AFullHouseIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | A Full House She walked back into the living room and took notice of Sparrow's disquieted appearance. "It's okay. Feel free to look around. There's a spare room upstairs and to the left. It has some of my clothes there. You might want. To change. That uniform will be hard to explain. And feel free to grab a shower. I need to find someone." Solitaire slumped down into her big, green chair and began to concentrate, slowly forming a Mindlink to the wayward fennec. There was no response. Clearly Solitaire's little family had obeyed her instructions to hide, and had taken that option with their usual wayward and misdirected thoroughness. "Thank the Serpent," Solitaire whispered to herself. As long as they were in hiding, they could avoid this unpleasantness. With luck, they'd headed into Shadow or Rebma. While the latter might be at risk, it was far safer than Amber at the moment. She decided to search for them in the morning after she'd spoken with Goran. She smiled faintly to herself. She and Goran had so much to discuss now. And a night alone together would be a rarity. Of course, it was about then that she remembered the woman standing in her living room. Solitaire glanced up at Sparrow, "I guess I should give you the tour." For the next while, the young baroness showed off her home to her new guest, answering questions as they went. After a hectic night, one rife with disappointments, she found herself rejuvenated by the burst of pride she gained in sharing her house with a new friend. She began with the spare guest room and worked her way through the kitchen and out into the courtyard. "There's a small arbor beneath that willow tree," she explained. "You could convert it to a small lean-to, I'm sure. The doors are rarely locked, so you can get into the main house to clean up or grab something to eat whenever you need to." Sparrow was very amenable to the idea of converting the arbour, and set to work with good will, weaving willow wand to make a stout potective wall. "These will grow too," she explained to Solitaire. "You can make a whole living, breathing house of willow. In the forest, it's traditional for a Ranger's first married home to be willow - something sweet and growing." At this, Solitaire smiled warmly. "Saille is the tree of enchantment," she replied, sitting down upon the grass, legs folded beneath her. "It was blessed by the most powerful witches that have ever lived. Circe. Hecate. Persephone. So, when I hear its leaves whispering in the night. It feels like they're talking to me. Watching over me. I never had a mother. But thanks to this old willow, I felt like I had many." She shrugged and fell silent for a moment. The rhythmic motion of Sparrow's hands as they worked was hypnotic, soothing. Normally, she would have used magic to reshape the tree and branches into the shapes she desired. But her companion's methods appeared far more genuine, more respectful. "Were you born in the Arden?" she asked. "I think so ... " Sparrow was beginning, and then she stiffened. "There's a carriage coming close to the house," she said. "But I didn't hear it at a distance." Woodland trained ears had some use even in the city, it appeared. Solitaire started, her gaze snapping toward the front. "A carriage. This late at night?" She stood up and wrung her hands together. Being at the end of a street as her house was, it felt odd that the carriage's approach had gone unnoticed. She could almost feel trouble brewing. "Stay here," she said. "If someone finds you before. I can return. Tell them that you're my new ward. Being taught the Elemental Path. They could be a friend. Or an enemy. But don't assume which they may be." So saying, Solitaire hurried around the corner of the house and into the front courtyard to greet the new arrivals. Along the way, she began summoning the Sign in her mind. She would not be caught unawares again tonight. Tasha pushed open the front gate, paused and glanced around. She was actually looking down and around, as if peering under the shrubs; a slight frown creasing her forehead. She continued forward, her heels clicking on the Spanish tiles. The scents of the herbs filled the courtyard and she inhaled appreciatively of their fragrance. She already felt like she were coming home, but she was a bit sorry that the little furball hadn't come to greet her. She still expected Tanstaafle to come bounding out at her approach, but she guessed he was busy with Tear. She wondered if she should take the Duke to the guest house where she was staying or up to Tear's front door, but her decision was forestalled as her sharp ears picked up the sound of someone approaching. Solitaire hurried around the corner just as fast as her