The sky is a mad turning mix of colors - half-black, half-psychedelic rainbows. The air is bitter and stings the throat. A large black road is off to the right, presumably heading towards Amber, passing through a devil storm that obscures all else from view. Merely looking at it strains the eyes. It the end of the world and it is advancing. In the other direction, above the darkness of the Abyss, which has consumed two of the Blood of Amber, floats a maddening citadel. It form refuses to steady, and your eyes constantly strain to bring it into focus. Firefly-like lights glint about it, and black gauzy bridges flow back and forth from it and the land. The distance and land look warped as though the entire world was being seen through some twisted piece of glass. Even the stones on the ground are out of focus and seem to crawl along the skin when felt. The last of the skirmishes are being concluded, and the forces of Chaos retreat towards their nighted fortress.
Assembled on a large ledge overhanging the Abyss, far above the rest of the battlefield, is the remainder of the Royal Family of Amber. Corwin sits bloody and beaten upon the very edge of the rock. His head is cradled by a young women with freckles and a tear in her eye. The Princess of Chaos whispers words into his ears that none but he can hear.
Bleys and Caine are in discussion, their return from the dead already accepted. Lords Chantris and Feldane are sending messengers to arrange for the gathering of the troops. Princess Fiona stands behind Corwin and Dara, watching them in silence. Random kneels upon the ground, grief written on his face - his sword still in his hand. All about the Lords of Amber, both Royal and Noble make their way to this spot where the War has come to a sudden and horrible end. The last of Amber's hope fallen into the dark abyss.
Akira stands near Corwin and Dara, and watches them. Her small frame trembles as if from some recent shock, her eyes full with tears threatening to fall at any moment. She glances at Fiona then returns her gaze to Corwin. Swallowing with difficulty, she hooks stray strands of auburn hair behind one ear and pulls her dark brown cloak tighter. Her clothes are dusty, the long plait down her back untidy, and she looks a little tired and more than a little frustrated at her own helplessness.
Mordred was just limping up, one leg bent slightly awry and being dragged behind him, covered head to toe in greenish-black body fluids. In fact it is dried on and caked in many areas, as if he was laying in it for much of the day. Numerous small cuts and bruises are all over him and the long thick braid of his flame-red hair is falling down his back. There is evidence of more serious wounds through the many rents in his garments, but they seem already partially healed. He's removed his armor, apparently stowing it the pack he carries, as well as any weapons but his blade – which just like his leg seems to have a slight bend in it.
Moving slowly as he was, he'd seen the fall of Brand and Dierdre into the Abyss, but not been close enough to be able to hear what was said. Still, the show was pretty self-explanatory and at the moment he didn't really have the energy for asking questions. He looked about for Benedict, then found an outcropping of what looked somewhat like stone and sat painfully on it, his bad leg stretched out in front of him and propped up on his 'kit bag'.
To anyone that felt like looking beneath his coating of ichor, it could be seen that he was wearing an officer's uniform of the Amber Infantry, with Lieutenant's insignia; the only personal touch a deep blue neck scarf of silk tied like a cravat. The picture he made as he sat there was of having been absolutely drained of energy, of life, of emotion. Mordred stared off into nothingness, his mind likely as blank as his face.
There is a low animal sounding growl in the darkness as Roland steps into the area. His clothing is tattered, torn and splashed with blood. Although he is breathing hard he seems unhurt unless one notices him grimice when he moves too quickly.
Ignoring those around him he strides to the center of the group and crouches. Leaning heavily upon his ax, he closes his iceblue eyes and breathes deeply. Just when he appears to have fallen asleep in that odd position his eyes snap open and he flings back his green hood.
Standing slowly he goes to the edge of the Abyss. Rubbing his hand through his reddish/blond beard he peers into the darkness.
Dara whispers something in Corwin's ear, causing him to nod. She stands to go, but looks hesitant to leave him on the edge of the Abyss. "There is still a chance that you, we," she corrects herself in a voice full of certainty, "can take refuge within the Courts. Even if the rest of Shadow falls, I believe the Lords of the Rim will hold firm. I am not sure that they would allow you to leave again, once you have entered. The Storm may be a more merciful fate."
Fiona frowns slightly. "If our father has failed than there may not be anything to return to."
A few heads turn as Princess Llewella climbs up the slope, accompanied by a handful of Rebman warriors, She appears tired but uninjured. Her eyes flit momentarily to Mordred, and then to Random. Florimel follows closely behind Llewella, a bandage wrapped around her left arm. Llewella voice falters slightly as she speaks. "We heard... we heard that Brand and Deirdre.... did they?"
Random nods. "And the Jewel?" Llewella asks.
"Lost." Random's lips barely move as he speaks.
At Random's words Roland's head whips around and stares at him. His face blank but his eyes gleem with intensity.
"Not good," he stated simply in his gravely voice.
He stood slowly and released his cloak from his shoulders. The green cape was so full of fluid and blood from his encounters that it dropped to the ground as if it were heavy mail.
He turned and peered into the distance and grunted noncommitally. Moments later, Julian stepped into view with two commanders in tow. Roland purposfully marched over to him. From his posture it was difficult to dicern whether he was going to greet Julian of attack him. He growled at them and the two officers rapidly stepped aside.
Next to Julian it was surprising to see how massive Roland really was. He towered over the Protector of Arden by a foot if not more and his frame made Julian look skinny even in his white armor. They stared at each other with fierce intensity.
"You live," stated Roland matter-of-factly.
"As do you," replied Julian evenly. After a long moment he continued, "I am not disappointed."
"Neither am I," responded Roland. He almost sounded surprised at his words. Another pause as the two men stared at each other. Roland continued, almost reluctantly, "Where does it leave it then?"
"It is where it is. Leave it be."
"Is there a choice?"
Julian broke eye contact as he turned to face Corwin. Who was still being watched over by Dara, Fiona, and Akira.
