public of Amber city the goods you'd promised in contract...You're a spiteful bit of baggage who'll turn on anybody if given half a chance. I'd trust Rory before I'd trust you....Oh. Wait. I have. BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

"SILENCE" intones Balaam, again hitting the cane on the floor.

"One's birth dose not assign one alliance. There is the face of rebelling against the ideals of the alliance of the blood one is born to. Just because King Jason is born of the stock there is no evidance here at the moment to allign him to such an alliance. Owning a Mrr, I don't believe is something that assigns an alleagence either. More then a choice of action." Scherazade politely replies.

"Incorrect. Birth of Amber assigns your loyalty to Oberon." states Balaam firmly. Whapping his damned cane again

"It is with out saying that those of Amber blood are aligned to Amber. The point in question is if one’s birth leaves us aligned to the Elder which we are descended from." [Scherazade says]

"Outside your ties of sentiment," Balaam firmly says,"You are grandchildren of Oberon."

"Your parents were made to sign off parental powers to your grandfather," Balaam says bluntly,"We have had too many independent grandchildren making monstrosity such as Great Powers and the like without paying their way. No more Kelrics of Haven, Kirk's of Rolandae, Roberts of Sable. Don Paolos, Jasons of NS and others like them. Especially no more f*cking Mecklenbergs."

Breyd smiles humourlessly and nods faintly, her dark eyes narrowing in thought...

Breyd rolls her eyes. "Then there's the small matter of the fact he's responsible for more atrocities than me and Rory combined...He's a red-head...and just because he does't get on with Rowan doesn't mean he's not willin gto use Rolandae. I said nothing about his birth. Don't go putting words in my mouth. Or is this the only way you can win a debate?"

"As for seeing if I hang myself with the freedoms given. I am still here, not to mention that the Mecks are not searching for my head on a pike. Or to ship me off to a tourcher chamber. They hold me in a netural opinion at the moment, which can or can not be of future use. For nothing in written in stone as to what will happen. Even if it were stone can be shattered."

Breyd just starts to laugh again. "I don't think you want to know what opinions are currently being held of you."

"Silence. This Inquisition is not to review the deserved punishments for Mecklenbergs nor is it to hear any of your childish infantile opinions, girl,"Breyd is told by the cane thumping Balaam.

Breyd rolls her eyes, but she falls slient as she's bid, her arms folding back over her chest.

Balaam sits there listening, and tapping his cane with his hand. "The Mecklenbergs except for Tibby of Kapella have declared we are an outlaw state and are intent on our overthrow. They are not stupid as Tiberius maintains basic relations indirectly."

"Wisdom is needed. His Majesty has expressed that you be chastised and assigned punitive assignments however we are not to imprison you as you richly deserve. His Majesty expresses great tolerance and understanding and mercy that is unlike me."

"It does not matter what the Mecks think of you, or King Jason, or anyone else outside of Amber," Zariya says. "What matters is what His Majesty Oberon thinks of you, and your willingness to sell him out. After that, it matters what we here in Amber think, because you have to live with us. Unless you would do us the kind favor of leaving or dying, which seeing how my luck is going lately, neither will happen."

"As I have stated I have not turned against Amber. I have been trying to find out information for Amber. As well as trying to bring understanding of Amber to thoes outside of it borders."

"Be careful." Balaam warns,"Many of our enemies know of us but only seek ways to indirectly confound us and make us the recipient of their mischief."

Breyd rolls her eyes. "Of course the fact that most of them sort of STARTED in Amber and that some even used to RULE it means they no longer understand it. In fact, I'd be willing to wager most of them understand it better than we do, but hey, that's me. " Breyd yawns and glances at Balaam.

Balaam does not interject and is stonefaced at this statement.

"His Majesty," Balaam says tapping his cane sharply," Does not care about any of you dying. You are to serve him and commit unswervering obedience to his August will. I am here to test you in this."

Breyd, girl," he says savouring speaking down to her most of all, with a lick of his thin mean lips," Answer me. Who do you serve?"

"I serve OBERON, you little deathwatch beetle," Breyd snaps. "I've done nothing BUT serve Oberon since I got here."

"Good," barks out Balaam," and whilst you are at it. Show it more often."

Scherazade tucks a bit of hair behind her ear, to hide a second long grin.

"If I showed all the ways I served my liege I wouldn't be serving him," Breyd answers pertly.

"I believe Master Baalam means you act more like a trator then a loyal subject." [Scherazade says]

"TraItor. By the Unicorn's blood! If you're going to accuse me of something at least get it right!" Breyd snarls. "Personally, I don't think pissing in your cornflakes is acting like a traitor, Cher. I've had to clean up after a few little MESSES of yours already. It's your fucking fault I'm out there making a bloody pulp of Mecklenberg agents!" She waves her hand to gesture outside the window expansively.

"Acting like and being one are two different things. Perhaps you should seek out an Anger Management class or dozen." Scherazade coolly replies.

