I was working on generating magical fields that would redirect small
bursts of lighting when a page came jogging out onto the Amber
training field.
"Prince Simon? Princess Cayt is waiting for you in the Pattern room,
sir."
I thanked him for the message. He nodded, but as he turned to leave a
notion struck me. Two o'clock, our appointed meeting hour, was soon
approaching. It would be wise to send word to the others in case
there are problems or delays. I stopped the page and asked his to go
to the stables and inform someone where I was going and that I might
be late. Then I headed for the Pattern room.
Cayt was standing at the leading edge of the Pattern. She stood there
gazing down at the pattern, hair obscuring her expression. She either
hadn't heard me enter or didn't want to acknowledge me. I walked over
to her, trying not to startle her.
"Hello Cayt." I said, keeping a distance I hoped would make her
comfortable.
She glanced up and then back down at the Pattern. I looked where she
was staring, but I saw nothing unusual.
"I looks like I owe you an apology." she began.
She explained that she had spoken to many Amberites, and that they had
painted her a mental picture of me which was not so dark and evil as
that which Morgawse he told her. It was strange to hear this. Who
here in Amber truly knew me? I had been here less that two weeks. I
was glad that others had a good impression of me, but wondered what
had convinced her of my good nature. Of course I forgave her
completely. Never had I actually felt any slight. True she had acted
emotionally, but one would have to expect that from any daughter of
Camille considering all she had been told. I gave Cayt the hug that
was meant our first meeting. It felt like a new beginning.
Being where we were, I knew that the topic of walking the Pattern was
on Cayt's mind. I asked her about it. Evidently, she had all the
necessary permission and was contemplating attempting the task right
then. I told her that she had my blessing, but warned her about the
dangers.
"There are three points on the Pattern where you must make a supreme
effort just to continue walking. The first is difficult, the second
harder, and the third... Well, in the exhausted state of my first walk
I just couldn't
pass it. I tried as hard as I could, but it was no use. I would've
died there if Bleys hadn't been there to help me." I paused. "If you
came to such a point I would, of course, do everything I could to help
you, but..." I paused again. "I am not the man my father is."
I could see that the point sunk in.
Cayt decided that she would wait at least until I returned. That was
good. I'd like another chance to walk the Pattern first just to be
sure I could manage it on my own.
We departed on good terms for the first time.
I met the others at the stables and we began our
journey into RoseAmber.