"No," he answered softly.
Roland followed Julian's gaze and watched them for a moment. He suddenly released a short, gutteral snarl/bark and turned away. He walked back to the edge of the Abyss and stared into oblivion.
At first, inresponse to Llewella's presence, Mordred sat slack-jawed in fatigue. Then he apparently realized she was there a bit after the fact and struggled awkwardly to his feet. Slowly, as the conversations went on, he made his way over to stand by her side. By the time Roland and Julian were done, he was close by her - not speaking, but providing what little support he could by his presence.
Taking a step closer to the edge of the rock, Akira kneels next to Corwin. Her cloak opens briefly as she does so to reveal coppery pants and a yellow tunic until she pulls it quickly back over her legs, shivering as the cold air claws into her. She reaches out and places a hand gently on Corwin's shoulder looking at him for a moment, then turning her gaze out to the darkness beyond. She hears the conversations around her, but does not respond to them.
Seemingly unaware of Roland's presence nearby, she blinks and tears escape from her dark blue eyes to trail sparkling tracks down her pale cheeks.
Roland watches Akira for a moment but says nothing. He turns from the Abyss and rubs his chin thoughtfully. He suddenly does a rapid motion with his arm and a man in a gray cloak runs up to Roland from beyond their gathering.
"Find Benedict," is all Roland said and the man left as though he was never there.
Mordred stands, weaving on his feet slightly - as if in a breeze nobody else can feel. To anyone with eyes to see and knowledge to understand, he is depleted of the very last ergs of energy he might have had, not just form the battle, but on a far deeper level. He has been drained my massive magical workings too, pushed far past whatever limits he normally kept himself to. His slack face spasmed for amoment, then retuirned itself to something a little closer to normalcy, as he asked Llewella beside him - softly, almost under his breath -
"Are you well? Is there anything I can do?"
Roland finds a boulder near Bleys and Caine and crouches next it. He closes his eyes and becomes as still as the stone itself. Although nothing physical changes, Roland becomes easily overlooked.
Akira glances up as Dara starts to move and receives a grateful look from the lady of Chaos. Dara steps to the edge of the Abyss and stares out over the darkness at the Citadel.
Following Dara's gaze, Akira then quickly drops her head from the disorientating shifting and blurring of the structure and closes her eyes. She does not see Fiona kneel down beside her and start to examine some of Corwin's wounds. A few moments pass. Akira's body tenses and starts to tremble, sobs wrack her small frame and tears stream down her face.
Fiona quickly takes hold of her shoulder and whispers some words of comfort that calm and sooth. Falling silent, her trembling subsiding, Akira wipes away some of the tears with a shaking hand and looks at her aunt, then Corwin.
At the exact moment Akira begins to shed tears, Roland's eyes snap open. He looks upon the two women tending Corwin and releases a low rumbling growl. It is not irritation but something else...
He stands and goes over to the three of them. He slowly sinks to his knees and checks for Corwin's Life Beat. He rummages through his pack and withdraws some parcels. After a moment of hesitation he hands them to Fiona.
"These are all I have," he said, "They will help with the pain and restore some of his energy."
Fiona turns from Akira and locks eyes with Roland. They soften slightly.
"Yes, they will help," she slowly took them from Roland, "These wounds are deeper than the flesh though. But they will help. Thank you."
"I was taught by the best," was Roland's only reply.
He stood and held out his hand to Akira. He said in a soft but strained voice,
"Come, young one. Let..." his face contorted as if he was in great pain before it regained it's stony appearence, "...Aunt Fiona treat Corwin."
Llewella looks up at Mordred, and smiles. "Unless you can work miracles, I suspect there is little you can do." She pats the ground next to her, indicating Mordred should sit.
Random looks at Mordred. "You could always pray." It isn't clear if he is joking or not, but his next words are filled with sorrow. "Mordred, correct? I hear you know my son. Something, I wish I could claim. Have you seen him?" As he speaks, Llewella opens a small parcel containing a bit of dried meat and hands it to Random and Mordred.
Meanwhile, Dara stands on the edge of the cliff, looking outward at the citadel. After a moment, she motions with her hands, and black threads, barely visible, begin to form in the air around her fingers. The threads grow longer and thicker, and then weave together. At last a single black oily ribbon is formed, just two feet long, and thin as paper. It floats in the air for a moment and then flies off towards the citadel.
Before Roland can help Akira away from Corwin, the ailing man dressed in silver, raises an arm, blocking Roland. "Leave her. Her face brings me..." he pauses, "she brings me comfort." Corwin looks up at Dara, and then at Akira and Fiona. His awareness is clearly coming back to him. He looks weary and drained. The bloody wounds appear to be only a portion of his problem.
To Llewella, Mordred says...
"You know far better than I myself what I can and cannot do, Lady."
With a rueful expression, he sits where indicated. In response to Random's words, he replies...
"Yes, I am Mordred. Yes I know, or knew Martin, but I haven't seen him in years - since he walked the Pattern in Rebma and left."
Maybe it is his fatigue, but a close observer might see conflicting emotions in his face at the thought of Martin. Just having sat down, it takes him a moment to stand again, turn to face Random more fully and say...
"It is a pleasure to meet his father. He wondered about you a good deal - I was always jealous that he knew who his father was and told him even though you were far away he had the better deal."
He made a small, awkward bow, due to the bad leg, then laboriously sat again beside Llewella.
As Roland speaks, Akira starts to turn her head slightly in his direction, but before she can focus on him, Corwin speaks and her head swings back. She reaches out to hold Corwin's arm and squeezes it gently. She seems a little distracted, but is calm now after her earlier outburst of emotion.
Random smiles slightly at Mordred's comment. "I wonder at that. Perhaps ignorance is better. I should have sought him out sooner. At least your father has the excuse of not having known he bore a son." Random bites into the meat , and changes subject. "My wife speaks very highly of you. I think she views you as her own child. She's told me many a tale of your mid-adventures. The one I liked the best, was when you gathered together those squids, and..."
