The Journals of Konrad, Tome I
The following materials were penned by Britannica, Konrad's magical book.
I. The Preparations
Standing at the balcony, Konrad looked out across the black waters of the Lake of Hali. He could see the outlines of his winged servitors, silhouetted against the moonlight, and in the distance he could hear the faint calls of the Ghost-Jackals. His robes were tatters, and on his head he wore the golden crown, and faceless he wept at the tragic beauty that was his kingdom...destroyed so long ago.And with a start Konrad awoke, and Carcosa faded from his mind, leaving him with only a strange sadness. It was to be a day of much emotion.
After lunch, Konrad was given a summons...to speak with Head Librarian.
But why should the Head Librarian need to speak with me? It has not come time to review my researches yet, and I have heard of no new acquisitions. Could I have made some error in early studies, only now just noted?
But it wasn't a reprimand in store for Konrad. On occasion, some researchers, those who proved themselves exceptionally acute in their reasoning, were permitted to study their topics directly, to interact with the worlds about which they read. In the office of the Head Librarian, Konrad was told that he would be accompanying Mandor (for that was the true name of the Head Librarian) to Amber, where he could go beyond his earlier researches. Konrad restrained his excitement, though it was certainly obvious to Mandor, and while listening to Mandor's explanations of what they would be doing, the young librarian took the time to look over his mentor's private office. Many of the tomes were recognizable to him, as were the maps, and then Konrad realized that they weren't alone. In the darkened corner of the room sat a robed figure.
In the shadows of his hood, Konrad's eyes changed, the irises becoming narrow bands, the pupils becoming inhumanly large and dark, and he could see thewoman who sat silent in the corner. "Her teeth were white, even, and a trifle long; a band of freckles crossed her small nose and the upper portions of her well-tanned cheeks."
Dara
The thrill he felt at that recognition was surreal. Yes, she was someone he had read about, but perhaps there was something more, but of that he was unaware. Konrad said nothing and continued to pay attention to Mandor.
"How long will we be staying in Castle Amber?" he inquired.
"Indefinitely," Mandor replied.
And with that, Konrad was more confused than ever. Furthermore, Mandor explained that Konrad was to focus his studies on Nicholas, the son of Talia, who was apparently a figure of importance. There was further talk of details, and then Konrad was given permission to attend to his preparations. They would leave in one week.
The next day, Konrad was called in again, and they began to make plans anew. But before things had even started, they were interrupted by the arrival of a young man, whom Mandor addressed as Merlin.
Two Amberites in two days...and how is that Mandor knows them so well?
Merlin had arrived to solicit Mandor's aid in the war in chaos, but he refused to help, citing the presence of family on both sides of the war. Merlin confessed that he had already obtained the aid of Deirdre, Karl, Corwin, Clarissa, though it was uncertain whether or not this was really under the approval of the Crown. Konrad wondered if Random was choosing to play the political game well, by neither supporting nor hindering Merlin's attempts to control the Courts of Chaos.
Merlin was stunned by Mandor's refusal, and was further surprised when Mandor explained that he would be journeying to Amber with his 'companion'. Merlin was pleased by this and asked Mandor to keep an eye on the 'situation' in Amber, which Mandor claimed had been his intent all along. Merlin asked after Dara, and was told that she was well, but was unfit for battle.
Talia had been through many troubles of late, as had her son, who had been possessed by the demon lord Amon, all in an attempt to assassinate Merlin. Merlin asked that Mandor check on her and help to her healing, which Konrad took to be the reason of his journey to Amber...his skill as a healer.
At this point, Merlin finally really noticed Konrad, and seemed taken aback by him...something about the young librarian confused him, and his consternation confused Konrad in turn.
What does he see? Why does he regard me so? It could not be my fleshcrafting abilities, which would be common in the Courts.
And after a bit the discussion died down, and Merlin left via Trump. Mandor dismissed his 'companion' and Konrad packed his remaining belongings.
In a few days they left for Amber. Mandor lead the way to the rear door of his study, whereupon his steep spheres danced about it, and the door opened upon a forest. In a moment they were through, and Konrad found himself remarking that this must be Arden, for which Mandor complimented him on his observations. At the same time, he noted a change in the Head Librarian; here he seemed older, more tired, as if the travels had drained his strength somewhat, and Konrad found himself wondering about his mentor anew.
What had happened suddenly? He compliments me...treats me like an equal...when for decades he has paid me little attention. And now he seems older...weaker.... Why are we here really? What is it you plan for me, Mandor?
But these were questions he dared not ask. At the distance Konrad heard the baying of hounds, and soon Julia approached on Morganstern, with two other mottled gray steeds behind him. He and Mandor exchanged civilities, and the trio mounted and rode through Arden. In the wake of Morganstern and Julian they flew like the wind for two hours, Konrad desparately clutching his horse, fearing that a fall would mean much pain.
Julian seems to not want to really help us...bu tthen again, is this not his trademark coolness? He is beyond the scope of my analysis....
They arrived at Kolvir in two hours, though such a journey would normally take two days. Truly Julian is the master of Arden, Konrad thought. From there they journeyed alone, and the panorama of Amber unfolded for Konrad. The grand steps upon which Bleys and Corwin challenged Eric's forces...where Eric himself later died...and the mausoleum off to one side...the steps to Tir-na Nog'th...Amber city...and in the see he could almost see the spires of Rebma. The fatigue from the journey seemed to wash away as he took it all in, finding images to match his own ideas, and in many cases, what he saw was what he had always imagined.
As they approached, Mandor called out to a guard and announced them...Lord Mandor and companion.
No name given for me...strange.... But then again, I am unknown here...and apparently Mandor is well-known.
The guard appeared startled...Konrad realized that they were not expected...
So Julian gave them no warning. Passing strange indeed....
Hendrik, a chamberlain, greeted the two and saw to the removal of their belongings, and the confused guards were startled further when Konrad dismounted and they were confronted with his great height. And then another came, in gold and creme and orange, with blonde hair, startlingly good looks, and an air of extreme poise and courtly grace.... To Konrad the face seemed familiar, and without meaning to he called out his name, "Chadwick". The young man seemed ever so slightly disconcerted by this, and so Konrad added, "You have your mother's looks; it is a pleasure." And then Konrad was silent and allowed Mandor and he to do the talking for a bit.
Mandor requested an immediate audience with King Random, even though the two were tired from their journey. He would later admit to Konrad that he wanted the King off-guard. Chadwich did his best to stall them, showing them a tour of the hall of portraits, which provided Konrad with a great many faces to match the names he already knew. And he also answered some questions on the etiquette of how the family was to be addressed.
Apparently, the family was til mourning the passing of Benedict, though in the library's time, many years had passed since his death. As they passed a staircase, both Konrad and Mandor noted a young man atop the stairs who fled upon sighting them...Prince Brand...the Betrayer.
The audience with the King came soon enough, with Florimel, Arial, and Chadwick in attendance, where Mandor announced that he was seeking asylum for himself and his 'guest'. "I have family on both sides of this war," he explained, "and I cannot participate or allow myself to be used in any fashion in this battle." Unable to think of a reason to deny the 'Lord of Chaos', Random assented. After further minor talk, they were shown to their rooms.
