Peter’s Diary part 13: Julian Drops The Knife

In The Doom that Came to Amber

1^st Snake

I woke to the sounds of a bear snuffling through my food packs. Master Bruin and I regarded each other for a few heartbeats, then he retreated. I ate, and then resumed my journey, starting by travelling until I found a rose of Gonfalon.

I had changed my destination overnight, considering that I knew Gonfalon so well I could see her in my sleep, and that I could walk the Faerie Trods to Asperage from there. Seeing the rose I sought, I then started looking for white birches, until I was surrounded by them.

It was then I realised the second of my three lessons. This walking is slow, and I was untutored and unpractised. This would not be the fastest way of travelling. I turned back then, wishing to return to Amber where I might learn more of these paths, or else find someone who could bear me to Corse.

And then came the lesson of the Salmon, the third one I was to learn that day. Swimming upstream is far more tiring than down.

I returned to Amber.

There I found much bustle and concern. According to Maelgwin, who I met at the East Gate, Prince Julian had summoned each of the Family to a meeting, though because none of the Family have a trump of me (though that is not true – I know one at least does) no-one knew where I was.

I made my way quickly to the council chambers where Julian told us that there were jobs that must be assigned to the Family, and each of us should play our part. Princess Bathsheba had slain Princess Deirdre for her part in the rebellion raised by the Mira worshippers – a rebellion started and finished while I slept in Arden, apparently. Lord Alaric was declared Anathema for his championing of Mira, and was to be slain on sight.

There was much debate and discussion over the posts offered. It seemed that no one truly wished to take position beyond what they already had. I do not think this was false modesty either. Those who were already in position were stretched beyond their ability to take on new roles, and those of us who were not considered ourselves unready for such attention.

Still, 4 appointments were made. I offered my support to her Majesty Vialle as Constable to the obvious scorn of Bleys and Julian, though both Flora and Llewella seemed to take the idea on its merits. Later, Bathsheba suggested Flora, and I supported this, to Julian’s stated dislike. He asked for another candidate and Asmark suggested Aylwin. With Julian and Bleys obviously united against their sister, the vote went Aylwin’s way.

Nathan spoke up when the position of Admiral was raised. He seemed to think this the least of the evils of actually working for his bread and board, but was visibly relieved when Julian asked Bleys to stay in the post for the foreseeable future.

Magister Templi was an interesting post – Julian made it clear, abundantly clear, that this post was Fiona’s and that no one else would be there except in a temporary position. Again, I offered Flora’s name – her light is well hidden under a bushel, and her skills at getting people talking to each other are massively underused in this place, but Julian again poured scorn on my suggestion. Aylwin and Llewella were suggested, and with little debate, Llewella gained the role.

Finally, the Sheriff’s post was debated, and Bathsheba put forward the name of Danesh – one of my cousins that I have yet to meet. Asmark was quick to second this proposal, but then later, when Julian asked for a second candidate, Asmark put my name forward. Julian was quick to second this – so quick indeed that I think few noticed that both candidates had Asmark’s support. With Julian’s support, I was given the role.

With those matters decided, and with a casual mention from Nathan that he had seen Deirdre, Brand and Sarah in the Void, the meeting broke up.

I returned to my rooms to bring this journal up to date. I must talk with Flora – I was the cause of much embarrassment to her in that meeting. I must also talk to Alaric – he has been one of the family who has treated me with the most welcome here, and I would know more of his motivations before I agree with this Anathema. And I must find a way to juggle my duties in the town with my visit to Corse.

But then, juggling is part of the trade of the troubadour.