Random's story is quickly interrupted by Llewella, "Brother, perhaps this is the not best time to bring up embarrassing stories?"
"I suppose. I just find myself thinking back on Vialle. Despite everything, I think I find myself missing her." He smiles for a moment, but then his eyes focus again on the Storm approaching, and words seem lost.
Llewella looks as though she is about to say something, but her eyes are drawn to Dara weaving together strands of darkness.
For a minute, silence seems to fill the area, everyone's thoughts and attentions drawn to the looming doom.
"I tried...." Corwin says, loud enough for all to hear. "I tried to stop the Storm, as I rode through Shadow - with the Storm at my back, and Brand all about, I knew I wouldn't make it here, as dad intended. " Corwin pauses for a moment, and then continues. "I tried to make another Pattern, using the Jewel, in case dad failed. That way, not all would be lost. And I did it. And it held back the Storm, at least for a bit. But Brand came, and stole the Jewel from me. He shed my blood upon the new Pattern I had drawn. It must have been weakened, and as it grew frail, so did I feel the energy drain from me. The storm ripped away at it, I saw it fading away around me. Before it was consumed, I had ordered it to transport me here. For a moment though - when I was in the center, before Brand came - I felt at peace. It was so beautiful."
He looks at Fiona. "What do you think would have happened, had I succeeded?"
Fiona stares out at the darkness as he talks. "I don't know for sure. I suppose it depends on whether father succeeded in repairing the one in Amber. Two different Patterns in existence at the same time?" Her eyes return to Corwin, "Its never happened before."
Bleys nods his head. "Its probably best that you didn't succeed, Corwin. If the Pattern in Amber survives, and your Pattern also existed, the two would conflict. Either Shadow would separated, and a new realm would be created, or the two would destroy one another and all of Shadow."
Corwin nods. "It still saddens me that it was lost. I can't say why, I only knew it for a moment, but I felt something for the thing I had created."
Two figures climb up the rocks below. The first is a dark haired young man, unknown to everybody present, but who looks much like a younger version of Corwin. The second is tall and a bit wide of stature - Martin.
Dara looks to them and smiles. The stranger, recognizing her, rushes over to her. "I got your message - our forces are in retreat back to the safety of the Courts. None are sure what will happen when the Storm reaches us. We're not safe here, we must return...."
Dara's face is sad, and softly she interrupts him. "Borel is dead. I slew him."
The stranger's face freezes, and he grows pale. "But..."
"They will know soon. We cannot return. Our fate is now intertwined with that of Amber. I made the decision." She is silent for a moment. "There is somebody you should meet." The man's eyes instantly flash over to Corwin.
Dara leads the boy to the injured warrior. "Corwin, this is our son, Merlin."
"Father..."
Corwin looks the boy in the eyes, and begins to stand. "Merlin."
Merlin raises a hand to stop him. "Do not get up."
"It is all right." Corwin says getting to his feet, his legs almost failing him. He clasps Merlin to him, and then releases him. "I am glad. Drink with me."
Fiona gets up, leaving Corwin and his son alone. The two men sit, drinking a little wine together, and Corwin tells Merlin of his journey to this point, beginning when he awoke in the Shadow hospital, through his blinding, and the ride to this place.
Roland drops his hand at Corwin's request but does not move away. He remains completely motionless as he stares at the Storm. His expression is blank. As if he were only watching a blue sky over Amber's seas.
When Fiona moves away he follows to give Corwin time with his son. He winces in pain again but quickly covers it. He continues to follow her away.
When Dara introduces Merlin to his father, Akira looks up at the young man, clearly curious. Wanting to give them time alone together, she rises and moves a few paces along the ledge then sits down again.
Drawing up her knees, she wraps her arms around her legs and looks out at the darkness with eyes half closed.
<To Random>
Too tired to chuckle, at either Random's rejoinder or llewella's stopping him, he does manage a smile. Unwilling to tax the Prince on a subject he clearly has preferred to shange, he nods, and stretches his bad leg slowly and painfully out before him. As the conversation flows about him after this,between Corwin and the others, he might have been listening and might not. He certainly doesn't look very focused - more like half- asleep.
Random leaps up and charges over to Martin, and looks as though he wants to grab him in a giant bear hug, but something stops him, and there is a slight awkwardness in the way Random claps his son on his back. Random begins quizzing his son on what has occurred, and informing him of recent events. Martin's eyes however drift away from Random and towards Dara. Random's irritation is clear though, and Martin quickly refocuses on his father.
Dara watches over Merlin and Corwin for a few moments, and then climbs up a few stones to get a better look at the coming Storm. Her gaze then flows to the left and downward across the battlefield. Something there catches her eyes. She jumps down from her perch and begins to run down the slope to the field. Martin breaks away from Random for a moment, and shouts at Dara. "Wait! I need to..." Dara waves back at him. "Wait there."
Fiona and Roland stroll away from the others, chatting quietly between themselves, while Corwin continues to tell Merlin his tale. Everyone else seems overtaken by exhaustion and hopelessness. Bleys seems frustrated and begins throwing rocks out into the Abyss. The rocks don't fly normally though, and seem to curve through the air at odd angles, almost as if alive, before being suddenly drawn into the Abyss. Meanwhile, Caine pulls out his trumps scanning over them in disappointment.
Some time passes and Corwin is nearing the end of his tale. The Storm grows closer though. Dara comes up the hill, her expression difficult to read, followed by Benedict, and several Lords. Benedict's mechanical arm has an odd glow to it, and the light around it seems distorted. Bleys looks up as Benedict approaches, expectantly. Before Bleys can even say a word, Benedict speaks. "It is done."