"How long before they arrive to grill us?" Konrad asked.
"Not more than fifteen minutes, I suspect," Mandor replied.
Sure enough, fifteen minutes later, Arial, Chadwick, and Karl arrived, bringing food and wine. The conversation was tense, but some progress was made. Arial was rather rude, and implied that his choice of Amber as a refuge was rather foolish, and implied a choosing of sides. Mandor replied that no other place could provide any real protection for himself and those under his care, which caused them to regard Konrad anew. Mandor reiterated that he was not choosing sides in this war, and told them of how Merlin had approached him days previously.
They inquired about how the battle in Chaos was going, and Mandor made it clear that he didn't know, but made some reassurances, made it clear that there was much dissension among the opposing forces.
Eventually they asked about whether Mandor would help Talia, to which he responded affirmatively, but added that it would have to wait until he had recovered from his journey, which seemed to annoy Arial. After they left, Konrad penned a note to Chadwick, asking to meet him before dinner. There were questions for which he needed answers.
The conversation between Konrad and Mandor following the Amberites departure left Konrad more confused than ever. Mandor announced that he would be sequestering himself to undertake magical research, and that any disturbances during this delicate period could be fatal to him and anyone foolish enough to interrupt.
"How long will you be sequestering yourself, and when?" Konrad asked.
"Indefinitely...I plan to begin at sunset tomorrow," he replied.
Indefinitely...that word again. And years flying by in the library for every day we remain. What is the nature of this research?
In the privacy of his room, the young archivist drew out Britannica, his magical book, and began to ask it questions.
What is the nature of Mandor's research?
Mandor seeks to rid himself of the Logrus taint. The effect of Logrus is madness. Mandor intends to extract a portion of himself...that part tainted with the madness of the Logrus...and kill it. A very dangerous operation. The stability of Amber...its reality...weakens the Logrus, and for that reason this is the best place to undergo this experiement.
Troubled by what he had learned, Konrad left for his meeting with Chadwick, who was pressed for time. The two made small talk, and Konrad made clear Mandor's intention to sequester himself for a bit. That said, the two parted, and Konrad went to supper with the royal family of Amber.
Present were Arial, Chadwick, Quynn, and assorted others. Konrad felt distinctly uncomfortable, the only stranger at the table, and often he felt their eyes boring into him. At one point Quynn inquired whether or not they had met...
"That depends...have you ever been to the Library?" the young archivist asked.
"No...I haven't," replied Quynn, looking at him oddly.
"Then I doubt we would have had chance to meet, as I don't often get out."
They talked further, Konrad learning that Quynn once had a brother of the same name. At that point a strange young man interrupted dinner, a shapeshifter with feral features. As he walked, his body shifted constantly, adapting to his emotional state. Konrad felt uneasy in the presence of someone who so lacked control of his abilities. Quynn and the feral one left, and at Konrad's question, Arial explained that the man's name was Caliban, and when she spoke she conveyed irritation, though whether this was directed at Konrad or Caliban was hard to say.
After dinner, Konrad adjourned to the drinking lounge, but it soon cleared out, and so he began to head to his room, when a young servant boy accosted him with a note from Quynn, which asked for a meeting. At this point, Mandor's ward pulled out his magical text, and learned a great many disturbing things about Quynn, but this intrigued him enough that he resolved to meet with this inquisitive Amberite.
Unfortunately, Quynn had not yet returned to his room, and so Konrad kept himself busy trying to decipher the various vintages lining the racks of the lounge. After a bit, Karl entered and the two began to talk. Karl was obviously agitated, though quite composed, and when Konrad asked how he was faring, he responded that he was not doing so well, as he had a funeral to attend the next day. Confused, Konrad asked whose funeral it was, and learned that it was the funeral of Tiberius, Karl's son. Apologizing for the faux pas, he further learned that his son had been foully killed by some brute named Rogers, who Karl assured me had been put to death, had in fact been buried that very morning. Their talk diminished, and Konrad left to seek out Quynn once more.
Finding him in the hallway, their meeting was postponed once more, as Quynn apologized, claiming that he had business to attend to. Noticing that Arial and Chadwick were also present, and noting the speed with which they departed, Konrad immediately ran to Mandor, suspecting that something was up. In his chambers, Mandor was watching some distant scene through a scrying portal formed by his spheres. In it Konrad saw the Amberites gathered in a glade that he recognized from description as the Grove of the Unicorn. All the elder Amberites came, and Nicholas was featured prominently. And in that vision, Konrad saw the Unicorn. Then the spell vanished, and when it returned, the Unicorn was gone, and they were carrying Nicholas home.
Something happened there...something with the Unicorn. Something probably related to Amon and the business of his troubles.
By the time Quynn returned, Konrad was awaiting him. Karl joined the two as they talked and drank in the privacy of Quynn's quarters. Quynn asked about Mandor's health, to which Konrad replied honestly, that he was tired and that Amber didn't really seem to suit his health though he claimed otherwise. As Karl enjoyed the balcony, Konrad confided to Quynn that Mandor had come here to heal, because Amber is a stable place. Quynn admitted that he had been to the library, but had been reluctant to say so in front of the others. Konrad also warned him of Mandor's upcoming sequester, and offered to make an appointment with Mandor for him. They chatted a bit more, but it was strained, as Quynn needed to talk with Karl alone, and so Konrad adjourned to his rooms.
III. Konrad Undertakes Some Research
Leaving the meeting with Quynn and Karl, Konrad found himself wandering the darkened halls of Castle Amber, but the paintings and art faded into the periphery as he contemplated what had been said. For so many decades he had dreamed of visiting this place and enjoying its subtle beauties, and now his only concern was getting back to his room for a night's sleep...for a break from the evening's enigmas.
Why did he fear to speak of the library in front of the others? Is there some significance that I have missed? Clearly there is something about which I am being kept unaware, something Mandor has not seen fit to explain to me.
Konrad returned to his room, and immediately went to talk with Mandor about some ideas he had for the next few days. He was pleased to hear that Mandor was forstalling his cloister until after Konrad returned from the library, as this would give him opportunity to better prepare, and to aid him in reaching the library, Mandor gave him a steel sphere that would act as a key.
Worried about what effect of Mandor's disappearance might have upon the Amberites and Chaosian spies in Amber, Konrad proposed the idea of posing as Mandor during his sequester, so as to draw off any attention, and Mandor agreed to consider the matter. To Konrad, he seemed more tired than ever, as if he was laboring under some great strain, and so as Mandor spoke further, he paid great attention to his mentor's words. Mandor discussed Arial's interfering with 'major powers' and that perhaps another major cycling of events was about to occur. As Konrad considered 'major powers' he took note of the violent storm outside, and though he said nothing, he knew already that they were discussing the Jewel of Judgement. They talked a while longer, and then Konrad retired to his bedroom. That night, Konrad wasn't quite ready to go to sleep, and so he lay down on his cot with Britannica to do some further research.
"Brit, tell me what you have on the being known as Quynn," Konrad began.
