InHisHouseAtRebma[continued from How to Win Friends & Bruises] Cole's Rebman outing had begun well enough. A beautiful spring morning with a gentle sea breeze greeted Cole and his companions. The sloop he'd rented—a white hull with blue sails—handled easily, gliding out of Amber Harbor as if sailing on glass. Satonka and Silk stood on the bow, waving at the scores of fishermen, who were working their traps. Arkela spent most of his time working the rigging and, for once, not complaining. A mile or so out, they'd dropped anchor and settled in for a day of fishing, sun tanning, and drinking. The water was so clear, they could make out the dark shape of an immense city far below; a panorama of vast angles and stone surfaces... too great to belong to anything right and proper on land, populated with gargantuan statues and sunken-reliefs. The lazy day progressed on the surprisingly lonely ocean, punctuated only by laughter and the occasional caught fish. And then, as sun began to dip down toward the ocean, something struck the boat's underbelly. Something huge. The girls were throw from their chairs, Arkela nearly plunged over the railing. And behind the startled screams and yells, Cole heard another far-more-terrible sound. The splintering of wood. Cole swore. "Arkela, find out what hit us, and if it seems likely to do it again!" he yelled, then ducked below decks to see if the boat was taking on water. Arkela scrambled to the stern of the ship, while the girls head for the bow. Meanwhile, Cole found the furnished interior of the sloop relatively intact, minus several cupboards that had emptied their contents onto the narrow floor. Neither the foreship nor midship showed signs of damage or leaking. However, the same could not be said of the rear section. Sea water had begun to pool in the stern, leaking through a dozen or more stress fractures in the aft hull. Cole knew enough about boats to surmise that they'd been struck near, if not directly on, the rudder. On deck, Silk yelled, "I see it!" A second later, Satonka screamed in stark terror. Cole scrambled back up to the deck. "We're taking on water. We need to head toward land. And away from whatever it is." He shoved Silk at the rudder. "Steer us east. Arkela, help me get the rest of the sails up. Satonaka, grab one of those float vests for each of us." No one moved. All three were staring out at the pulpy mass of flippers, eyes, and tentacles cutting through the water toward them. Shapeless and horrible, the creature glided through the water effortlessly, utilizing some form of organic propulsion. At least thirty feet of its bulk rose above the waves, but its true size remained obscured beneath the surface. Cole's jaw dropped. Silk broke free of her shock and gripped the rudder. She gave a miserable whimper as the tiller swung around like a boneless arm. “We may have a problem,” she groaned. The boat reeled as the creature struck near the bow. Arkela cried out as the boom caught him across the chest. Satonaka rushed to help him. Recovering somewhat from his initial shock, Cole glanced around the deck, looking for a weapon. He snatched up the boat hook and strode angrily to the bow. From the point nearest the creature, he glared into its myriad eyes and shouted, "Hey, what's the big deal! If we're bothering you, just ask us to leave! There's no need to get violent!" A myriad of eyes—some unnervingly human—blinked and stared up at Cole as the thing’s stinking body passed beneath the boat. And then with a resounding splash, the creature dove beneath the waves, its black bulk slowly circling beneath the surface like a dark cloud. Silk moved to help Satonaka with Arkela. The young man groaned and clutched his chest, wheezing through his agony. “I think you’ve broken a rib,” Satonaka pronounced, supporting him so he could breathe more easily. "Gee, you think?!" Arkela growled. As Cole followed the creature’s path, he noticed a column of black smoke rising on the horizon. A steam ship with its back to the sun. "Get those life vests on," Cole commanded, "And raise the sails. Silk, take the flag down and run it back up, upside down. We want to get that ship's attention. I'll see what I can do with the rudder." He strode back to the stern of the ship, and taking a length of rope in hand, dove off the end. “What the hell are you do. . .” Silk called after him; her voice silenced as the warm waters swallowed Cole up. When he resurfaced from the dive, he could hear her barking orders. He swam around to the stern of the boat, only to find his worst fear. The rudder hadn’t been damaged; it had been surgically removed by the creature’s attack. The blue waters were clear enough for him to see the large section of wood floating just beneath the surface five or six feet away. Satonaka cried out from above, “Cole! Get out of the water. NOW!” Cole did not see the creature, but his primal instincts told him that he was in danger. Dropping the rope, Cole swung the boathook up to catch it on the gunnel of the boat. Then he hauled himself up the pole toward the deck. The boat rose as the front wave of the creature’s wake struck it. Cole felt himself lifted from the water, only to come crashing down again an instant later. Something phlegmy and terribly alive looped around his foot and yanked him beneath the waves before he could catch his breath. Salt water stung his eyes and lungs as he was dragged downward, only to be released again. As he broke the surface, he could hear an odd, high-pitch droning sound. Before he could think on this, a rope hit him in the head. “Hold on this time, Beanpole!” Silk snapped. “That ship just fired on us, I think.” Cole heard a loud splash some distance off the bow, followed shortly by an enormous explosion and shower of sea water. Cole took a deep gasping breath, involuntarily triggering a coughing fit as his body tried to expel water from his lungs. He barely had enough presence of mind to grab the rope and twist his left arm around it. Silk hauled him out of the water with surprising strength considering her small size. She helped him over the rail and began fussing over him. . . Silk-style. She lightly smacked him upside the head, “You scared me, you moron. That thing could have eaten you! And then what would I do for tips?! And don’t even think about mouth-to-mouth, ass-munch!” "Thanks," he gasped, "I was worried about you too." The ship continued toward them, a wooden-hulled, sidewheel gunboat flying a Rebman flag. As for the creature, there was no sign. The underwater explosion apparently having startled it into retreat. There seemed no point to waving down the gunship that was already headed their direction, but Cole found himself doing so anyway. He only hoped that they'd been aiming at the creature, and not the sailboat. The ship began angling itself on an intercept course and did not fire again. Cole could make out a green-skinned figure on the ship’s deck signaling