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

In The Doom that Came to Amber

26^th Bull 3658

After a few words with Flora, that most graceful of Amberites, over breakfast I volunteered to personally provide Amber with some luxury items from Cordoba that were in short supply due to the incessant raiding in the Sea of Sands.

This provided me with an opportunity to converse with Lord Asmark on matters concerning both the untimely demise of Lord Nathan into the void region and also the anxiety of Lord Alaric, as Asmark had offered to help me with the delivery.

During our conversation which was conducted in the efficiently organised offices of the Overseer (Lord Asmark) I professed the view that someone of exalted Trump power must be behind the current troubles. I speculated that the infamous Brand could be behind events, however the only evidence I had was circumstantial (though in my view quite strong) based on the strange reappearance of Deirdre, Alaric’s fear that Trumps were no longer secure and the rise of Mythos influence (possibly Abyss related). Asmark was not convinced of this and whilst pacing back and forth said that in his opinion Clarissa could be behind events as she had bitter resentment against the current Amberite rule and had great Trump powers too. The ‘death’ of Clarence would give her much heightened powers.

We also discussed Alaric’s current anxiety. I remarked that Alaric seemed to be having troubles of a religious nature which he had started to tell me of, but then had become wary of telling me more. Asmark told me that the companion of Alaric that I had identified as a priest was named Paulo and that Alaric had recently enquired about the Anathema on the Church of Myra; a religion that I knew not of. Asmark said he would arrange to find out more about what was happening in the City.

We became slightly suspicious of Deirdre and I suggested an entrapment at the funeral. Asmark said that she would not be attending as she was an enemy of Clarissa, coming from the wrong side of the family. The sole representative of that side would be Bathsheba. I considered that she could be at risk because of this; too severe a risk to be permitted.

The day was getting on and we put aside our conversation. Asmark delivered me by Trump and I headed for the markets of Cordoba as if to collect the items for delivery.

Instead of shopping I decided to visit Hafiz, my mentor. Clearly I am becoming ill at ease with the world for I checked to see whether I was being followed, ducking into a narrow series of alleys and culverts. The follower betrayed his presence, but I was in a hurry and did not care to investigate, chances are he was just an opportunistic thug such as can be found in any city.

I entered into an establishment called the Black Rose which I thought seemed well constructed for throwing off the chase. Within the Black Rose I was greeted by a man whom I first took to be a waiter though he was well dressed and seemed strangely knowledgeable, perhaps the proprietor. We seemed to hit it off and we came to an agreement where I was transported safely from the building through a series of tunnels and trapdoors in exchange for a few coins. As a parting gift he provided me with a small pouch containing, as I found out later, mind altering substances.

Convinced that I was no longer being followed I made my way to Hafiz. He seemed less confident than usual. I must be careful not to tell him too much of what I know lest I drive a wedge of despair into his heart. I asked him about the ancient times, but he said this was not his area of expertise. He indicated the many volumes and I realised that as well as the meditation I must do more research; a dangerous balancing act. I looked for some ancient sealing spells, and indeed they exist but they are far from simple and I realised I did not have time to learn one.

In a hurry now, I entered the diplomatic chambers of the Cordoban court and arranged the Cordoban response to the death of Clarence: condolences and a small wreath.

I then turned to the markets and fortunately found them full of wondrous goods. Merchants too nervous to cross the Sea of Sands were trying to sell their goods in Cordoba. Shortly I had a full collection of silks, cardamom, cinnamon, dates and other delights. I also had a fine outfit prepared for the funeral.

Late in the day Asmark transported myself and two camels back to Amber.

Nervous that the day was getting late and I had not yet meditated I hurriedly arranged for the food to be delivered to the kitchens and I personally delivered the silks to Vine Street.

Seeking a quiet place to meditate I headed to Mount Kolvir. I found a rock of pleasing form and tethering the camel nearby I chose an auspicious place to commence the meditation.

Two hours later I was feeling strongly centred and my intuitive faculties were humming. At peace with myself I rode back towards Amber castle where a comfortable night's sleep awaited me. As I rode down I could see many more fires in Amber than usual. Somehow I knew that this was not a sign of catastrophe but rather some portentous event.

As I entered Vine Street I realised from the shouts of some women kneeling by a fire that the old prophet of the Unicorn had died – Long live the Prophet!