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Part 36b: The road to Amber
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Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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Serena leaves the house beside the lake and starts to walk along the
track, but changes her mind after a few paces. Instead she cuts
across into the forest, and after a short walk realises that the going
is easier than she had expected. There is a path here.
At the end of it is a paddock, and a small wooden structure, and a
horse, just as she had expected. Saddle, blanket and harness are
all within the stable, and there is an open stall with the name Domino carved into a board above the entrance.
The place does not appear to have been visited recently, and the horse seems eager for company.
Serena finds an apple in her bag, and offers it to the animal, who
takes it gratefully. He looks a little on the scrawny side, but
nothing that can't be fixed.
An hour later; Serena and Domino have left the wood far behind,
following a path across open moorland, beneath a sky which is heavy
with the suggestion of imminent rain, but which, somehow, never quite
lives up to the promise. The young woman has a hard time keeping
the horse to a steady pace. He wants to run, flat out, as far and
as fast as he can.
But hold him she does, to a good pace, alternating walk/trot/canter in a regular cycle, as they cross the miles, and the worlds.
From the moors they descend into a deep valley, with a broad river
flanked by a large town. The two halves are connected by a
covered bridge, and when she reaches the far side of it, the highlands
she rode down from are no longer there, replaced by open plain with
clumps of trees.
Later, and there is forest, where things move in the
gloom, things which resemble strangely twisted trees. The way
here is surfaced with loose chippings, so Serena rides beside it, to
keep Domino from picking up a stone. Some of the not-trees are a
little close to her path, but she perseveres.
Beyond the forest is a landscape of sand and odd rock formations, where
a red sun glowers from a dark blue sky, racing towards the horizon with
dreadful haste. Winged shapes wheel overhead, reminding her of
the ormvråkarna of her dream, but wilder and somehow more sinister.
Night will be here soon, and instinct and experience both tell her that she doesn't want to be outdoors when that happens.
Then she sees the lights. A town, and as she gets closer, an
inn. They will have room for her there, with any luck, and what
is the luck of a daughter of Amber, if not mere unformed certainty.
She rides through the gates of the town, and finds her way to the inn,
where an innkeeper, so fat and jovial as to seem like a parody of all
who ply his trade, waddles out to meet her.
"Good evening, Miss. Just beat the Gate I
see. You'll be wanting somewhere to sleep I take it, and stabling
for the beast?"
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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"Yes Good sir. I need lodging for both myself and
my horse. I would like my horse to have the best fodder you have and a
nice clean paddock if you can. I have enough to pay. For myself I need
a private room, a bath if you have one and both dinner and breakfast." Serena explained politely and followed it with her Class A smile which
usually works to convince someone that she is sincere and means no
harm. With all the odd things she aw in the sky Serena is a bit wary
and hopes her ring won't fail her if she is walkin ginto a trap.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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"Of course, of course. The Rose offers
all the comforts you, and your horse could need, with the exception of
pastureland, I'm afraid. But then, would you want the beast
outside at night?"
The innkeeper beckons for a youth, standing in the doorway of what
looks to be the stable, and he hurries across to take Serena's horse,
as the older man leads her towards the door to the inn itself.
"Reece is the name, by the way, should you need to
call me. You'll be as safe here, tonight, as anywhere,
Miss. As will the horse. All the doors and windows can be
locked from within, and the latches are silver plated, the screws and
nails used in their construction too."
The smell hits Serena as she steps through the doorway. "And, of course, we have garlic flowers in every room, even the stables."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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"You may call me Serena. Might I ask are there Vampires about? I wonder due to all the garlic and steel." Serena asked as she remembered the flying things she had seen on the way in.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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"Vampires? Are there vamp... " Reece looks at Serena with a somewhat bemused expression, "You must have travelled a fair way indeed, not to know that this land is beset by a plague of vampires, Mi- Serena?"
He shrugs and leads Serena into the inn's common room, which contains a handful of people, all of whom look exhausted, "Not
that it matters, I'll always welcome a traveller, though I'll warn you
against making trouble, not that I think you will, you
understand. Still, you don't want to be thrown out in the street
after dark around here."
"I have some stew cooking, and that'll be ready within half an hour, if you'd like some? Simple fare, but good."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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"Thank you Reece stew sounds lovely. I'll freshen up before it is time for the stew. I promise I will not cause any trouble." Serena said giving Reece her most dazzling smile."If you could be so kind to show me to my room."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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Reece calls for a servant to show Serena to her room, a young girl he
refers to as Nance. The girl leads Serena through a door at the
back of the common room, up two flights of stairs, and along a corridor
to a room at the very end.
"Reece always gi's this room ter ladies, Miss.
It's two floors above the commons, an' as far from it as yer can get,
an' still be indoors, so it's quiet. The winders's got locks an'
bolts, an heavy shutters inside, so it's safe too."
She smiles shyly, "D'yer need me ter wait fer yer, Miss?"
...
Down in the common room, Reece glances around, "Anybody need anything, while I'm here?"