to Cole. Several other men were preparing a rope-ladder and equipment. He looked around at his stunned crew. "You see, this is why I'll never be a king. Nobody obeys my orders. Get your darned life vests on!" Silk pushed one of the hard vests into Cole’s arms, “So says the guy that impersonated a worm on a hook. Lead by example, beanpole.” Satonka struggled with Arkela’s vest, the young man’s face a mask of agony. To his credit, he cried out only once when she tightened the cork plates around his chest. “Oh hush, you big baby,” she joked, but couldn’t hide her concern. The gunboat began to slow and its sidewheel came to a halt. The rhythmic beat of its unseen engines continued, sounding eerily like a heart. Although metallic, its long, sleek frame glimmered like wet membrane. As it turned, its name came into view; the RFS Berehynia. The crewmen moved aside and a normal-skinned young man and a stork-like woman came to the railing. They waved in welcome. "Ahoy the Amber ship!" the normal skinned young man called. "We are the RFS Berehynia. Is anyone injured?" "Ahoy!" Cole called back. "Thanks for scaring off the... whatever it was! We have a man with broken ribs. More pressing, we're taking on water and our rudder is busted. Permission to come aboard?" "That was the Avanc we've been tracking." The man paused a beat. "Permission to board granted. The Captain has already ordered the lowering of ladders and have crew ready to aid you in making the crossing." the man said. "You were right, Poruchik Kapeka," The man said to the tall woman, giving a respectful bow of the head. "They will need the Doctor after all." “She will be here promptly,” Kapeka replied. She stepped forward to deal with the rescue efforts. Several of the Rebman males climbed down and hooked a ladder to the sinking vessel. Some with fleshy-looking backpacks dove into the water, not to return. The others began to assist Cole and his friends. They remained mute and distant, although not entirely unfriendly in their manner. Cole waited for Silk and Satonaka to cross to the other vessel, then helped Arkela across. The tall woman – almost Cole’s height – extended a hand to him when he got close enough, “Welcome aboard, sir. You look like you’ve had a bit of a fright. I am Poruchik Kapeka. And this is Baron Joao.” "Thank you, Poruchik, Baron," he said, heartily shaking the woman's hand. I hope we would only have been eaten if you hadn't come along. Are your divers going after that thing? They don't seem appropriately armed." Kapeka gave a sly smile, allowing Joao to answer the question. She busied herself with ordering her crew around while the men talked. "Nyet." Joao said with a nod of the head to Cole and his as yet unintroduced companions. "They are mostly keeping watch to see if it will return. And to inspect the condition of your boat." Joao replied. "And to track in which direction the Avanc fled, should it prove necessary to continue our hunt." "It is most unfortunate that the Avanc caused such damage to your vessel." Joao added. He paused a moment. "Where was your destination?" "Yeah, well, it was a rental, but your sympathy is appreciated. As far as our destination," he gestured expansively, "this is it. We were just waiting out here for sunset in order to appreciate the beauty of the lights from the city below. I hope that's not an inconvenience to anyone." He glanced at the sailboat. "We hadn't planned on leaving any trace of our presence, but that may no longer be possible. "So, are these avancs common in these waters? I've never seen such a beast." "Avancs are from waters deeper in shadow." Joao replied. "We were on patrol when we got wind of the creature and moved to pursue and engage. It would have shed poorly upon us of Rebma if the Amber Navy was needed to deal with the creature." Joao paused a moment, looking at Cole. "But you have not yet introduced yourselves." he smiled slightly. Cole smacked his forehead. "Oh, yes, I'm sorry. In all the excitement I quite forgot. I am Cole di Perondor." He bowed. "These are my friends, Miss Satonaka, Miss Silk, and the injured fellow there is Mister Arkela. We're students at Faiella University. I am at your disposal, Baron Joao, and more than grateful for your assistance." A woman with sleek, rounded feature—much like a seal—joined Kapeka. Her skin was a light shade of purple, while her hair was a much darker hue. She carried with her a fleshy bag, marked with entwined serpents. Upon seeing Arkela’s obvious distress, she immediately moved to his side and began barking at the Rebman males. “Be careful with him,” she said. “Can’t you see he’s hurt? Bloody zádnitsas. Forgive them. They know no better, young sir.” Arkela gave Cole a covert thumb’s up; his pain apparently relieved by the close proximity of the doctor’s buoyant chest. He fully embraced his role as suffering victim. Joao gave a look of bemusement. Cole winked at Arkela. "Take good care of him, doctor. He was injured trying to save us from that creature. We may even owe him our lives." The girls were also enjoying themselves, as they’d become the center of attention of every well built male on deck. Silk began picking out new recruits for her harem, while Satonka grew increasingly flustered by the ‘clothing-optional’ men working on the rigging. Kapeka rejoined Joao and Cole, “Horoshiye novosti, gentleman. The temporary repairs are underway and should allow us to tow your vessel to our naval facilities.” "Excellent, Poruchik" Joao said. "I will inform the Kapitan promptly." He then turned to regard Cole. "You mentioned, Lord of Perondor, that you were coming to view the lights of the city from above." Joao said. "Plainly, your boat will need better repairs than the temporary ones that we can provide. We'll tow your boat to our base, and to pass the time while it is being repaired, I hereby invite you and your companions down to my mother's estate as my guests. You wished to see Rebma. It would be far easier to see Rebma if you and your friends were to accompany me into the city." "As the son of the Baroness Beatriz Galitizin, and a fellow student of yours at Faiella University, I insist." Joao added with a smile. Cole's face lit up. "Thank you very much, Baron Joao. I'm sure my companions will be as delighted as I am." He looked around the boat. "Is this boat submersible, then?" "Da." Joao replied. "We will remain above the surface for most of our journey to the nearest coaling station After we disengage from your sloop, we'll engage in a full dive down to Rebma. We have quarters for air-breathers that you will be welcome to use for the duration of our journey. I'll take you there once we meet the Kapitan." "Thanks to the forthcoming dive, as well as the dangers of our ships for the uninitated." Joao continued "The Kapitan will want you to stay in quarters for as much of the voyage as possible." Joao reached down and stroked the deck of the ship before standing