Guardianship, Disappointment and Anger
Various Places, 2nd January
We do a good New Year's Eve celebration in Kent. This year it was the turn of Wittersham House to host the Group's welcome to the New Year, so I'd made a point of actually heading home and running the time up a little, so I didn't have to feel guilty about leaving everything hanging.
As far as our observances is concerned, the main celebration is on the night of the Winter Solstice. However, this year, with everything that was going on in Amber and Asgard, and having to run a war in Chaos, I hadn't been part of it. So with the ever present help of Carmichael and Mary, I'd decide to really push the boat out for New Year's Eve. And even if I say it myself, things went pretty well, despite the fact that most of my family were engaged elsewhere.
The Trump call came in when I was lying curled up against Marina, and the unexpected awakening made me realise that perhaps the last bottle of champagne hadn't been entirely necessary.
"What!" I snapped, and then I realised who my caller was.
"Heavy night, Ian?" Bleys asked, a little too loudly than absolutely necessary.
"It may not be New Year in Amber quite yet, but it is here."
"Well, when you're sobered up, we need to talk. Call me."
And he broke off the link.
Cursing, I looked at the clock: 4am. It wouldn't even be light for another four hours. I buried my head in a pillow, and tried to get back to sleep, but my brain had turned on. What the Hell was so important that Bleys was demanding my presence on the first day off I'd had in weeks. In the end I decided fuck it, and rather than wake Marina up with my tossing and turning, I got out of bed and headed for the shower.
I stood for about fifteen minutes, letting the slightly too hot water clear my head and gently parboil me, and then turned off the taps and went to get dressed. But what the heck should I wear? Was this a formal demand, or just Bleys throwing his weight around? He'd been grouchy since the attack at the wedding. I opted for smart trousers and a button down denim shirt, and then dug out his card and gave him a call.
"I have coffee," he said, and offered me his hand. I took it and stepped through into his private quarters in Port Royal, and he handed me a steaming cup from his private supply.
"Hallelujah," I said, with a smile, and took it gratefully.
"Do you even say hallelujah in your religion?" he asked, curious, as he indicated for us to sit. I noted he made sure that once he'd poured himself a cup, he put the pot rather closer to me.
"No. But you don't have to be Unicorn Church...or Serpent Church...or Christian...to spot a good exclamation when you hear it."
"You must have had a barrel of laughs with Bances when he was here."
"Thankfully, because of mother, he's willing to gloss over my religious transgressions."
"I think going to war under Swayville's Banner to prove you're the dutiful grandson may have been overstating the case, though," he commented, and I got the feeling that he wasn't entirely happy that I'd chosen to do that.
"You'd made it clear you didn't want Helgram forces involved - at least officially. And I couldn't exactly put down a rebellion against the King of Chaos under the Unicorn Banner. So it seemed the logical choice. My main surprise was how many of my cousins were willing to work with me. But perhaps it finally brought home to them the fact that I actually have higher rank down there, than I do up here."
"That was wholly your choosing, son."
"I know. And I still think it was the right decision at the time."
"At the time?"
"What's past is past," I answered, with a shrug, cross with myself for letting that slip.
"How are you and Wolf getting on?" he said.
"We don't really see that much of each other nowadays," I replied, keeping my tone as neutral as I could manage, "we both have our own business to attend to."
He looked at me, obviously deciding whether to press the point, but in the end he said nothing. I took advantage of that and addressed my coffee, hoping that he'd let the matter lie there. I finished cup number one and poured the second, and then looked over at him again.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Your brothers."
"Gods. What have Patrick and Lucius done now?"
"Not those brothers...although for the record, the issue of Lucius's parentage has resolved itself in Brand's favour."
Interesting. I wondered how he'd achieved that.
"You don't sound too unhappy," I commented.
"Gaius had his uses during the Civil War. Lucius using Gaius's methods in the current climate does not. If he wants to hoist himself on his own petard, let him do it without the legitimacy of the Crown of Amber."
"I can understand that. So who?"
"I find myself in a position where I do not wish my latest offspring to remain with their current guardians."
"Ah."
The two little princes, born the day of his wedding.
"I will admit, I was surprised that you and she had actually got together again. I'd got the impression that the pair of you hated each other."
"We do. And we didn't. That...harridan...begot those ba...children without my permission. I had neither choice nor will in the matter. She wanted to be my Queen, and wouldn't take no for an answer. So she tried to shame me into it...and on my wedding day, no less."
"And yet, by backing the play to bring back Oberon, she's also setting it up for you to cease to be King. That makes no sense."
"Sense did not come into it," he answered, his tone harsh, "but it leaves me with a two problems. Ones I want you to help me fix."
"Okay..."
I sipped my coffee and looked at him, hoping that he wasn't about to propose a Princes in the Tower solution, and ask me to be his hatchet man.