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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'No thank you, however I appreciate the offer. I
am just going to freshen up a bit and then be right down for some of
that lovely smelling stew." Serena replied with a smile to the
shy girl. As soon as the girl left Serena planned to check the locks
and make sure they were as safe as they were touted to be.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin watched the girl come into the inn with the rotund innkeeper.
His head tilted to one side and turned slightly to the same side so
that his ear was turned in their direction. He could hear the
conversation, even before they entered. Always good to keep the senses
turned up. With a slight modification to his inner ear he could hear
things that most people ignored, like the quiet squeal the hinges of
the door made as it closed.
She was a stranger here, as was he; questioned the garlic, wanted to
know if there were vampires. If not for that Devlin would surely be
sleeping in the woods instead on indoors. Someone that does not know of
the vampires as he didn't when he arrived here had certainly come a
long distance. Perhaps this was that chance meeting he's been hoping
for. If nothing else he could easily follow.
The woman is gone up the stairs but he continues to listen. He makes a
small adjustment so that he can hear her talk to the servant girl that
leads her to her room.
Stew! The thought of all that overcooked meat and the veggies. But
there was little choice in this place. Not smart to be outside at
night. The inikeeper asks if anyone needs anything. "I'll take another
ale and another shot." He says
He waits for his drink and for the girl to return.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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The room's security seems to be exactly as advertised. All the
locks appear to be secure and solid and the window and door themselves
are of sturdy construction.
As Serena examines the window, the sun finally drops beneath the
horizon, and there is an eerie cacaphony of howls and screams from
somewhere in the distance, like some bizarre parody of the dawn chorus.
In the common room the murmured conversations still as a chorus of
screams and howls filters in through the heavily shuttered
windows. "Nightfall!" says one man, "I hate that sound. Almost makes me wish we had no vampires here."
"Hush, Donar!" replies one of his companions, "If not fer the King's pact with the vampires, we'd still have werewolfs, and they were ten times worse!"
"I said 'almost', didn't I?"
Reece fetches Devlin's drinks.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin lifts the shot glass and quickly downs the acrid liquor that tastes very much like the bourbon of his home. his home? No, that's wrong. It was never his home. More like a cage to keep him out of trouble. He follows the shot with a sip of the ale.
Now he's debating if he should introduce himself to the woman, or
simply get her scent and follow. It's probably just another dead end.
He's followed more than one person since starting this trip that lead
him nowhere. His head tilts back and forth as he thinks and listens to
the conversations around him.
A man makes a comment about the vampires. Something about them being here to drive away werewolves... What a place. Good thing his friend is not around.
He'll have to get close to the woman to get her scent though as all he
can smell in this place is alcohol and the stew. Not that he can't eat
the stuff, but since being on the road he's gotten used to doing his
own hunting and eating the meat a bit... rarer... than most people
would.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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After Serena checked everything she headed down to the serving area of the inn.
Serena had changed into a nice green dress with a sweetheart neckline.
Her long auburn hair hung long and loose. Her only jewelry was an
amethyst ring on her right hand.
As she entered Serena looked around and noticed a few customer's and a
man sitting alone. After finding a seat near to the man who sat alone
she waited patiently for someone to come and wait on her. Something
about the man sitting alone was tugging at her but she couldn't guess
as to why.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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The girl returns to the common room and Devlin watches her as she looks
around for a place to sit. His head tilts to the left. She looks
familiar somehow; very much like one of the pictures he was drilled on.
Not exactly, but there is a resemblance.
Mordan's words drill into his head Never trust family. He
still thinks it odd advice. Trusting someone has nothing to do with
being family or not. You trust those that earn trust. Besides, he's not
even sure of this feeling he has. She has a familiar cast to her
features but that could be coincidence.
The woman moves and takes a seat near him, even better. She's close
enough now that he is sure of her scent. He can follow her almost
anywhere with that information.
Devlin nods in greeting.
He's wearing his usual black: leather pants, leather boots, a shirt
that appears to be made of silk, and the heavy metal gauntlet covering
his right forearm with the wolf engraved into it. [OOC: I added a picture of the wolf symbol to Devlin's description.]
"Good evening." He says politely to the girl. "Have you traveled far?"
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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Before Serena can answer, Reece comes through with a tray filled with
bowls of steaming stew. It smells good , the aroma of the meat
mingled with a delicate blend of herbs and spices.
The innkeeper places bowls in front of those who ordered a meal,
leaves, and returns a few moments later with a basket filled with
halved loaves of various breads, which he offers to each of the diners.
This time, before he leaves the room, he calls out, "Enjoy your dinner, good gentlefolk! Just call for me if you need aught else."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena had replied thank you to Reece for the food and then she turned
to the man who had spoken to her and smiled in a friendly way as she
replied,"Good evening to you as well. In answer to your question yes,
quite far. How about you? Are you traveling as well?"
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin had started eating, the stew was actually better than he thought
it would be, even though he likes his meat very rare. Though well
cooked the meat was still tender and the gravy very flavorful.
"Yes, I've been traveling for some time..." He'd listened on
and on to Mordan about being careful who he revealed himself to. But it
had been months now and he'd had no luck on his own. His head tilts to the side again. "... If you've traveled far perhaps you might be able to help me locate the place I seek."