"Now what?" Random asks, to assembled family. "Do we stand here and hope to survive the Storm? Do we go running to those... to them," he gestures to the citadel, "and beg for shelter? Do we go in with force and take it from them? Dad's plan required Corwin's delivery of the Jewel. With it gone now, our choices are limited."
"We won't survive her." Bleys says calmly. "The storm is too strong at this point."
Dara speaks up then. "They will not give you shelter within the Courts. Not even Merlin and I can enter there now. They know of our betrayal and I would rather face that Storm alone then suffer at their misguided hands. I stand with Amber now."
"As do I." adds Merlin, rising from his seat. "I wish to see the city of Amber with its golden spires. Mighty Kolvir, and," looking at Corwin, "and the great forest of Arden. I am sure Oberon succeeded, few can claim to be his equal, and not his better."
"So, we attack?" asks Random.
Dara shakes her head. "The power you have fought here was not the whole of our forces. It was only a fraction. Those who let you go unopposed will rise up and strike back if you attempt to enter the Courts itself though. They are strong there, and I do not think you can hope for victory."
As things looked to begin happening again, Mordred stood back up, his leg perhaps even more stiff due to inactivity. If he'd actually heard Corwin's story, he'd made no sign, simply stared out into the nothingness.
Once up, he stood so as to be able to keep both Llewella and Benedict in his line of sight. Apparently no one else was of much import to him, though it could have been simply his exhaustion giving that impression.
Suddenly, Akira's whole body jerks into motion as she tries to get quickly to her feet. But, she stumbles – her exhaustion obvious – and scrambles awkwardly away from the edge on hands and knees. Stopping after several paces, she stares out into the darkness of the abyss, but without focus. She frowns, her expression one of intense concentration and a little uncertainty.
"Something's coming!" She says after a moment. Her eyes remain on the abyss and her face flushes. With what appears more reflex than conscious thought, her hands clench and unclench several times.
Roland returns with Fiona when Benedict arrives. He appears less stiff than before and moving with ease. He follows Fiona behind her right shoulder as if he were an escort or honour guard.
At Akira's outburst he hefts his ax threateningly and snaps his head toward Akira then he follows her gaze into the Abyss
At Akira's outburst, everyone gathered swings around to face the Abyss. Faster even than Roland can draw forth his ax, Benedict is already in front of Akira, his hand on his blade, ready to act.
Everything seems to happen in slow motion. A white form, pawing air it seemed, and rising out of the abyss. Her front hoofs finally strike its brink, and she comes forward. Standing still, regarding everyone gathered. The Unicorn.
All aches and pains are forgotten. A new life seems to fill all those around her, and something else... hope. All around the field of battle, prisoners in chains, and soldiers gathering gear. Noble and commoner, man and beast, - all stop. All eyes focus on her. The only distraction is the barely registered rumble of the storm at the family's back.
She is beauty. Looking at her, you know that their is some unnatural intelligence within that snowy head. Looking upon her form is difficult, as though tricks of light are being played. She seems to move without movement, and be in many places at once in the same spot. She is a glorious beacon of light, and clearly not solely of this world.
She takes a step forward, and taps the earth with her hoof. The noise carries across the land in a sudden silence. Slowly she takes several dancing steps forward. She tosses her head and then lowers it. It seems that she does not like the notion of approaching such a large group of people.
There is a glimmer at her neck and with her next step it becomes clear. A tiny spark of red shining through her fur. Around her neck is the Jewel of Judgment.
Everyone is motionless as she takes her next steps forward. The slightest disturbance might be enough to cause her to bolt. She passes by Akira and Benedict and moves towards the center of the group. There she halts once again, and lowers her head. Shaking her head, she drops to her front knees - the Jewel of Judgment know hangs suspended from her twisted golden horn.
The tip of her horn almost touches the ground, and the Jewel slides slowly off and lands on the ground. The silence, is broken by a whisper, and it is not clear who speaks it, "Thank you."
With that the Unicorn springs to her and bolts away, down the slope and is out of sight in moments,
The Jewel sits glowing red on the ground, pulsing with what seems to be the steady rhythm of a heartbeat.
Roland stares at the spot where the magnificent creature stood.
His jaw appears to be working but no sound is coming out and the first real expression can be seen on his face... bliss.
Akira rises to her feet as the Unicorn approaches, her expression full of wonder that changes to yearning as the vision of beauty passes her.
When the Unicorn bolts, a sigh of pain or pleasure - it is not clear which, perhaps both - escapes her lips. She looks up and around at those gathered, and her eyes soon drop to the Jewel pulsing on the ground.
Benedict is the first to move. He walks to the center of the family and reaches for the Jewel with his mechanical arm. The red glow of the Jewel of Judgment reflects off the smooth surfaces of his arm, causing the entire length of it to glow blood red. There is a clear smile upon Benedict's face.
"Corwin is the only one attuned to it, and the only one who can protect us from the coming Storm." Fiona says quietly.
"I don't know that I have the strength, Fi." Corwin steps forward. His strength is clearly returning - his step appears steadier, and a new color has come to his face. There is a resignation in his voice as he speaks. "I will try though. I have decided that I do not wish it to end here."
Benedict nods. "Here Corwin. I believe our father wished you for you to take the Jewel." He pauses for a second. "And the crown." Bleys steps forward and looks as if he is about to say something, but Benedict speaks again. "It was the futile war for the crown that brought this tragedy upon us and opened the way for Chaos again. It ends here."
"Dad may still live though," Bleys objects. "This is premature."
Fiona walks behind Bleys and places her hand upon his shoulder. "You know as well as I, that even if he succeeded, the effort of repairing the Pattern will have consumed him. Benedict is right, the war must end here. Let it go, brother." Her voice is gentle. "You saw it in her. Let it go."