tiny legs could carry her. With her head down, it took her a moment to realize that she wasn't alone in the courtyard. When she glanced up at the new arrivals, she'd originally expected to deal with Goran, Vikund, or at worst—Mandor. After all, who else would be seeking her out at this late hour? In her wildest nightmares, she wouldn't have expected the man now awaiting her. She recognized Duke Uther Helgram immediately from the paintings she'd viewed. His dark, noble features and imposing figure were unmistakable. But none of the artists had properly captured his stark-terror-inducing gaze. "Oh my!" she exclaimed, nearly stumbling over her feet. Her violet eyes widened as she recognized the young woman standing beside the Duke. "Tasha?" she hiccupped. "Tear!" Tasha hurried forward giving her friend a quick embrace. "Can you believe who I ran into at those awful barracks? A relative of yours... your uncle!" Tasha was smiling as if she had just handed Tear a huge box of chocolates. "He is so excited to meet you! Solitaire hugged Tasha numbly, her eyes gazing beyond her to the man standing only a few feet away. She only half-heard what the exuberant girl was saying, but the word 'uncle' slithered into her thoughts and settled there like a greasy nugget. She disengaged herself from her friend's embrace and struggled to breathe. Turning sharply, Tasha beckoned politely to the Duke, and provided the introductions, "Sir, this is my friend, the Baroness Solitaire Helgram. Tear, this is Duke Uther ... Helgram!" The Duke moved forward, his hand extended, with wisp of dark mist trailing from it. "Dearest niece!" he said, with a frozen smile. "I am indeed so ... excited to see you." Solitaire stared at the hand as if it were formed from lampreys. A dozen thoughts—worries—screamed for attention, but she found herself wholly lacking the ability to address them. Instead, she focused solely on forming a smile and proper annunciation. Her tiny hand helpfully extended itself on its own, sliding into the Duke's mist-stained fingers. "Uncle," she said, the word catching in her throat like curdled milk. "You must forgive my shock. I was not expecting you to visit. But I am pleased to see you well. Considering your recent. Upset. "I was worried." How very kind of you," he said. He glanced around the garden disparagingly. "Do you live here alone?" "For the most part," Solitaire explained. "Lady Minobee is a recent addition to the household." His eye fell on Sparrow. "Ah ... I see you've captured a Ranger." he said approvingly. "Is she here for experimentation, or as a present for your guest to play with? I imagine she would provide good sport." One hand reached out and caressed along Tasha's spine, as one might stroke a canine. For a moment, Tasha seemed to melt under the caress, but then she turned her attention toward the back of the garden where the Duke's interest was cast. "Oh, Tear, I didn't realize you have another... guest," Tasha's eyes glowed reflectively in the dim light, as she turned and smiled at the Ranger. She was feeling rather full, and sleepy, and vaguely wondered what game the Duke thought they might play together; maybe they could play tomorrow. "Hello, ...Ranger, is it?" Sparrow stood frozen by the willow, her eyes wide. Solitaire stiffened, a flush of anger rising to her cheeks. "Sparrow is my personal guard," she said with a trace of haughtiness. "She recently came into my service and I find her an amicable companion. "So, I'd no sooner experiment on or waste her than I would a good. Hunting dog." Bile burned the back of her throat. Her eyes went to Sparrow for a moment, smiling as if proud of her 'acquisition.' Solitaire's gaze returned to her guests, following the path of the Duke's hand to Tasha's spine and then back again. "Surely you understand the benefits of owning a fine hound, uncle." "Yes," said Duke Helgram. "But I prefer my own stock to renegades." Solitaire brushed some leaves from her skirt, "The True Blood runs deep, uncle. Even amongst the Apostates. The Serpent knows its own, even if they do not know themselves." A strange smile turned the corners of her mouth. "But please. I'm being rude. Come inside out of the cold. I was just about to make tea. Sparrow will watch over us. Besides, I doubt I will be attacked again tonight. So we should be quite safe here." She gestured for them to enter her home. "Hmm," said the Duke. "You are young, niece, and inexperienced. That might lead you into imprudence." Ignoring Solitaire's attemptes at distraction, he turned and strolled down the short path to where Sparr0w still stood. Tasha caught the heady aroma of prey fear. "Tell me," the Duke said to Sparrow, "when did you first betray the Warden of Arden?" Sparrow shot a rather desperate look towards