Asmark’s Diary part 9: The Fae Summit

In The Doom that Came to Amber

22^nd Bull 3658

Breakfast: Benedict, Julian, Flora, Morwaith, Bathsheba, Aylwin and myself are present. There are some comments on the absence of Alaric. Apparently he is also expected at this morning’s meeting. On leaving Julian instructs us to attend on him in ten minutes.

Bathsheba, Aylwin, Alaric and myself join the Regent. He asks me to start summarising the situation. I explain what I know of Amethyst and Kashfa.

The latest information from Rebma is discussed. There seems to be a good deal of ill-will towards Amber at the moment. As expected Martin has succeeded as King. He still bears a grudge about the King’s treatment of his mother. It is potentially very awkward especially as Martin, as the King’s only son, will have a good claim to the throne if the King does indeed abdicate. Rebma is not actually Golden Circle so not formally my concern.

I mention the minor border incident between Jasper and Chalcedony, as reported by Raymond. Previously the King has taken an active role in this area and the Office of the Golden Circle has avoided involvement. In the King’s absence the Office will have to take a closer interest. The Regent asks about Raymond’s value as an information source. As a junior monk he is not well placed to provide significant intelligence.

Aylwin mentions the problems between Pearl and Ardent. It is concluded that Jasper requires further fact finding but not intervention as yet. Pearl and Ardent are not urgent or serious enough for immediate attention.

Faerie remains a concern but no action beyond the pre-arranged diplomatic mission in two days is required. Kashfa is likewise not a priority. Aylwin and myself will undertake a visit to Amethyst as soon as Aylwin is back from Faerie. Julian will be attending to Rebma himself.

The possibility that someone is interfering with trump was raised. Alaric seemed very certain that this was taking place. He did not explain why he was so sure. We are instructed to be careful in how we use trump. The most important precaution would seem to be not discussing anything important over trump, rather use trump to set up face-to-face meetings.

All in all we seem to be beset by problems on all sides. However I am greatly encouraged by the current unity in the family. It seems that old rivalries are being set apart and the family is united against the outside enemies. Perhaps the family needs a few external problems to hold it together.

I receive a letter from Mrs Nailer to say that Archibald has had a break-down and has been sent to the country for a rest cure.

Alaric calls me on trump asking for the Office of Golden Circle trump of Amethyst. We meet a few minutes later in the Office where the trump is kept and I hold the trump while he goes through.

I have not even got back to my room when I receive another trump call from Alaric, informing me that Archmage Clarence is dead. I immediately send a note to the Regent informing him. It seems that Aylwin and my trip to Amethyst is all the more important. Quarter of an hour later Alaric trumps again to report that the Amethyst palace is closed and he comes back to Amber.

I complete a copy of my trump.