"Personally, I don't think pissing in your cornflakes is being a traitor either, especially not while you're out there selling your loyalty to the highest bidder. I'm not the one who denounced the House of Oberon or my blood." Breyd retorts.

“Well if you would use some intelligence that must be in your head somewhere. You would let it fall on my head and save your self the trouble. Instead, I believe it is you that insisted on stopping my efforts to fix things. Blaming me for slaughtering the innocents, I believe you called it. When you are the one slaughtering the innocents on word of mouth. Not even trying to verify if their spies or not. The real spies are much too cleaver to be caught. Which you take for granted.” Scherazade replied.

"I was a bit busy trying to figure out if you WERE going to be a Mecklenberg agent or not," Breyd snaps. "Fortunately, Wolfie has his head so far up his backside the whole thing was a farce. There was nothing covert about it, and I had to kill one of your servants to keep the rest from getting ideas about making money on the side." Breyd is starting to look rather put out. "I can assure you that all the spies you DIDN'T manage to meet up with to make nefarious plans with were rather effectively caught by my people. I know there's still some out there. I have plans for Stage B if I can get Stage A calmed down."

Breyd sends a look of appeal to Balaam. "I caught her sneaking around Amber Alleys after her bedtime, looking for Mecklenberg spies. Honestly, what am I supposed to think? I don't know what she wants with them and after the way she was cuddling up to Wolfie what could I do?"

"And what were you looking for in those alleys, yourself?" Balaam asks,"Or is this the prefered location for Princesses of the Blood to meet and eat."

He then asks as an afterthought. "You did not invite Jessa and Jada. Julian would feel offended."

"Jada was off being an arse taking umbrage where none had been truly given. I haven't seen Jessa for ages now...I was wondering if Rory was keeping her in his knicker drawer. I was there to try to give Butthead," she says jerking her thumb in Cher's direction, "A bit of advice about not poaching on other people's turf."

"I have no bedtime, and I never knew walking was a crime. I touched no one I simply walked." [Scherazade says]

"we can see to it that you have an established Bed Time,"Balaam says with a mean smirk,"Or at least a curfew."

“And if someone hadn’t tipped the Mecks off, then the plan to know what happens inside from Wolfie himself would have worked. As well as if you would have asked someone like Gram they would have told you the whole thing was a spy operation FOR Amber.” Scherazade replied.

"Interesting," Breyd says with a humourless grin. "I didn't tip him off. I got into a slanging match with him while I was busy killing every Mecklenberg agent I can lay my hands ons. Personally, I've been rather hoping somebody would take up your daft offers so I wouldn't have to deal with you anymore, save from the end of a sword. You still don't understand why your whole plan was really, really, really stupid, do you?"

"First off, while we can be valuable for gathering information, we're simply too high profile to be a simple spy ourselves. We're figureheads, we're masts on a ship. What would the people of Dianadale think if their beloved Countess had 'gone over' to the other side? You can't tell them all the truth and expect it to stay a secret, besides we shouldn't have to justify ourselves to a pack of peasents." Breyd says, counting off one finger.

Breyd's second finger goes up. "Secondly, the risk and gain factor was NOT acceptable. Too many risks and not enough information that we don't already know being brought back. If your offers HAD been accepted fully, there's no way Oberon could publicly let you back home without blowing the whole operation. While you're in a GPC country, there is very little stopping them from ripping your head open with a mindlink, REALLY torturing you on a level that makes my little threats look like kiddie stuff, petfarming you out to be everybody's ritual-slut...the list goes on and on and on.

"Thirdly," Breyd says as another finger gets counted off, "there are many more less risky, 'do or die' ways of gathering the information using less important pieces on the board; or simply keeping our eyes and ears open while we do our jobs. There's even many MAGICAL methods of spying, a thing you purport to be really good at, but never seem to use effectively."

"And those are just reasons off the top of my head that I can think of. I'm sure there's loads more if I bothered to give it more than just a passing thought," Breyd says and then waves it all off with a hand. "You really do need to learn how realise what the consequences of your actions will be. I tried to show you that, but you insisted on continuing to be impossible."

"And you don't even know half of the actual details of it. Or the true purpose of it. I believe it was you that brought up, don't judge what you don't know." [Scherazade says]

"I don't need to know the details of how electrocution kills you; but I've got a fairly good notion that licking a mains line is a bad idea," Breyd says dryly. "If you've got more than vague words to back your claims, then produce the evidence; and if it is convincing, I will be silent. If all you can do is bombast in a rather conceited fashion, then I have no reason to care to change my opinion."

"Zariya," he barks out,"Do you serve your King or your father more?"

"My King," she answers immediately, without any hesistation.

"Scherazade, can you make a reply that is no longer than one word in length, without explanation or excuse, deliberation or qualificiation?"

"Yes." Scherazade replies.

"You have not turned against Amber?" Zariya asks scornfully, "You, who has denied His Majesty Oberon and Amber not once but twice? You, who claim that your vow of fealty was forced?" Zariya snorts, "I was wrong, then. You are not a traitor. You are a stupid little girl who should be spanked, and put in charge of dressing dolls."