up and facing Cole and his companions. The Rebman smiled."We would not want the Berehynia to think any of you a tasty morsel upon which to feed." Kapeka chuckled at Joao’s joke, “With your leave, sire, I shall go and have three rooms made up. Perhaps some food and drink will be in order. I will also inform the Kapitan of your orders.” "Da,Poruchik. Make it so." Joao replied with a nod of the head. Once dismissed, she clicked her boot-heels together and entered the ship’s interior to carry out her duties. Joao regarded the departing Lieutenant for a moment and turned his attention back to the drylanders. Satonka and Silk joined the; pairing off with Cole and Joao, respectively. Silk gazed up at Joao with a sly grin, “Aren’t all you people supposed to be green?” "Nyet" Joao replied with a smile. "There are families in Rebma which have strong traits which make them look like Drylanders. They always have dark hair, and pale skin. House Galitzin, my House, has a fair number of these." "And you will discover once we arrive, Miss Silk, that there are a variety of hair and skin hues to be found in the City Beneath the Sea." Joao added. Silk's tail curled up with delight, "Oooo. . . that sounds. . . wait, I'm going to get soaked, aren't I?" Satonka rolled her eyes, "Well, duh! It's not called an underwater city for nothing, furball." The katayan glowered at her companion for a moment, before a worried expression replaced her anger. "Cats. Water. Bad mix really." Cole looked at the darkening sky. "So, Baron, how long will this journey require? I have a rather strict curfew." "The journey to port, and thence down to Rebma will be a relatively short journey." Joao promised, giving a nod to Cole. "My House would be poor hosts if we caused you to miss curfew in our attempts to show you hospitality. In any event, although I do not live on campus, I, too, must keep in mind the necessities of the schedule of the University." He then looked at the Katayan. "It would be most regrettable if you were to miss the journey down to Rebma, although if there is truly an elemental antipathy, I completely understand. If you desire, I shall impress upon the Kapitan your desire to, say, remain at the coaling station while the repairs take place." "I cannot promise." Joao added in a tone of regret and a bow of the head "that you will find such an alternative anything but dull. I would hope the promise of cuisine that a Katayan such as yourself favors, as well as more visual delights, would be enough lure and impetus to allow you to brave the trip down. In any event, the choice is yours." “Nah,” Silk said. “I’ve got tigress in my veins. A little water won’t keep me from Rebma. After all, I’m sure you guys have plenty of pretty things to ste. . . uh, see.” Satonka looked up at Cole, “Oh come on. You? Stopped by a curfew?! Did you get salt water on the brain?” "I have to turn in by midnight," Cole said, "for health purposes." Silk rolled her eyes, "Health purposes. Pffft. You really are an odd duck, beanpole." She hugged his arm, "I'm sure our host here will have you all tucked in with some seaweed blankets before you turn into a pumpkin. "Let's live dangerously and see the city." Joao turned gracefully, with the agility of a knife fighter, so that he faced all three of them in his vision. He bowed for the benefit of all. "If I might point out, the faster that we locate the three of you to quarters, the faster we can be underway, and the more time can be spent in Rebma before the vagaries of curfews and academic duties come to the fore." He gestured in the direction of the port section of the ship. "Shall we?" Joao offered. Cole nodded, and allowed himself to be escorted. The ladies followed the men into the ship. Kapeka greeted them at the airlock, “Your rooms have been prepared in the terrestrial fashion. I hope you will find them suitable.” She held the door open, allowing them to pass into the narrow corridor. The lighting inside came from bioluminescent strips along the roof and floor, the walls cast in a soft bluish glow. The floor lights pulsed in a rhythmic fashion, as if providing directions. Cole brushed his hand along the glowing ceiling strip, and gave it a gentle poke, for no good reason. The ‘light’ flexed organically under his fingertips, a living warmth radiating from his spongy surface. Joao furrowed his eyebrows but said nothing at Cole's gesture. “Your companion is doing well,” Kapeka added. "Ah, thank you," Cole said. "I thought he looked like he was in good... hands. And I'm sure the rooms will be fine." He stepped into the first room that was indicated. "Thank you." [Joao] said to the Poruchik. He paused a moment. "Any word from the Kapitan? I thought, unless she objects, that I would keep our guests company for the duration of our journey to the coaling station, and thence down to the City." “Aye, sire,” Poruchik replied. “The Kapitan will make full steam for the coal station as soon as the other vessel made ready. She will likely join your party after we’ve docked, later in the evening.” She turned her head to Cole, “I’ve taken the liberty of having some food prepared. It is local fare, but nourishing. I’ll have it brought up from the galley once your party is settled in.” Joao nodded his head to the officer. She glanced over at Joao, “We do have some spirits aboard for social occasions. Shall I have some included with the meal, sire?” "I would say that the occasion of our guests, especially given their misfortune, would be more than sufficient cause to include it with the repast. Unless they have some misgivings to having alcohol?" Joao looked at Cole and his two female companions. "I'd love to have some spirits," Cole remarked cheerfully. "I'm very spiritual. And I'm sure my companions will have no misgivings. By the way, have I mentioned how grateful I am for your rescue, and your hospitality? Just in case, thank you very much. Without your assistance we would be dinner instead of having dinner. I can probably say without getting in too much trouble that the queen of Perondor owes you a favor." A look of surprise came across Joao's face at Cole's last words. "You had mentioned that you were from Perondor, I caught it from your name." Joao said, his eyes widening. "Do you mean to say that you're from the Royal Family?" he asked. "Or is it that your Family is powerful enough within Perondor that you have strong relations with her Majesty Queen Ellisia?" he asked. Poruchik appeared equally shocked, observing Cole with renewed—almost hungry—interest. As one, Silk and Satonka happily declared, “He’s a Mongrel King.” "I'm her no-good bastard son," Cole replied, "and I shouldn't spread it around, but I'm a bit of a blabbermouth. And seeing as how you saved the lives of myself and my companions, you should be rewarded to the best of my ability, which is best done with Mother's assistance." Joao gave a respectful nod of the head to Cole. Silk sidled