Then he suddenly stands saying, "Please forgive my manners." and
reaching out a hand he introduces himself, "I am called Devlin."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena stood as well and shook Devlin's hand and replied," A pleasure.
I am called Serena."and she smiled and inclined her head slightly. Not
being sure of who this person was or what he was after was a bit
unsettling, however, nothing was ringing so he must not be dangerous at
least.
After taking her hand back Serena sat back down and looking at Devlin
levelly said," I know of many places. Perhaps if you tell me of where
you are going then I can help." As much as I can without compromising
my mission Serena thought wryly.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin looks around the room and then moves his bowl closer to the woman's seat and then sits down right across from her.
He puts another spoon of stew into his mouth after saying, "This is
very good, isn't it?" and he looks around again while he chews. His
eyes come back to her several times. The more he looks at her the more
that he's sure he's seen those features in one of the women on Mordan's
flash cards.
He's not sure if he's making a mistake or not, but after swallowing he
leans closer across the table and almost whispers, "I am looking for a
city called Amber." Then he leans back and fills his mouth again.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena who had begun eating the stew as well, which was indeed quite
good replied" Yes the stew is quite tasty." in an affable
tone. It did not escape her notice that Devlin kept looking at
her with a look that appeared to be "I know her from somewhere' and as
soon as he said Amber she had a good idea of where he saw her.
Speaking in a hushed, but perfectly friendly tone back, Serena replied,
"I might know the place. Why are you looking for it?" As she asked she
took a good look at him herself to see if there was any marked family
resemblances. Briefly Serena wondered if her directness would put him
off if he was one of the family but then figured that it was too bad if
it did she couldn't change now after all these years.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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"I might know the place. Why are you looking for it?"
Might know it? Why am I looking for it? That's a damn good question.
Devlin decides that he's going to use a bit of truth. What's the worst that can happen? She tries to kill you, you fool.
"This may sound funny." He finally says, It may be the only way he finds what he's looking for "But I think we are related, you and I. You look very similar to
pictures I've seen of some of my relatives though I cannot place which
one you look like; perhaps Llewella or Fiona."
He's quite for a moment as he looks to see what kind of a reaction his
words bring. "All I know is that I was told I should find the place. I
was also told not to trust anyone there, or any of my relatives, but
I'm hoping that part was exaggerated."
He eats some more of the stew, soaking up the gravy with a hunk of the
bread, while he waits to see if the woman thinks he's as crazy as he
sounds.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena grins openly at Devlin's statement about the family and says, "
On a general basis very good advice about the family and not trusting
them at least to a certain degree." Serena then paused and looked
around the room.
Turning back to Devlin Serena continued saying, " I can help you but
you'll have to trust me at least a bit at first. This is not a
conversation that I feel comfortable continuing in public. When we
finish our stew will you come to my room?" Taking a couple more bites
of stew Serena figures she showed him she trusted him by inviting him
to her room. She also pondered which of her Aunts or Uncles Devlin's
parents could be and why he was having trouble getting to Amber.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin simply nods his agreement to meet with her in her room. He
already knows what room she's in from his earlier eavesdropping and
does not need to ask.
Devlin eats quietly but his mind is anything but quiet. The woman,
Serena, for all he knew she could be his sister, though he doubted that
for some reason, she had all but confirmed that she was that chance
meeting he was hoping for after wondering aimlessly through more worlds
than he cared to count. He was just hoping he hadn't made a huge
mistake.
And what will he tell her of the way he travels? He was pretty sure he
wanted to keep that a secret, at least for now. He'd think of
something. He'd already revealed a lot and he was hoping that he could
trust Serena, at least a little.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena simply nodded back and went about finishing up her meal. The
fact he didn't ask which room she was in meant he already knew that.
Obviously he had been chedking her out since she walked into the inn
and how he was doing it was one thing she planned to find out.
As Serena finished eating she turned to Devlin and said," It was a
pleasure dining with you." then rose and left for her room. Serena was
fully confident that he would follow when an appropriate amount of time
passed.
Once in her room Serena went through it and set up a Deensive Shield
blocking eavsdropping and general poking about before Devlin got there.
No reason for him to know everything right away.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin stands when Serena does so to depart, "And it was a pleasure meeting you also." He replies to her.
He remains standing as she turns and walks away then he retakes his
seat and finishes his meal slowly. He adjusts his hearing and listens
to Serena climb the two flights of stairs and enter her room. Then the
sound is gone as if there is something blocking all the noise from her
room. She'd obviously figured something out. Or perhaps it was a standard precaution she took. Since he could not hear anything from above he adjusted his hearing to
that of normal. No sense in listening to all the noise if you didn't
have to.
Maybe a quarter hour passes and Devlin gets up and exits the common
room. He climbs the two flights of stairs and then counts his steps as
he moves down the hall. After taking the same number of steps as he
heard the girl take he finds himself at the door to the very last room.
No sounds of the kitchen or the common room here as there was in his
room with only one thin wall separating his bed from the kitchen.
Devlin stood there in the hall for a moment. He was sure that Serena
was going to have many questions. He knows that he would in her shoes.
