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Post by Admin on Apr 23, 2020 5:57:14 GMT
The road was a long one. Days, perhaps weeks of shifting Shadow just to get this far. But Edmund knew he had arrived at the edge of Arden. He slapped away a fly that came too close to him. He looked across the glade at a bloody mess. Some creature was dead there. Who knows what it was, or even how large it was once. Now only bits remained, mostly blood and bone in the dirt. Torn apart by Hell Hounds. Part of his father's team, no doubt. He had seen them do it to another poor creature but a few years ago. Paw prints could still be seen, pointing up the road. Edmund slapped away another fly then followed them.
It won't be long before his father is aware of his presence in Arden. Maybe he already knows and is coming this way. In either case, Edmund desired to meet him again, to share a bottle or two. Tell a few tales of what he had seen. Perhaps his father won't care. Perhaps he will. A quiet, inscrutable man Julian is. What he cares about and how much is anyone's guess. Still, though, Julian treated Edmund well enough when he took him from America and brought him to the castle. Edmund got the impression that Julian had few children, or cared about few of them. So a small bit of doting now and again is due. Probably there was an ulterior motive. A plot that required an assistant? A tool? Gods! He hated thinking that way. But warnings about the family and how they behaved were given. Turns out that was common across the worlds, even the rule. A man's power, his worth, came from his family as much as himself. Father, uncles, brothers, sisters, wife, children. It all mattered. Cherish, be careful, be loyal.
Edmund looked around. The trees seemed the same as anywhere else. Larger? Thicker? But then he'd seen trees as varied as redwoods and palms. He preferred those of his home, Maine. Oaks, pines, elms. A few apple trees. Could use one of those right now. Where did Arden start, or stop? Was the border shifting? Did it slowly expand? Or shrink? Julian had been quiet about such things when asked. Edmund thought about his days as a lumberjack and the axe at his side. He was wise enough not to attempt any cutting here.
He rode on until night fall. Found a comfortable place to lay out his bedroll. He lit no fire but knew he was safe enough. Despite the mess he had found earlier he knew it was rare for anything large and dangerous to menace the woods. At worse a skunk or porcupine might come across his sleeping form. Tomorrow will be more riding. Julian might not even appear until the day after, or the one after that. Who knows?
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Post by Admin on Apr 23, 2020 6:29:19 GMT
Cold wind and rains had followed, paced, and passed Edmond many times on his journey to Arden. The road was filled with omens of destruction: burning buildings often lined the road, castles reduced to rubble covered the hills, well-used gallows in town squares, coaches mired in mud, automobile accidents, and great dragons laying dead on the ground their innards splashed wide, ribs poking high into the sky.
Now in the night, a cold drizzle falls and ill-winds blow. Fortunately, the boles of the trees in these woods are large enough to shelter a man from wind and water but a feeling of dread hangs over the land.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2020 20:19:45 GMT
Everything has changed. When he passed this way just a few years ago the land was peaceful. Those towns were growing, and clean. Now there was death and chaos. Gloom. Arden still seemed safe enough but even there... Maybe Edmund had been away longer than he thought. There was mention of time being different in some locales, although he found that hard to imagine.
The night passed slowly. Little real sleep was to be had. He thinks he slipped under a couple times. Wasn't sure. When enough light came at dawn he didn't hesitate. Chewing some jerky for breakfast while he rode. He shifted through the Shadows of Arden to keep the weather as pleasant as possible, but there was little he could do. If was difficult doing any shifting here. Getting closer to Amber, yes, that was the cause. That too was mentioned. Still much to learn, to experience.
Father will have answers, but will he share? Maybe he'll be too tired of talking about it. Can't have a long discussion with every peasant on the road. Heh, I'm no peasant. Some would call me a "prince", but I don't feel like one. Different in some ways, same in most.
Edmund rides on, up the road and deeper into Arden. He looks for any signs of life, any person he can talk to.
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Post by Admin on Apr 23, 2020 22:08:05 GMT
The rains continue during his ride. Wildlife is abundant but the signs of habitation decrease as he gets deeper into the Shadows of Arden. He rides the trail for hours with the only sign of civilization being lone dilapidated mansion in the centre of a clearing. The gardens and orchards of the place are now overrun with weeds, windows broken, the barn leaning dangerously to the side.