Solitaire. Solitaire shook her head at Sparrow and raised her finger to her lips to silence her. A dusting of shadows began to outline her violet eyes, as the darkness stirred at her feet. She flexed her fingers, which appeared to be gloved in ink. The liquid blackness surrounding her provided the diminutive girl with an added imposing stature. "Duke Helgram," she said sternly. "You may be in Amber, but this household is run under Chaosian law. I may be young. But I do know the rights entitled to myself and my wards in my care. If you have a question for them, you will address it to me. My voice is their voice. Would you be so brash with the staff of another Great House? I think not." Solitaire stepped forward and touched his arm almost tenderly; familial in its intimacy. "Sparrow saved my life and has watched over me without question. Her loyalty to me is unblemished and irrefutable. So please. Come inside and allow her to continue with her duties." A tendril of shadow slithered down her wrist and brushed against his shoulder. "You've had a taxing night, uncle," she said in a kind voice. "So your wariness is forgivable. But we have far more important matters to discuss than my servant's past. Amber's future, for example. I would like to hear your thoughts. "And I am certain Lady Minobee would as well." He turned and smiled at her, remote and distant. "Brash, my niece? It is not a word one uses of Helgram. You must learn that. As you must learn that you are a vassal of my House." And then, suddenly, he gave a chilly smile. "But you are young, and shall be forgiven for your naivety. And you shall understand that I only seek your best interests. Such as assuring you of the total devotion of those who serve you." Solitaire felt her stomach fill with slushy fear as she stared up at her uncle. She bobbed her head in numb agreement, unable to speak—dared not to, lest she incite his anger and cause Sparrow to suffer for it. He turned his attention back to Sparrow, who stiffened. "There," he said after a moment. "That should suffice." He removed his hand from Sparrow's chin. She gave a little gasp and blinked. Then she looked at Solitaire and her face lit up with an eager, almost dog-like adoration. "Now," said the Duke softly, "her loyalty will indeed be unblemished and irrefutable. So let us have that tea, and discuss Amber's future ... " Solitaire blinked in astonishment at this display of power. An electric thrill of horror and awe ran through her. She could not help but feel revulsion at Sparrow's cruel treatment, seeing her reduced to this sycophantic creature with but a touch. And yet, the Duke's sorcerous display—invoked so casually, so freely—made her pulse race with excitement. She recognized the power within him and found its allure too compelling to dismiss. A deep yearning overwhelmed her, wishing to see what other wonders he might possess. "Thank you, uncle," she said, hugging herself to fight the urge to tremble. "And yes. Please. Let's go inside." Distantly, in the streets, there was the sound of feet - a sort of ragged marching, and some murmur of voices ... a chanting, perhaps? Solitaire's attention remained focused elsewhere for the time being, namely her uncle. Frowning Tasha watched the byplay with concern, wondering now if bringing Tasha's uncle to her house had been such a wonderful idea. Why had she been so certain that it would be? She looked at Sparrow's eager face and gave a slight shiver. What had the Duke done to Sparrow? She paused before turning to enter the house and listened to the voices in the street, another frown creasing her forehead. "I really couldn't have another bite, but perhaps I can make you both something?" Tasha suggested, "I think I can find my way around your kitchen, Tear." "Thank you, Tasha. There are some crudités variées in the ice box," Solitaire said, "along with a nice white wine." She placed her hand on Uther's arm and smiled shyly up at him. The contact made the hair stand up on her arm, as if lightning were about to strike. She couldn't help but think of the Logrus chamber as they walked into the house, an intoxication dulling her fears. "My mother made no mention of you in her journals, Your Grace. I did not realize we were so closely related. Are you my true uncle then?" His smile was perhaps not quite so chilly. "I believe, in the way family relationships are reckoned here in Amber, I would be accounted a second cousin. But Uncle is a title with a warmer sound, is it not? And in Chaosian terms, your spawning is not so remote from me after ... " He broke off - he appeared to be listening to something else. A second cousin, Solitaire thought. How marvelous. And yes, 'uncle' did sound much more appealing to her. She'd always wanted an uncle on her