He takes a couple of deep breaths to relax himself and then raps gently on the door with a knuckle.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena walked over to the door and opened it saying, " Come on in and
make yourself comfortable. I believe we will both have things to ask
the other so we might a well be comfortable while we go about it." then
she stepped aside to allow Devlin to enter the room and shut the door.
Serena took one of the chairs and waited for Devlin to take the other
and would allow him to ask his first question first. She was in no rush
and again it would prove a level of trust.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin walks in and sits down in a chair opposite Serena after she
takes a seat. She doesn't start speaking right away so he figures she's
waiting for him to start.
He'd been thinking about this while he finished eating. He needed and
ally and he was hoping that this person was not the wrong choice.
He starts by saying, "I'd love to know how we're related, but
unfortunately, even if you told me who your parents are it wouldn't
help me. You see, I have no idea who my parents are. I just know that
my father is from Amber."
He pauses for a moment. "For all I know your my sister...
"Perhaps it would be best for you to ask the questions as I'm not even sure what to ask."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena nodded and replied, " So, your a son of Amber are you? How do
you know for certain? Have you walked the Pattern somewhere?" then
pausing Serena smiled and said," Someone told you about the family
since you were quite accurate in guessing my parentage. My mother is
Fiona as you guessed. So who was it? Pardon me if my directnesa offends
you. I am a bit abnormal from the rest of the family in the respect
that I don't play many verbal games and I am quite direct."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Very direct. But he can answer her question. Even if Serena knows as much as he does, she won't know that much.
"I was told that my father is from Amber by a... you could call him my
teacher. I was told that it was better if, for him, no one knew who he
was. In order to ensure that no one would not even tell me. I guess
that I really do not know for certain."
He pauses there, she mentioned The Patern, he didn't know much more
than what she had already said. He knew of it and something about
walking it and the fact that it allowed members of his family to travel
through the infinite worlds. "No, I have not walked the pattern. Is
that how I would know for sure? I'm told that is how many walk through
shadow. I do so... in another way."
Devlin shrugs, "Anyway, everything I've learned, which is probably very
little, I learned from this teacher. He is either a servant of my
mother or my father, which I cannot say."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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So, he wants to play it this way Serena thought. Well, we'll have to
see about this. " I see." Serena said then paued and asked," So, how
did you now where my room was while never leaving the common room? In
answer to your question. Yes. Only a child with the blood of Amber can
walk any of the Patterns and survive. It what one might call the
ultimate test.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin smiles and actually laughs when Serena asks how he knew where
her room was. "Sorry," he says. Devlin's not laughing at her,
just at her directness and he tells her this, "You said you like to get
right to the point. I think I like that. Not at all what I expected
from the stories I was told."
"I have exceptional hearing when I need it." He goes on and taps his
ear with a finger. "As good as a dog, or better than a bat if the need
arrises. I counted your steps, first up the stairs and then down the
hall. That and I heard the woman that showed you the room tell you
where it was."
He looks around the room, "So, your mother is Fiona, that means you
can't be my sister. My teacher was certain that my Amber parent was
male. Although he could have that screwed up to." Devlin smiles at
Seerena, "You're certainly nothing like what he told me to expect, at
least not so far." He hopes this is taken as a compliment.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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Lightning cracks the sky beyond the inn, and just for an instant there
is an impression of movement outside the window of Serena's room.
Something winged, yet disturbingly humanoid, which recoils from the
silver-fitted casement and glides away into the night...
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin sees the outline in the flash of light and is suddenly on his feet. Whatever it was... Whatever it was? It was one of the cursed vampires that's been keeping him indoors. ...glided away from the window.
Devlin crosses the room, checks the latches on the window, and then
closes the inner shutters, latching those shut as well. "You should
really keep these closed at night." He double checks the latches and
then returns to his seat. "Honestly, the sooner I can be away from this
world the better."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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Ther is a gentle tapping at the door of the chamber, and a hesitant voice, "'sonly
me, Miss, Nance. Jus' checkin' ter see if yer's needin' anythin'
afore I goes ter bed. Is everythin' alright? Yer's got yer
winders all locked an' all? Only Reece said I should make sure,
since yer a stranger 'round 'ere."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
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Serena was not alarmed at the sight of the vampire as she knew it
couldn't get in but she was impressed with the speed of Devlin However
before she got a chance to say anything the girl was at the door.
Motioning to Devlin to be quiet she called out, " I am fine> My
shutters are shut and all locks are locked thank you for checking
though. Have a good evening Miss."
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin gives Serena a quick wink when she motions him to be quiet. He'd
actually had no intention of speaking until he was sure the woman
outside the door had departed.
After Serena dismisses the woman Devlin listens carefully, turning his
head and tilting it to the side, for the sound of footsteps leaving the
door.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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The servant departs swiftly enough, her foosteps shuffling and scraping
back along the corridor, and then the sound of the stairs creaking as
she descends. Devlin and Serena are alone once more.
The sound of unearthly, inhuman voices carries faintly into the room
from time to time as they talk, dulled by distance, and by the shutters
which cover the window...