Pinewer whinnies softly and pulls away from the clearing.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2020 1:51:37 GMT
He's seen dozens like it, back on Earth and other places. A few lines of a poem arise in him whenever he sees such a place:
Here I rest, Aristarchus the tormented Slayer of the lion of Surria General of the horde of Beshem Founder of Thelassa Sacker of Thelassa All my deeds past My wealth gone A ruined shack I cannot keep standing My last abode My tomb Here I rest
Edmund regarded the old buildings. A wealthy family once lived here. Animals lived in the barn. Children played and labored in the fields. Hopes flourished. Now, an empty shell. A ruined shack that cannot keep standing. He looks down in sadness. A broken urn laid half buried in a bush. A symbol upon it, cracked, dirty, unreadable.
He rubs Pinewer's neck and turns him back onto the road. He continues his journey.
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Post by Admin on Apr 24, 2020 15:31:43 GMT
He was very close to the 'real' Arden at this time. A few more hours journey through the rain leads to the first mountain pass into Arden. Julian's rangers have set up a roadblock.
"Halt and identify yourself," one of the soldiers calls out.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2020 3:11:45 GMT
Edmund pulls up short a good 10 yards or more away from the men. He raises his free hand and says "Be at peace, brothers. I am but a cold and tired traveler. A son of your master. You do not recognize me? I rode with him for a time a while back. Well, there are many of you, perhaps you were not among them. I will do as you ask. I am Edmund, once a lawman such as you. Is that enough for you? Don't really have any proof of this, just my word. You can see my badge but I doubt it would mean anything to you."
"Haven't seen a living soul in days and this saddens me."
He pauses and awaits their reply.
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Post by Admin on Apr 26, 2020 8:29:36 GMT
Two of the guardsmen approach, one of which wears the insignia of a captain.
"Ach, it is you, Lord Edmund. Damn all this rain; I couldn't make you out from back there. Welcome back to Arden, Lord, but I'm afraid you have chosen a sad time to return. Trouble in Amber, they say, and Prince Julian has us on high alert expecting signs of attack at any minute.
"Of course you are free to come and go as you please. The road should be clear of the living sort of trouble from here to Amber or your father's lodge, rain-damaged roads will be a worry on the steep sections."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 3:50:21 GMT
"Thank you, captain, much obliged." He touches the tip of his hat and nods, trying to remember the man's name. "Trouble, you say? I believe that. With the chaos and death I saw further back that way. I'll head up toward Amber and find what I can. Do you have any messages for my father, or the king?" He listens to whatever the captain has to say. "Very well, then. Keep the post secure but if there is anything overwhelming don't hesitate to retreat. We'd rather have you all alive than any useless Last Stand heroics." Edmund looks into the faces of the men before him. He sees their fears, and their bravery. He hopes this is not the last of their days. With but a moment of his own hesitation and regret he passes through the guard line and heads up the road. I could stay, but for what purpose? Could be days, weeks or longer before anything comes, if it does. No, best be about my own concerns.
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Post by Admin on Apr 27, 2020 7:13:21 GMT
The soldiers are thankful for the encouragement and advice.
The road is as advertised: unthreatening but washed away in some locations. He occasionally passes groups of forresters or villagers travelling for their own purposes, a caravan heading to Amber with loads or ores and gems to trade, and parties of Julian's rangers deploying for various military purposes.
Speaking with those he meets on the road he learns more about what is happening in Amber. Tales of the castle destroyed, the Queen dead at the hand of an assassin out of Deiga, others tell of the King and Queen dead by a betrayer among the royal family, other tell of poison administered in Random's wine by Corwin as the mad Prince has now returned to reclaim his throne. All tales agree that Benedict is now ruling in Amber but there are no plans for his taking the crown anytime soon. Also, some say that the crown has gone missing.
