Time Under Chaos | TimeUnderChaos / Government From Flora's Chambers browse

"The Counsellor wishes you to know that two wyverns have disappeared from the barracks in the course of the recent ... disturbances," said the soldier, swallowing nervously. "They had risen to pursue a murderous fugitive who was on the loose within the precincts of the barracks. One was being ridden by General Hendrake, commander of forces here in Amber. The other was being ridden by the King's brother, Lord Jurt Sawall.

"The Counsellor is investigating a rumour that they have crashed on the rocks of Kolvir."

At this moment, a soft rustle of silk told Morgan that someone else had approached. It was Islain.

Morgan threw her an appreciative glance. "Hello, Ith," he said. "You're looking tasty."

He turned back to the soldier. "Someone mentioned to me that Jurt went to the Scar with companions," he said. "What happened to them?"

The soldier took a breath. "Counsellor Wreathe, you know of - he's leading a party up Kolvir. Lord Chadwick is still being entertained at the barracks. Lady Tasha Minobee has been escorted to her residence in the city by his Grace the Duke of Helgram."

"How kind of him," Morgan said drily.

Islain narrowed her fabulous eyes and tapped her right index finger twice against her thigh.

Delluth looked up at the king, while putting away his trump. But on taking in the presence of the soldier and the figure standing in the open doorway, he shut his mouth on whatever he had been going to say.

Merlin put the cards down and looked at him.

"What news of my brother?" he said.

Delluth tucked his packet of trumps away and got up, since the king was still standing. He looked both grim and worried. "Your majesty," he said quietly, "there are questions about what happened to him, and who is responsible. I don't believe you are, but at present that is only my opinion. Any evidence you can produce on the subject would be ... helpful, with regard to getting him back."

Islain took in the situation calmly, nodding to Morgan and smiling at his greeting. "Morgan, my dear, you are either very kind or else you like the just-tumbled-out-of-bed look. Flora told me what has been happening and suggested that the King might like to speak to me. May I go in, or shall I wait out here for a few minutes?"

"Just-tumbled-out is almost as good as just-tumbling-in," Morgan replied. He was watching Merlin and Delluth. Tell you what, Ith, why don't you stand here for just a minute or two and talk to the nice soldier while I check in with Merl." He didn't wait for an answer, but immediately began walking towards the king.

"As you wish." Islain said perfectly sweetly and turned to the soldier. "Has there been any news of Baroness Solitaire Helgram, officer?"

He saluted. "I believe that the Baroness's home was the Duke's destination, ma'am," he said. "Lady Tasha is staying with the Baroness at present."

Islain suddenly staggered and caught the doorframe. "Oh, that's... remarkably bad," she whispered.

Vikund returned from his errand. He gave Islain a bow of greeting before approaching the king and waiting to be acknowledged.

Islain returned his bow with a deep nod and a half-smile.

Merlin ignored the approach of Morgan and Vikund, as well as the arrival of Islain. He had been silent a long moment, staring at the Doctor. Finally, he spoke.

"I am going to forget that you insinuated I might be in any way responsible for a murderous attack on my brother," he said, "although I would have thought that a moment's reflection should serve to suggest that I would not only have no reason to harm someone I have worked with closely and who does the scut work of running the kingdom for me and who, moreover, I am on terms of affection. To say nothing of the fact that he was knocked out by the powerful effusion of Pattern, which is a weapon I would have thought I'd amply demonstrated an inability to control. But I believe you to be a good man, and of good intentions, and so I shall overlook your words.

"But please understand this - Mandor is my brother, and my Prime Minister and the only opinion that counts around here in this matter is mine. So I'll ask you again - where is my brother?"

Now he did glance around, and acknowledge both Vikund and Morgan with a nod.

"It appears," he said, "that retrieving my brother may not prove as simple as I hoped."

"I'm sure the good doctor will co-operate fully," Vikund answered evenly. "Might I suggest an alternative location for conference if this is to be a lengthy process? Her Highness is in the process of fulfilling your request, and she would no doubt feel her efforts were more appreciated if we were to move elsewhere."

"In a moment," said Merlin. "When I've had a straight answer to my question, I'll pay attention to the social niceties."

"And to make things more interesting," Morgan added. "The Duke appears to be on his way to Solitaire's house. Won't that be a delightful reunion, don't you think?"

Merlin winced.

So did Delluth - he stared at Morgan for a moment with a look of horror, then with an effort turned his attention back to Merlin.