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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The conversation continues for a while, discussion of family, of lies
and of truths (or at least half truths). The inn quiets as the
other guests retire and weary staff make their way to their beds, and
the sounds from outside seem to intensify as those inside diminish.
Until...
There is a loud crash from somewhere inside the building, and a muffled
yell followed by the sound of running feet and a woman's scream.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Before the sound of the crash has faded Devlin is on his feet, the
black, metal gauntlet on his forearm already changing. It almost looks
like liquid as it flows down his hand.
Then there's yell, muffled, someone yelling through a hand placed over his mouth?
Running feet; running away or toward? Devlin is at the door, the black,
liquid metal continues to change as he moves. It lengthens, sharpens,
forms a point.
A woman screams.
Devlin pulls the door open with his left hand. The black metal has
extended to become a long ebony sword. The base of the sword covers his
fist. The thing looks like some strange extension of his arm.
He stops to listen, he turns his head, tilting it back and forth,
trying to get some idea of exactly where the scream originated,
listening for the slightest of sounds.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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The noise came from somewhere on the floor below Serena's room, and
Devlin and Serena arrive on the scene to find a crowd gathering around
the doorway of one of the rooms on that floor.
Inside, the innkeeper is laying on the floor, a sizeable bloodstain
spreading across the back of his shirt. The cause of this seems
to be the knife jammed between his ribs, just below the shoulder blade
on the left side.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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Devlin allows the sword to flow back into the gauntlet as he comes up
on the scene, seeing that there is not currently any fighting going on.
It appears the fighting is over.
"What happened here?" he askss as he pushes his way into the room.
Kneeling down beside the body of the inkeeper and checks him for any
sign of life.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Dworkin (GM)
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One of the men present turns at Devlin's question and regards the two newcomers coldly, "Is it not clear? It's either a very peculiar suicide, or a truly bizarre kitchen accident."
He pauses, one index finger tapping against his lower lip in obvious thought, before adding, "Or perhaps... Reece has been brutally murdered in his own hostelry?"
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
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"I was going to try to help him," Devlin says, "But he is quite dead and there's nothing I can do for a dead man."
With that he heads for the door again. "Perhaps someone should contact the authorities and report this."
Devlin really doesn't want to get involved and he's not exactly sure why he ran down here in the first place. Should've just stayed where I was. If none of these people care to do anything but stand around gawking at a dead body then what is he to do.
Out the door he heads up the hall, leaving these people to do as they please.
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Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Of course... " says a young-looking man, stepping out of a side passage, in front of Devlin, "Nobody
can leave the inn to alert the authorities until morning. If they
did, it is doubtful that said authorities will come out of their cosy
hiding places this side of sunrise."
"Which leaves us with the uncomfortable notion that there is a murderer in our midst."
He smiles at Devlin, "And we are all trapped in here with him, or them, until morning."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin's head tilts to the side as a man steps in front of him. "There
is that." he says to the other man. "Do you have some suggestion as to
what we should do?"
Devlin's head tilts the other way and he takes a step back and in front to Serena.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena looked at the new arrival and wondered if he mightn't be part of all this. Thinking quickly she says,"" I suppose if we are stuck here we might as wellmake the best use of our time. If my fried here agrees." and then she gestured to Devlin." Perhaps yopu would like to return to my room for a beverage?"
Serena hopes Devlin agrees and doesn't think she is being daft. Serena
wants to know more about this an anyone who pops into a situation like
this is probably involved in some way. At least in her experience.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena suggests that this person joins them in her room. Devlin is
quiet for a moment. When he met Serena he had a sense that she could be
trusted, and he didn't know why. This one he isn't sure about, He'll
have to watch him. For some reason Devlin thinks this man may be
involved in whatever happened here, it may be better to have him where
he can see him.
Devlin nods his head, "If the lady wishes it, then there will be three
of us to watch. Shall we?" and he holds out his hand indicating that
the others should precede him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well... I prefer to stay sharp-witted when danger is about." the stranger replies, "So I think anything alchoholic should be ruled out, though tea would be good."
He sighs, "I don't suppose they stock Earl Grey out here. Not to worry."
"My name is Luke, by the way."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiled and replied," It is my pleasure to meet you Luke and my
name is Serena. I hope the inn has tea and I am fairly sure it does
however I cannot guarantee it will be Earl Grey."
Then glancing to Devlin she said, " Well, then if we are all agreed
I'll lead the way." then she turned and began heading back toward the
inn and her room there.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Devlin" Devlin says simply and then follows behind the other two as
Serena leads the way back to her room. Devlin stays a step or two
behind. He wonders what casued Serena to accept this man so easily into
her company.
He reamins quiet though as he follows. He had much to learn an he hoped that Serens could lead him to wher he could learn it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Once they reached her room Serena let them both in and once they were both inside she turned and said,"Find yourself a seat. If you would like something to drink I believe I have something still around.
After seating herself she looked to Luke and said,"So, I ama fraid you will find out quickly the way I at least do my business. So, who are you and what are you doing here Luke?" Serena's expression was neither friendly nor unfriendly but rather neutral.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Actually, I came to see you, Serena." Luke replies, smiling, "I
was recently with a certain red-haired bard of your aquaintance, and
thought I would look in on you. See if you needed any help, that
sort of thing."