"Problem one. Recovering the child that woman took to her own lands. Mother had managed to establish enough of a connection with Fergus in the time she was with him, that she has successfully recovered him. A task made easier by the current turmoil in Asgard."
"Recovered him? I thought he was here."
"Your...sister...had requested custody of him, and Mother had agreed, knowing I had little desire for the child to be in Amber. However, from your report regarding Asgard, it became abundantly clear that that decision was a mistake. Thankfully it could be rectified before it was too late."
The fact that he wasn't using Gana's name didn't bode very well for her future, either.
"On which subject, you should have words with Artur. I have concerns about the fact that he was with her when she made her request to Mother."
Artur with Gana? I didn't realise they'd even met.
"I would not want your son being caught in the crossfire from the Asgard debacle."
Gods, that was as close to a direct threat as I'd ever heard from him. Cinth and Gana between them had really, really pissed him off.
"I'll speak with him."
"Good. Now, you summoned Lucius to you...although I'm not entire sure how...or actually why..."
Looking back, I'm not really sure why I bothered either. It's not like it made Lucius any more interested in me and mine.
"...but that's a conversation for another day. Can you do the same for an actual brother?"
"Theoretically."
"You may use whatever resources you wish, up to and including his twin."
"I'm not in the habit of doing ritual magic on infants."
"This time, make an exception," he answered, and I could see a coldness in his eyes which I saw only rarely.
"As you wish, Majesty," I said, with a formal nod of my head.
"Excellent."
"And problem two?"
"Once you have Donal safely in your keeping, I charge you with making arrangements for their upbringing."
"Why me?"
"I wish nothing to do with them. They were neither wanted, nor accepted. But they are my children, and they are High Bloods. Therefore, they should be given a chance in life beyond what their birth might have given them. I trust you to decide what that is."
No pressure then.
"I'm not sure how Marina would take to being a foster mother to my brothers, although I'll obviously ask her. Failing that, though, it may be that the best solution would be for them to be brought up in Helgram. That keeps them a long way from the Amber Throne."
"The Aunts? Not a bad solution. Although I would feel happier if you had an active part in their upbringing."
"I'd be willing to spend time with them if the Aunts decide they should be fast timed to make them less vulnerable. How much do you want known about your connection to them?"
"At this time, I do not. Perhaps, once they're older, I will feel differently...depending on how much they take after me and how much after...her. However, I'm sure you can persuade Dhugal to leave the names of their parents blank if you are willing to be on record as their guardian."
"He'll assume they're mine."
"Would that bother you?"
"I suppose not. I have other children that I've chosen not to acknowledge for their own safety."
"Well then. I don't see a problem. Go and get your brother from your grandmother - she's in the nursery with him. Retrieve his twin, and we will speak no more about this."
"As you wish," I repeat, with another bow of my head, and then down my coffee and get to my feet.
"A Happy New Year to you, Ian," he said, slightly less formally, as he stood up, "may the Unicorn's blessings be on you and yours."
"May she stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk, Father," I answered, "and with your kin as you wend your way."
"I know that you will help her," he said, quietly, and to my surprise, wrapped me in a bear hug.
I returned it warmly, and then stepped back.
"I'll sort this out," I confirmed, and made my way out of the Royal Presence.
* * * * * *
"You look the worst for wear," my grandmother said as I walked into the nursery.
The coffee was helping, but I could still feel the hangover lurking at the back of my skull.
"But you look as beautiful as ever," I answered, knowing that with Clarissa, there was no point raising to the bait.
"He's talked to you, then?"
"He has."
"And have you made any decisions?"
"I have agreed to take my brothers into guardianship, and then you will no longer need to be bothered with either of them."
"From that I assume he hasn't taken my advice and decided to drown them."
"Whatever the faults of their mother, they had no say in the circumstances of their birth."
She looked at me for a moment or two, and then acknowledge the point with a shrug. Whereupon she summoned the wet nurse to bring in the baby.
"Attend Prince Ian, and do as he wishes," she said to the woman, who from her appearance was obviously another member of Bleys's Helgram job-creation programme.
"Yes Your Majesties," she said, bobbing her head to both, "what can I do to help?"
"What's your name?"
"Carey, sir"
"Okay, Carey. We'll be heading for my home Shadow, and then on to House Helgram. Let me have the boy, and then go and get your things. We can leave in half an hour."
"Yes, sir," she answered, and handed my brother in to my care. As she did, I saw that he was a handsome little thing, his head covered with a down of his father's red hair. And then I noticed my grandmother watching me.
"You do that well," she said, once Carey had gone.
"I've had a lot of experience," I said, with a smile, gently rocking the child, "currently the littlest one in my family is a great grandson. He's nine now."
"Tell me, grandson. Do you know your children? Or are you like Geran, one who casts his seed at any serving maid who caught his attention. Or Lucius, who has never conceived a normal child?"
