I was watching from the parapet that day, when Corwin led his assault on Amber. Father had always taken such pains to let me enjoy the sights and sounds of Amber without letting anyone know of my existence. Why he felt he could not let his brothers and sisters learn of my existence, I'll never know. I believe it had something to do with the fact that my home Shadow so closely mirrored Amber itself that the others would react badly if they found out about my mother.
In any case, it was not the weapons Corwin had brought, or the manticora which brought him down. My father simply burned out his life force through the Jewel, in the defense of Amber. I saw him lying there, his own blood crimson flowing over his chest, flowing over the jewel...
He died that day, and Corwin stepped in and assumed command as if nothing had changed. Years before that Father had told me that he'd taken care of Corwin, and we would never have to worry about him again. Then Corwin had escaped somehow and restored his vision, and down came my fairyland princess fantasy.
My skills honed in the years since, tested in arts military and arcane, I began my request to return my Father to me. His last act through the Jewel was to annihilate my Mother's home Shadow, with her still in it. No matter. Mother was a Shadow, through and through, a copy of the real thing. Eric was clad in the light of a reverent and adoring daughter.
My first assault left me rebuffed by the guards at the gates. But over the years I've become a bit craftier, picking up techniques throughout Shadow to help me. I ambushed Random in Kashfa a few years back, and I had my hand on the Jewel, only to be stopped by Julian's hounds.
But this time it was perfect. A few alliances to set up distractions, a few "favors" for Rinaldo, and a subtle manipulation of the Dreamline was all I needed to set things in motion. Breaking up Random and the fish's lovemaking was an added bonus. Damn Vialle's added senses, or Eric would be with us again. I made my escape easy enough -- I didn't need another run-in with Benedict -- and was able to plant the seed of doubt in Jessica's mind.
In all, a failure, but my understanding of my new abilities increases daily, and I think a few more alliances could tip the scales in my direction. Rinaldo could still prove useful -- I'll turn the Dreamline again his way tonight. I have yet to hear from Eregnor, and my other friend.
Though I can't say the same for Amber, I will sleep well tonight.