Any disappointment that Bleys might be feeling is quickly hidden as he walks towards Corwin. "Very well. If your rule is just, Corwin, I will stand by you. Take the crown, but serve Amber well, or I'll be forced to take it back from you." Bleys says with a grin, though Corwin's expression is still dour.
Corwin takes the Jewel from Benedict, and in that instant his stature seems to grow. "If I survive the ordeal I will take the crown, but the storm is stronger than when I last tried, and I am weaker."
"You were alone then." Dara says from the other side of the gathering. "I will give you what strength I have. Oberon taught me in case you fell. There are secrets still taught in Chaos that will aid us as well."
Corwin reaches out his arms towards Dara, and they join hands.
"Can we trust her?" Random says, rising to his feat. "How do we know she isn't still working for them? Corwin, I was there too. Remember her words upon the Pattern! Can you trust her with the Jewel?"
Benedict gives Random a berating look. "She has sworn herself to Amber. I trust her to stand by us now."
"As do I, Random." Corwin pauses, in thought. "I see new wisdom in that which I had rejected. I will take Dara as my wife." He looks at her, and she nods, smiling. "She will rule Amber by my side."
"Peace, strength, and maybe more." Dara smiles at him, and their eyes lock. Corwin pulls her in time, embracing her. Their kiss may even contain love.
When they come apart, Benedict kneels before them, laying his sword on the ground. Corwin holds out the Jewel before him, and Benedict places his human hand upon it. "I pledge my life and loyalty to the Crown and to Amber."
Mordred watches, silent and unmoving, as the Unicorn comes, leaves the Jewel, and leaves. he is no unaffected, but nothing shows on his face or in his manner - he remains frozen, still, the entire time.
In response to the conversation about the throne and the crown he makes little reaction, save to slide his gaze sideways towards Llewella a few times. However, when Benedict kneels and makes his pledge, Mordred takes a limping step forward, goes slowly and painfully down upon the good leg, and says...
"I pledge me to Amber; to the one who sits upon the Throne and wears the Crown - and to the Realm itself."
Throughout the conversation, Akira appears dazed and doesn't seem to focus on anything in particular, until Corwin takes the Jewel and her eyes remain on him as he speaks. When he embraces Dara, she smiles faintly.
After Benedict places his sword upon the ground, she steps forward and once he has pledged his allegiance she kneels and places her hand upon the Jewel, repeating Benedict's words.
"I pledge my life and loyalty to the Crown and to Amber." Her hand lingers on the Jewel for a moment.
Roland steps forward and imbeds his ax into the ground and goes to one knee.
"To Amber," he states in a quiet grave voice.
One by one, all of the members of the family, and all of the nobles step forward and swear their loyalty to Amber and the crown. By the end of t, Corwin's vitality seems almost fully returned, as if something about the ceremony strengthened him. "Thank you," he says finally to the assembly. "There isn't time for speeches now, nor I suspect, do many of you wish to hear one."
"There will be time for celebrations, later, once we survive the Storm, and we see what has become of Amber." Dara adds.
"Let's be to it, then." Corwin says to his future wife.
The two of them retire to a small sheltered area, away from the main crowd, presumably to attempt to attune Dara to the Jewel.
While they work, Martin approaches Mordred, smiling. "I'm glad I didn't bump into you, here of all places, just to see you die."
For the first time, an expression came over Mordred's face. Maybe he was rested somewhat, or rejuvenated from seeing the Unicron and feeling its presence - or maybe he was just happy to see his old friend. Smiling, he replied to Martin...
"Well, we are still on the edge of the Abyss with a storm rapidly approaching, but I have high hopes for our future."
Looking Martin up and down, he continued...
"I'm glad you made it this far as well. It's been a long time since I saw you last. How have you been? Care to share any adventures with me? It seems to be the thing to do while we wait for oblivion to either hit or miss us."
Akira steps away from the crowd a little way, but where she can still see Corwin and Dara. Sitting on the rocky ground, she wraps her arms around her legs again and leans her back against a boulder. She looks more relaxed, with eyes half closed and a smile touching her lips, although she still seems aware of what is going on around her.
Roland rises and continues to moniter the storm. Once again, he looks impassive but also more alert.
Martin eyes glance to the side for a moment, but its not clear what has distracted him. "I'm still breathing," Martin says with a grin, that appears slightly too big, as though something else were lurking beneath. "I suppose you've heard a little of it by now," he glances towards the the dark abyss to his left. "I spent a lot of time wandering through shadow, had a few close calls, somehow found myself back in Amber, and then here. I'll tell you all about it once they've got this damned Storm taken care of."
Martin smiles a bit and leans in closer to Mordred. "Don't worry, they'll take care of it. Dara has a way with these things, and now that the Jewel is back." His voice is almost a whisper, but it carries a bit in the strange wind of Chaos. "Even old Oberon had faith in her. I think oblivion will have to wait another day to claim us. What of you? How'd you get here? I had always imagined you safely back in Rebma, not serving in this army."
The change happens gradually, sneaking up on many of those about. The air thickens, and the twirling of the lights in the sky begins to slow. Corwin and Dara step out of the area where they had briefly retreated. The Jewel is about Corwin's neck and glows brightly casting his entire body in a bloody red light. The light from it gently pulses. "Benedict," Corwin says, a new found look of majesty seemingly come over him. "Bring the troops as close to the base of this rock as possible. I'm not how much I'll be able to shield from the Storm."
Benedict silently bows his head, and then whips his attention to the rest of the family and the nobles. In rapid fire succession he gives orders on troop movements. Benedict kneels down and draws a quick sketch in the ground with his metal hand. The shifting ground, constantly unfocused to the eyes, seems to harden as he touches it. The lines in dirt hold steady, while it seemed that any other disruption made previously just faded away. Benedict quickly draws a map of the surrounding area, including the locations of all of Amber's forces. Benedict gives orders to each of the commanders on where to move each of their units.