"As far as I'm aware, every one of them involved both parents, and I believe I know them all now...although I suppose that's never guaranteed. To my knowledge, Jowan was the last one I'd never identified."
"He's an interesting young man. I was pleased to see you do right by him."
"It was his choice. I wasn't going to push the issue if he didn't want to."
She looked at me curiously again.
"You're a strange kind of High Blood."
"I've heard that said before," I answer, with a chuckle.
I think she was going to say something else, but at that point Carey returned, and we lapsed into silence.
"I'm ready, Your Majesties," she said, crossing to me and taking back the child.
"Is there anything else," Clarissa said to me.
"Could you do me a small favour?"
"That depends on what it is."
"Could you call one of your sisters and let them know that I'll be bringing the boys to them."
"Any one in particular?"
"You know them better than I do. I'll leave it to your discretion."
"I know just the one. When you're ready, get in touch with your Aunt Marguerita. I'll speak with her to make arrangements for my grandchildren."
"Thank you...although I suspect Bleys won't want that particular piece of information spread too widely."
"My son...your father..."
Emphasis on father. She hates me calling him Bleys. She thinks its disrespectful.
"...has made it clear that he is leaving matters to our discretion. Trust that I will deal with the matter appropriately."
"Yes, grandmother," I replied, giving her a respectful bow. I really don't want to get on her bad side.
"Good, then we will talk later, grandson."
"I will look forward to it."
She looked at me, trying to decide if I actually meant that, and then shrugged and turned to leave. I took that as my cue, and put my hand on Carey's shoulder, then ran up a gate and jumped back to Tenterden.
The clock was chiming five when we arrived in the entrance hall, and as we did, I heard the baby start to whimper. Rather than risk waking the rest of the house, I showed them into one of the drawing rooms, where they could have some privacy.
"I'll be back in a bit," I said, "I've got one or two things to get set up."
"I'll make sure he's fed then."
I left her to it, and then headed for my store cupboard and set about getting together everything I would need for the summoning ritual to try to retrieve my other brother. As I looked outside, I could see that there was still snow on the ground, and knew I'd need to take steps to make sure that the poor kid didn't freeze between the house and the Mock Ruin. Probably the best thing to do would be to take everything outside beforehand and get it set up, and then come back for the child. And then I'd just have to figure out how to keep Carey out of the way while I Worked.
I gathered up what I needed and then headed for my Working Space. I still had serious misgivings about this - the idea of ritualising a helpless baby really didn't make me feel very comfortable - but given that his mother almost certainly had strong defences on her home Shadow (as I do with Tenterden), there probably really wasn't any other choice if we were to recover him safely.
I got everything organised, and set up the basics of the ritual, then headed back inside, to be met by Marina, dressed in a slinky silk robe and tapping her foot impatiently.
"There's a woman with a baby in the drawing room," she said, giving me a hard look.
"Yes there is," I answered, slipping my arm around her and trying to give her a kiss, but she pushed me away.
"Is there something I should know?"
"He's not mine, if that's what you're asking," I replied, slightly annoyed that she'd assumed he was.
"Says the man who just acknowledged yet another bastard. Just what I wanted. Another step-son."
Trouble was, I couldn't even deny that.
"Why is he here?"
"It's temporary," I answered, "I'm doing a favour."
"For who?"
Which was the point at which I realised that there was no point even raising the possibility of fostering my siblings long-term. The Helgram Aunts it is.
"Why the third degree?" I snapped.
"Because right now, I have no idea what you're doing half the time," she answered, "one moment you're fighting a war in the North. Then one in Chaos. Then the next you're doing something with Edward and Geran up in Amber."
Of course, the trouble was she was probably right. I'd been trying to keep her out of most of what I'd been up to lately, as I didn't want her to get caught in the potential crossfire. I moved over to her and held her, and this time she didn't pull away.
"There's a lot going on just now," I said, quietly, "Most of it sucks. And I have to do what I can to try to make sure that it hurts as few people as possible."
"You don't need to protect me," she answered, "I'm not a china doll."
"I know you're not. But things have just been moving so fast lately, I'm having trouble keeping up with it all myself."
"But you can find time to do favours for friends."
"By Royal Command. It's all part of the fall-out from Asgard."
"You and I are going to have a long talk when things calm down," she said firmly, and turned on her heel and headed for the kitchen.
I looked after her with a sigh, and then headed for the drawing room. Carey looked up as I came in.
"He's sleeping," she said, as I crossed over to her.
"Then it's probably time you did the same," I replied, and reached out and touched her on the temple.
A moment later she was unconscious, and I laid her down on the settee. Then I picked up the baby, touched him with a sleep cantrip as well, so he wouldn't be frightened by what was going to happen next, and headed back out to the Ruin, making sure to put a cloak of warmth around us.