"I have never denied his majesty of Amber. Yes I admit that originally I swore my feality in fear, not by force, fear that I didn't have a clue this side of Hades what was going on. I didn't have a clue what Amber was then, why I was here, or what in the world was going on. Then he proved to me that it was worth it to do what I did. I'll resware now if you so wish. But your the one that is acting like the world is comming to an end." [Scherazade says]

"King Oberon demands obediance and loyalty unconditionally," Balaam bellows,"You must now be prepared to obey unquestioning and never allow your loyalty to ever be questioned. If you fail, I will be asked to inquisit you and the Princesses involved (grin) and you will be punished more severely."

“I shall serve his Majesty in what ever capacity that he wish I shall fulfill his wishes completely. And make sure the best is done for the people he has entrusted to my watching.” [Scherazade says]

"I wish your twisted logic and bad grammar would end," Breyd mutters under her breath. "So let me get this straight. You don't have a clue what's going on, but you're going to go around Creation giving them your Missionary position on Amber. And you're going to do this by appearing to defect to everybody, but having them kick you back into Amber or not bother. Right. Makes sense to me." Breyd folds her arms and goes into ceiling watching. She tips her head right back and starts to let the whole thing roll off her back.

Balaam looks at Breyd with curiousity and interest....

"Better twisted Logic then no logic at all. 'Originally' it means that in the beginning, not now. Perhaps you would like to get some kind of schooling, or carry around a dictonary. I hear the elementary one's are pritty light, and the words you fail to grasp are in them." [Scherazade says]

"Better to have twisted logic than no logic at all. Take for instance the word 'originally'. It means in the original time, or the original manner; primarily; from the beginning or origin; not by derivation, or imitation." Breyd corrects Cher absentmindedly, still staring up at the ceiling. "I hear elementary ones are pretty light, and they have words small enough that even you should be able to grasp them." Breyd brings her head down to lock gazes with Cher.

"If you're going to rebuke anybody for a lack of education, at least make sure you're talking about a subject you know something about," Breyd says very mildly.

"Take your own advice, defenations do not hold the word being defined. Your dialect holds true but is not supreme. Other dialects exist and you can not simply erase the dialect that one has grown up with. I can't do it to you, as you can't do the same to me. It is what defines a person is the differences. It it the duty of a Princess to be open minded, and understanding. I will not belittle you for what you can not help."

"Take in example what you just corrected me for. Words small enought for you to understand, it a direct insult, and is not what it ment. For not all the words in an elementary dictionary are small. As well as you don't need them all for you can talk. You just fail to grasp a few words most have learned at that level. As well as your defenation contains the word being defined, which can't happen. To define a word it is proper not to use the word in the defentation. For it would create a loop of undefined words." Scherazade polietely replied.

"Definitions," Breyd corrects again. "And it doesn' t matter what dialect you spoke before you came here. Trust me. I've had to re-arrange mine. This is Amber, the One True Kingdom -- anything else is a pale imitation and an imperfect reflection. As for my duties...I think you'd be the last person I'd take a lecture on that from. Dame Margot is right over there if I ever do have a question I'd like to bring up. I'd hate to insult Grandfather and not use her as a tutor. And for the definition...I think you'll find it's actually quoted directly from a dictionary. I have near-perfect recall as a talent," Breyd states bluntly. "Origin has slightly different flavourings than originally. Origin is a noun and originally is an adverb. You can use the noun to define the adverb, I believe. I'm not a hundred percent on that..." Breyd squints for a moment.

"As for words I fail to grasp...if you could talk in an understandable manner, one that is lucid to intent and import, I don't think I'd miss anything you may or may not have meant with your gibberish. I don't seem to have much trouble grasping what anybody else means or says...I'd suggest that it is YOU in the exclusion here and not me in particular."

"But it is you that are acting like an insufferable brat over it. You might want to take in account you have been here longer, thus you are already adapted. For all things take time, but show no skill for patience." [Scherazade says]

"Oh, this isn't being insufferable. I'm just not going to let you try to steamroller me under a volume of nonsense," Breyd says with a slow smile. "And I've actually been in Amber about as long as you've been, if not a shorter amount of time. It's not what you've been given; it's what you do with what you've got," Breyd says, countering the pseudo-mystic aphorism with one of her own.

“Very true, but each of us have had very different opportunities, and chances. Neither know of anything of the others past. Therefore none of us have the right to judge what is unknown to us.” Scherazade responded.

"Firstly," Breyd says, warming up, "You're making assumptions already. You're assuming nobody know anybody else's past and that's just not true. Some people know more about my past than I do," Breyd grins toothily at Balaam. "I've told relevant parts of it to other people and I know people spy around here. It's the national pasttime. So it's a pretty safe bet that people I haven't told know my past...or have had a chance to learn it through a third party. Secondly, you don't always get the luxery of acting with all the information around here. You have to learn how to make snap decisions. It's not that clever or wise people never make a mistake, they simply know how to recover from them without them being fatal."