Chaosian side. Someone to teach her. And family didn't betray you. Not like Mandor. And then Siolitaire heard it, too, more clearly: The tramping feet, the shouts, carried on the night air. "The Baronness! The Baronness! Long Live the Baronness! Long Live the Revolution! Viva Revolution!" Upon hearing the voices, Solitaire's face flushed with crimson dread. She covered her mouth in shock, a mousy hiccup of a laugh escaping between her fingers. She knew of no other nobility in this section of Five Corners. But what would people want with her? She didn't have neighbors that visited, let alone angry mobs. How could they possibly mistake a bookish youth for a revolutionary? "Heh heh. Umm... perhaps I best attend to that," she said with a cringe. She squeezed her uncle's wrist and reluctantly broke the physical contact. A wave of vertigo struck her, as if she'd stood up too quickly. Her lidded eyes were drawn back to the hypnotic energies radiating off of his perfect form, which made her head swim all the more. She pinched the bridge of her nose to dispel the sensation. "Tasha?" Solitaire said. "Could you please take the Duke inside? I'll put an end to this disturbance." When she opened her eyes, she found her other hand reaching for Uther again; stopped it, let if fall back to her side. "I'm sorry, uncle. I will be with you shortly." Solitaire beckoned Sparrow to follow her to the front courtyard. Along the way, she knitted her hands nervously, "I knew I should have made cookies. Or canapés. Or at least something. There'll never be enough food for everyone." Tasha was torn between following Tear and doing as her friend requested by taking her uncle inside the house. But hearing the shouting voices she decided being with her friend might be the better idea. Leaping after her friend, Tasha pulled on Tear's sleeve to make her stop before she went out into the street, "Tear, wait... I don't think you should just go out there like this. There must be a... townful... of people out there. Do you have any idea what is going on? Do you think they mean... you? The Baroness? What 'Revolution' are they talking about?" "That," said the Duke, with deceptive mildness, "is something that I am wondering too." Solitaire sighed inwardly, as she found herself unable to outpace Tasha and the Duke. Those stubbly little legs of hers just couldn't live up to the task. She resigned to have them with her when she confronted the mob. In truth having Tasha at her side calmed her racing heart. The Duke, however? Not so much. She needed to placate him—or redirect his energies at the very least. "I. I don't know," she said, glancing between them as they walked. "I've always been loyal to my King. And I've never been one for politics. Despite what Ambassador Paloma might think. But…" Solitaire paused long enough to create a sense of doubt. She gave a nervous tug on her ear and stared up at the Duke. "Maybe. This has something to do with. The threats. Surely not. But maybe. "Prince Damien. You may know of him. He is Prime Minister Mandor's watchdog. Well, tonight. I interfered with an investigation of his. He was inquiring about you, in fact, uncle. And when I intervened, he threatened the lives of my family. There was an altercation, which ended in a stalemate. But afterwards, I was able to warn my family to flee Amber. In case, he made good on his threat." Tasha looked horrified, "He threatened your... family!" Her teeth bared and a faint growl escaped her throat. Solitaire nodded, "He promised something would happen to them if his questions weren't answered." She wrung her hands together, her violet eyes escaping his gaze like startled birds. "Very few people knew of this. But considering my history. Maybe people. Heard of it and were offended. The people of Five Corners are. Very passionate." A dreadful realization struck her and she stiffened. "Oh you little turd. Tell me you didn't." Tasha looked surprised and put a comforting hand on Tear's arm, "Who? Did what?" "Tanstaafl," Solitaire said. "I wonder if he's been stirring up trouble." "And who," said the Duke, "is Tanstaafl? "Oh, he's the sweetest little pup and he's promised to take me shopping... I hope that he hasn't gotten himself mixed up with that..." Tasha faultered and looked at Tear and then back at the Duke. Solitaire glanced over at Tasha and then back to the Duke. Her mouth opened soundlessly and then snapped shut as the Duke's attention returned to the street. "But perhaps it is of no matter. That mob ... sounds as though it is getting dangerously out of conntrol, don't you think?" He smiled suddenly - not a very pleasant smile. "Perhaps this will prove the foolishness of attempting to parlay with Order once and for all." Tasha listened closely and frowned. Solitaire turned