Julian reminded me of the blood-curse, so basically thanks a lot but you’re gonna die. I’d hate to think what life would be like if the universe really disliked me.

There will be yet another meeting later with the family – Julian looks even less overjoyed than I feel.

Asmark wanted to talk to me about one of the escapees – the shackled one. He apparently is an old and valued friend, and Asmark wanted me to treat him as embedded spy and not conspirator. Without speaking to him, obviously I can’t agree to this, but this didn’t go down too well, and he got rather sulky - threatening not to go to Wolfmorland with me.

Interesting to see Asmark show his teeth – pity they’re only milk teeth.

The family meeting: there are 4 posts going, and a distinct shortage of candidates, with family being lost at such a careless rate:

Constable – Nom: Flora, Aylwin (appointed)

Sheriff – Nom: Danesh, Peter (appointed)

Magistra Templae – Nom: Llewella (appointed), Aylwin

Admiral – Nom: Bleys (appointed), Nathan

So the struggle for female emancipation loses another battle – I’m damn sure Flora’s capable of more than Head Housekeeper, but nobody else will admit it publicly. She seemed rather embarrassed by it – whether being nominated or losing, I don’t know. Probably never speak to me again.

Not looking forward to working with Peter, either – don’t know if he actively dislikes me or I’m just an easy target, but I’m sure he won’t pass up an opportunity to get one over on me. I’d rather have Nathan, to be honest.

Which brings us neatly to the interesting part of the meeting. Nathan was apparently told by Random to look for Corwin’s daughter, Sarah. He went to Shadow Earth and apparently fell through a rift somewhere in the Grand Canyon, the rift leading into the Abyss.

He found Sarah and Deirdre (! – so who did I kill?) in the void in some sort of bubble – Deirdre was screaming and insane, Nathan said something about ‘using yourself up’ in order to survive.

Apparently Brand was there as well – he’d found a way to survive in there – bodyless? – and was behind at least one of the attacks on Amber.

After all the excitement, went to speak to Asmark’s little friend. A silly child, not too bright, caught up in events far too big for him – seemed scared enough not to be dangerous. I’ll have a word with whomever and cancel the alert.

I was fairly kind to him, all things considered. Somehow, I think this scared him more.

[I want to go to Tir Na Nog to try and find a solution to Aylwin's problem with Trumps. I may ask Asmark to do a reading as well, in a 'belt and braces' approach. Whether he does or not is obviously up to him but its best to be prepared for these things!]