Everything was as I'd left it. Although to be honest, I would have been worried if it hadn't been. I said the appropriate words and entered the circle I'd cast earlier, then closed it behind me. I checked him over - and he was still sleeping - then sat down with my brother on my lap, put myself into a Working trance and made a start.
I'd thought recovering Lucius had been hard. This was far worse. It felt as if my efforts were being actively opposed, although whether by the boy's mother, or the natural defences on the world itself, I couldn't tell. I'd been hoping that just having him Fergus with me would have been enough of a connection, but it soon became obvious that it wasn't. It was going to need a blood link.
I took my athame, and with the appropriate words I slashed open my right palm. Then I took his tiny hand, and made the most gentle cut I could possibly make in his palm, and then held it in my own, so our blood could mingle. As it did, I felt the kinship between us, and through that kinship, I finally managed to get a trace on his brother. It wasn't the final step, but it was a good way towards it.
I carried on weaving the summoning, although I could feel the strain on me as I did. I consciously used a cantrip to relieve my own pain and exhaustion and kept Working. And finally I felt the defences give, and my target appeared in front of me.
Unlike Fergus, he was bawling his head off.
I gently touched his forehead (what I could see of it in and among the swath of furs) with my unbloodied hand, to calm him. Then I started working on healing his brother. Soon there was no longer any sign that I'd had to cut him. That done, I laid him beside his twin, and concentrated on my own hand.
Nothing. The cut just continued to bleed sluggishly.
Crap...one of THOSE wounds.
I dug my handkerchief out of my pocket, and bound it round my palm. I'd have to dress it properly when I got back to the house, but for now it would have to do. I stood and began bringing down the circle, and tidying up the ritual. However, once everything was closed down, I decided to leave the actual materiel I'd used where it was for now, as I was going to have my hands full carrying my brothers. Then I gently picked them up, one in each arm, and made my way back inside. From the angle of the sun, which was now well up, I guessed it must be somewhere around eleven.
I headed straight for the small consulting room I'd established, and laid them both down on the gurney. I wanted to give them a general health check, but not until I wasn't going to bleed all over them. I unwrapped my hand, threw the ruined handkerchief in a medical waste bag, and then started cleaning and dressing the wound. Which is never as easy when you're doing it one handed.
Once I had a light but efficient dressing in place, I made a start on checking my two little brothers. They both seemed to be in excellent health, although it wouldn't be very long until they were going to wake up and start bawling for their breakfast. Hell, I could do with some of that myself: the ritual had taken a lot out of me, on top of the hangover and everything else.
I was trying to decide what to do next, when there was a knock at the door.
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright, sir?" came Carmichael's voice.
"Come in."
He did so, and looked at the two bundles on the gurney, and then me. I must have looked pretty wrecked.
"Happy New Year, Carmichael.
"And to you sir."
"How can I help you?"
"There's a young lady in the drawing room. She's in some degree of distress, and is saying that someone's stolen her baby. I tried to tell Mistress Marina, but she didn't seem particularly interested. She said she was busy and had to go to London. So I asked Mary to sit with her."
Dammit. I should have thought of that. My sleep trick was never going to last as long on a Helgram.
"Okay. I'll go and calm her down."
"I should probably point out that from what I can make out, she's only lost the one baby..."
"Well, I've found her another one," I answered, with a sigh.
"I wasn't expecting any deliveries with the New Year. Should I prepare the nursery?"
"No. They aren't staying. We'll all be out of your hair shortly."
"Very good, sir....do you want me to take one of them?"
"Thanks."
We each picked up one of the bundles, and then headed back towards the drawing room, via my study, where I picked up my Helgram Trump deck. As we got closer to where I'd left her, I could hear crying and wailing, and wondered how I hadn't heard it before. I guess I'd been too focused on other things.
As we entered, Carey looked up, her face tearstained and blotchy. It's not a good look on a Helgram. When she saw me, first panic crossed her face, then relief as she saw the baby in my arms, and then confusion as Carmichael came in with the other one.
"Your Highness," she said, getting to her feet somewhat shakily, "I'm sorry. I must have fallen asleep. And when I woke up he was gone."
"Don't worry," I said, gently crossing to her, and handing Fergus back to her, "you didn't do anything wrong."
"But..."
"That's his brother Donal. I'm sure the Dowager Queen told you about him."
"She said he'd been taken to another home."
"Well, now that's changed."
"As you say, Your Highness."
I took Donal from Carmichael, and then let both him and Mary go with my thanks.
"So what now?" Carey asked.
"We're taking them to House Helgram, where they'll be looked after."
"The Aunts?"
"The Aunts."
"Do you think I'll be allowed to stay with them...the boys?"
"You'll need to talk to the Aunts. But I can't see why not. You've obviously started building a rapport with Fergus, and I'm not really sure how many wet nurses there are around Helgram. Now could you hold Donal for a moment?"