around to face the Duke. "I will speak with them," she said in a firm tone. "Diplomacy, first and foremost. I have faith in the people of Amber. And I say this despite my past. They will listen to reason. This is obviously some grievous error." "I think, sweet niece you are unfamiliar with the ways of mobs, if you believe they will listen to reason," said the Duke drily. She stepped forward, placing her hand upon his chest to stop him. At the contact, euphoria flared through her body, the lightning finally striking its mark. She let its light fill her thoughts and dispel shadows of doubt lingering there. She spoke in a voice she did not recognize, the sly grin on her lips feeling ever-so more comfortable. "Yet it is an error that we might use to our advantage, uncle. Think of the converts to True Chaos we might obtain tonight. Should they be guided correctly. "Gently." She gestured toward the street, "Listen to their pain, Your Grace. Their anger. Their confusion. Would it not be better directed toward our goals, rather than to waste our energies dispersing it? They desire change. What else is that but Chaos? How can we dismiss the very thing that drives us?" There was, suddenly, the sound of breaking glass, and a sudden burst of cheering. A single shrill shout - "Down with Chaos! Let the tyrants perish!" Tasha's eyes grew wide as she now clearly heard the threats against Chaos. And then a fresh burst of cheering. "Hang 'em!" "Stone 'em!" "Burn 'em out of their hutches!" Tasha's hackles rose and her fists clenched as she heard the threats made against her people. More cheering - and the tramp of footsteps was coming closer. "Long live the Baroness!" "Long live the Revolution!" Another smash of glass. "They seem somewhat ignorant of your professed loyalty to Chaos," said the Duke to Solitaire. His tone was mild, almost amused. Solitaire flinched at the harsh noises, closing her eyes to them. But behind her eyes lurked memories. Memories she should not recall. Memories of blood and hate. Memories of loss. A mob like this had stolen her parents from her. Her father taken by their violence. Her mother lost to insanity. Her lip curled back as the Logrus sung in her ears. It would be so simple, so deliciously simple to… to… Her head snapped back as if she'd been slapped. "My loyalty is to my home," she said. "And to Chaos. If they cannot see the reason in that, then their ignorance will be their end. "I will not allow a mob to steal my life from me again." He took two steps closer to Tasha, and then suddenly extended his arm, sweeping his cloak around her. He smiled down at her. "You shall be safe, little one. And perhaps, soon, we shall hunt together." Tasha nodded, almost absently. At his embrace her wild nature began to surface once again. She longed to run and chase down her prey, tear into the soft flesh... She gasped, what was she thinking? She turned, trying to see Tear, but could only see the tendrils of the Logrus, and that sweet power ached to fill her as well. "Tear? You have to stop them. Tell them... tell them we aren't like that. I'm from Chaos, and I don't want to be hung!" "Don't worry, Tasha," her friend replied. "If they cannot be reasoned with. Then I will send them scampering. No one will harm you whilst under my protection." Solitaire turned from them, her body bleeding pools of shadow. Several inky tendrils oozed out from her back, extending from her body with arachnidan purpose. A pair wrapped around the top of the brick wall around the property, while the others supported her body, lifting her up. Her feet settled on the flat stone, while the tendrils provided her with balance. From up here, she could now see the street, as well as be noticed despite her diminutive size. It would be the perfect place from which to address the crowd. That was if she hadn't noticed her visitors; two people she'd never have expected at her doorstep. "Vikund? Princess Islain?" she called down to them. "What are you two doing here?"
Duke Helgram looked up at Solitaire on the wall, amused. Then he spoke to Tasha, his voice warm and rich. "Shall we see who she is talking to, little one?" He stretched out his hand and drew a circle in the air - and a section of the wall, directly under Solitaire's feet, disappeared. As Solitaire still stood there, it seemed that this was an illusion that had made the wall transparent, so that they could look out. As the people in the street did not react, it suggested that this worked one way only. But it worked rather well - Tasha could hear what they were saying with perfect clarity. And she recognised them from dinner, too. "Do you know who they are, little one?" asked the Duke. Tasha nodded and murmured, "Yes, I saw them at dinner this evening. The woman is Princess