up to Joao, purring. “And by the Code, you have my thanks. I’m a queen too, you realize.” She lay her head against his arm, tail curled most innocently. "A Queen?" Joao said uncertainly. Satonka rolled her eyes, “Maybe of Murkside, sure.” She tightened her grip around Cole’s arm. Silk lifted her nose in dignified dismissal of her companion's words, "Jealous much?" "Regardless of your rank and status." Joao said, raising his voice slightly to try and defuse the tension. "I will give you all do respect as benefits a member of your gender. And your companionship to the son of Queen Ellisia of Perondor." “Ooooo. . . I like the sound of that,” Silk chimed, running her hand down Joao’s broad chest. “You’re going to make an excellent addition to my harem. Yes, indeed.” Before he’d even finished his bottle of spirits, Cole found himself in a world of vast onion-domed spires and coral streets whorled like shells. Strange, organic lights shone and pulsed with a myriad of hypnotic colors. Beyond them, he could make out the faint outline of mountains and crags that had never seen the light of day. Strange and beautiful people flitted about the city like vibrant fish on a coral reef, toiling and living beneath the waves. Kapitan Lorna had been kind enough to pilot the Berehynia over the main city, allowing Cole and his companions a view of the city through a protective membrane-like window. "Home." Joao said to his new friends, with obvious pride. Cole grinned at the girls. "Well, I'd wager this is even nicer than the view I promised you." The Vert Reef estate, home to Baroness Beatriz Galitzin, shamed many land-based manors, perched on a sea-cliff above the main city. The green-and white building stretched out in an elongated rectangle of more than a thousand rooms. Green-skinned servants directed his group to the east wing, where several guest rooms awaited them. The servants then left them to ready a late dinner for the group. "Believe it or not." Joao said. "There are some citadels larger than this. Although probably the most powerful of the Baronesses, Rebma has a few Duchies as well, with even larger buildings than ours." Joao explained. "However, their tastes do not run to the aesthetic that my Mother has cultivated." "Size is hardly everything." he added. "True," Cole observed, "But size never fails to impress." Cole and Joao now stood on a balcony overlooking a garden of bright anemones and sea fronds. Silk and Satonka were busy playing tag there with a school of prismatic fish, while Arkela slept in one of the connected rooms. Midnight remained a few hours away, but this seemed as safe a place to hide from the Dark Hour as any other. Cole relaxed, leaning against the railing. His friends were happy, he'd already checked out the sleeping quarters he'd been allocated--with a sound door and a good lock--and he had a good buzz going from the spirits. "Thanks for your hospitality, Baron. Your home is lovely." "You don't need to use my title overmuch." Joao said. "You're not Rebman and I hope that we can be friends enough to eschew such things. And you shouldn't use the title when my mother is around." Joao added. "She is the Baroness." Joao felt a tingle on the back of his neck, much as a seal might sense a white-tip shark lurking beneath them. His mother was coming. Joao stiffened his posture immediately and noticeably to Cole. He turned back toward the doors that led back into the complex, and spoke in a low, urgent voice, a stream of bubbles rising from his mouth as he did so. "Mother comes." he said to Cole, as if it were the direst of warnings. Startled, Cole looked down to see that his hand had already half-drawn his hunting knife, and his knees were bent, ready to spring. With an effort, he drew himself back into a relaxed, but formal, posture. "It's okay. I'll be on my best behavior." "I said that for my own benefit as much as yours." Joao replied. He remained at the stiff, formal posture. The very model of a modern male noble Rebman. Mother would, hopefully, approve. A tall, elegant woman flung open the chamber doors with all the gentility of a bull shark in an evening gown. Blessed with a classic beauty, the Baroness could have been easily mistaken for Joao’s older sister, rather than his dowager-mother. Skin like pearl and eyes like the deepest sea trench, the woman descended upon the pair like a hungry barracuda. Joao stood patiently, silently and watched as mother approached. He had only inherited the smallest fraction of her grace, beauty and skills. But even that smallest fraction was a considerable sum, Joao found himself thinking. “Dobryj vecher!” she exclaimed, closing the distance with liquid grace. Her smooth fingers swallowed Cole’s hand with an anemone’s grip. “Prince Cole, I presume. I do so hope journey to my home was not too traumatic. Kaptain Lorna relayed your plight to me and it breaks my heart to hear of your troubles. Nezavisimo ot togo, chto Vy zhelayete, budet vashim. My home is your home.” "Baroness!" Cole replied, kissing the back of her hand. "Rumors of your beauty are shockingly under-reported. I shall correct this at my earliest opportunity." “Ah, you are such a gentleman,” Beatriz replied. She patted his cheek with silken finger. “And a charmer.” In time, she realized that they were not alone. She offered her son a gentle smile. “Ah, there you are, my precious little pearl fish. I swear, you’ve grown since I last saw you. I could not believe my ears when I heard you saved our young friend here. I’m so proud of you.” "It is good to be home, Mother." Joao replied with a smile. She blessed him with a perfunctory kiss on each cheek before returning her full attention to Cole. "He was quite heroic, milady. The avanc was a monstrosity such as I've not--um, seldom--seen before, certainly never during waking hours, anyway. Huge. Hideous. And undoubtedly hungry. It's very fortunate that Joao came along when he did. I'm deeply indebted to him." Joao gave a nod to Cole for his account and words. Beatriz touched her son’s shoulder while she listened to the story. She offered Joao a proud smile, and allowed Cole to continue without interruption. He waved his free hand around to indicate the luxurious grounds around them. "And your home! It's fantastic! Gorgeous. Incredible." As he spoke, Cole found his eyes drifting toward those of the baroness. "Indescribable. Altogether lovely." “As I am sure your estates are equally beautiful in their own fashion, Lord Cole,” Beatriz replied. “I regret my not sampling the air-filled world more often. I am told that I would enjoy a walk through a les. . .” She touched her finger to her bottom lip, considering this word for a moment. “Ah. Forest. I believe your word for it is ‘forest,’ da? The land of trees.” Joao nodded slightly for his mother's benefit and listened as Cole responded. "Oh, yes, the forest is lovely, and Perondor's are rivaled only by Arden itself. The birds flit