In the Castle: Delluth and MerlinBehind the throne in the Great Hall of Amber, there was a small private room. Originally this had been no more than a small chamber used for assuming and later doffing the heavy robes of state, so that the king would not have to drag them across the castle before making his magnificent appearance. Merlin had, inevitably, ensured that it was reordered as a convivial little room where he could slip away from the arduous work of the throne room and revive himself with a drink - or several. Over the years, the room itself, with its wood paneling, had become so redolent of aromatic smoke and alcoholic fumes that those allowed entrance (Merlin's select few friends) could have the strange fancy they were conducting business within an unusually shaped brandy cask ... Delluth paused just inside, blinking at the strong scents that met his sensitive nose, then continued forward. Great leather armchairs stood around the fire, and a pan stood ready for mulled wine to be heated (with all its attendant spices). Merlin dropped into one of the armchairs and indicated that Delluth should take another. "All right, Doctor," he said briskly. "Where is my brother and what is his condition? And let's have no nonsense about keeping secrets to protect him from me." Delluth, still hesitating over whether he wanted to sit or not, produced a faint, crooked smile. "You've managed to remind me that I'm supposed to be paranoid, and convinced me you're sincere, at the same time, your majesty." Merlin grinned. "I'm good, when I put my mind to it." Good manners won out; Delluth seated himself, though he did not relax. "Your brother's condition has not changed, and that worries me. It's been some time here, and presumably even more in the Courts. It's not a good sign. And ... my colleague seems to feel that whatever happened to him could be a threat to me. By extension, that would mean any other Chaosian as well. Which would include you." "That," said Merlin, "I'm aware of. And, once I see my brother safely bestowed, you can, if you wish, head for the comparative safety of Chaos, Doctor. So - back to my first question. Where is he?" "But I don't want to leave," Delluth protested, without thinking, and with such feeling that he looked hastily away, into the fire. ~Damn the man~, he thought, ~for acting like someone I can actually respect. And myself for getting into this mess in the first place.~ "Never mind," he went on bleakly. "I'll try to get him back for you, but I can't promise a thing. I thought at first that my colleague was at home, but he wasn't. And now ... he just told me that he doesn't have your brother any more." Merlin was very still, although the tone of his voice was as relaxed as before. "Then where is he now, Doctor? Do you know?" Delluth started to answer, then paused, brow furrowed. "He wouldn't say much over trump, but I'm sure there's more going on than what he told me. Political maneuvering. The matter, his presence, isn't a secret any more, it seems." He considered a moment longer, then shook his head uncertainly. "On the surface, one would think Yarris, but I'm not sure." Remembering what Merlin had said about the Hendrakes, he met the king's flat gaze. "They wouldn't just kill him, not in his condition, that would be dishonorable. But on the other hand, if he doesn't start showing signs of recovery ..." "I think you take an overly optimistic view of Chaosian honour for one whose entire House was eradicated in civil strife," said Merlin. "In other words - his present location is unknown, and his condition is likely to be grave. Is that a fair summation?" At the mention of his former House, Delluth's face tightened. "Yes," he answered the question. "But don't underestimate the Hendrakes' attachment to their honor, your majesty." Merlin leaned forward a little. "Tell me, Doctor - are you prepared to help get him back?" "I said I would try," he said, then eyed the king with belated misgiving. "What do you mean by 'help'?" "That," said Merlin, "remains to be seen. I think I hear my cousin's voice in the throne room. Would you be good enough to ask the Captain to join me - and to wait in the throne room while I speak to him?" Delluth nodded, stood, and then paused with one hand on the back of the chair. "While I'm waiting," he said, all mildness, "I'll try to ascertain what happened to your brother. A better understanding of the cause of his condition may be crucial. "Can you tell me roughly where the attack occurred - such as which wing, or in one of the towers, or whatever?" Merlin shook his head. "I'm unsure of the precise location myself," he said. "This I do know - you would be in the gravest of danger unless accompanied by one of the most skilled Pattern wielders. And there are, alas, none available at the moment. But I will only be a few minutes, Doctor." "Oh, I've no intention of approaching the spot physically," Delluth said. "But thank you for the warning, your majesty." (Delluth returns to In the Castle)
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