Islain, the other... Tear said he was her sometimes boyfriend. But I think," Tasha paused and watched as... Solitaire lowered herself over the wall, the strange effect following in her wake. The wall continued to ripple as if formed from water, allowing the pair a perfect view of the trio speaking together. Sparrow soon joined them, moving to stand beside the young sorceress like a dutiful guard dog. The posture of the three speakers and the scent of anger and fear mingled in the air, and Tasha inhaled deeply, as she finished her thought, "I think he isn't anymore." The Duke watched the scene unfolding before them with interest - especially as Goran arrived, and was caught up in Solitaire's embrace. "It seems," he said mildly, "that she has rather rapidly found a replacement. Do you happen to know who this one is?" Tasha shook her head, "No. I've never seen him before." She sniffed deeply to see if she could catch his scent. There was a distinct aroma of the sea about him - and something else. It reminded her, curiously, of something in the aroma of one of the women at dinner ... the one Lord Mandor had seemed to like. Petra. "Oh look," said the Duke, with interest. "The old lover preparing to draw his sword. Do you think he means to run the new lover through? Or perhaps just the Baroness." Tasha grinned, "Oh, that would be ill advised. Tear would not like that at all! But, I think you are mistaken," Tasha's keen ears could just discern the conversation on the other side of the wall, "I believe I heard Vikund say something about staying to hold back the mob... from you." She glanced at the Duke, "Now why would he want to do that, do you suppose? And this new friend of Tear's seems to wish to take her somewhere... safer." "Because," said the Duke, "I would protect you. And I might not be too nice to these scum in my efforts to do so." Tasha nodded and smiled, "Not that they would deserve better if they tried to harm us. Though I do wonder how Vikund expects to calm them with a draw sword...?" She shrugged as if the thought was merely a curiosity and not really a concern. After a moment's discussion, they noticed Solitaire stiffen with concentration. Half a minute later, Tasha felt a soft, bird's wing fluttering in the back of her mind; something desperately trying to get inside. Tasha, finding the feeling oddly interesting, let's her mind explore the sensation, unwittingly opening her up to the communication. Solitaire's voice trickled into her thoughts, filled with desperation. ~Tasha! It's me. You need to come to me right now. I've been summoned by the King. But I can't leave you here. Tell the Duke to head for the Scar or Shadow. We will meet again. But you must make sure he doesn't come with you. Do you understand?~ She wasn't exactly sure how to signal back that she understood, but she thought it really hard at the tickle in her head that was Tear and hoped she got the message. The Duke was watching the scene beyond the wall, smiling gently. "Sir, perhaps... with this mob not being overly friendly to Chaosians, you might find it more pleasant to make your way from here to Shadow, or if not there to the... Scar? Somewhere away from here, at least. And... I think I should join Tear. I don't relish her going off with either the original boyfriend or this new version without someone to look out for her back." And as she spoke she thought to move away from the Duke and head toward the gate leading out to the street, the one Sparrow had taken. "I'm not sure you will be safer with them than with me, my little one," said the Duke. "Nor that you will be able to make such a choice again. As for the mob ... well, I think we should show them the power of Chaos unleashed, don't you?" He made no effort to detain her physically or psychically, beyond his words. "I believe I would be safe with you," Tasha agreed, "But, it is not for my own safety that I would go; it is that of my friend, your niece. They appear to want her to accompany them, regardless of whether she wishes to go, and that... That is just not right!" Her teeth bared and she growled low in her throat. "Sir, I really think we should stay together - Tear, me... and You! And if you listen to their chant, the mob seems to be on Tear's side. And if they are not, I am confident you could protect us," She gazed up at him with admiration shining in her eyes. "Yes," said the Duke. "Yes, I could. And I shall." He touched her cheek. "Go with my niece, little one. And you shall see me again soon, very soon." He smiled. Tasha smiled back, "Thank you! I will guard her back, I swear. And... I will look forward to our meeting again!" With that, Tasha fled through the gate and into the street, looking for Tear. "Tear! Tear! Don't leave without me!" Tasha called. [EOT] |