Quynn is the son of Albrecht, who is brother to Oberon. His mother is Marian, who is grandaughter of Oberon, daughter of Benedict. Albrecht raped Marian to revenge himself upon Benedict. Hence Quynn is both great grandson and nephew to Oberon, cousin and grandson to Benedict, half-brother and uncle to Karl and Clarissa.
Quynn fled to Chaos after walking the Pattern, as Oberon had forbidden it. There he came under the influence of Kianne, a demoness and powerful shapeshifter, servant to the Demon Lords who exist beyond the Realms of Amber.
Quynn had relations with the Tyi'gha, the bodiless demonic spirits. This explains why Quynn is sometimes titled Demon Lord in the literature.
Quynn attempted the logrus, but some nameless power interfered, freeing him from Kianne's control. He fled to Amber, but was afflicted with amnesia, and thus spent lifetimes in Shadow, his loss of memory making it impossible for Kianne to find him. Note that his attempt to assail the logrus implies an ability to shapeshift.
At the end of the Patternfall War Quynn journeyed to the Abyss, to the prison of Albrecht, where he found Dierdre and Brand, whom he rescued.
"Brit tell me more of this Kianne."
Kianne is a powerful Chaosian shapeshifter who is associated with the Demons who exist beyond all of Amber and Chaos.
Kianne also influenced Karl, who later claimed to have been her prisoner. Gerard claimed that Karl chose to be with Kianne however.
"Brit, who are these Demons who exist beyond Amber...?"
Amon....
Hastur....
And with that boomed the thunder of the night storm and Konrad's book flew from his hands across the room. The window flew open blowing out the candle, and Konrad rushed across the room to close the window and shut out the storm. The window shut, he relit the candles and retrieved Britannica. He was cold and shivering, and he seemed almost reluctant to open the book again. Tomorrow...it can wait until tomorrow. And with that Konrad fell asleep.
Many nights Konrad dreamed of Carcosa, of wearing the artifacts of that city, the Pallid Mask, the Crown, the Stone, but that night he dreamed of a valley of bone, skeletons by the hundred, and in the center of the valley a man crucified on a gnarled tree. He walked through the valley of dismay, treading carefully over bestial skeletons, over bones that seemed strangely shaped, and Konrad approached the man who looked strangely familiar. As he approached the figure on the tree said clearly, "You should not be here." And then a fiery presence began to come over the horizon, and Konrad felt the rising tide of terror in his heart, recognizing the demonic presence from other dreams and nightmares, and with a start he awoke.
The first message of the day was that Quynn would need to delay their leaving for the library until after Tiberius' funeral. And so that morning Konrad went to conduct a little experiment. Outside it was still raining, but he paid it no heed as he went to the gardens and took from the thorny bushes a single red rose. Upstairs he placed the rose in a vase of water, and then used the thorn on the rose to prick his finger and allow several drops of his blood to drip into the water. I am curious to see what the effect of my talents will have on a simpler organism. Let us see how my adaptability might affect this plant. He took some notes about the time and amount of blood used, and then he headed to the library.
The books in the library were rather disappointing to Konrad...mainly fiction and entertainment. Romances, exagerrated histories and geneologies, and such tripe. Little useful really. Chadwick was there doing busy work, and Tahlia was gleaning what she could on Dragon and Demon hunting, which Mandor's ward duly noted, with more than a passing interest. Konrad poked around a bit and then went to see the trumps in the glass case. As he looked at them, one figure stood out...it was the man from his dreams. He studied the picture closely...blonde hair, deep green eyes, thinning mustache...not Dalt, or Despil, Finndo...who could it be he wondered. He studied the eyes, almost lost himself in a fever of recollection, until suddenly there was a loud bang behind him as Tahlia dropped a book, and Konrad felt the beginnings of a connection fade.
Startled he opened Brit and asked, "Who was that?"
Osric.
But he's supposed to be dead. You can't make contact with the dead through trump....
Tahlia left, and then some servant came in and asked if Konrad needed help...to which he responded negatively. And as he left he noticed guards outside the door that hadn't been there earlier. No doubt spying on the 'emissaries of Chaos' he surmised. But to him it seemed reasonable that they should be so suspicious. These were, after all, delicate times.
Konrad joined Mandor for lunch, where he was given permission to impersonate Mandor if he deemed it necessary. And after lunch Quynn arrived to speak with Mandor, and they had a short discussion while Konrad packed the equipment he would need for this trip.
The lunch finished, Quynn and Konrad prepared to journey to the library, and using his gemstone amulet, Quynn conjured a gate of emerald energy that took them to a shadow of his own making, a place of refuge. Upon arriving there, Quynn asked Konrad to wait while he gathered some belongings. As waiting in the main audience hall of Quynn's sanctuary, which was called 'Mithos', he casually studied the large statue that dominated the center of the room, a giant iron minotaur which Quynn had called Vassago. It was clearly demonic in style, overly muscled, but with a very human face, and though it was only a statue, Konrad couldn't help but wonder whether or not it would remain so still should he do something...inappropriate. The adaptability of this Shadow seemed to be such that transformation was an innate feature, and so appearances could not be trusted here. Things change, you see.
Konrad shied from snooping, however. He had seen arms appear from the green stone walls of the room to grasp and removed cloaks and bags, and the very tunnels seemed to change and move. Clearly there was powerful magic here, and Quynn was in control of it. The influence of Chaos seemed evident, and once more Konrad had reason to question this Quynn, with his strange background. He had in the past been allied with Chaos, but Mandor had declared him worthy of trust, and for that reason Konrad felt the need the to take a risk. Quynn knew much of demons, and the old family, perhaps he could explain the strange dream. And so as Quynn returned bearing a great sword on his back, Konrad resolved to take him into his confidence...to trust an Amberite, something he had already been warned against. But he had also knew that were to ever learn anything, he must first acquire allies.
"Where is the place exactly? Is it below Amber?," inquired Konrad. He knew this to be a naive question, but Quynn had no way of knowing how much he already knew, so it felt safe to begin with the basics. What followed was a discussion of Shadow, and how the presence of Amberites lends reality to a place...and on Quynn's moral views of those who dwell in Shadow, and what treatment they deserved. Konrad made it clear that he viewed himself as just another person from Shadow, and that this made him wary of the Amberites and their sometimes 'amoral' view of Shadowfolk. From there the topic moved to Sorcery and in the course of this talk Konrad learned that Sorcery was hardly the sole providence of Amberites, that it could be practiced by Chaosians and Shadowfolk. By Konrad, perhaps. As Quynn elaborated upon the distinction between sorcery and conjuration, Konrad began to reconsider his studies. How many texts had Mandor had him read on magic and its practices? How many long years of study?
It wasn't background research at all...he was preparing me. All this time I assumed that these treatises were theoretical discussion and now I find that it is all just practical study...Mandor's way of giving me power. But why? Why teach me this and why not tell of its utility? All this time I've had power at my disposal....