"Return here as quickly as possible." Dara comments as Benedict gives assignments to the others.
Julian, Bleys, Caine and Random all leave at once to order their troops, as do Lord Chantris, Lord Feldane, and the other noble lords who are present. "Roland, the 3rd battalion needs to be moved." He gestures to the map sketched in the ground, still persistent, despite the shifting appearance of the ground about it. "It was under Deirdre's command. Liaison there with the young Lord Rein."
Finally he turns to Martin. There is a moment of hesitation before he gives the final command. "Martin, take the last of my units, and move them here." He points at the map. "I will remain here."
"But, that's the wrong..." Martin begins to say, but then he meets Benedict's eyes. "Yes, sir. I'll take care of it." Martin runs down the hill without a further word. Before he is out of sight though, he looks back once at the remaining members of the family.
Meanwhile Corwin and Dara have turned to face the coming Storm. The front of the Storm is so close now that it seems as though the whole world has been cut off. Between the endless Abyss and the wild fury of the Storm is only a small area of land, at the center of which Corwin and his future bride prepare to make their stand. A prickling sensation comes over everyone, like a rush of static electricity. Strange noises can now be heard.... the sound of water rushing onto a beach.... the jackhammer of construction equipment.... the buzzing of giant machinery... a song sung in an unknown language by a young boy... the cracking of wood.... the hiss of hot metal into cold water..... the howl of a wolf.... the screams of a baby.... and other sounds impossible to describe. The cacophony of sounds grows louder and louder as the Storm approaches.
"Roland, the 3rd battalion needs to be moved." He gestures to the map sketched in the ground, still persistent, despite the shifting appearance of the ground about it. "It was under Deirdre's command. Liaison there with the young Lord Rein."
Roland simply nods and turns away from the group. Placing his fingers into his mouth he releases a loud, shrill whistle and about a dozen men come into view. Roland turns to a large man covered with tatoos.
"How many?"
"Nay more den 100." he responded harshly.
Roland growled angerly.
"Over a thousand Huntsmen gone!"
He snarled some more.
"I'm retrieving the 3rd. Regroup here. Now."
The men disappeared into the choatic shadows to retreve their comrades as Roland loped off to the location of Dierdre's forces.
A look of discomfort passes briefly over Akira's face as the sounds and sensations of the Storm approaching increase. She looks around at it but almost immediately flicks her eyes away from the rapidly advancing and savage devastation.
She appraises Corwin when he and Dara emerge from their retreat, and she is, without doubt, please by the transformation in him and hope shines from her dark blue eyes as he speaks. The flurry of action that follows Benedict's orders to move the troops does not disturb her. She remains sitting by the boulder seemingly content to observe everyone. Anyone looking closer would see she appears slightly distracted, as if something else has her attention as well the activities of those gathered. Her eyes absently follow Bleys as he leaves the ledge to command his soldiers.
Then as Corwin and Dara move to face the Storm front, a frown of intense concentration settles on her brow. She watches only them.
A bit surprised at the swift departure of Martin, and very curious as to some of the particulars of that departure, he returns to Llewella's side, looking a little bit revived from his previous exhaustion, but still sitting with his bad leg propped up on his pack.
Roland
All combat is absent from the field of battle, though bodies of all shape litter the battle field. The alien nature of the place is still disconcerting. Blood floats up through the air ignoring gravity, or burns from wounds like a flame. Perspective and distance change with every few steps. It is a testament to Benedict's skills that he was able to achieve a semblance of victory under these conditions with warriors versed only in warfare in a world of order.
Roland follows Benedict's directions and comes to a mid sized regiment, its numbers depleted far below what they were when they first set foot on this field of battle. A group of humanoid prisoners sits chained and guarded. The enemy prisoners are of all type, some of which Roland had not yet until this moment. The soldiers appear weary of Roland at first, but then a voice cries out his name, "Prince Roland!" A tall, dark haired man, whom Roland recognizes as the young Lord Corwin Rein, dressed in light mail hobbles forward, escorted by guards on either side. Under his left arm is a makeshift crutch - what remains of his leg is twisted and gnarled. The foot itself is gone, and the leg is heavily bandaged. The young Lord Rein still walks. though the pain must be intense. He is not of the Blood - such a wound will never heal. "What news, Prince?" he says, a note of fear barely detectable.
Behind the commander, Roland can see little but the Storm, quickly bearing down on them. A howling noise seems to be coming from it. In a flash of lightning, Roland can the outline of large leaning tower within the Storm - a tower that was not there before the Storm came. There is also a smell of rotting meat in the air. Most of the solidiers, and the prisoners, appear to be looking towards the Storm. Many turn their heads away from it - they have the look of those who expect to soon die. The regiment must move swiftly if they are to reach the position ordered by Benedict. The shackled prisoners and the wounded soldiers, including Lord Rein, will slow down the movement of the troops.
Roland surveys the field for a moment after Lord Rein finishes talking.
"We are to return immediatly to Lord Benedict. At the rendivous point King Corwin will hold back the storm."
He surveyed them again.
"Release the prisoners. We move out NOW," ordered Roland in a tone that allowed for no foolishness.
Akira and Mordred (and Roland?)
Llewella puts her hand on Mordred's shoulder. Her hand trembles slightly and squeezes his shoulder. Her lips hardly move as she quietly whispers something to herself. Her eyes focus on the Storm, and then close tight - perhaps to block out the bizarre images coming from the Storm front.
In flashes of lightning and flashes of darkness, shapes appear within the Storm. A giant creature flying through the air with spinning arms instead of wings.... a thin pillar reaching into the sky.... twisted meshes of wire.... an eye floating high in the sky.... a mountain that looks like Kolvir, but cleaved in half.... The noises cannot be blocked out, and grow louder as the Storm approaches. Some sounds seem natural, some industrial, and in some cases voices are heard. For a moment, a voice speaks clearly, "It is gone... destroyed... why did you abandon me?" The voice is that of Brand, and for a second Corwin seems to pause, but then he carries on as the sound is replaced by the sound of out of tune piano music.