through the air like your fish do here, and they sing pretty songs to each other. And the sunlight through the trees can be breathtaking. In the spring there are flowers and the bright green of new growth, and in the winter the snow muffles all the sounds and makes it quiet and peaceful. You really should come see our forests some time. It's not necessarily better than this," he gestured again, "but it's different." Cole was aware that the Baroness still hadn't released his hand. It made him slightly uncomfortable, but he wasn't sure why. "As for my estates, I don't have anything of my own just yet. Harris has promised to set me up with something nice, small, and remote as a graduation present. He especially likes to emphasize the 'remote' part." "Harris?" Joao enquired, regarding Cole. "Some advisor to your mother the Queen? What says she to such a thing?" The Baroness’s grip finally released Cole’s hand, her long fingers falling away to lace together in front of her. Her eyes flashed between her son and Cole like dark fish darting between tidal pools. "He's her primary advisor, on account of being the prince consort. And he outranks me considerably due to me not being his son. Technically I'm a duke rather than a prince. Mother makes certain concessions to him where I am involved, in order to preserve familial peace. But it's all good. I'm taken care of, and my responsibilities are very few. I'm a lucky guy, as you demonstrated today by showing up when you did." "It is sometimes much more useful to be fortunate than skilled," Joao replied, with a nod of the head and a smile. “Technicalities, as you put it, do not dilute the royal blood,” Beatriz said. “You are a prince by birth and temperament. I am certain you would make for a great king someday.” She smiled softly, “And even without my dear son’s help, I believe you would have weathered today’s storm. I’m told you bravely dove into the water, even with the avanc still attacking your vessel. It is now the talk of the city. I do suspect you will receive a great many invitations to meet with influential daughters of Rebma.” As an afterthought, she touched Joao’s shoulder, “And you as well, my son. Your performance was most commendable.” "Thank you mother." Joao said quietly and in a polite, respectful tone. He turned slightly to hear Cole's answer. "Baroness, I thank you for your kind words, but I have no desire to rule anything. Heavy lies the head, and all that, and I prefer lightheadedness very much. As for bravery, well, if Joao had been much slower there would be people at my funeral asking why I so stupidly dove into water that held an avanc. And I'd hate to mislead Rebma's lovely daughters. I'm already seeing someone." Beatriz smiled, “Oh how wonderful! Young love. Such a beautiful thing. Tis a pity though. I’m certain many mothers will be disappointed to hear this news.” Joao regarded his mother. "Baroness Khilkova, Countess Razumovskya and Countess Lieven, especially." he mused aloud. Joao knew who out of the many noble families of Rebma were currently in favor with his mother. Long letters on the subject from home consisted of little else, sometimes. Her smile sharpened, “My son is seeing someone as well. An Amber woman. I’ve never understood the interest in these pale, land-dwelling women. Too skinny and mild-mannered really. But, I’m biased, of course.” She drew closer to the balcony and gestured at the girls in the garden below. “Is it one of them, perhaps?” Joao walked alongside Cole and his mother to the view of the garden. He relaxed visibly upon seeing the familiar garden that had been his playground when he was younger. Cole looked over the balcony at the girls. "No, it's... err..." Remembering that no one was supposed to know about Rhea, he fumbled. And he was seeing Silk, in a non-platonic sense. "Well, yes. It's complicated, but yes. Sort of. The one that's... Hey! Silk, let that fish go!" Joao turned his attention in Silk's direction. Silk’s head shot up, wide startled eyes meeting Cole’s gaze. She pretended to ignore the prismatic tail wriggling in her mouth – her face a mask of feline-‘what-me?’ innocence. Seeing that no one was buying her act, she daintily spit the struggling fish out. It swam away like a shot while she shuffled her feet. “Ummm. . . did you say something, beanpole?” she called up at them. Beatriz politely coughed. “Ah yes. I completely understand the attraction.” She managed a smile. Cole winked at Beatriz before replying to Silk. "I said I'm glad you and Satonaka are having a good time, and asked you to go check on Arkela." The girls looked at one another and then back up to Cole. They apparently got the hint because the two of them headed for the house. Silk, however, did make sure to communicate her feelings on the matter with a rather rude tail-gesture. "Da" Joao added. "Still, Cole, I think my mother would agree with me that even if the possibility of a Rebman Romance should be discounted given your current social relationships, there are more and perhaps even better reasons for you to find favor with our humble House, City and Nation." "Wouldn't you agree, Mother?" Beatriz smiled faintly, “My son is correct.” "I'm sure you're right, Joao. Shipbuilding and seafaring are important industries to Perondor, and I'd guess that creates some shared interest with Rebma. But that's a matter better discussed with Mom than myself. I have little or no political influence, and I like it that way." Beatriz chuckled, “Well, although I doubt you’d enjoy a permanent position as such, perhaps you could serve as our House’s ambassador? At least until formal introductions are made. My family would be most grateful, as I am sure your own would be.” "I'd be honored," Cole replied, with a small bow. She led Cole to the railing. “And I would find your continued visits most enjoyable. There is not enough laughter in these halls.” "You're very gracious, Milady," he said. "I would welcome the opportunity to return." He rested his eyes upon the garden, content for a moment, and then pointed at something. "I see your gardener has a sense of humor, at least. I assume the sundial over there is purely ornamental here under the sea." "We measure time by other means than sunlight." Joao said agreeably. Beatriz’s lips curled at the corners, “Aye. You have a keen eye, Lord Cole. My staff does possess a slight flair for the whimsical. For us, the time is measured by the tides and currents.” [Cole] glanced up at the dark water above. "That reminds me, what time is it?" The Baroness tilted her head slightly, “It is approaching what you would call Tenth Strike, I believe. Why?” Joao cocked his head as if a thought had occurred to him suddenly. He covered up the gesture by suddenly speaking. "Our new drylander friend is a student at the University like myself, Mother." Joao interjected at this point. "He does not have the dispensation that I do to live off-campus, and is