Konrad focused on the discussion again...but Quynn could tell that something had distracted Mandor's apt. Konrad asked a few more innocuous questions about Quynn's background, professing ignorance of the complexities of Amberite lineage. The discussion that followed reaffirmed much that Britannica had already gathered in his researches.
But Quynn had questions of his own.
"How did you come to the library?" he asked, looking intently at Konrad.
"I was born there," he replied. "I never knew my parents. The only father I've ever had is Mandor and the librarians. I grew up there. I have always wondered about my parents. I feel nothing of my father...he is a mystery to me. But I do know that I inherited my talents from my mother...she seems to tug at the edge of my consciousness somehow...her imprint is upon me. I've always wanted to ask Mandor about my origins, but I fear that he will refuse to answer...and then I'll never know. So I attempt to serve him to the best of my ability...and one day he will owe me enough that I can ask him without fear of refusal."
"Is that the only reason you serve Mandor?" Quynn asked, seemingly very concerned.
"No...I care for Mandor. All that I am is because of him. He taught me...raised me...saved me the traps of my talents and encouraged me. I owe him everything...but he is a stern and demanding father. I am loyal to him above all else." he replied. The discussion about parentage became quite intense, Quynn trying to impart some of the wisdom he had acquired, for he was clearly a man who had found his parentage to be a cause of much pain in his life.
After a bit their discussion died down, each having found much to contemplate. And so they resolved to leave, and Quynn lead him down a hallway and began the Shadowalk, which Konrad had read about, and now experienced firsthand. The tingle it produced in Konrad was unmistakeable. He noticed the minute changes and lived what had once only been a story. Tunnel gave way to tunnel, hallway, ravine, and then to mineshaft when Konrad felt the tug of a hook in his arm. Danger was near. He immediately lifted the book, where it opened of its own accord to a blank page upon which was inscribed the word,
DUCK!
Immediately Konrad dropped to the ground, noticing a lit fuse and barrel to the left, and then an explosion rocked the tunnel, seemingly burying Quynn under the rubble and opening a passage into the next tunnel. Konrad's body shifted, softening the impact of the explosion, but as he stood up amidst dust and rubble and began to look for Quynn underneath the rubble, he heard voices from behind...four men bearing weapons and light sources. Immediately he jumped into the next tunnel, narrowly avoiding gunfire. There he flattened his body, darkened the skin, and pressed flush against the shadowed walls...and waited, quite hidden from view. Two came around the tunnel and began searching with flashlights, their backs to him, and in a flash Konrad struck them with a broad sweep of his serrated blade, immediately killing one and crippling the other, who cried out protests and tried to bring his gun to bear on some recognizable form.
The other two came into the tunnel just as Konrad began to change, and surrender control to that animal mind within his body, the thing he called Byakhee. The legs became thick and muscled, bent like a dog's legs, with two large taloned toes facing the front and one going backwards. The creature stepped to the left in mid-change, using its weight to crush the wounded soldier on the ground.
Konrad's face and head dropped into his body, and the face slid down until it came to rest in the center of the abdomen, whereupon flesh closed from both sides, hiding and protecting the face like a mouth. From the neck sprung a new head, something smooth and alien, with black eyes, cold and sharklike, and a narrow slit for a mouth, which opened into a toothless maw dominated by a long yellow tongue which ended in a bone spike.
The right arm was disproportinately larger than the two left arms, and this right arm extended nearly one and a half times its original length to grasp one soldier about the face. From the palm of that hand, a bone spike thrust into the soldier's head killing him instantly, and Byakhee held the body aloft and used it as a shield to protect it from the other soldier's gunfire.
The last remaining soldier tried to focus on the creature, tried to fight off his terror, but worst of all was the texture of its skin, which was smooth, shiny, and grey, and there was a mottled pattern which rippled and flowed across the body, making it difficult to see...to focus. He fired, most of his shots striking his already dead comrade; one bullet went through the creature's shoulder but had no effect whatsoever. The two left arms reached around the body and snagged him before he could escape, and as he looked into the monstrosity's face the last thing he saw was the hollow bone spike in its tongue move towards his face with startling rapidity.
Throughout most of this Konrad was absent, really, allowing the Byakhee to take control, and advising it when it would listen, reminding it that there was also a friend in danger under the rubble.
By the time Konrad recovered control of his body, he was at the mouth of the tunnel, practically outside. Byakhee had wanted to go on killing, but he had reminded it that they must find Quynn. He retreated back into the mines, recovered his goods, and began to look for Quynn, but he was nowhere beneath the rubble. Britannica could say nothing...perhaps he had been blown clear into the next Shadow. Konrad grabbed a gun and grenade, shifted his appearance to look more like the soldiers, and set about looking for him. At the end of the tunnel was a ladder, which led up to street. Konrad left behind the gun, and found himself in some strange town. A cart laden with bodies passed by, drawn by an emaciated horse. All around him people cried out piteously from underneath black-splotched skin. A woman with two children cried out to him..."Help us." Konrad had come to a land of the dying.
He looked about, and then said to the woman, "I will help you if you help me. Did you see a man come through that tunnel?" The woman quietly moaned and said, "I saw no man." Konrad looked about and noticed that a crowd was beginning to gather. "Take me to a church and I'll do what I can," he said. The left and were followed by more of the sick, whom he locked outside the church, trying vainly to shut out their cries.
The church was empty, save for the stacked up bodies of the faithful. He grabbed the youngest child by the wrist and began to examine the nature of the plague. She winced as his mind took control, but soon relaxed as the healing began. Easy enough to counter...rid them of the plague and then generate an antibody to keep them protected from further infection for a few weeks. Rendering them completely immune would be to dangerous right now...too risky. I've killed four men today, and now I suppose I shall save these three. How easy it all is...how unfortunate that it should be that easy to play such a role in their lives. He cured them all, and said, "You are free of the infection, get yourself and your children away from this place, lest you become sick again. Go." As they looked at him blotches began to appear on his skin. Let them believe I have taken their sickness upon myself. Let them know it as sacrifice, and thus let the gift be more dear. The priest in the church looked at him with horror, and just then Quynn appeared. Almost immediately, Konrad shifted back to his normal self.
"The priest doesn't seem to like you," Quynn commented.
"That's because I'm not Jesus," Konrad replied, making reference to some story he had read so many years ago. Lepers indeed.
From there the two proceeded to a more technological shadow, where Quynn booked hotel rooms for them. They talked a little over what happened, and Konrad was much distressed to learn that Quynn had witnessed some of the battle, and thus seen the Byakhee. At the same time, however, he was much distracted by what had happened recently. The bullet had done nothing to harm him, and though he had been in the process of shifting, there should have been more effect. I have never tested my limits and now I find them to be much greater than I ever expected. But at the same time he felt ashamed of what Quynn had seen. What secrets do I have left then, I wonder. Perhaps I had best tell him of my dream. He might have some answers. Konrad enjoyed a nice shower and went to sleep early while Quynn went to see a play, and the night passed uneventfully.