"I've been told it's a pretty steep learning curve around here," she says dryly with a flickering glance for Alexis by the Dame.

“Quite simply I’ve just admitted that I don’t know about your past. And no one has been told my me about mine. So you would be hard to find things out that way. Those that know about me here, are not even admitting to that they know me let alone leaking out too much information. So where it can be classified as an assumption, it is one based in fact. Which is better off the plan street guesses.” [Scherazade says]

[Zariya] turns to Balaam, and snaps, "Are you just going to sit there, or are you going to get this over with so I can get back to Viallevale?"

Breyd is staring up at the ceiling with martyred adolescent resentment that mirrors and echoes Zariya's statement.

"Silence!" Balaam intones in a hissy voice,"You will stay here until I have completed my Inquisition. Perhaps you will join Princess Zariya in being spanked."

Balaam pauses and smirks in a sordid way.

"Or perhaps you will be given your own doll house or end up participating in King Jason's."

Zariya gives Balaam a scathing look, but doesn't reply. She knows better than to do that.

"I know. He was ticked off and looking to make a scene. I'm not one to run off like a frightened chicken or denounce my House and fealty at the sign of possible displeasure though," she says darkly and rolls her eyes. "I knew Cher was a spiteful bit of baggage after Grandfather asked me to sort her out with something to do. She still hasn't inspected the sewers...and I'm still waiting on her report."

"Silence," orders Balaam,"The question of the pathetic performance of the Lord Mayor is not today's Inquisition."

There is another crashing tap of his cane on the flagstones.

"Perhaps if you were more originized, you would have realized that it was delivered to your office weeks ago." [Scherazade says]

"Don't be so stupid, girl. I'd have known if you'd inspected the sewers personally like you were supposed to. I don't care how many teams of men you sent down to clean it. You were ordered to inspect them as part of your duties." Breyd retorts.

"Yes I did, if you wish not to see that I shall once more inspect them, and send a 'second' report to you."

[Breyd] glances over at Zariya shrewdly. "I threatened her with sewer-cleaning for being mouthy and insolent with me. I only went to finger-cutting and whipping threats after even that didn't seem to teach her the wisdom of watching what comes out of her mouth. She's not Mulder's get, is she? She's a gobshite like he is."

"you threaten anyone for having a foul mouth!" Balaam says,"That is like the Von Mecklenbergs threatening peasants for being intolerant and bigotted."

Balaam slams his cane down again,"Silence you gaggle of geese! This is not Haven where such friviolities are the mainstay. Rather this is Amber. Amber requires obedience."

Breyd's mouth tightens, but she remains silent as she has been bid. She goes back to watching the ceiling.

"I do not know," Zariya answers. "Caine has many sons, but the fact that she is a niece of mine is all but established."

"Now it is, the time in question it was a rumor. Unless there is more information which you are not telling me. Is what I have said." [Scherazade says]

"Be quiet." Balaam barks out,"His Majesty informed me that if you ever call your relationship to Prince Caine and transitively to the Royal Amber House again a rumour when His Majesty proclaimed it, then you are insulting His Majesty and declaiming him as a liar."

"Are you calling King Oberon a liar?" he asks Scher harshly.

"No Master Baalam, at the time in question, the information was with out support of the Kings word." Scherazade replied.

"Yes, Scherazade's father and mother are dead. She was murdered. Caine wishes to punish those who killed her. I think her father was Prince Richard, the son of Caine and the Princess Royal of all Chaos, only legitimate surviving daughter to Swayville, Swayvanna. "Rick" was brother to our dear blond Kirk." Balaam greedily reveals expecting thunder and lightning to punctuate his very words.

"I am not allowed to disclose Scherazade's mother. However there is elven blood that was not Princess Aria."

Scherazade holds a inquisitive stare. As putting the pieces together. "So there was a purpose after all, it makes things understandable of why things were why they were."

"Yes,"Balaam says firmly

"By George, I think she's got it. She's finally realised what I knew on day one..." Breyd says dryly, nothing but sarcasm and scathing contempt in her voice.

"You knew on day one, that I had not been raised by any set of parents. You know the details of my childhood. To the extent that you knew my position as a child, how I went through my days, and the trails and tribulations I endured as a child." Scherazade replied dryly if not threatingly.

"They pray tell them all of my childhood. Identify Gabriel, and Lestat. Not only their roles in my life, but their races, speicies, and their ages. Come if you know everything about my childhood from day one come tell it."

"Spare us the tedious details. I had to listen to the pulings of Dunstree and of others,"says Balaam irritated."If I hear another hard luck story about foster parents, I will puke my guts out. The King feels very similarly and will kill not only the foster parents, their city, their homes, their shadows if possible."

"Amen," Breyd says fervantly under her breath when Balaam is done.

"Foster Parents?" Scherazade holds back out right laughting. "Only if they were. Though I must say I might ask His Majesty if he would allow Lestat to come to Amber. At least he can execute people, cleanly and efficently. The blood wouldn't go to waist either, thought I think all the people that are lined up to be executed, would make him fat eventually."