She got herself organised, and I gently transferred him into her other arm. Then I dug my Helgram Deck out of my pocket and shuffled out Aunt Marguerita's Trump.
"I've been expecting your call, Ian," she said, as she answered, "my sister said you had something for us."
"Will you bring us through?"
"Of course."
She extended her hand, and I passed Carey and the children to her, before going through myself.
* * * * * *
"You look tired, child," Marguerita said, as she looked the four of us over, and then settled her gaze on me.
We'd arrived in what was obviously a summer house, situated about a hundred feet back from the edge of a very high cliff. The sky beyond was a particularly startling shade of pink, with blue clouds doing spirals in it.
"It's been a long few weeks."
"How is your father after his recent injuries?"
"He's fine, and his Queen is well on the mend."
"I'm glad to hear it. After doing his bit for dynasty, and the grief that's caused him, perhaps he deserves a little love in his life."
Her face had an odd expression on it as she said it, and I wondered if she was implying a criticism of my relationship with him, or giving her blessing to his relationship with Elizabeth.
"So these are the newest members of the House?"
"Currently. No doubt it won't be for long."
"You sound disappointed. Don't you believe that our House should be strong and well represented?"
"Of course I do," I answered, with a sigh, "that's why I've been involved with dealing with Ostia's rebellion. All I meant is that knowing our House's propensity to breed, they won't be the youngest for long."
She looks at me with a wry smile.
"You're probably right."
Then she looks at my companion.
"It's Carey, isn't it? One of Gwenith's girls?"
"That's right."
Gwenith...Gwenith...okay, the House Infirmarer. Right. I'll keep everyone organised eventually.
"The Duchess Clarissa contacted me, and asked if I would help with little Fergus," Carey explained.
"So she mentioned when she called me. Very good. The children will be remaining in Margueritaways for now, and hopefully you will agree to stay with them."
"I'd like that."
"Excellent. Now, I need to speak with my nephew. I'll have one of the servants take you to your quarters, and you can get settled. Two cribs have already been provided."
She crossed to the wooden panel at in the wall opposite the veranda, and pressed one of the carvings. Somewhere off in the distance I heard something which sounded more than a little like the Cloister Bell. A short while later, one of her demon servants walked out through the screen, to await his mistress's pleasure.
"You and I will talk later," she said to the younger woman, who nodded, and the servant led her out.
Once we were alone, she indicated that I should sit at the table on the veranda, and materialised a bottle of white wine and two glasses. She poured us both a drink, and then looked across at me.
"You know who they are?" she said to me.
"Yes. And from that, I take it you do, as well."
"Your grandmother explained matters to me. But don't worry, the information won't go any further."
"I hope not," I answered, "their father was pretty specific about that."
I take a sip of wine. Crisp, light, with a taste of elderflower.
"I'm sure he was. Your grandmother also told me that you've agreed to be their guardian."
"Yes."
"Do you know what that means?"
"Legally or socially?"
"Both."
"Legally, as far as I understand it, it means that I'm allowed to have a say in their upbringing, and that I should be there for them as they grow up. Which I intend to do."
"It may be necessary for them to be taken somewhere rather faster. They are vulnerable as they are, and given who their mother is, they need to be given the...correct outlook...so they can't be used as pawns."
"I understand that, and am willing to go with them if that's what you decide to do."
"And your wife?"
"Is not taking any part in this."
"She assumes they're yours?"
"It was her first thought," I admitted, "I need to have a good talk with her once the various current crises calm down, although quite how much I can tell her, I'm not sure. And yes, I'm well aware that she probably won't be the first one to think that, which is presumably where the social bit comes in."
"Does it bother you?"
"If anyone asks, I'm doing a favour for a friend. I can be quite persuasive."
"Excellent."
"So what do I have to do?"
"Once we're done here, I suggest you have a word with Dhugal. Guardianship isn't something that happens often in the House: usually at least one of the parents is willing to claim the child. However, it's not totally unheard of. He will know the procedures."
"Then I should probably get going," I say, and begin to get to my feet.
One look from her, and I find myself sitting back down.
"I'm doing you a favour, Nephew," she said, sternly, "The least you can do in return is give me the pleasure of your company. This particular vintage just doesn't keep once the bottle's been opened."
"But I have to get back..."
"Spending a couple of hours in the company of your Aunt, so she can get to know you, isn't going to make a difference when the timeflow here is so favourable. And you look tired. Sit, relax and rest a while, and tell me of yourself..."
From her expression, I knew there was very little point arguing. And it was a very nice bottle of wine.
"Perhaps for a little while," I said, with a weak smile, and made myself comfortable once more.
