Bathsheba’s Diary part 11: An Unwelcome Guest at the Funeral

In The Doom that Came to Amber

26^th Bull

Coming back from Tir Na Nogth, met Alaric riding the other way – presumably into town. He seemed less pleased to see me than usual – what is he up to?

After breakfast, talked to Danesh then went back to my room to get some sleep. There was a note pushed under my door, inviting me to dinner tonight at Lord Grim’s – an old supporter of my father. Sent a reply saying I would be there, then went to bed for a few hours.

At lunch, Peter came in looking tired and a bit hesitant – sudden large changes of status can do that to you – with Aylwin and Asmark bustling round him. Ignored me completely, of course.

The conversation turned to the fact that the Archpriest has recently died – Alaric knew all about this, seemed rather snappish (even by his good-tempered standards). If I were being kind (and really stupid) I would attribute this to his grandfather’s death. Something else is going on – his usual smugness slips ever more often these days.

Apparently Morwaith is the new Archpriest, though Alaric (or whoever it is does these things) hadn’t told him – he had gone down to the Cathedral earlier, but didn’t come back for lunch. There was a message saying he was stuck in the Cathedral.

Aylwin took Asmark and Peter off for ‘Shadow-walking’ lessons. I managed to grab a word with Asmark about the funeral tomorrow and Wolfmorland – he will bring a friend along to safeguard the Trump equipment if Asmark is called back to Amber. The friend apparently needs a short holiday from Amber in a bit of a hurry. I didn’t ask.

Rode down to Grim's in the evening. I was ushered in by Grim himself and introduced to Viscount Oldcastle and Lords Henden, Henge and Macdatho. The latter two seemed pleased to see me, the other two a bit more reserved.

Over dinner the reason for my invite was made clear. There is a power vacuum formed by Random’s absence and factions are gearing up to resolve this.

Bleys, Julian and Deirdre are in the running – Julian, I think, mainly to block Deirdre. I disappointed my hosts a little by not joining in for the chance to be Queen (I would be a disaster, let’s be honest) but as Eric’s faction has a lot of sway I don’t see why we can’t ensure that the best candidate has our support.

Caine still has a small following with some fairly influential people looking for a candidate; Gerard has a few as well – apparently the Chantris family are uncommitted but being courted by Deirdre. They used to be favourable to Eric until his death. Grim suggested that a visit from his Princess daughter might nudge them back onto the right path. I will see them in four days time – no sense in hanging around.

As I rode back I noticed there were bonfires burning in the town – it’s not any festival today I can recall. Strange.