"Not if it doesn't go to his waist," Breyd says under her breath as she examines the ceiling like she might find a fresh store of patience there.

Balaam looks embarrassed at his faux pas

"Well, if you call delusions of goddesshood a trial, by all means," Breyd snorts. "I wasn't talking about that though. I meant I knew we'd been called to Grandfather for a reason, for a purpose, you little nitwit. You know if you didn't always focus on yourself, you might realise something beyond your personal illusions runs Creation. And no, before you start telling me that I have your faults, I don't think it's me." Breyd snipes back, her dark eyes narrowing.

"For the love of life you are an intolarable insuferable little f*cking bitch. Since when have I done anything for myself excpt go to NS to find out who the hell I was. Not just for me, it was so that the people of Amber would not have to hear slanders without any base of fact." [Scherazade says]

"Are you saying GRANDFATHER was slandering anyone?" Breyd asks.

"Thick, very thick. But I will not stoop to your level of rudeness. You know it was not His Majesty that threw slanders. But you perfer to be so thick as to ignore everything but what you are told, and where you think you can cause the most Chaos. You would fit in perfectally with Chaos, too bad your Amber born. Perhaps you should try learning how to create Order to better fit in."

"I'd have a better time of it if amateur MUPPETS weren't trying to tip over the careful balance between nations around here by running to the enemy just because she can't figure out how to solve her PERSONAL problems with me herself," Breyd shoots back, her lip curling. "Zariya's right. You're weak. You're weak and stupid and you think you know what you're doing, which makes you DANGEROUS."

Scherazade just sits back and smiles.

"Now, that doesn' t look very contrite to me. I don't think you repent a thing you've done..." Breyd says sweetly. "I'll bet you're daft enough to think you haven't done a thing wrong."

"Oh I know my actions warrant punishment. But what's a slap, or worse for achieving a desired result in the minds of others." Scherazade replied coolly.

Zariya must have been taking this time to collect her thoughts and patience. She's almost composed again, but she does shoot Scherazade a look here.

Scherazade said softly with sympathy, and regret. "Not in your mind dearest Aunt. But you wish to believe like they do. Regrettably I must think of you as one of them. It seams that whatever might have been between us was shattered. When you talked about controlling your emotions like you were, and I helped you out there. For Jason really did a good job with his joke, but when it really mattered control was lost. It’s a shame too, of all the people I would think you as a daughter of Caine, another plotter would have known what I was doing. It is a shame you think too much like them, or are so wrapped up in getting everything perfect. You didn’t even realize what was happening."

That did it. Zariya slaps Scherazade (or rather, tries to as the actual hitting of flesh is up to Craig's discretion being as he knows our stats and the like).

Breyd's giving Zariya a 'look' beyond Cher's shoulder. It obviously says 'My God, what drugs is she on? is she really this delusional?'

Breyd's smiling. Really smiling. The last time they saw a smile like that, it must have been on Bush Jr's face when they announced the results of recounting the vote. "Well, now...That sounds like you don't think you've done anything wrong and the only thing you're sorry about is getting caught." She tuts.

"Start taking fingers," Breyd advises Balaam. "It's the only thing that my put a civil tongue in her head...threatening to maim her." Breyd sends an intent glance at Cher. "I'd say it would rather depend on what your idea of desired results were...GPC's idea of desired results involves Grandfather off the throne or dead or both. Are you working for them? You seem to want to get cosy with a good number of them."

"Only becuase you were acting like a spoiled brat, that wouldn't even listen to reason. Though I must admit you gave me the idea."

"I mean no disrespect in anything. I don't care what the GPC thinks of me. But my desired results are in how you and the others like you think of me. There are very few here that know me, as me. Thats a bit of a hint for you. If you ask nicely of Alexis, or Laszo they might give you more hints." Scherazade contunued coolly.

"If it involves more whining about how you used to be a goddess, but didn't care for it, REALLY, darling...and how your mummy and daddy are dead, I think I'll give it a miss all the same. Both Lazslo and Alexis have more immediate ideas about charity starting at home than I do. You don't have the slightest clue about politics or what is actually going on behind the polite words, do you? Like I've said before, until you know better or have been TOLD to do something, like I've been TOLD to provide executions, I'd suggest you just keep your fat nose out of it."

"Zariya's been TOLD to be the diplomat. Grandfather gives jobs to people he thinks are competant enough to do them. You don't have a job yet, and Sabine and myself, who arrived at the same time as yourself, seem to have rather important ones. I wish you'd get over your fixation/crush on me, or whatever it is, and just behave yourself like a princess should. I have enough weirdos obsessing over me." Breyd says in a martyred way and rolls her eyes.

"First yes any one who would obsess over you is weird. I mean who would naturally want to. And second I do have a job if you would care to notice." [Scherazade says]

Breyd grins. "Oh, yes. Court Jester. I forgot, somebody got promoted to a real job and you got the leftovers."