strongly concerned about the consequences of breaking curfew. In addition, and I can confirm this,milady Mother, the professors who teach morning classes are harsh taskmistresses and taskmasters." Cole raised an eyebrow at Joao, but said nothing. “Ah,” Beatriz replied. “Well then. It would be most negligent of me to interfere with your regular schedule. I will make arrangements for your ascent to the surface.” She extended her hand to Cole, “You will at least say goodbye to me before you leave, I hope?” Cole kissed her hand. "Certainly. Our visit has been all too brief. I look forward to visiting again when we have more time and fewer avancs." Beatriz chuckled, “Indeed, young Cole. Indeed. Upon your next visit, we shall show you the simple pleasures that Rebma has to offer.” She touched his cheek and then walked away, her dress elegantly trailing behind like a patch of sea-grass. “Joao?” she called back from the door, “Entertain our guests until I arrange for transport, will you? There’s my darling Minnow.” And with that, she was gone. "Da, Mama." Joao said as his mother swam out of sight. He then turned to face Cole, and behind him the girls in the garden. "We have some little time before transport back to the coaling station and your repaired ship will arrive." Joao said. "Mother will wish you properly conducted, of course." "What might I show you and your companions in the meantime?" Joao added. "Um, I don't really know," Cole replied. "I've never been here before, so I don't know what to go see. Mostly I'm enjoying the, uh, native costumes. But unfortunately, I think we really need to leave as soon as possible. I still need to sail our ship home after we get back to the surface, and I don't relish the thought of still being out on the sea at midnight." Joao visibly tensed at the mention of the time. He looked about, and then lowered his voice slightly. His voice took on the tone of someone who was asking a question that he might already know the answer to. "Why is midnight so important to you, Cole?" he asked quietly. "Important' isn't exactly the word I'd use," Cole replied, eyes narrowed. "But I find I have much fewer concerns about my health if I'm in bed by then. Behind a heavy locked door. With a big sword." Joao listened carefully and attentively. "It's at about this point in the discussion," Cole added, "That people look at me with some amount of alarm. If you don't, and for some reason I don't think you will, then I will begin to suspect that you have similar... health concerns." Joao exhaled, the typical stream of bubbles from exhalation more like a raging storm cloud than a small rivulet of them. "I know of what you speak." Joao said. "I know of at least one other who shares the health concerns that we do." he added. "It's not a unique condition." Joao paused and looked around the room, wary. "I would warn you, Cole, however, that I have not experienced the dangers of Midnight here in Rebma. I do not know what we might face, if we did for some reason remain here in the Darkest Hour. Given the dangers I've seen in the city, I can't imagine that my home isn't the same. Fortunately, if it comes down to it, I am skilled in underwater combat." The last bit was said with a bit of pride. "Yeah, if you've got stuff like avancs here during the day, I definitely don't want to see what you have after midnight. Especially since I'm _not_ skilled in underwater combat, despite being reasonably handy with a blade under other circumstances. Despite what Colonel Kel says to my face." Joao continued after a nod at Cole's comment regarding Colonel Kel. "I suppose you've seen your mirrored counterpart, too?" he asked. "My what?" Cole said, nonplussed. Joao paused. "When my...friend and I were introduced to the Midnight world." he explained. "we had the opportunity to regard ourselves in a glass. A mirror. What we saw were not our reflections, but rather dopplegangers, ghosts, spirits of two dead people to whom, it seems we are each linked." "They even spoke to us, in our minds," Joao added. "I take it, Cole," Joao continued, "that you've never had the chance to look at a mirror during Midnight?" he asked. "No," Cole replied slowly, "I'm generally busy with other things, one of which broke my mirror shortly after I moved in. Usually I'm lucky and nothing manifests in my room, but it's not entirely my fault that it's such a wreck in there. So if I were to look in a mirror, instead of myself, I'd see two dead people?" "Nyet. We saw two spirits because two of us attuned to the Midnight Hour glimpsed in the mirror," Joao clarified. "If you were to look into a mirror by yourself, you would, I should think, just see the doppleganger tied to you. If you and I were to look into a mirror at the same time, you would see your doppleganger...and mine." "There are many mirrors in Rebma," Joao said, as if it were an axiom. "However, I do not wish to remain here for that purpose." Joao paused. "One other thing, Cole. These dopplegangers, spirits of the dead have minds, goals, dreams and plans, agendas and plots of their own." "Mine, for instance, seemed quite opposed and hostile to the other doppleganger he shared the mirror with, although they seemed incapable of affecting each other directly." "I've never seen such a thing," Cole said thoughtfully, stroking his chin, "but I've maybe heard it. The first time it happened, there was a voice, as if there were someone with me, though everyone around was in a black coffin. I kinda thought it was in my own head, but I didn't think maybe it was another actual person. Especially not a dead one." "Da. The voice was your doppleganger," Joao said with a bob of his head. Cole looked around the room, noticing now all the mirrors. "Looks like we'd be surrounded if we were still here at midnight. For some reason that seems like it would be bad." "Mirrors have always been my friends." Joao said. "Although the prospect of endless, infinite reflections of my double, and, yours, would be disconcerting to say the least. A meeting and conversation would be inescapable. For good or ill." A polite gurgle disturbed them. They discovered one of the Cray house-servants standing a few feet away—its lidless eyes staring at them impassively. After all these years, Joao still didn't understand how the fish-men could so easily—and unnervingly—blend into the background; a very useful skill for a servant-race. Joao turned his head to regard the fish-like Cray and its large lidless eyes. This one was relatively new to Joao, he didn't know its use-name. “Your arrangements have been made, Milord,” it said. “A carriage is waiting at the front door to provide you transport to the Berehynia. Your mother and the other guests await you there.” "Thank you. Please inform my lady Mother that we will be there presently," Joao said with a nod of dismissal. The creature retreated to follow out its duties, leaving the two young men to prepare for the