The chaos in Amber hasn't spread to Arden yet and the way is clear for Edmund to travel where he wishes.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 17:53:15 GMT
Castle destroyed? The queen dead? Assassins? Betrayal? What can be believed? Edmund has seen his fair share of chaos in war time, he knows not to believe in everything. It's apparent that something bad is happening. Out of one civil war and into another. At least I had time to breathe and learn.
So, priority? Get to Amber and see first hand? Who can I trust? Is everyone suspect? Or go to father and see what he says? A cold, dark feeling grips Edmund's heart. What if...? Pawn? Is this why father sought me out after so many years? Did he need an ally? No, I can't think like that. I must trust. Don't know enough to judge him or anyone else. Never even met Corwin, can't form an opinion. Father knows all about these things. Yes, should seek out his knowledge and advice.
Edmund brings Pinewer to a slow, relaxed, walk. He closes his eyes and thinks about Julian. Tries to get a "feel" for which direction he might be in. Perhaps Julian has his own central command keep or fort? In any case, Edmund was taught how to seek out what he desires then slowly shift Shadow toward it. Once he gets a mental image of Julian centered in his mind he opens his eyes, speeds up Pinewer and starts to move in the proper direction. His weariness might slow him down however.
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Post by Admin on Apr 27, 2020 20:05:41 GMT
Julian usually resides at the Thornwood Lodge set above the Whitehart Falls deep in Arden. Edmund's senses tell him that is the direction to head.
The road dips down to the boggy, dense, lowland forest before rising again towards the hights. The trees thin out and the road switches back on the climb, crossing and recrossing the Stagrun River before levelling off on the plateau where Thornwood sits.
The guards welcome Edmund warmly telling him that Prince Julian is in residence.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 21:38:34 GMT
"Good! Excellent! First bit of bright news I've had in a week. Not since-" He thinks about the barmaid in Pepperton. "-A while. Take Pinewer and feed him well. He deserves a fine meal after his loyal labors. As do we all." With that he heads into the Lodge, a place he's been to before but not in several years. He decides to visit the dining hall first. He picks up a small meal of a sandwich, some fruit and a mug of beer or ale. As he eats he studies the state of Lodge and notes the highlights: people coming and going, number of refugees, merchant trains and the like. He gets a feel for the general state of things, no doubt it's not good. His nerves calmed, his stomach somewhat settled, Edmund stops by a place to wash the grime from his face. He checks a mirror, pulls a wooden comb with several missing teeth from a pack and slicks back his hair. Notices that his beard could use a trim, but later. Looking the best he could under the circumstances Edmund feels he is ready to confront his father.
Still can't wrap my head around it. Julian and the others are thousands of years old. He was old when Rome was but a village. What has he seen and done in all those years? What have any of them done? Still just a man though. An intimidating one. Talk to him like one.
He finds a clerk, lieutenant, seneschal or some such and requests that his father be informed of his presence.
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Post by Admin on Apr 29, 2020 1:55:45 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/n1Gnsps/999aec2de99b674430b12698548bd4c1~jpg The staff at the lodge take after their master; they work steadily, competently, and with the economy of action of those well trained in their jobs or naturally gifted. If they are worried or expecting to be attacked they do not show it with their steady resolve and continued attention to detail. When Edmund is ready an attendant brings him to Julian's favourite room. It would be the library with any other master but here it is more of a trophy room. Heads of beasts mundane and magical are mounted on the walls and the giant were-kraken out of Austandon is hung from wires overhead. Julian stands by the roaring fire staring at a trump card as Edmund enters. Seeing his son the prince pockets the card and gives him a quick smile before returning to his usual stoic mien. "A well-timed return, son. Things have become difficult here since your cousin decided to play his little game with the Pattern." he says in his slow, almost impeded way of speaking.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2020 4:42:26 GMT
If Edmund wasn't already intimidated by the ancient man he certainly is by the Kraken hanging from the ceiling. He bravely moves forward.
"I don't know anything about that, sir. But I'm here to help in any way that I can. I've heard numerous stories on the road but am skeptical about all of it. Figured you would know best." He considers lighting a cigar to calm his nerves but decides against it, for now. "Is any of it true? Are the king and queen dead? Are there armies marching this way?"
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