"It seems that things here may be a little... precarious."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin takes a seat, the same one he was in before he heard he scream.
He's still not sure what's going on here. He watches Luke carefully,
his head tilted to one side as he studies the man.
Then Luke says that he's there to see Serena. That he had just seen
someone she knew. That causes him to study Luke further, but at the
same time he says, "If you wish I can step outside and let you talk
privately. I have no wish to interupt is this is a private matter. I
can always guard the door or something."
He turns to Serena, the question was obviously directed at her even though he was looking at Luke when he asked it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I know of whom you speak. Anything you have to tell me in particular?" Serena asked Luke and then looking at Devlin said,""I'd
rather you stay. I have a feeling we will be discussing some things
that I intended to tell you anyway. Unless of course Luke you object?" Serena's expression was still neurtral but her tone made it clear she wanted Devlin there.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
With Serena stating the she'd rather he stayed and the tone of her
voice reinforcing that wish Devlin sits back in the chair. He now has
no intention of leaving whatever this Luke's wishes. It's equally
obvious that she doesn't really know this person any better then Devlin
himself does except for this mysterious red-haired bard they seem to
both know of.
"Tea sounds good, if there is enough. If not then I'm fine as I am."
Devlin says, "As far as things here being a little... precarious..." He
mimics the word, "The sooner we can be away from this place and on our
way..." He does not need to complete that sentence. It's quite obvious
that he'd rather be elsewhere. Preferably somewhere that he does not have to lock himself in at night.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke dips his head in Serena's direction, "If you feel you can trust this man, then who am I to argue?"
A glance at Devlin then, "And you are
right. The sooner you leave, both of you, the better. But
it would be imprudent to move on before dawn."
Back to Serena, steepling his fingers before him, "I
will admit that, due to some early misunderstandings on both parts, my
relationship with the bard and her companions has not always been a
smooth one. First I must tell you, as I told certain of them,
that I do not actually support their cause. It is simply a matter
of better the devil you know than the one you don't." he seems to find that somewhat amusing, judging by the smile which flickers across his lips.
"Let me put it this way: imagine that you had
spent the major portion of your life plotting the downfall of an old
enemy and the conquest of his domain. Then, suddenly, just as your
stratagems were nearing fruition, somebody else defeated him and siezed
all he owned. All your plans would be for naught, since you
wouldn't know the weaknesses of this newcomer, and would thus have to
start from the beginning again."
"Sometimes, you see, the enemy of my enemy is my enemy too."
He folds his hands in his lap, leaning forward to gaze intently at Serena, "So,
I must confess, it is pure self interest which drives me to offer my
support to you. Will you accept my aid? Or at least hear me
out?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena glanced at Devlin then turned to Luke and stated simply,""I
am willing to hear you out. However, I have conditions. First and
foremost is that you will tell your story and what you feel can aid
myself and now Devlin who is caught up in this although he does not
know the whole of it and may choose to absent himself. I do not want
word games or dissimilation. If you feel you can do that fine.
Otherwise then no I will not hear you out. I have a feeling you are an
Amberite..is this true?" Serena then looked at Devlin and said,""Is this acceptable to you Devlin?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin listens to Luke and smiles at the man's logic. From what he's
heard he understands enough or thinks he understands. Serena, or this
Bard, or perhaps both, along with some others are trying to stop
someone from defeating Luke's enemy because. He is all for this as he's
sure that he can defeat his enemy but he is not sure of defeating the
other if he should take power. Perhaps Mordin was right about these people after all.
He ends by offering them his support. That's fine, he did not ask for
any support in return. That and Devlin had no idea if he should be
supporting anyone because in all reality he had no idea who, or what,
it was that Luke was speaking of.
Then Serena speaks and asks if it's expectable to Devlin. Devlin is
willing to hear anyone out as he knows little and any information can
only help as far as he's concerned. "I see no reason not to here Luke
out. If the information can help us in some way," He holds out his
hands palms up and gives a little shrug. "I don't see how listening can
hurt."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"An Amberite? Please! Have I tried to
command you to do anything yet? Have I appeared to assume that
everybody in this inn is here merely for my convenience, and exists
only at my whim?" Luke shakes his head, "No, I think you'll find I have not."
He stands, and starts to pace slowly, "I am
neither of the Courts, nor of Amber, and I am older than either.
I am... Luke. I knew the secrets of the Logrus and the Pattern
before there was a Logrus or Pattern."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena looked shocked at Luke's words. How can that be? Oberon created
the Pattern in Amber but Grandfather Dworkin came from the Courts and
they have been around forever. Not sure what to say she began with "just because you did not act like an Amberite doesn't mean you weren't one. I don't act much like one and I am an Amberite."
Then pausing she asked," I don't understand Luke. It is not that I
believe you are lying but what you say about your age is hard for me to
comprehend. Would you be willing to explain further?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke seems upset about being called an Amberite. Then he says that he's
older than both Pattern and Logrus. Serena sounds a bit surprised at
this. Devlin just tilts his head the other way and continues to listen.