The next morning their trip through shadow resumed, and Konrad told him of his dream of Osric...and about Carcosa.... And though Quynn felt he shouldn't answer such questions where prying eyes might here, he was definitely disturbed by what he heard. They fell into a discussion again about parentage, and there seemed to be one lesson that Quynn stressed again and again, "One must not feel accountable for the sins of one's parents. I'm certain you'll find out the truth about your parents soon." He knows something, but how does he know? He obviously knows of my parentage, but how!? Konrad also told him of Dara, but Quynn's reaction surprised him. Quynn wanted to avoid her, and in fact not let her know of his presence at all. Konrad had been expecting Quynn's wanting to check on her. The conversations continued and soon they passed into Chaos, where Konrad's abilities began to work automatically to compensate for environmental changes. The shifting would have amazed him any other time, but distracted as he was, he barely noticed. Before long they reached a sea and far across it three planet-sized steely spheres circled one another. This must be the work of Mandor.
Konrad drew out the sphere given him by Mandor and dropped it into the water, where it grew large. A dark spot appeared on the sphere, and stepping through it they appeared within the library. The sphere shrunk and landed near Konrad's right foot. He picked it up, put it away, and then called for Claude. He had one of the librarians escort Quynn to a waiting chamber while he went to check on Dara. The sphere allowed him to enter a wooded glade, where stood a cottage. He knocked at the door, but no one responded, and so he called out and began to look around. Brit guided him, until suddenly he was face to face with Dara, or rather the tip of Dara's arrow aimed at his face. She wore tight leopardskin and her hair flowed about her.
"Hello Dara. It's a pleasure meeting you again." Konrad said.
There seemed a barely repressed rage in her features, as she asked, "Who are you!?" Konrad said nothing and held aloft Mandor's sphere. She calmed, as he introduced himself.
"I am Konrad...Mandor's ward/apprentice." he replied.
"Yes...I remember you," she said, almost shaking with tension.
"I'm running an errand for Mandor. I thought I'd check with you to see if you had any messages you wanted me to pass on to him."
"No...wait, tell him I'm FINE...everything's fine," she stated emphasized.
"As you wish, once again, it was a pleasure meeting you again," Konrad said as he retreated.
"You tell him I'm just FINE," she called out once more before disappearing.
As Konrad walked back to find Quynn, he thought to himself that Dara was anything but fine, and that it was a good thing she wasn't participating in this particular war between Chaos and Amber.
Konrad didn't hesitate to interrupt the librarians, and soon he had them fetching books on sorcery, conjuration, and then he headed to the restricted stacks where he found books on Aman, Hastur, Carcosa, as well as the last three books of the Amber Chronicles. He also obtained half a dozen books on demon hunting, binding, summoning, and banishing. And then he and Quynn headed to the very core of the restricted stacks, where they found Mandor's personal files on the scions of Amber, including some of Konrad's own dissertations. The guard/librarian allowed them only a limited amount of time to do research, and so Konrad limited himself to two topics: the most recent information on Osric, and the story of his own birth.
Osric sacrificed himself in to banish the demons he had accidentally let loose upon Amber. There have been no sightings of Osric since his apparent death.
The being known as Konrad was removed before birth from his mother, the being known as Kianne. In a struggle between Kianne and the combined forces of Mandor and Dara, Konrad was removed from Kianne while still a fetus. Her possession of him was deemed a threat due to his heritages.
Konrad paid little attention to Quynn's research, and in fact was very quiet for the trip home. Quynn used trump to get them back, and when the arrived in Amber three days had passed, and the whole are was heavily fortified with soldiers. Before the entered Konrad had a few more questions to ask of Quynn.
"You knew about my mother, didn't you?"
"Yes I did."
"How do you know? Do all the Amberites know? Can they tell by looking at me?" Konrad asked.
"No...not all. A few of us can tell," Quynn replied, and Konrad felt certain that he lied. With that he went to seek out Mandor. Clearly there was much to discuss with him, and Konrad wanted answers.
Before he separated from Quynn, the two of them ran across Clarissa, whom Konrad had not yet met. Introductions were exchanged, and the two Amberites discussed the 'problem' of Ariel. Not wishing to learn more on this, Konrad excused himself. Much was running through his mind as Konrad headed to his private rooms. Most eminent was the question of why Mandor had arranged for him to learn his parentage in this fashion. As he approached the door to his room, a servant accosted him and presented him with a package. The script on the brown paper package said 'Konrad', but the servant wasn't sure who sent it, a point that worried Konrad.
But the note would have to wait. Konrad opened Britannica and tore out a note that he had mentally dictated to the book, passing it to the young servant, and gave him orders to have his books brought up to his room, except for one certain package which was to be delivered to Princess Talia's quarters. The note, he explained, was to be given to her. In it he had explained that the books were Mandor's researches on the summoning, banishing, and binding of demons, that he wished to talk with her, and a thank you for her careful intervention on his near accidental trump contact in the library of Castle Amber. That taken care of, he dismissed the servant and entered his room.
The first thing Konrad noticed was that Mandor was nowhere to be found. This annoyed him, and so he set about other tasks, unpacked the other books, and then set to opening the package. Inside was a trump card, its back solid black with the yellow sign in center. The image of the card was of a woman with dark hair and a crown. For some reason she seemed familiar to Konrad...someone from a dream.
Who is this Britannica? Who is this woman?
Cassilda...Queen of Yhtill....
Konrad shuddered and sat down. He removed Mandor's trump and tried to reach him, but Mandor was blocking him. Glancing to be sure the door was sealed, he closed his eyes and willed the transformation, formed himself into the image of the King in Yellow, his skin became a golden yellow, and only blankness remained where once was his face. Still seeing in spite of it...he concentrated on the trump image.
What do you want?
Konrad?
Yes...it is I. Why are you calling me, Cassilda?
Konrad...you must come here! You must come to Carcosa!
Things are difficult here just now. Too much is going on.
You must come! The need is great.
Very well...pull me through.
And then Konrad stepped into Yhtill...the sunken city of Carcosa. The room was large, made of stone, with a great vaulted ceiling buttressed by grey marble. The room was very dim, and to him Cassilda looked thinner than he rememberd...more tired. She looked at him strangely and when he asked her what was wrong, she replied that she didn't remember him being so tall. At this he willed himself a bit shorter, and then continued to look around. The particulars of their discussion were crucial, but in lieu of what was happening in Amber, Konrad had little time. And so he questioned her...and learned.
"Where are my implements...my tools of office?"
She hesitated, and then lead him into another room, where he saw the gem and crown. But as he reached for them she stopped him.
"Please...I don't wish to talk to him...let me talk to you."
"As you wish." And with that Konrad reverted to his natural form and sat down. "What is it, Cassilda, why did you summon me just now?"
"Please, Konrad, free me from this place! It's been so long.... I've seen the outside through your dreams...please free me. "
"Where are we? I don't remember everything yet, not 'til I take up the crown."
She pulled back the great curtains and behind the glass was only darkness.
"We are in Yhtill...buried beneath the Lake of Hali, where I have been trapped for an eternity. The King punished me for my betrayal by sinking Yhtill and stripping me of my power! Please, I've endured enough. End this torture; free me. At this point, she seemed near to tears."
Konrad became wary, suddenly. What betrayal, he wondered.