* * * * * *
When I get back to the Central Nexus, I saw from the Great Clock, over the exit to the Marketplace, that my Aunt had been as good as her word. Admittedly, my ability to convert time flows was probably a bit impaired by then, given how tired I was, along with the buzz from the wine. But as far as I could see, it had only been about five minutes out in the Nexus, which runs on Thelbane standard time. Despite the fact that we sat and talked for almost three hours.
I headed for the Long House, and made my way up to Dhugal's office.
"I'm honoured," Dhugal said as I walked in, "this is what? Four times in just over a month? Should I take it that we have more new arrivals?"
Four? Yes, I suppose it would be. The first chat about Jowan, then sorting out his paperwork, then making sure that Jericho's and Clara's children were properly registered and recorded, and now this.
"Yes, but not quite the way you think," I answered, "I need to record a guardianship. Duchess Marguerita said you would be the one who knew how to go about that."
He looked at me and grinned.
"You've come to the right place. First question. Is the child actually a Helgram?"
"Children - twin boys to be specific - but yes. Through their father."
"Which I assume isn't you, as you seem to be pretty willing to acknowledge your kids."
"No, it isn't me. But I've agreed to act as their guardian, until such time as their father decides what he wants to do."
"Names?"
"Fergus and Donal. Fergus is the elder."
"Parents' names?"
"That's why this is being done as a guardianship, rather than a straight registration. Their father has expressed a wish that neither his name, nor their mother's, appears in the records at this time."
"Sounds mysterious."
"There's a lot of bitterness and pain surrounding these two little boys. It seemed best for all concerned to try to keep that out of the public eye, and give them a chance to grow up without all the baggage. Hence my agreement to become their guardian."
"So what's the plan for them?"
"The Aunts will look after them down here, but I'm going to be in and out quite a bit to keep an eye on them, and if the good ladies decide to take them into fast time, then I'll probably go along."
"How's your wife taking this?"
"That's kind of why they're being looked after by the Aunts."
"Right. 'Nuff said. Let me get the right paperwork."
He headed over to one of the extensive filing cabinets behind his desk, and brought out a large ledger, and a set of papers.
"Okay," he said as he sat back down, "why don't you start giving me what details you can."
* * * * * *
The paperwork took a good hour, but by the end I was the proud legal guardian of my infant brothers, in the eyes of House Helgram. However, I'd asked Dhugal not to make any formal announcement to that effect...I didn't want to open that can of worms.
As I walked out into the Central Nexus once more, I realised that I was so tired I could hardly stand. Not good when I had to get back to Armand, and carry on dealing with the Ostia problem. My Aunt had offered to let me snooze in her summer house, but I'd foolishly refused. Boy I was regretting that decision now.
I debated whether to take an overnight in Stokesay, but realised that I'd be better off in Tenterden, as I have no way of controlling relative time in my personal Ways.
Carmichael had said that Marina had gone to London, so my flat there was out of the question, so the logical step was to go was back to Wittersham House. I reached into the other pocket, dug out the deck which combined the Amber cards and the ones Bleys had provided me with, and gave my ever-trusty butler a call. He answered and offered his hand when he saw me.
"Thanks," I said as I stepped through into the kitchen, where he'd obviously been talking to Mary.
"Are those two little boys alright, sir?" Mary asked, from behind the central counter, where she was kneading dough. There was flour up to her elbows.
"They're fine, Mary. They're in good hands."
"I'm glad to hear it, sir. I didn't like the thought of those little babies being lost or unloved."
"They won't be. Don't worry," I assured her, "And I'll be sure to keep an eye on them. Now, though, I need to hit the sack."
"Do you want to be called for dinner?" Carmichael asked, but I shook my head.
"Make it breakfast."
"Very good sir. Good night."
I headed for my room, checking the time as I did, and using pretty much the last remnants of my energy taking it up as fast as I could. I didn't have time to undress before I hit the bed.
* * * * * *
The following morning, Carmichael woke me with breakfast in bed. He was far too polite to comment on the fact that I was still in yesterday's clothes. I took the tray from him graciously, and refuelled myself on bacon, eggs, fresh-baked bread and coffee. Once I'd eaten, I stripped off my clothes and put them in the washing basket, then headed for the bathroom. I unwrapped the dressing on my hand over the sink, to take a look. It has stopped oozing and I saw the first signs of it healing. Still, it was going to be painful for a few days.
Taking advantage of the time differential, I allowed myself a good long bath, redressed my hand, and then got myself ready for the day. Before I went back to help Armand, I realised I ought to check in with the Mayor's office, to make sure that there wasn't anything that needed my immediate attention. If I had my dates right, there was supposed to be a Cabinet Meeting this morning, but I'd asked William Fitzhugh to deputise for me if I wasn't back. I guess I'd see if I was needed.
I dressed in a business suit - I always try to go into the office looking smart; corrected time on Tenterden back to one for one; and then used the transfer stone in the entrance hall to jump to the Mansion House. The grandfather clock was chiming eight as I arrived. I grabbed my greatcoat off the peg by the entrance to my private quarters, and then headed downstairs to stroll to the office.