"Umm," he said, visibly (and audibly) scrambling to recollect his thoughts. "Your majesty, truly, I can't control what other people think - and I don't know what you mean about not being able to control Pattern. And I already t --" He broke off, shaking his head sharply. "I'm sorry - when I referred to House Corrino before, I meant the Ways of Corrino. The medical section there. Lord Mandor is in the care of another doctor, once one of my teachers, and I'm sure he'll do his best for him. Considering how little we know about what happened to him.

"And no, it's not going to be simple, I'm afraid," he continued worriedly. "Things are spinning up to real trouble back there, I'm told."

Seeing that Merlin did not actually seem in any great hurry to speak to her, Islain pulled out her Trump deck, opened it one-handed and flipped to her mother's card.

Smiling at the guard, she leaned her back against the wall beside the door and bent to examine Moire's features.

"All right," said Merlin.

He walked aside for a moment, and paused, as though in thought - but, in truth, he had moved closer to Vikund and Islain, where his words would not be overheard by the guard - or Delluth.

Morgan remained, and stepped closer to Delluth once Merlin walked away.

When Merlin spoke, it was quiet, but forceful. "I may not be wildly fond of Mandor's little pet prodigy, but if anything were needed to make the joy of this evening complete, it's the thought of all that raw power in the hands of his Grace. I'm reluctant to use the kid, but I'm dam' sure I'm not going to let his Mistiness exploit her. Vikund, you know her best. Would you be able to grab her and bring her here for her protection? Would she come with you? You can take Islain - if you feel a woman's presence would add weight - you'll go, won't you, Ith? Or should Morgan go and charm her with his dark eyes and boyish grin?"

Delluth stayed where he was, watching anxiously.

(Delluth and Morgan branch to Doctor, Doctor)

"I'm not sure I'm flavour-of-the-month at the moment," Vikund commented, "but I'm willing to try, though a 'grab' would be out of the question. She will have to be persuaded that her interests are better served under Crown protection. While it would be pleasant to have Princess Islain for company, I don't think it would influence the matter in our favour. By you leave, I will go at once." He clearly thought any plan involving Morgan not worthy of a mention.

"Wait, please," said Islain, slipping through to the other side of the door, and taking eye contact with Vikund. "I don't know what has been going on between you and Tear that you're no longer "flavour-of-the-month" as you so quaintly put it, but the last I heard she and I were on good terms. Perhaps it would be better if I went and you stayed behind. And while I do admit taking the Baroness against her will would be hazardous if not improbable, we - or you, as you please - will need a better method than simply walking to the front stoop if her dear Uncle Helgram has come to call. Now I won't push myself in if I'm not wanted - not when I have relatives of my own to see to in Rebma, but I will go if you will have me, because I am rather fond of the girl."

"Hmmm," said Merlin. "Sweet offer, Ith, but it's like this. You're the daughter of a ruling monarch whose interests are not exactly convergent with our own. Plus the fact that you've been hanging out with one of the biggest thorns in our side for the last seventy years or so (OOC - correct me if I'm wrong on timing here), by my reckoning. Plus the fact that you come to us with a certain ... ah ... reputation for treachery, double dealing and general sneakiness. So forgive me if my response isn't exactly - 'Wow - that's a terrific idea! Why don't you go and pick up one of the most powerful pieces kicking around on the board cos you will definitely be rushing her back to me, without loss of time'." He smiled at her winningly. "I'm sure you see the problem.

"In fact, I may be underestimating your talents in assuming that you won't manage to seduce Vik and suborn him to your cause between here and Five Corners when I say you two can go together. But, as I'm sure you're aware, I'm running out of options here.

"So - go together. Do whatever it takes to extract our little Tear - and the Minobee too, if you can. And prove what thoroughly good sorts you both are by returning here with her post haste."

[OOC: By timeline, she hadn't been in Arden nearly that long, but we'll let it stand.]

Islain nodded at most of his points, though the word 'treachery' froze her expression for a moment. Finally, she said, with a certain coldness, "So, so, so. I was wondering if I would see any of your father in you."

Merlin grinned, but said nothing.

"As you command," Vikund said, his face unreadable. He bowed a touch stiffly and turned to Islain. "How would you like to travel, Your Highness? I have a trump that can take us most of the way if you don't mind approaching on foot."

She looked back at him, her expression cool, but thawing. "A Trump is fine. Forgive me if I'm causing you to repeat yourself, but have tried Trumping through to the girl directly?"

"If you have her trump, I'm willing to try. I regret my collection is rather thin," Vikund replied.

Islain smiled and shrugged, betraying no expression "No, I fear I must admit to another mistake. I do not have such a thing. Your trump close by will have to do." She stretched out her arm for him to take if he so desired.

It seemed he did.

(Islain and Vikund exit to Stepping Out)

(Merlin continues in Doctor, Doctor)