"Why did he punish you, Cassilda? Tell me...remind me."
"He sought to restore Carcosa by destroying Amber. He made bargains with a Demon Lord to destroy the ones known as Dworkin and Oberon...and later he empowered Albrecht to be released from his Abyssal prison. I stopped him when he sought to destroy Amon and all of Umber; when he thought to take advantage of Amon's weakness and incorporate Umber into Carcosa, to tip the balance in his favor and thus destroy all of Amber. I couldn't let him do that...."
Konrad was shocked, but held it within himself.
"I write this in my book, Cassilda. You are free. I will take you to Amber with me, and see to your freedom. I cannot leave you in Shadow when things are so unstable. Perhaps Mandor can aid us both."
She smiled, barely, as if trying after so long to hold on to some kind of hope.
"But I must take up the crown, Cassilda. Take me to the Pattern."
She looked frightened, but then nodded, and lead him through the castle, down the stairs, to a door marked with the yellow sign.
"Cassilda, you had best leave me now. It would not be good for you to meet the King again in this place."
She nodded and slowly left, looking back frequently.
And then Konrad put on the Stone, a topaz in which he could see an image of the throne of Carcosa, a gate to that place. And when he placed the Crown upon his head, his consciousness grew to encompass the entire Shadow...and suddenly the skies teemed with Byakhee and Nightgaunts and then he opened the door to the Abyssal Pattern.
So like the Pattern in Amber, and yet so different. Light spilled from its lines, but darkly. And it was riddled with crevices, and in those crevices was a black fluid, the energy of the Abyss. And the largest cracks formed the Yellow sign. As he watched, the stone of the pattern seemed to crumble further before his very eyes, or was this just an effect of the Sign.
He set aside his book, and his tools, wearing only robes, the Crown, and the Stone, and stepped upon the Abyssal Pattern. And as he walked over it, images filled his head, of his past, of the King's past....
Yes...the Library where I grew up...in Carcosa...with Mandor...The woman...her father...the man on the Tree...Osric...he is our grandfather...aided the enemy he did...foolish mortal...he jeopardized my kingdom....But who is father...who is the woman...Kianne...but there is another...Osric was tricked...Hastur...my enemy...destroyed my home...my people...Osric...fathered a child by Hastur...created Kianne...who was to serve as Host to Hastur...but Osric stopped them...daughter of mine enemy...manipulator...it will not be allowed....Sacrificed himself...stopped her from becoming this...stopped Hastur...she betrayed me...sunk Yhtill...trapped her timeless and powerless...who is the father...Karl with burning eyes...no not Karl really...Hastur entered his body and had a child by Kianne...me...Konrad...NO!...I will not be the childe of Hastur...the son of my enemy...I will not be him...too late...
And then Konrad/the King in Yellow stood in the center of the Abyssal Pattern. From this vantage, he extended his will, and Yhtill rose from the black waters and tooks its place on the shore. Looking out, he spied a tiny hole...a pinprick in reality...and some of the energy of Amber leaked in...and some of the energy of Carcosa leaked out. Through that hole he could escape. And so he willed himself there, and willed Cassilda with him.
He arrived back in his rooms as Konrad, with Cassilda at his side. "Welcome to Amber, Cassilda. This is going to be very difficult."
Mandor had not yet returned...and it was but a few moments before a knock at the door came. To Konrad's relief it was Quynn. Konrad had ushered Cassilda into his room, but seeing that it was Quynn he called her back and introduced the two. But Cassilda was feeling tired after the trip, and so she went to rest on his bed.
Over the course of the next hour, Konrad and Quynn discussed a great many things. Most importantly, Konrad learned that his journey to Carcosa had been noticed in Castle Amber...his crossing the barrier between realities had created a psychic vibration felt by a number of the elder Amberites...a vibration that had even set off some of Talia's warding spells. Konrad revealed that he had learned of his Amberite heritage, and made clear his intention to stop Kianne. Quynn made a number of other warnings regarding Kianne and their enemies before departing, but by that point Konrad was already lost in thought.
So much to do...I must present Cassilda to the King and pray that he will allow her to stay...and where is Mandor? I can surprise Random and announce my parentage...at least that of my grandfather.... And so it appears that I am a Prince of Amber as well. But how to explain Carcosa and the King in Yellow...and the disturbance? Perhaps as another shadow...another King...with similar enemies and goals.... Very well then...in Amber I must practice my deceit carefully, and now be a diplomat, representative of that place known as Carcosa, and its King in Yellow. I am, after all, but a humble servant of a greater kingdom. But what of the opening between our worlds...what does it do...what are its effects? There is much to investigate clearly.
Konrad moved quickly after Quynn had left, drafting a note to King Random and having it delivered by a servant. The note read:
Your Majesty,
My apologies for the earlier 'disturbance'. I'm afraid that I am inadvertently responsible for it...I will be more than happy to explain it to you...at your leisure.
KonradAfter sending off the letter, Konrad turned to see Cassilda standing in the doorway of his bedroom, moving unsteadily towards him.
"Konrad, I feel ill...something's wrong," she pronounced quietly.
He looked at her a moment and then moved forward to take her hand, and while he supported her, he used his abilities to look for some injury, but there was none. Then he looked at her aura and saw the problem. A native of Carcosa, the very reality of Amber was trying to reject her. Fortunatly he knew magics to counter this effect.
She must be bound to this reality...having a trump made of her would be best, but until such time as I can enlist the aid of a trump artist...a binding spell should be sufficient.
VIII. The Trial of Konrad
The first thing Konrad did while pondering the issue of how best to alleviate Cassilda's discomfort was to conjure them both some suitable clothing. For Cassilda he created a court-styled dress of rich green, and his own simple robes were replaced with deep mustard velvet finery, stockings, boots, waistcoat, ruffled shirt and all. He then attempted to contact Mandor via trump, but he was still blocking his calls.Sitting next to Cassilda, he held her hand and calmed her, and they spoke briefly of the trials to come. Before they could say much, Brit snapped its covers resoundingly, but before Konrad could respond, there was a knock on the door. He had only begun to call out, "Enter...," when Commander Clarissa opened the door. Two guards flanked her sides and outside two more guards stood with swords drawn. Immediately she drew her sword and brusquely commanded Konrad, "Step away from the woman."
Confused, Konrad stood and stepped away from her.
"Have you in this room over the course of the last half hour?" she asked.
"Off and on...," Konrad replied distractedly. Immediately his mind went back to the conversation he had just had with Quynn. He had known there would be questions to be answered but this kind of reaction, so extreme, so far from his experience, unsettled him.
"Did you notice a disturbance?"
"I don't understand...what kind of disturbance?" he asked. At this point he had begun to wonder if she meant his arrival or if something else had occurred, recalling the increased troops outside the castle. Could Mandor have done something?
"What have you been doing over the last half hour?" she barked, ignoring his question.
"I received a trump call...Cassilda was in distress...I trumped to her to ascertain the situation. As she was in danger...I brought her here to safety...."
"You will come with me and explain this to the king."
"May I bring my book?"
"No...you will bring nothing."