I'd like to think I'm getting to know my city pretty well now, and as I stepped out into the Amber winter - clear currently but with promise of snow later, if the clouds over Kolvir were anything to go by - I could tell that something was off. I slowed my pace, so that I could listen to snatches of conversation as I walked, to try to give myself a heads up on what might be up.
I didn't like what I heard.
"The guy was buying drinks in the Boar's Head. A bunch of Royals barged in. Walked over and started a fight, and he ended up dead."
"I head that he had a drink with them, but when he got up to leave, one of 'em stabbed him in the back."
"There was a pool of blood six feet wide."
"Sixty witnesses. That's wot I'd heard."
"According to the Constables, they couldn't find the body."
"You're sure this wasn't at Bloody Bill's? I heard Tailor Jack got his there yesterday."
"No, def'nit'ly the Boar's Head."
I felt a flash of anger, and increased my pace. Why the Hell couldn't I trust any of my cousins not to screw with my people and cause trouble? Don't they understand that there's a delicate balance between the Royals and the citizens of Amber, and a lot of long memories about what's happened in the past when they've got caught in fights between Princes.
In my haste I bumped into a woman with a basket of bread, and she dropped it with the impact. I immediately squatted down to help her pick it up, but it was obvious that the plunge to the slushy ground had ruined pretty much all of it.
"I am so sorry..." I began as I looked at her, and saw the oddest expression on her face.
"You shouldn't be worryin' yourself with that Mister Mayor," she said, as if she didn't want my help.
"I should have been looking. No reason for you to lose business from my carelessness. How much do I owe you for the damage?"
"You don't need to do that, sir," she answered, and if I didn't know better, I'd say she was nervous. I haven't seen that reaction in a while.
"Of course I do. Here..."
I reached in my pocket and handed her enough coins to more than cover the value of her goods, and then carried on towards my office.
"So how big woz the pool of blood?"
"Weren't even a pool. He said it was more a stain."
"Pretty much everyone in the bar pointed at one of kids on the Royals table. Tall lanky one. Curly hair. Youngish."
"But if it's a Royal. It ain't like anything's gonna happen to him, is it? Never does."
"They threw that Malcolm kid into jail, I heard."
"My mate Clem said it was the Mayor's boy..."
As that comment dropped into my ears, I stopped and looked towards where it had come from. A group of men talking in front of one of the food stalls in the Guildhall Square. Of course, the New Year Market was on all this week. And I saw them fall very quiet as they realised I was watching them.
"Mornin' to you, Mister Mayor..." one of them said, hurriedly, while another shushed the others, "...and a Happy New Year to you."
And there was that look of nervousness again.
"And to you, Goodman," I said, nodding to them, and then made my way into the Guildhall.
Lucy was on the desk this morning.
"Mr Mayor," she said as she saw me, and unlike the people in the streets, she seemed relieved, "I didn't know if we should expect you today, but it's just as well you're here. You should probably see these."
She handed me a pile of assorted mail and report, with the same care should would have handed me an unexploded bomb.
"Just how bad is it?" I asked.
"You should read the reports."
Cursing inwardly, I took the stairs three at a time, and then turned right to go into my office. William was already in the outer office, and he looked worried as well. As he saw me he began to get to his feet to tell me something, but I interrupted him.
"I've heard," I said to him, waving the reports, "Some kind of shit went down last night, but I haven't read the details yet. Get me a pot of coffee, and give me fifteen minutes to get up to speed."
"Of course, Your Grace."
I went into my office, threw the papers on my desk, and hung up my coat. Then I sat down and started looking through for the inevitable Constables' report. What I actually found was a thick, sealed package, and I recognised Geoffrey's scrawl on the front.
"Your Grace. Read this first, and I'll see you at the Cabinet Meeting."
I broke the seal and opened it as William brought in a very large flask of coffee. I nodded to him, then indicated for him to leave. Inside were half a dozen pieces of paper. The one on the top looked to have the most detail, so I decided to read that one first.
"To: Captain Geoffrey Ellis, Chief Constable and Head of the Amber City
Militia
From: Sgt Charlie Barron, Promenade squad
Report of a disturbance at the Boar's Head Tavern, Upper Mitre Lane
I was called to the Boar's Head Tavern on the second day of January, at approximately eleven in the evening, following reports that a man had been murdered in the public tap room. I proceeded to the location accompanied by Constables Geraghty, Thomas and Franklin, to find nearly fifty people in the tavern in a state of considerable excitement. My attention was attracted by Goodwife Jessaly of Lower Front Street, who informed me that there had been a murder. She pointed at the floor, where there was an amount of blood but no body. Then she drew my attention to one of the tables, where I recognised some of the younger members of the Royal Family saying that 'one of them done it'. Goodwife Jessaly identified the guilty party as a tall, thin young man with curly red-blond hair, who was sitting with his feet up on the table. He was not known to me at the time.