coming journey back to the surface. The trip back through the complex was somewhat more brisk than when Joao had led Cole, Silk and Satonka to the guest rooms, and then to their brief but elegant dinner. The route was subtly different, Cole noted, Joao preferring a more direct and straightforward route rather than the previous ones that were set to show off most of the best of the myriad of rooms that made up the Galitzin estate. Joao did allow and indulge one diversion for Cole, Silk, Satonka and himself. He guided them through a hall of sculpture, all carved from coral and basalt. Imposing previous Baronesses and their children, crafted by sculpters who well knew the cold clear look of command they had wielded. The last statue, (or the first, if you came the other way) was one that Cole recognized—the current dowager Baroness, Joao's mother herself, carved out of white and black marble. "Its a tradition to show one's ancestors and family line," Joao said. "We went through the art gallery on the way to the guest rooms earlier, but I didn't want you to miss this on the return trip." "It's very impressive," Cole noted. "Mom would like this. Ruling queens haven't been common in the history of my country, and even now there are sometimes those that forget that she, and not my stepfather, is in charge. I think she'd take some delight in seeing such a healthy matriarchal line." "The Galitzin line is one of the oldest in Rebma." Joao replied, with obvious pride. Rebman goodbyes were a complex and elegant ceremony, rife with ritual and affections – even those farewells reserved only for new acquaintances. Their effusive style exponentially increased their duration and by the time the group Berehynia breached the surface, the midnight hour had drawn uncomfortably close. Delays at the coaling station grimly shortened that chronological distance even further. Both Cole and Joao became aware that they would not reach land before the Dark Hour arrived. Joao took the slow formality in stride, even as the lateness of the hour pressed upon them. This was his culture, his people, and his way of doing this. At one point, he spoke quietly to Cole. "It is fortunate that we did not find a budding Rebman romance for you, or we would still be beneath the sea at this hour." "It just wasn't a good idea, for a number of reasons. However, I could recommend that my brother Deric visit in a few years. He's far more eligible than I am. Again, for a number of reasons." Joao nodded. "Perhaps that is what my mother hopes." More pomp and circumstance added to this grief, as they were unable to disengage from their respective hosts and companions. They soon found themselves on the ship’s foredeck, observation platform, gazing across the ocean toward the glimmering lights of Amber. The rhythmic splash of the paddle wheels filled the crisp air with tangy salt. A silvered line of moonlight rippled on the water, accompanied by the incandescent glow of night feeding fish and squid. Silk and Satonka oohed and awed at the display, fighting the urge to yawn. The regal Captain Lorna stood nearby, unimpressed but politely quiet. "If we were on your ship and not on the Berehynia," Joao murmured to Cole at one point, gesturing back to the towed vessel "We would be in even worse shape as regards the lateness of the hour. It might have been fortunate that the repairs to your ship were more extensive than first thought, and we didn't have you try and sail it back to Amber alone at this hour." "At least," Joao said, "if something comes on the water in the Midnight Hour, we'll be on a solid, strong Rebman ship to meet it. That counts for something, Da?" He looked at Silk and Satonka and then looked at Cole and continued. "Are they Awakened, too?" he asked. "'Awakened?' Is that what we are called? I'd much rather be asleep. No, I don't know anyone who is awakened, other than yourself and Miss Talbot." Joao furrowed his eyebrows in recognition at the mention of Gillian. "I don't know that there is an official name for us, or what we witness." Joao said.Cole glanced at his friends. "I don't like this. If something attacks us, it could damage the ship, even sink it. And then our friends would come out of their coffins underwater. We can't let that happen." He felt around his belt. "I need a weapon, something better than this knife. A sword, if one is available." "A sword," Joao said dubiously. "Not a typical Rebman weapon. We prefer weapons that work well in water. Knives, blades, spears and tridents." "I should have thought of this sooner, but I thought we would be out of Rebma by now..." Joao looked at Cole and then strode up to Captain Loma. "Kapitan," he said. "It would appear that, not knowing the son of the Queen of Perondor well enough, my family did not provide a suitable parting gift. My conversation with him, however, has revealed an interest of his that you or the stores on the ship might fill." "Although it is not a typical weapon for us," Joao continued, "However, surely, there is a spare sword to be had that we might gift Cole with? It seems he has an interest and some skill with the weapon, and has never owned one of Rebman manufacture." Captain Lorna raised an emerald brow, “We have cutlasses in our armory for boarding actions. However, they would make a poor gift for a nobleman, sire. Most have been used and are showing their wear. Can I offer some other option, perhaps?” Joao opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted. From the crow’s nest, a baritone call went out. “Twelfth Strike and all’s well.” This announcement spread across the ship, voices answering one another to mark in the late hour. The ship continued to ply through the water toward Amber. The people on deck continued to go about their duties. The girls continued to talk and laugh. The city lights continued to glow. And the moon remained its silvery color. Nothing stirred in the water. No ancient horror raised its head from beneath the quicksilver waves. For the first time in many months, the world remained as it was and as it should be. Perfectly normal. Captain Lorna coughed politely. “Sire? Are you well?” Joao was in shock and surprise. He looked at Captain Lorna, looked at Cole and all around. He covered these emotions quickly, and a look of puzzled relief came across his race. "Da, Kapitan. It has been a long day in the company of my guest, that is all," Joao said amicably. "As for the matter of the gift, I shall contact my mother and have her commission something suitable. Something..." he looked at Cole and smiled, "we might deliver upon our new friend's next visit to our House, our City and Kingdom." Cole appeared equally relieved. He walked over to the ship's rail and sagged gratefully against it, looking at the calm silvery wavelets with a tired smile. "That would be lovely, Baron. I hadn't realized how relaxing a night out at sea might be." "Da," Joao said. He stared at the moonlit