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.

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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"
Vixen's Diaries
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Last modified on March 17, 1999 by Kris Fazzari.