However, when I asked her to explain why, if there had been a murder, there wasn't a body, I was unable to get a sensible explanation. She said he'd 'picked him up and disappeared him into rainbows', which made me suspect that Goodwife Jessaly had been taking a considerable amount of drink.
I observed that Their Highnesses in question - I immediately recognised the Princes Lucius, Matthew, and the others later identified themselves to me as Erik Geranson and Artur Acker - were sitting drinking, and it was obvious from the number of flagons of ale on the table, that they'd been there for some time. My initial impression was that the first three aforementioned seemed attentive. However the fourth, looked exceedingly relaxed, as he seemed either unaware of, or unbothered about, the other people in the bar who were gossiping and pointing fingers at him. I surmised that he, too, had taken a considerable amount of drink.
As per standing instructions from yourself and the Lord Mayor in incidents involving the Royal Family, we made enquiries of the various witnesses. There was a certain amount of confusion and contradiction, but the two things that the majority of witnesses were agreed upon was that the aforementioned Prince Artur had stabbed a male victim in the back, apparently killing him, and then disposed of the body through some unknown method. One or two others, in addition to Goodwife Jessaly, mentioned that they thought they saw rainbows, but I discounted this on grounds of inebriation.
My men and I then crossed to the table where Their Highnesses were sitting, and asked our questions directly. Unfortunately, while the answers received were unsatisfactory, especially from the aforesaid Artur Acker, their accounts remained consistent amongst each other. While they did not deny that an altercation had taken place, and that there had been a blade drawn against another patron, the actions that were taken were in the National Interest,. They also strongly suggested that my constables and I should not both ourselves any further with the matter.
I have no way of knowing if this was truly the case, or whether something else was afoot, but their testimony, combined with the lack of a body, left me in the difficult position of not knowing how to proceed. In the end I decided to return to the Station House, and take consultation with my superiors.
To that ends, I respectfully submit this report to you, and await further instructions as to what action should be taken.
Your obedient servant, Sgt Charlie Barron, Promenade squad Recorded this third day of January, in the second year of the reign of King Bleys, at three of the clock."
I read it twice, hardly believing what I was seeing. And then I checked the subsidiary reports from Sgt Barron's men. They all said the same thing.
What the Hell was going on? Artur? Artur making a steaming great screw-up like this? It didn't seem in character, but neither did the fact that he had apparently 'taken a considerable amount of drink'.
And then I remembered my conversation with Bleys, who'd given me the unsubtle command to talk to him about why he'd been seen with Morgana. At which point a very nasty thought crossed my mind.
Was he somehow connected to the whole Asgard/Oberon conspiracy as well? After all, he was a high-ranking SS occultist, and he had commented in the past that he felt more affinity with the Norse beliefs and traditions, than with either mine or Wolf's, let alone the Church of the Unicorn.
No, it was worse than that. He was effectively an ordained priest in Dieter's version of the Nordic religion. And moreover, his hands had shed sacrificial blood on more than one occasion.
I felt a flash of anger go through me. By the gods, could my son be a potential traitor as well as my sister? Gana had a certain way about her that could make men do anything for her...Hell, I might have been tempted if she hadn't been my sister. And while Artur was a highly experienced occultist, he was pretty bloody naïve in matters of the heart. He wouldn't have stood a chance.
"William," I yelled and he came to the doorway.
"Your Grace?"
"Do you have any idea where my son Artur is now?"
"I understand that he returned to Amber Castle last evening, after the...altercation."
"I want him sent for. Now. Tell the messenger to make sure he doesn't even stop for coffee."
"I'll get Abel to take the message."
"Good."
I looked down and reached for the report again, but heard an ahem from the door. William was still hovering.
"The Cabinet have arrived. They're appreciate that you're a very busy man, especially just now, but are requesting that you chair the meeting this morning, rather than me."
I looked at him and sighed. Why wasn't that a surprise?
"Ask them to give me fifteen minutes, while I check if there's anything else I need to know before I see them."
"I'll try."
He backed out, and I heard him calling down to Lucy for Abel to be sent up. I poured myself a coffee, and carried on scanning the reports of the incident. By the time I'd got through everything relevant, I knew I was looking at a worst-case scenario as far as relations with the City were concerned. And I was ready to tear Artur a new one, along with the idiots he was with, who didn't stop him. Loudly, and publicly.
For fuck's sake. Cold blooded murder in front of fifty witnesses?
I heard the door to the outer office open, and looked up to see Geoffrey talking to William. He looked seriously pissed off, and shot a glance in my direction through the window. I downed my coffee and got to my feet with trepidation. This was not a meeting that I was going to enjoy.