sea, the city, and the moon. A part of him was upset—was his ability to see the Darkest Hour now taken away somehow? Was the crisis and troubles represented by that Darkest Hour over? Silly. Stupid, Joao thought. He briefly thought of Raina, and Rusalka, and Gillian. Gillian, especially, would consider his speculation silly and stupid. Clearly something else is at work. A distance from that mysterious evil looking Castle in place of the Royal Castle. His eyes widened. It made a horrible sort of sense. His voice went low as he spoke to Cole. "I suspect that there is a range to how far away from the Castle that the Darkest Hour occurs and we can awaken." he said to Cole. "This is something we should tell the others, the others whom we share this experience. We should all meet somewhere, sometime. Share information, knowledge and ideas." "It could save our lives." "That makes sense," Cole said. "Maybe we should all just leave. It never occurred to me before that we could. Nothing special ever happened to me at midnight before I got here, but I didn't realize it was something about the place. We should leave before we get killed. Or get someone else killed," he added, remembering the old woman from his first night in town. But that trail of thought reminded him of Rhea, too. He lowered his head to the rail. "Damn. So you think it's the Castle that's somehow causing this?" "I think there are answers in that Castle to what is happening to us." Joao said firmly. "Although I have not deduced the identity of my double, I know two of us have done so. It would not be wise to speak their names aloud, I learned that to my regret." Joao said. "But both of them are from the Royal Family of Amber, Cole. Dead members of that Family." "Dead members..." Cole repeated, staring at Joao's face, looking for any hint of a joke. Finding none, he added. "Okay then. We should all meet. And we should have a book with the genealogy of the royal family with us." Joao nodded enthusiastically. Thoughts of the royal family reinforced the memory of Rhea. "One other thing," Cole added. "If this is related to the Castle, we may not be the only ones who are in danger. We may merely be the only ones that have noticed." "Da, you mean the living members of the Royal Family." Joao said. He thought of Seabhac, and before him, the tempestuous relationship he had with Caer. "I have limited contact thus far with the scions of Amber. My mother, as you might imagine, has hopes for me to forge deeper relationships, for the good of the House." "I'm sure," Cole replied. "It makes me wonder how welcome your mother would have extended to my friends if I hadn't been with them. She barely spoke with them at all as it was." He looked shrewdly at Joao. "We're quite a pair. As far as our mothers are concerned, my mere existence is a political embarrassment, whereas your existence is a political expedient. Let's hope they see us as more than that, eh?" He clapped the Rebman on the shoulder. Joao nodded. "It would make our lives more than just being pawns." "Now, as far as that Castle," Cole continued. "It might be very interesting to see what it's like inside there at midnight. Interesting in the sense of, 'My God, my God, we're all going to die,' very likely, but interesting nonetheless." "The dangers of the Darkest Hour outside the Castle are formidable to begin with." Joao agreed. "I cannot imagine that they will not be even worse, in there. Gaining entry into the Castle will require some social entrees on our part. Perhaps, once gathered, our companions might have ideas or information that would give us a chance to do so." Joao looked from Cole to the direction of Kapitan Lorna. "The Kapitan and I have recently spoken of a musical performance Prince Martin is going to give. Something called Jazz. I may, for my part, be able to get in under her aegis. They are, were, acquainted." His gaze lingered in the direction of the formidable Captain. "Perhaps other contacts might be arranged to gain entry into the performance by you, and our counterparts." Joao suggested, tearing his gaze away and in the direction of Cole again. "I could probably get myself invited to that," Cole replied. "I'm not sure I could bring anyone else along, though. That might be awkward. I think it best if you take care of the others yourself. That being said, it would be better if we all met before an adventure in the Castle. I like to know who I'm fighting with before the battle starts." He grinned. "Maybe it's time I had a party in my room." "Da" Joao said. Suddenly, his eyes lit up like twin sapphires. "On the other hand, your room is rather small for all of us, I should think. Perhaps, not long after term begins, a gathering at my family's estate in Amber might be a way for all of us to meet." "It can be inconvenient at times but a special dispensation for my family allows me to stay there during term rather than on campus. I assure you, Cole, all of the staff at the estate are human. Rebman, anyway." "My room's a double, which should be plenty large enough for the four of us," Cole replied, "but small enough to minimize the chance for one of those beasts to materialize inside. But I'm fine either way, as long as we're someplace relatively secure at midnight, and I can have a saber handy. I keep a strictly non-regulation non-fencing saber under my bed." "Well, security at Midnight is important." Joao agreed. "I was thinking, though, that it would cause less chatter and notice to come to the Estate. Bringing Miss Talbot and Miss Baronson to your room might cause tongues to wag." Joao shrugged and turned to look at the city again. "However, perhaps only my preference for home ground is obscuring the tactical advantages inherent in the smaller space of your room. In addition, aside from myself, it is more convenient for the majority of us to meet in your room." "It's settled then: next Friday night, party in my room. I'll provide refreshments... though I don't think we'll want to partake after midnight. I would guess that everything tastes nasty then. If it works out well, we might make it an ongoing thing. It would be nice to not always have to spend that time alone." Joao opened his mouth to speak, but... A shrill steam-burst came from the ship’s command deck, warning other vessels of its approach. The lights of Amber Harbour had become recognizable and the crew began preparations for arrival. As the ship turned into the harbour channel, it began to slow. Joao looked at the city with satisfaction. "The one true city of which all others are but shadows. Or at least the dryland reflection of the marbled perfection of the one true city." Joao said in a light tone. Cole rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Agreed. Term is to start in a couple of days, and once things settle after that...next Friday should work well. I'll have my carriage take you and your companions home before I return to the estate." |