And so Konrad followed her to the throne room, separated from Cassilda and flanked by guards.
Most of the royal family was waiting in the throne room. Arthur, Fiona, Random, Vialle, Flora, Clarissa, Brand...and Konrad in the center. Shortly after his arrival, Quynn and Talia entered behind him. Immediately Konrad felt a great tension...it was apparent that many of the family were angry with him...and at this he became nervous. And thus through the questioning he found himself stumbling over his words, sounding plaintive when he should have sounded self-assured. And as they barraged him with questions and accusations he felt the thrust of doom upon him.
It began with Random asking about Cassilda.
"Who is this woman and why did you bring her here?" King Random asked.
Konrad paused a moment, and responded, "She is Cassilda, Queen of Yhtill...I brought her here to save her life, because she has earned the wrath of the King. I brought her here because I am here...because I have no other place to bring her."
The King glowered at him and stated, "Can't you see that she doesn't belong here? Who are you to bring her here? You introduce threats into the very heart of Amber!"
Nervously, Konrad replied, "What else was I to do? I couldn't just leave her to die! I brought her here, hoping that Mandor would have some idea of what to do for her."
"And where is Mandor now? We seem to be unable to locate him." the King asked.
"I do not know. I, too, have been trying to contact him," Konrad replied, looking more nervous with each passing moment.
At that moment Talia stepped forward and began addressing the Court. "Your majesty, earlier today something set off my wards...wards designed to warn me of the presence of demonic powers. I traced the disturbance to Konrad's room. What do you say to this?"
"I meant no harm; I didn't mean to set off any wards," Konrad babbled, now confused and unsure of what to say.
"Of course not," Talia growled. "No one means to set off such wards. And Nicholas has been having nightmares. Prominent in those nightmares is a sigil, that you wear on your breast right here." She moves forward and touches the Yellow Sign on his amulet. What do you say to that?"
"It is a sigil of binding...it is associated with the binding of Demons. It is protective," he said quietly.
"Your majesty, this stranger, this man from Chaos, is introducing threats into Amber. And this woman clearly does not belong. They have got to go!" Talia shouted.
And then Quynn stepped forward. "Your majesty, he has a right to be here." And then looking at Konrad he added, "Konrad...we've talked. You meddle with powers you cannot control. You risk us all. You release creatures that should not be released."
Angrily Konrad spit back, "I do not. Nothing comes through unless I order it. There is nothing there which can threaten Amber!"
"Konrad," Quynn added softly...but firmly. "You should not have released him. You combine powers which do not work together well...it is unnatural. You should not have brought Cassilda. She does not belong here."
"She can exist here. If a trump were made of her, she would be bound to this place. She would achieve her own reality, and this disturbance that surrounds her would be banished." he replied. At this, Fiona nodded from her darkened corner.
"Konrad...you should not have released him. He is meant to stay there. These powers you wield aren't meant to be used this way," Quynn stated quietly.
"What do you know of this really!? Aldones did what he had to do to save his home from the Unnameable!" Konrad began shouting angrily.
At that point many of the room look confused, but a select few simplys miled and nodded. King Random asked the unspoken question, "What are you talking about? Who is this Aldones?"
"Your majesty, surely you know that there were previous Ambers," Konrad asked plaintively.
"I have recently been informed of such," he answered testily.
"In one previous Amber there was a king called Aldones...in a land like Amber, but called Carcosa...and in the cataclysm that threatened his land he faced the demonic forces of the Abyss, not Chaos. In your Patternfall War, the royal family united and won...in Carcosa, King Aldones lost, but at the last minute he bound his enemy by marring the Pattern, by configuring it with sigils of binding, to stop his enemy forever. This forged a new power...the power to which Quynn refers. Cassilda is from Carcosa...I brought her here to escape that dark place."
At this point Arthur stepped forward, rage contorting his features. "What right have you to do this, you...a mere librarian!? A 'ward' of Mandor's...?"
For a moment, Konrad just looked at him. He doesn't know who I am. "How do you suppose I do these things?" he asked quietly.
Arthur began to rant further, but by this point Konrad wasn't even listening.
"I do this by my birthright, by the fact that I am Konrad, grandson of Osric. I can do this because I am of the blood of Amber."
At this they stopped for a moment, and then much arguing ensued. And then the King interrupted. "Clearly there is much to be resolved...but if you are of the bloodline, then you have a right to be here. But we must learn more about these forces with which you tamper."
"Your majesty, I would gladly escort representatives to Carcosa that they might witness for themselves. And I will do what I can to find Mandor, as he can answer so many of your questions."
"You know where he is?" the King asked suddenly.
"I have my suspicions," Konrad stated flatly, as he stroked the Stone.
And then he went outside where he met Quynn. "Shall we leave for Carcosa? Bring Talia, as she seems to be the one who most desires proof of my nature."
"Can it be put off until the morning?" Quynn asked.
"She is not well, Quynn. Until she is bound to this place properly, she will continue to suffer." Konrad replied, showing his concern plainly. "I can temporarily solve this matter. Bring her to my chambers." Quynn stated.
"Then we shall go in the morning." Konrad agreed, and then followed him, giving Cassilda the support of his arm. Quynn's room was a corner tower with many shelves covered by tarps. Evidently he was still unpacking from moving from the other room. In a moment, Quynn summoned energies from Shadow and hurled at Cassilda a sphere of light...and after it struck, she brightened. "Thank you," she stated, looking confused but relieved. And then they left Quynn to his work. As he left, Quynn said to him, "Konrad...do nothing until tomorrow. Do not use your powers. And that goes for you, too," referring to the King in Yellow.
IX. A Truly Unpleasant Surprise
And with that Konrad returned to his room. This much stood out to him...all viewed him as a threat, and it was only when he announced his heritage did they even grant him the right to live. But several promises were key, that he not use his powers, that they ascertain how dangerous Carcosa is...and that the portal was not allowing evil things into Amber. He had to prove to him that he was not a threat, and of that he wasn't really certain.When they arrived in his chambers Konrad offered to return her home...but she refused. "Anything is better than that place," she stated before she went to rest.
The day was uneventul, and while Cassilda slept, Konrad studied his books on sorcery and conjuration, but practiced no magic. He was too troubled to sleep, and throwing himself into his studies seemed to make the time pass quickly. After a while, he and Cassilda went on a tour of the Castle...they walked hand in hand through the gardens of Castle Amber, and Konrad wept silent tears to see some measure of hope and joy restored to Cassilda. In his heart he felt deeply the pain he had inflicted upon her, and he had sworn to make it up to her. I've cost her so much...she will endure no more misery, Amber be damned!
Eventually they retired to his chambers and she went to sleep. Konrad stayed up thinking about what to do tomorrow. He felt the King's anxiety. Clearly Mandor was in Carcosa. He had followed the path opened by Konrad and used it as a way to enter the previously barred realm. What could he do there, the two wondered. More importantly, Konrad began to wonder if he had been used for this one purpose, to open a gate to Carcosa. The thought angered him like nothing before had. The promise of his mother had borne the bitter fruit of manipulation, and this betrayal by his mentor enraged him. If indeed Mandor had used him, he had best escape Carcosa before the morn, else he would learn why the King in Yellow was called the Living God.