Balaam growls at both of them,"If King Oberon says a statement it is fact. Even if it seems wrong or is contradicted by the foreign yellow journalists, it is still correct. The king is by definition, in capable of libel or slander. If he calls you a swine, then you had better say oink."

"I know that it is not me that would ever run creation. Hell I don't want to. You grab at power without seeing the dangers of it as well as the uses. One day it will burn you, and it won't be untill then that you will see your own faults. The Unicorn have mercy on you that you are not killed in the process." [Scherazade says]

Breyd snorts. "That's rich. I'm the one who doesn't know the dangers, and yet I already know that the Swayvillists will not treat or compromise with Amber so long as Oberon is on the throne. If you're stupid enough to think my goal is power then so be it. I'm not here to justify myself or my motives to you...nor do I feel inclined to."

"Be quiet." Balaam barks out,"His Majesty informed me that if you ever call your relationship to Prince Caine and transitively to the Royal Amber House again a rumour when His Majesty proclaimed it, then you are insulting His Majesty and declaiming him as a liar."

Zariya glances over at Scherazade with a look of loathing and contempt. "You are weak," she says plainly. "That you are related closely to me is a great shame, and I curse the day you were born." She pauses for a moment, glancing over to Breyd, then back to Scherazade, "There is one that I know that has survived only by the virtue of her hair color, yet has not uttered one excuse because of her 'tragic past'. Only the weak and foolish claim that their past is an excuse for their actions in the present."

Breyd loses the mask of petty anger for a moment, the dark eyes penetrating as she glances at Zariya, a bemused, startled expression flickering. Then she utters dryly, "I don't know, I've been told I don't know what it's like to have to fight for anything...

Balaam leans over and faces her angrily,"You worthless girl!"

"Are you willing to sacrifice all that you are, to kept all that you have?"

Breyd looks surprised and then takes the question seriously. "Yes. I am willing to do this for the higher good. I do not need to have a good name, I would be content with good works." The sober expression in her dark eyes shows she realises a lot of ramifications of what she's just said.

"Yet you belittle thoes that do just that. They don't care how others see of them, only what the results of their actions. You say you'll do this but you make it harder for thoes that all ready are." Scherazade replied.

"How do your prove your words when you destroy the chances of others to do the same. Or are you the supreme 'goddess' of the universe and only you matter. I hate to tell you your not. Even if you were I know from experence that when you do destroy others works, it has the same results as if someone destroyed yours."

Breyd squints and rethinks the tangled words to get some sense out of them. "Nope. I hate to disillusion you, but I have no delusions of goddesshood. What you're doing, from the best that I've been able to observe, is charge around like a mad cow in a china shop, destroying a lot of careful checks and balances in place."

"I've had to insitute a set of fairly steep measures to hold the Mecklenbergs in check after a few of your little stunts. Of course, you probably didn't know that they'd already threatened to kidnap both myself and Princess Alexis for refusing to believe in Mecklenberg superiority. But you did stupidly provide a very good opportunity for them to try to make good on it. I'm pretty sure Zariya and the rest would have been threatened as well over time, considering they don't believe in Mecklenberg superiority either. . You've probably also forgotten about their unmitigated audacity in breaking into this castle to steal genetic material in an effort to identify who the new dark horses in Amber were."

"You see, one of the fundamental assumptions that you're making in all of this is that Thelbane and Swayvillistic Shadows want to work with Amber. They only want to work with things they can control...Even Queen Jasra walked away from Amber when she realised she couldn't control what was happening. Some of them, perhaps, you might be able to reason with, but you need to understand their beliefs as a people to understand if they will co-operate or not. And from what I can tell from your bargain tactics, you haven't a Scooby."

Exasperated, and more than a touch pissed, Zariya finally rounds on the both of them. "Will you both be quiet?!?" she snaps. "One more word out of either of you that doesn't directly relate to why we're here and I will slap you."

"I thought explaining to Cher why making statements like she did in GPC countries is a BAD idea was part of the reason we were here," Breyd says with bland indifference. "Of course, if you don't want her to see the errors of her ways and just to carry on blundering, by all means." Breyd gestures with expansive generosity. She's also got a tension in he body that suggests she's more than ready if Zariya wants to try slapping her as well.

Evidentally, in Zariya's opinion, that must have something to do with the matter at hand because she restrains her own hand.

"You also speak of matters that you don’t know of, unless you have bugged my mind. Which by you saying the complete opposite, have proved your not. You have no idea of why I did some of the things I did. Not to mention, my Thari is not the worst here, unless your going on a crusade here to fix EVERYONE’S dialects. Shut up. Because your not helping anything here." Scherazade replies.

Zariya makes a disgusted sound and grits her teeth, "That does not even make sense! Just be quiet! Aaargh!" The last sound was the sound of utter frustration, and her hand shoots back and up, as if she is going to strike someone. With a great show of self-control, trembling with anger, frustration, and effort, she puts both her hands at her sides, clenched tightly into fists. She's probably gone beyond pissed at this point. Her cheeks are slightly red now, showing up on her brown skin as a faint blush.