Devlin now thinks that anything is possible. If someone told him not
long ago that he'd be were he is and doing the things he was doing he
would have laughed. Now he's ready to believe almost anything.
Devlin remains quiet and lets Serena do all the questioning, he isn't even sure he'd know what questions to ask.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke smiles, a broad, open, friendly smile, "Yes, my age... sometimes I find it hard to believe too. In fact, sometimes it scares me. Let me put it this way... " he seats himself once more and sips his tea before continuing.
"For the Courts to exist, then there must have first been a place, for want of a better word, for them to exist in.
A place where the earliest ancestors of the Houses twisted the energies
of the Universe to make their homes, and clearly something had to exist before the Courts; the energy they are formed from, the people who built them, something."
"At that time the people who later went on to become the founders of
the Courts of Chaos believed themselves to be the only creatures in
existence, in the same way that people living in a village in some
remote valley, surrounded by high mountains and treacherous passes,
might know nothing of the great city less than fifty miles away."
Once more the steepling of his fingers, "I
am one of the inhabitants of that city. I predate the
Courts. I was already quite old on the day that the first Ways of
Chaos were started. I clearly remember observing their
construction, along with others of my kind. Oh, and there are
more like me, though we are scattered now, and rarely see each other."
"You have met one of them yourself, Serena. Recently."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
""Well,
that is a little hard to absorb. However, i believe you. I have a gues
as to the one who I met but perhaps you would tell me directly and then
I will know if my hunch is right?'Serena asked then glanced briefly at Devlin to see if she could gauge his thoughts at all.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
When Serena looks at Devlin he looks... interested in the whole thing.
Like he's paying attention to every word. But he is not judging
anything. He says axactly what he was thinking not long ago. "Not long
ago I would not have believed any of this, but not I'm ready to believe
almost anything."
He looks at Luke, "But I don't understand what you think we, I mean
Serena, can do to help you. And who is this enemy that you'd rather
have? And who is the one that you think Serena and her friends can
defeat for you?"
It's obvious that Devlin is interested in any information he can get now. No longer content to sit quietly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke chuckles, "A hunch, eh? Care to tell me who you think it is. I'm not really sure I'm in a position to reveal the
information, as such, since I don't believe the one concerned even
remembers that far back. I will however give you an honest yes/no
answer if you want to take a guess?"
"Think about it."
Turning his attention to Devlin, Luke continues, "Serena has seen these enemies, both in the flesh, so to speak, and in her dreams."
A quick glance, then, at the young woman, "My
apologies for the dreams, by the way. The bard and her companions
were in need of additional aid, and you seemed like a logical choice,
since you were relatively close by."
His attention returns to Devlin, "I know I
can't defeat them by myself. But I can supply aid to the group,
where possible. They have a wide range of abilities, and several
different viewpoints which enable them to develop... unusual
strategies."
"The enemy that I have plotted for so long to overthrow, you may rest assured, is neither Amber nor the Courts."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena frowned as Luke confessed to being the author of the portent
dreams. So, it had not been Fiona. Still it rankled that someone was
mucking about with her mind. ""I
am not in the mood for guessing games Luke. if you don't want to tell
me then don't. There can be only one reason you are here now and that
would be that the enemy knows my mission and that things are going to
be far more difficult than I had thought in getting to Amber. Is this
true?
Then turning to Devlin Serena said," "I had
every intention of taking you with me when I left for Amber Devlin but
if I am right about why Luke is here then perhaps you may not want to
travel with me after all. I will be sure however, that you know all
there is to know so you can make a fuly educated choice." and at that she smiled at him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, we'll have to see when Luke here finally gets to the point."
Devlin replies to Serena's comment and then he looks at Luke, "That is
if there is a point and he plans to get to it. So far I've heard a lot
of talking, and some interesting things that I did not know before, but
nothing that tells us why he's here or that would make me want to help
him."
Devlin shakes his head, "And this game with guessing the other of his
kind. I would not worry about it. It's quite obvious to me that he's
trying to bate you into playing some game instead of speaking plainly."
Devlin sits forward in his chair and he looks Luke directly in the eye,
"So, why don't you get to the point. Tell us why you're here and what
it is that you want. Or... leave. I'm not very interested in playing
word games."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke sighs, theatrically, "My
dear Serena, the enemy knows nothing of your mission, and thanks to
certain measures on my part, there is very little likelihood that they
even know who you are."
He sips his tea in silence for a long moment before continuing, "Very well, as a gesture of trust... " he leans forward and touches her arm lightly with a fingertip, just for an instant before she breaks the contact.
"I am, of course, here to help. The bard and
the others are about to visit a place where they need to be, and it is
the last place in all of infinity that they would want to be."
"I have been aiding them for some time, and sending you those dreams
was part of that aid. You have certain skills which they sorely
lack, and have an agreeable nature, more or less, which is why I chose
you to be the one I sent to them."
Another pause, and another sip of tea, "I did not anticipate their sending you away so soon... they make strange decisions sometimes. He smiles, then adds, "A lot of times."