"What is it?" Flora asks to nobody in particular. Merlin shakes his head, and falls to his knees. Silent words cross his lips - perhaps a prayer.
"It is Shadow." Dara says. "All of Shadow. All that was. It is almost here." She does not turn as she speaks, and her voice is cold. She seems taller than before - stronger. A sense of power seems to emanate from her.
She and Corwin focus their attention toward the Storm, and the air becomes crisper... the ground appears more solid. The lights in the sky completely stop moving. The rocks around the family appear to shift visually, almost as if rotating.
Those who were sent out begin to return, each quickly reporting to Benedict upon their return. Finally, everyone is returned, except for Martin and Roland. The Storm is almost upon the gathering now. A chanting can be heard in the distance. Corwin's face looks strained, and for a moment his knees bend, and he looks as though he might stumble. Dara reaches her arm about him and pulls him upright. Whatever words she says to him are lost in the sounds from the Storm. The ground begins to tremble, but Corwin seems to pull himself up higher, and the ground grows still.
[OOC: It is around this point that Roland can return if he likes]
There is a hushed silence as the Storm falls upon the family. It comes, but nothing happens. It appears to be all about, but distant, and within minutes, it is all that can be seen. Even the Abyss is blocked from view. Light, colors, shapes, sounds, smells all seem to flow about. People can be seen in the distance, in the Storm, appearing and vanishing. Creatures of all descriptions move about behind its dark walls. Cities can be seen for a instant and are then gone. A thousand voices all talking at voice. The smells of a hundred forests mixed with those of a hundred kitchens all seem to come together. It is a maddening collection of all that can be imagined.
The Storm is all about, but whatever Corwin and Dara are doing seems to hold, and the Storm does not touch the family gathered or the armies at ground below. A bolt of green lightning strikes out from the storm and touches just in front of Corwin. Where it strikes, the ground dissolves for a moment and grows outward, like a bubbling organic form. A hand and face can be seen, and then a branch of a tree. Dara reaches her hand forward, and the thing that is growing stops and freezes in place. Its texture quickly becomes that of stone.
And then it passes. The Storm moves by. It can be seen now over the Abyss, moving steadily onward. Corwin and Dara hold for a few seconds longer, and then the new King and Queen fall to the ground exhausted.
Roland - pre-Storm
Lord Rein nods. "Yes, sir. Release the prisoners! Hurry!" The troops quickly get to work, and in minutes the prisoner's shackles are removed. All but two immediately rush, whether by foot or flight, towards the abyss and the floating citadel. One of the two remaining is a woman with perfectly white skin, and white hair that flows like a flame. She is dressed in green armor, but is unarmed. Where she should have eyes, there is nothing, just two empty holes filled with darkness. The other is a giant cat with six sets of eyes, and fire red fur whose color seems to change as though it were a flame. The cat's left front leg appears to be badly hurt. The woman and the cat bow low, at least the cat is giving the impression of bowing.
"You have my gratitude lord of Amber-that-was-lost." The cat says in a deep voice that any human tenor would be envious of.
"Honor may yet be returned your line of blood. May Shadow bear you well until the way is opened again." The woman says in a heavily accented voice. Something in the voice is very comforting and soothing. The woman also bows to Lord Rein. "Beware of the twisted path."
Something black and slippery floats out of the sky. It looks much like the thing that Dara was dealing with earlier - although this one is much, much larger. The cat and the woman step onto the oily sheet, and then float, very quickly, towards the floating citadel.
Lord Rein looks back at the Storm and then barks out orders to the men. "Don't just stand there. The Prince said to move!" The troops quickly begin moving out, as quickly as they can given the wounded, along the route Roland dictates. Lord Rein goes as quick as he can, but he is obviously strained. Droplets of blood float out of the wound on his leg and stay frozen in space in the air behind him.
Pre-storm
Catching up quickly to Lord Rein he hands him his ax.
"Here, hold this..."
As soon as he pauses, Roland scoops him up and carries him at a brisk pace.
"King Corwin would be put out with me if I did not return with you. I don't have time to make a litter."
During
Roland arrives just in time with Lord Rein and the Third Regement. The storm was right on their heels and Roland did not even stop to put Rein down as he approached the others. It is not until the storm passes that he sets him down.
"I'd rather not do that again."
Whether he was talking about the trek with Rein, the storm, or the war was never to be found out.
Akira jumps to her feet as violent tremors shake the ground. She starts to step towards Corwin when his knees begin to buckle, but hesitates as Dara holds him upright. The ground steadies. Remaining next to her boulder, Akira looks again at the Storm, her hands clenched by her sides and a grimace on her face as it surges past so close to the ledge.
When the Storm is gone she sucks in a breath, but it is gasped out almost immediately when Corwin and Dara collapse. She hurries to them and kneels next to Corwin, concern evident as she looks at him and then over to Dara. Reaching out with a trembling hand, she touches his cheek.
Corwin and Dara are both conscious. Dara smiles as Akira checks on her. "Thank you," the future queen whispers. "Is everyone alright?"
Corwin seems weak and reaches for the Jewel about his neck. He pulls it off and hands it to Dara. He seems to immediately weaken and his breathing becomes much more rapid. "Amber...," he whispers, loud enough for all to hear.
Mordred stays as close as can be at Llewella's side, should she need anything, but the large part of his attention is for the Storm itself, almost as if he is trying to see into it or through it, to its underlying structure or inner workings.
When it passes, he watches as Akira tends to the Royals and sureptitiously keeps his eye out for Martin...
As Akira tends Corwin, she unclasps her cloak and rolls it. She slips an arm around his shoulders and lifts him gently, sliding the makeshift pillow beneath and lowering his head onto it. She doesn't seem to notice the icy air, though she looks pale from the cold.