"And *that* is pretty much the sort of response I get all the time," She says to Zariya, starting to talk over Cher like an infant. "I can't think you're getting any better a response from any talks you may have had with her, judging by your reactions. She's even more ungrateful and willful than I am, and that's saying a fair deal."

"Don't be stupid," Breyd says with a hint of impatience as she finally addresses Cher, "I wouldn't want to get into your mind. It sounds cramped in there to say the least."

"I thought intelligence was supposed to be her long suit," she says to Zariya, again talking about Cher like she isn't there. "She doesn't seem to be able to do a simple conjecture without getting herself tied in knots of nonsense."

"It seams like you can’t shut up when it’s good for you. No wonder your mouth gets you into more trouble then the rest of the family combined." Scherazade replied to Breyd.

Breyd pointedly ignores Cher as she focuses on Zariya. It's pretty obvious she doesn't even think Cher's worth talking to at this stage. She does spare a wry glance for Alexis at this stage.

"How do your prove your words when you destroy the chances of others to do the same. Or are you the supreme 'goddess' of the universe and only you matter. I hate to tell you your not. Even if you were I know from experence that when you do destroy others works, it has the same results as if someone destroyed yours."

"Your Highness is a freak but that has nothing to do with your blood coloured hair or pointed ears," Balaam says with another click of his cane.

Breyd drops her gaze at this point, her face stoney as she stares at the floor.

"Have you nothing of your own? Nothing to stand on that is not provided, defined, delineated, stamped, sanctioned, numbered and approved by others? How can you be expected to fight for someone else when you haven't the barest idea of who you are?" Balaam turns and asks Scherazade in a berating tone,"I want to know."

"Where Philosophically it is nessary to know thy self to put a persons actions to fight where ones intrests lie. One can also blindly put their efforts to a cause that dose not openly grate against the beliefs of that person. And in that process where the hypothetical person gains their own pride, respect, and dignity to stand on. While finding out who they are." Scherazade replies.

"May your choices have better results than mine. Remembered not as messenger. Remembered not as a reformer, not as a prophet, not as a hero, not even as ...... "Balaam suddenly chokes," But only as Balaam the one rebuked by an ass." he says with a note of remorse.

Breyd glances down from the ceiling, watching Balaam for a moment, her face stoically unmoved. It would take a careful observer to note the slightly melancholic air of either compassion or pity in her.

"Or are you going to cede to Creation that Breyd is right. Scherazade is wrong and the redheaded angel of death is right?"

"That is beyond my jurstiction. That is for the repersentatives of the crown to deside, to which I will fully agree with what ever it may be." Scherazade repiled with a meaningful smile to Baalam.

Repeating himself earlier he hows, this time at Scher,"Have you nothing of your own? Nothing to stand on that is not provided, defined, delineated, stamped, sanctioned, numbered and approved by others? How can you be expected to fight for someone else when you haven't the barest idea of who represents Amber?"

"Through repersenting Amber I shall find out who I am. Through the strugles of my alleagence I shall be molded into the woman that I am, for through thoes strugles I will be tested. Through thoes test I shall find myself."

Breyd winces at the bad pronounciation and grammar and narrowly, narrowly manages to keep from making a smartarsed comment about Cher 'finding herself.' She bites the insides of her cheek and studies the ceiling intently. Bathos has always induced derision or laughter from Breyd.

A light emerges in the centre of an alcove. There is a book of the Unicorn.

"Will you swear on the Book of the unicorn that was written lovingly by your grandmother and great grandmother Queen Rigla of Amber that you will be a true and faithful subject of King Oberon, High King of Amber, Emperor of the Golden Circle, Lord of Creation?" Balaam asks

"I shall if that is your wish. If it is not I would request it. For the faith of religions run in a deeper vein then politics, in most. For my actions are to help Amber, I shall not loose my tempor in public or slander other. Where my actions might not be clear, they are for the good of Amber."

"There is no other religion than that of Amber and the Holy Unicorn of the Kolviri who is Mother to Oberon, Maud of Kolvir." Balaam shreiks,"Now swear and prove to the red headed harpie that you are loyal to Amber."

"And woe betide all who break their oaths." Balaam cries out

The red-headed harpy in question knows when to keep her mouth shut, her eyes cast down piously to the floor before her, her hands folded in her lap.

"My alleagence is to the High King of Amber, Emperor of the Golden Circle, Lord of Creation, King Oberon. The Master Defender of Order. That where my actions might be deceving my intentions are to help Amber, in what ever way it is possible for that is the true use of power to help others."

"Let all witness this and will both Princesses Zariya and Breyd both repeat it so that we may never question their allegiance to the Crown."

"I have sworn my fealty to my King and Leige, King Oberon of Amber. I have sworn to uphold him and his rightful heir. Any lands I hold are his and I husband them for him. My armies, my resources and indeed my flesh and bones are his to call upon to serve and defend him. I have given my word. I am his vassel." The words flow from Breyds lips, and her dark eys show that she knows the meaning of what she swears. She looks a bit put out that she's been asked to do this again, as if her word has been questioned.

