Session
118
I believe she outmaneuvered me. Dangerous woman. Not subtle, but
still I did not understand where she led me. Except, perhaps, to an
admission that Lucretia is in danger from me - quite the opposite of my
intent.
I do not need another enemy. Where Whimsy stands in these alliances I
cannot be certain, save that she stands with Nicholas. Let it be well
known then that I wish him no harm.
Strange how I feel divorced from things since Nicholas' return -
as if I stand a distance away and all my plots are but spider webs against
the light. Near invisible but ready to snare their prey, or me, with any
move.
Do I doubt my resolutions? No - but all has changed so abruptly.
For a space I must wait, ponder, test the waters. Even the smallest stone
casts ripples and here, dropped sudden, are boulders. Whimsy is the key.
Oh yes, to have Nicholas back and grown and king, that too changes things.
But this sharp-tongued spellcaster is danger. Nicholas is constrained by
honor and kingship and his debt to Eric. Whimsy is like a dull and
poisoned blade, thrust hard to make a slowly healing wound. And she has
no constraints that I can see. She throws her curses wildly and she is
not sane.
My weapon skills are useless against her magic. And as for
understanding her, immortal though I am, I have not time.
Yes, it is time for caution. The quick red fox is often dead, and
I can trust no one I cannot destroy.
**********************
When all else fails, sow a little dissension. And if such can be
done under cover of loyal concern and a desire to decrease family
strife...so much the better. Not that Benedict was much deceived by my
report on Lucretia, but at least he will now be watching her. If I can't
kill her, that should at least keep her still. As for Whimsy, the more
restraints on her, the better, until I am armed against her powers.
The information that Oscar gave me was both disturbing and elating.
That Amberites prefer Eric to Nicholas is not surprising to me. But I
worry that this may cause Nicholas to react against Eric, or cause Eric to
make some noble sacrifice, such as publicly renouncing all claim to the
throne...or leaving Amber. On the other hand, there is a window of
opportunity here, if I but knew how to plant the right seeds in the right
mind. After all, how better to quell the people's grumbles than to
announce that Eric's son will be Nicholas' heir? Would that not answer
both our causes, Nicholas' and mine? He will be king, but Eric's blood
will follow him.
For now, I must concentrate on more immediate matters. Or at least,
those where I stand more immediate chance of success. Magic can be
blocked! This is news indeed of great moment. And both Nicholas and I
are searching for the means. I offer my services to the King, but let him
not be deceived. I would have him know that I seek this device for my own
use. If he were to discover that later, he might consider the service I
will render him null, and me to be treacherous. As it is, he will see
that I am a loyal servant, while still considering my own benefit. A fine
distinction, you think? The difference between a dungeon and his
Majesty's favor, I believe.
I have no idea how these items are to be found. But Bleys, I trust,
will instruct me. He did not seem to think it outside my abilities. And
while in Shadow, perhaps I will find other things to assist me...the seeds
of a plan, sprouting?
"Outrageous Fortune"
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All text on this page is © 1997 by Jennifer Bowen.
Last modified on March 17, 1999 by Kris Fazzari.