Her eyes go wide in what can only be surprise after Dara sits up and smiles her thanks. When Dara asks if everyone is okay, Akira hesitates before looking around at those gathered.
She turns back to Dara. "I, I do not know..." She says.
Then her attention snaps back to Corwin as his hand rises to take the Jewel from around his neck. Clearly concerned about the sudden decline in his health when he releases the Jewel, she considers him for a moment. It becomes apparent she is also thinking on what he has just whispered when she leans closer to him and asks softly, "Corwin, did Amber survive the Storm?"
Corwin shakes his head in response to Akira's question. "Something... something of the Pattern is left. I don't know of Amber."
Random is speaking to Benedict, somewhat hurriedly. The words grow louder, "Where is he, Benedict? Where did you send him!?"
Benedict places his human hand on Random's shoulder. "He should have been within a safe border. Patience, brother."
From behind Mordred, Merlin speaks up. "Martin's fine. They survived the Storm." His voice is calm and relaxed, as though nothing of interest had happened lately.
"How do you..." Random asks, but then he sees the card in Merlin's hand. "The Trumps. They work?" A smile comes to his face, as Merlin nods, somewhat absently. Random fishes through his pocket and pulls out his pack of Trumps. He is not the only one. Half of the family present are examining their Trumps. From the expression on their faces, it is clear that cards are once again cold. "The card is cold, but I can't get through." Random says after a minute of concentration. "Anybody else?"
Flora shakes her head. "The same for me. What does it mean?"
"It means nothing," Fiona says in a soft voice, "except that our father did not fail at everything. The way has been sealed." At these words, Corwin looks up at her - but his thoughts are unreadable. "There is still a path, but it has been hardened."
There is silence for a moment, and then a laugh. Prince Caine leaps atop a boulder, still dressed in his green armor. "You all look like a bunch funeral goers!"
"And what are you so joyous about?" Flora snaps.
Caine grins. "Because Amber still stands." He flips about a trump card in his hand, that of Gerard. "As does our mountain of a brother." Cheers erupt from the noble lords, as well as some of the Elders. Benedict, Dara and Corwin all remain silent, brooding. Caine faces Corwin. "I am afraid you and your jewel might be needed there as well though. Shadow Storms are in abundance, and," he pauses, "and we shall need a new king to rule."
After a moment of silence, Benedict begins preparing the troops for the trip back home. The trump of Amber is difficult to use, but apparently Gerard's is easier. Benedict seems to be in a hurry to return Amber's forces back home, and he immediately is off to begin the process of trumping them back home.
The one legged Lord Rein, hobbles over to Corwin and Dara and swears his fealty to them, as do the few other Nobles who have arrived from the field since passing of the Storm.
Random's words made Mordred tense within, though he tried hard not to let Llewella or anyone else know it. He too had been wondering about his cousin Martin... soon enough it was resolved, by Merlin and he relaxed. This was a person he should get to know better in the near future it seemed. Not only powerful and skilled in arcane disciplines, but well-connected and quick on the uptake. It never hurt to have allies among your peers.
He listened to Fiona's words with great interest and wondering if he could get her alon dlater and ask for some clarification on what she'd said, then Caine shared his news.
As all around seemed to be coming out of the fog of fear and despair they'd been under, he looked about him, then at Llewella by his side and said,
"It's all over then - for now at least."
Part statement and part question, it didn't need answering unless she wished to. She knew him well enough to read that in his tone. He gathered his things, buckled his rucksak a bit tighter, leaned on his already bent blade a bit heavily to stand straight on his bad leg, and silently declared himself ready.
Akira looks up as Merlin speaks and some of the tension in her eases at his words. She listens to the conversations around her and watches Cain cavort and declare Amber still standing. However, her smile is grim, especially so when she sees Corwin, Dara and Fiona are not a joyous as he. When Cain adds that Corwin will be needed to fight the storms around Amber, she looks down on him once more, her expression one of pride but tinged with concern.
As Lord Rein and the other nobles who have yet to swear fealty approach, she shifts a little to give them access to the King whilst still keeping close enough to hold a comforting hand on Corwin's arm. She waits patiently for the ceremony to complete, her eyes on Lord Rein more than most, then she waits for them to move away.
Sliding her arms beneath Corwin's shoulders, she eases him into a sitting position, whispering something to him as she does so. Then she ducks her head under his arm, wrapping her other around his waist, and pulls him to his feet.
The exodus back to Amber begins. Caine returns first with Flora. Random contacts Gerard, and brings himself, Llewella, Mordred, Martin, and a few others through. Bleys, Benedict, and Julian remain to trump out the troops and others.
Corwin whispers something to Akira as she helps him to his feet. Dara takes his other side. "Are you ready?" Corwin's bride asks.
The King pauses for a second before nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Dara caresses his cheek. "You'll feel better once you have returned to Amber." Shimmering through a rainbow connection, she trumps Corwin through to somebody on the other side. She reaches her hand out to trump Akira through when Fiona stops her and puts her hand on Akira's shoulder.
Quiet words are exchanged and Dara departs to Amber, while Akira has a few brief words with Fiona. Rising on her toes, Fiona gives Akira a kiss on the forehead before heading down the slopes - presumably to join Benedict.
Soon the rest of those who had gathered on the rocky ledge depart - leaving none to mark this spot which was the turning point for so many.
Akira looks stunned as she watches Fiona hurry away towards where Benedict is preparing the next group of soldiers for transit home.
After a moment, she turns dumbly to Dara, takes the future Queen's hand and disappears in a swirl of rainbow colours.
Roland watches the others depart. He locks them all into his memory. So much has happened and so much has changed.
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
Looking down the path Fiona went he whistles shrilly and his Huntsmen appear.
In silence they walk to where the forces have gathered and then, hopefully, to home.