"My oath of fealty from before still holds," Zariya replies testily. "Though since you require it again, here it is: I pledge allegiance to His Majesty King Oberon of Amber, and his lawful heirs. As long as the sun sets and the moon rises, forevermore will he and his have my loyalty and service."

Balaam makes a grunt but says nothing.

"I did not claim the past for my actions but for the actions of others and their silence. King Jason is the only one that had the nerve enought to confirm that I was related to you. Caine blatently told me to my face that I was not his daughter, which was enought to dispell that I was related at all. Perhaps you fail to also see the only reason I want to find out who they are is so I don't have to listen to rumor. If you would have been so kind to have told me what you knew ahead of time. Then I would not have denied to being related. You didn't even have the courage to do that much." Scherazade replied.

"Enough!" Balaam orders, with another tap of his cane.

"You are sentenced to wear a hat with a sign on it reading,"Scherazade was bad." He smirks evilly,"You need to wear it for a week and to court."

Zariya can't help but to smirk too. She really does try to keep a straight face, but eventually has to put a hand over her mouth to cover it. At least she doesn't outright laugh.

Breyd's examining the floor again at this stage.

Balaam savouring the moment, pulls out three envelopes with the Royal Scene.

He calls out in a natural whispering voice of his with several whaps of the butt of the cane on the floor.

"Oyez Oyez, Oyez (Norman French for listen) We now hope toreveal how His Majesty is to pass judgement on these recreant girls."

"Zariya, please rise."

Zariya rises.

"Princess Zariya," says Balaam,"You are a princess but I see your conduct to be idiotic, lowborn and not befitting your station. You make Rory look like he's from Thelbane."

Zariya bristles at that.

"I think that you are too much into your own image and not into the glory of Amber. You should serve harder, bow deeper, and not be rude to those who serve Oberon." meaning himself.

Zariya was bristled and offended before, but now she narrows her eyes, giving Balaam a look of open, naked hatred. It's quite clear that Balaam has just made himself an enemy, whether he's working for Oberon or not.

Balaam is lapping it up. He beams smuggly.

"You are named," opening up Oberon's envelope,"to give one hundred million Thelbane Pounds to be transferred from Acquitania to Amber accounts. This is to represent Oberon's recognition as you being its Crown Princess. Furthermore. Acquitania must have one way free trade with Amber in Amber's favour."

Zariya nods impatiently, evidentally expecting somewhat like this.

He loves it.

"And in your spare time, you are to become Consul General to the Black Zone and shall be accorded access through the Paolo's lines and need to establish communications with Chaos' minion state. You are independent of the Embassy in Thelbane City."

"May I take my leave?" she asks in clipped tones.

"You have my permission. " he says dismissing her.

"Breyd, please rise."

Breyd stands when her name is called. She looks straight ahead, her chin level and her shoulders squared. Her full 5'1" is ramrod straight. There is cold pride on her face.

He opens the envelope like a starlet opening the Oscar information. With a great smile he says,"While His Majesty is impressed with your zealousness for punishing the wicked and hanging night has improved since you replaced that wimp Dunstree, His Majesty think you need to polish your edges and need to display more tact and manners."

"As a consequence you are to serve as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Haven and maintain our presence. You are to avoid creating a scene or getting Kelric to kick you out as personae non grata. If you fail, you will be placed under Scherazade's personal command for a month."

"You have free passage through the Paolo lines and should be working and scheming with our Embassy in Ygg. You will retain the title and office of Lord Mayor and maintain and exceed the high quality of Hanging Nights."

"Moreover as further judgement, you must take your mother, Queen Fiona to dinner with any guests of her choice in Ygg."

Breyd's chin jerks up a fraction higher and her lips compress, her eyes flashing for a moment. "Thank you," she says stiffly, with the balls of her fists hidden in the folds of her skirts. "A wise decision," she chokes out and then sits back down before she can mess that up somehow.

"Scherazade, please rise."

Scherazade gracefully rises.

Balaam reads the note,"Princess, you are a bad girl."

"A sign will be made by Master Balaam which you will wear around your neck at all times in Amber and Amber Castle until Samhein (Nov 1 real time) , except at court reading "Scherazade was bad." That way all and sundry will know that you made a terrible mistake in accidentally renouncing your obligations to Amber."

"Furthermore, if you complain about your heritage or your obligations to Amber or to this Royal House, I will assign you to a cousin of Balaam's choice where you will serve them for two weeks. I am sure Breyd already has tasks lined up for you."

"Lastly, your task is to go to Rory and his lands in the Ardor continent and to conduct an inspection to the health of his workers and slaves. You are to inspect all of his facilities and share the data with Zariya."

Balaam finishes the letter and smirks.

"This Meeting is adjourned."

Scherazade just nods.

This text is copyright © Lana Gjovig, Craig Lucas, Beth Major, and Betty Osthoff; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.

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