As Konrad poured over his troubles, there came a knock at his door. Opening the door, he was greeted by a servant with a large package. The not attached was some meaningless blather...a gift from Julian or Karl...or some such. Konrad closed the door, and then went to be certain that Cassilda still slept. He then went into the main room and began opening the package. Inside was the gruesome severed head of a Byakhee, one of the winged demons that inhabited Carcosa.
"How....how did it...get here?" he asked himself faintly.
I promised that nothing could come through...nothing...and yet here it is...and they know...Julian and Karl know where it came from...or they wouldn't have sent it here.
Konrad clutched the head firmly and extended his shapeshifting power inside...it had only been dead an hour...plenty of time to reawaken its cells...to find an answer.
"What are you doing here?" he asked the demon head.
"We move to destroy the forces of Amber. Beginning with Ariel, Talia, Random, Nicholas, Quynn...."
The names faded from Konrad's perception as raw panic overtook him, and a kind of mind-numbing confusion.
"Who ordered this?" he asked, his voice breaking on the last syllable. "Upon the King in Yellow's order a legion of Byakhee were sent to destroy Amber...."
"What!?!"
And the tense confrontation that ensued, between the King in Yellow and Konrad took place solely within the confines of his own mind.
What have you done!?!
I have ordered my forces to attack Amber...we must obtain the Jewel of Judgement to restore Carcosa, and we must act quickly while we still have the element of surprise.
I just told them that nothing from Carcosa could cross over...that nothing could threaten us! You have made me a liar to them all...they will destroy us both!
We can win...they cannot stop a legion of Byakhee....
You don't understand! You fool! We don't stand a chance against the forces of Amber...against the Royal Family! They already distrust me...already watch me carefully...this will be the one threat which will unify them against me. Don't you get it? They're stronger than we ever were! They routed the combined forces of Chaos...and you think you can take them on single-handedly!? I refuse....
It is necessary....
NO! You listen now! We are still separate, but soon we will be one and my voice will be yours...but for now you listen to me! I will have no part of this! I will not a be a party to the destruction of Amber.... They can help us restore Carcosa. Why do you do this?
With the Jewel I can restore Carcosa...I can restore the Pattern.
And what will you do with Hastur once he is freed...the natural consequence of your restoration of the Pattern...?
With the Jewel he can be defeated....
Pardon me, but didn't you have the Jewel last time? Or its analog? You lost then and you'll lose again! We cannot win without their aid. I will not restore Carcosa at the expense of Amber. Listen now, my King, and listen good, for I have power over you that you must recognize. I am still in control. I will tell them of your plans. You see my King, I have a plan to destroy Hastur that involves something I call a Gestation Machine...a device that creates host bodies. I will create a host body for Hastur and bind him to it, for having a body represents a great weakness. The same applies to you. If I die, you are free to seek another host body. I will tell them...I will have them throw me in the dungeon and never release me...and this body will last a very long time. I will sacrifice myself to ensure that you do not harm Amber!
And the King was silent....
You will be trapped...and never escape...no new body for the King...you will endure the same despair you inflicted upon Cassilda. Or maybe I'll contact mother and arrange to have Hastur himself inhabit my body as well, and then the two of you can spend eternity in the battleground of my mind. I will do it to stop you! Recall the Byakhee now!
It is done....
My King...soon we will be one and there can be no disagreement then, but I will not allow you to ever harm Amber...I will not let you destroy my dreams.
And thus the fighting ended. And Konrad picked up the demonic head and absorbed it into his mass, which caused him some small indigestion, but no real damage. The King smiled at this. And then Konrad went to the outer parapets and watched Tirna' Nog-th...and wondered what he could do.
I promised that I meant no harm, and yet I cannot keep that promise for I cannot trust myself. To prevent the evil that would come from my possession by Hastur I have made myself a part of something only slightly less malevolent. What am I to do?
And so he watched the moon, as tears ran down his cheeks, and the smile on his lips was the King's.
X. The Door is Closed Again
The sun came up altogether too quickly for Konrad, but his inability to sleep did not grant him any revelations, any solutions from his long hours spent pondering his fate. Inside the apartment he woke Cassilda and began to make his preparations to go to Carcosa again in the company of Quynn and Talia.Before they left his room, Konrad sat Cassilda down and told her of his plans, that he intended to undo the King's binding and thus restore her power, that he felt incapable of protecting her as he could no longer trust himself. She seemed doubtful...fearful maybe, but she merely nodded and followed as they headed downstairs to meet with the others.
Talia was dressed much differently, much more akin to the portrait he had seen along the main hall when he first came to Amber, in royal blue and silver, her dark glasses now put aside. Quynn had requested that they leave for some other place first, so as not to cause a disturbance in Amber when the gate to Carcosa was opened. And so with a raise of his hands and a flourish of raw sorcerous power, they were gone.
Konrad recognized Mythos when they arrived...he had been there before, and with dawning fear he recognized the circle of binding in which he stood. And before him stood Cassilda, Quynn, and Talia, each in their own respective circles. He reached out to penetrate the circle, but could not...
You fool! They have trapped us....!
The King attempted to say more, but Konrad silenced him and turned his attention to what was happening.
Circles for binding demons...just as Mandor taught me...and thanks to my parentage...they affect me as well....
Quynn commanded his attention and told him to remove the crown.
"Will this solve anything? And who will protect me from my father then, if not the King?" Konrad asked.
But Quynn was stern and unrelenting...and shouted that he must removed the crown and the jewel. Konrad reached up, expecting it to be fused to his skull as before, but it shifted easily. And seeing his hesitation, Quynn began to gesticulate anew. And the waves of pain began. In his mind, Konrad heard the King begin to grow quieter...more distant. And then Quynn pulled a strange mask from his robe, The Pallid Mask, and artifact from Carcosa.
But how did that come to be here?
And then the pain increased. The crown now rested in his hands...which were balled into fists so tight that his nails drew blood from his palms. He gritted his teeth and dropped the crown and jewel, which instantly flew along the floor away from him. He felt the King resist, trying to take control of his flesh. He felt his body flow and the separation grew furious...as Quynn took off the mask and crushed it underfoot. And then the King was gone...and the door to Carcosa was closed once again.
The circle lost its power, and Cassilda rushed toward him to hold him up. Konrad looked around numbly, whispered something of his pain to Cassilda, who was busy apologizing and explaining, but he could not here. He heard Talia's mocking laughter, and saw Quynn's wary gaze, and all else was lost to him.
He choked out simple words. "Can I go now?" Quynn nodded. With Cassilda supporting him, the two wandered down one long dark hallway...and with the Abyssal imprint still upon him, the world began to shift. There are dead portions in shadow...even reality fades and dies. And through these spots he moved...through abandoned churches and graveyards, through ruined cities, long burned forests, and made his way through shadow...to some place where he could heal.
Thus ends the first trials of Konrad, the story of his introduction to Amber, the discovery of his parentage and his destiny, and his first attempts to be free.