"They will need you, where they are going. I am here to ask you
to return to them, immediately. I can show you the way, or you
can use the Trump that Leonardo gave you. And did you not think
that was a strange coincidence, hmm? Meeting somebody who knew
the very people you dreamed of?"
"Your new friend can travel with you, if you wish. I have a feeling that he would make an admirable bodyguard."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena almost jumped at the unexpected mind contact. Although Luke had
done nothing untoward there was most definitely a principle that needed
to be explained immediately in Serena's opinion. Her tone was icy cold
as she said,"It
is considered highly rude to make mind to mind contact without
permission unless it is a matter of life or death so I will kindly ask
you never to do such a thing again.".
So much for my agreeable nature Serena thought wryly. ""
I believe you that they need me. My question is will you be coming
along as well? Certainly with your age and knowledge that would tip the
tables in our favor greatly."
Serena then looked at Devlin and said, " "Your
welcome to come with me Devlin , however I know you wanted to go
to Amber for a specific reason and I would understand if you did not
want to accompany me. I will ask Luke to explain what the situaion is
and how dangerous it is as even I only know so much so as you can
decide with your eyes wide open.". Surprisingly as serena looked
at Devlin she found herself oddly hoping he would come with her. She
had never fond someone who seemed so much like her in beliefs and
personality and suboncsiously there was a bit more going on that she,
out of habit, didn't allow to be acknowledged.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shaking his head sadly, Luke replies, "I
cannot accompany you, for I have other concerns which demand my
attention. Kingdoms do not simply run themselves, you understand."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena was secretly pleased that Luke would not be coming with them.
She wasn't all that pleased with is manipulation of her dreams or mind
touching without permission.""Well
then can you please explain to Devlin what he is getting into. I left
so fast that I didn't have alot of time to really understand the full
extent of things."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'm sure Amber can wait Serena. That is what I was looking for simply
because it was the only target I had." Devlin says to Serena. He's no
longer concerned with Luke. For some reason he feels drawn to this
girl... woman... that is his cousin. Not at all what he expected of
family from the stories he was told.
"I don't need to know what I'm getting into." His head tilts to the
side and he studies her for a moment. "Wherever it is that you're going
I'll go with you."
For some reason he trusts her and he does not know the reason for that either. He's only known her for a few hours.
"I think I'd like to meet these friends of yours."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiled at Devlin and for just a moment her eyes locked with his
and then they quickly shifted away. This is very strange serena
thought. I wonder what it is about him. One good thing at least he
isn't my brother.
"Then I say we leave immediately or as soon as I can trump Cyan. Do you
have anything in your room that you absolutely must retrieve?" Serena
said in her usual expedient manner.
"Luke unless there is any more you wish to share or that you think
would be helpful or necessary to know then I guess you win. We return
to the group." Serena made a clear emphasis on helpful and necessary
hoping he got the hint that she didn't want to find out later he was
holdingout.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Everything I own I carry with me." Devlin says as his head tilts the
other way. "What do you mean by 'trump cyan' is there some game of
colored cards you must play before we can leave?" Devlin honestly looks
confused at this. "I've played pinochle and trump is the high suit, but
I've never played any games with cyan colored cards."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Trumps or what you will hear Cyan call a palanquet is a card with
either someone's picture on it or a place. When you concentrate on the
card in the case of Cyan's I will be able to talk with her and she can
bring us from here to where they are through the card. I know it is
probably hard to imagine but you'll see and it is ultimately safe in
this case."
"The down side is someone trys to trump you and it is someone without
your best interest involved they can attack you both mentally and
physically through the contact. So answering calls can be dangerous. It
is an Amberite and Chaosian talent that some have to make these cards.
I cannot however." Serena finished explaining.
Serena then pulled out Cyan's card and turned to Luke and raised her eyebrow awaiting his reply before she makes the call.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Believe me, Serena, if there was any more I could give you, then it would be yours, without question." Luke looks up at the ceiling in one corner of the room, "Time is of the essence, I'm afraid. Otherwise I'd love to stop and chat."
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
""All right then Luke. I will call now. Devlin be prepared to take my hand when I ask you too please." Then after slinging her bags over her shoulder with no more ado she
began to concentrate totally to contact Cyan via the trump in her hand.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin gets up and moves closer to Serena; he looks carefully at the
card that she concentrates on. His head tilts to the right and his brow
furrows. This card was similar to the cards Mordin used to make him
memorize the people that where supposed to be his aunts, uncles and
other relatives. He had said nothing about the cards having special
powers.
Devlin watched Serena with interest.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin can see no change in the card but Serena turns to him after a moment or two and says,""Take my hand now please Devlin. Goodbye Luke."Then she waits for Devlin to take her hand and thenfor cyan to bring them through.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin simply does as he's told, intrigued by whatever is going on, not
that he knows what's going on. The man reaches out and takes Serena's
hand and then waits to see what happens.
===========================================================
Re: Part 36b - The road to Amber by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Suddenly a hand extends throught he card and Serena takes it and her
and Devlin go through the card leaving only a kaleidoscope of rainbow
colors behind them.
===========================================================
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