Grímnismál 34

The ongoing tale of William, Son of Ophelia of House Rebma, and of the Line of Barimen in the Courts of Chaos.

Woke up in the army, with no chance of an Ascaris breakfast. Benedict is not as good company as Grandmother. He’s considering trumping everyone through but we probably don’t have the Pattern wielders. I suggest we start anyway with a few each day. The closer we get to Ygg the easier it becomes. He agrees with some hesitation, but seems to want to put his faith in Fiona finding a magical solution. He suggests with some force that as we reach Ygg I should practice my somewhat rusty Pattern skills.

Darig approaches with a matter of some urgency. Benedict lets him in, and apologises in a very Benedict way for what he said after Darig assassinated Swavell. Darig bows and then relates that the two orders wish to march with us all the way to Amber. I vouch for the Lugubrious Vendetta as their Grand Master Emeritus and suggest that we talk to Constance about the Deniable Moth as she knows them best. Benedict leaves the matter in our hands.

Darig then brings out the silver arm we recovered from the Bariman Caer, Brú Na Boīne. It is a beautiful artefact, sculpted almost to perfection to fit the loss of Benedict’s arm, but created long before his loss. It bears some similarities to Claideb, perhaps even the work of the same artificer, but at different points in their careers. Benedict tells us a little of the history of the arm and his involvement with it and Corwin. He decides that trying to attach it at this point will be too much of a distraction and will address it later. Darig and I leave him, Darig promising to tell the two orders that the matter is under consideration.

I trump Constance and we update each other as to as to what’s going on. I ask her to ask Fiona about trumping through and she demurs, preferring that I talk to her myself. I let her know that Benedict has his new arm and then drop the contact.

Havelock calls on the trump. He has spoken to my father, whose spirit is in Hell, along with Osric, both being tortured. I must speak to Rachael as to what could be done to rescue him. I tell him that Benedict shows some sign of thawing towards Darig and that he has the arm. Havelock grimaces at the Benedict’s name, looking down at the stump of his sword arm, but relieved that Benedict is speaking. “It worked, then.” I offer to bring him through but he claims a need to rest. I promise to pass on his aliveness to Constance.

Finally I return to Benedict at his behest. He tells me that Melvyn will visit for a banquet this evening with the Courts – a reparation for the attack. I urge caution. While the Melvyn I know is an honourable creature, I do not know how much time has passed in the Courts and how the politics will have shifted.

Benedict considers my words and then hesitates. Another new from him today! “I did not kill Osric deliberately,” he said, “but Finndo, I could have ended that differently, I now realise. But what’s done is done.”

Still with Havelock’s words in my ears, I calmly state. “They’re in Hell, you know. Their spirits are being tortured. Havelock told me.” In truth, I am enjoying twisting the knife in Benedict a little, waiting to see how this new contrite Uncle will react. Gratifyingly, his first thoughts are, as mine, of rescue. “We have beaten them before,” he says, “twice, but on our own ground. To assault them directly we would need allies. And this is not the time.”

I nod. “Once everyone is safe in Amber, then we begin. I will speak with Rachael, for her people know of Hell and its realm.”

I turn and leave, letting the army know of the arrival of the Courts. Constance calls, telling me that Fiona considers trumping the army through to be unfeasible. I update her with Havelock’s situation and tell her of the feast – I promise to find out if her presence will be required, given her duties at Ygg.

The senior officers are summoned and updated. We will be provided with an abundance of food for the army. We will spend the day stowing it ready for travel. Meanwhile the Chaots will use Logrus to create the dining facilities for the feast this evening.

The whole army is invited, with the family at the high table. Sorashi is seated next to Melvyn, with me next to her and Llewella to my other side. Grand Dame Ariadne is opposite me, to keep me on my best behaviour.

I exchange pleasantries with Ariadne, sending my love back to Cymnea. Sorashi and I congratulate Melvyn on Queen Fuchsia’s pregnancy. He says something about regretting but understanding why Sorashi turned down Fuchsia’s offer, which seems to be something that leaves Sorashi something afluster. The conversation turns to alliances, potentially between Amber and Chaos in the future, almost as an aside. With Hell on my mind, I absent minded say, “I have a target to suggest,” and Llewella nudges me and says “later”.

Llewella then asks me quietly if I have heard from my mother since the last vision and I say no. She mutters that no one would really expect a princess of Rebma to drown. Brightening, she extends an invitation to Rachael and myself to visit Rebma, saying that Rachael will make it easier for me.

Eventually the food stops and Melvyn makes an announcement about reparations, food and transport. Various Rim Lords suggest different ways – Mandor discounts the Logrus almost immediately, Melvyn suggests shapeshifting, but all suffer from capacity and in some cases hostility. Various options are mooted and Benedict thanks them all, saying that Amber will give them our answer after we have had time to discuss options.

At the end of the night the various military relatives see to their troops and then we sleep.

The next days the plan seems to be Logrus for the wagons, sigils for the weaker troops. The vanguard under Darig to go through first with me to follow as logistical support. Last out will be Benedict and Corwin with his rearguard.

The move goes ahead. The wagons are unhitched and transported and confirmation comes through from the other side that they are arriving. I gather the ambassadors together and trump them through, then follow.