Chapter 1 - Catriola's Awakening

At the start, it is late on Candlemas, and Catriola is waiting for Martin ... who she has arranged will stay in a secure location rather than his own room.

Cold and dark, there was no evidence of the prince, and Cat found herself unable to bear the silence of that place, in the lonely part of the castle it was nestled in.

After waiting for over an hour, bleary with the need for sleep, Catriola took a candle and wended her way back to her own quarters, firmly locking the door and setting a maid to sleep across the threshold.

Sleep came, fitful and reluctant, and she dreamed many disturbing things that night, each nipping with sharp teeth at her soul.

It was early morning when she awoke, the room dark with the draperies of heavy broccade drawn across the floor-to-ceiling windows, drafty as they were.

A pair of eyes shone at her from the corner, almost feral yellow for a brief moment, before she beheld a familar face.

It was Martin, seated on her upholstered chair, looking very pale and cold, despite the long, heavy coat he wore.

His hair was disheveled, his eyes a bit wild, the lower lip ticking as he licked it with a dry tongue.

Dust and dirt smudged his clothing in spots, and more than a few of his knuckles bore scratches.

Martin could been a piece of worn statuary for all he moved. Only his dark eyes betrayed him, following Cat as she drew closer to him. He refuses to move even as she covers him, remaining eerily silent. She could see that his features were darkened, as if a dull bruise lurks beneath his cheeks in a uniform fashion. His eyes continue to gaze up at her, as if through a fog.

Only when she brings water near him, does life truly return to Martin's limbs. Immediately, he cups his hands and drinks deeply from the basin. With greedy gulps, he almost empties the basin's contents. And still, he stares at the liquid longingly.

Fingers, cool and stiff like that of a frozen corpse, slowly wrap around Cat's as she takes his hand. It is then she notices that his left hand has a nasty cut across the palm, blood mixing with the water as the wound reopens slightly. Already red with infection, it might require bandages, if not stitches. If it gives him pain, he does not show it.

"Do you have anything else to drink," he asks, voice ragged and strained. "And worry not, my love. I feel... I feel much better now."

Martin's actions hit Cat like a ton of bricks. She brings the bottle of wine that had been left unfinished from the night before to him, as she calls for her servant to retrieve water, antiseptic, and bandages. Those things procured, Cat moves to clean the deep cut.

"You... feel better? What happened, Martin? You look like death warmed over with your hand half cut through and you tell me not to worry? What in the name of the Unicorn is going on? Who did this to you? Who did you get in a fight with? That hothead Joshua? Talk to me, please!"

Martin focuses mostly upon filling his glass and emptying it repeatedly. Seeing that the last drops are rapidly approaching, he tapers off slightly. He winces, muttering a foul word in Romany, as Cat begins cleaning the deep cut across his palm.

"Well Good Morning to you too." Cat says matter of factly, as she notes his consistent intake of liquid. "Easy on that stuff, Sailor. Alcohol thins the blood."

"I'll be fine," he says, trying to be reassuring. "I was simply trying to lighten the mood. And failing terribly. I never did have my father's blessing of humor."

"I guess I'm not much in good humor this morning," Cat admits. "Too much has happened too quickly for comfort. This cut already looks nasty and I'm afraid that my medical skills aren't exactly up to snuff. I'll do the best that I can and we should seek medical attention once out of Amber for you."

While the servant is present, he returns to being quiet, watching the woman as if waiting to be attacked. Only when she leaves does Martin's nervousness abate.

Noting Martin's nervousness, Cat locks the door after the maid leaves. "We should not be disturbed again. Few other than the occasional servant come here."

"I…" he begins, struggling with the words. "I don't know who it was. I had intended to go to an old chapel here in the castle, but someone… interrupted me. Instinctively, I grabbed his foil to bind it, but I had forgotten a key thing. No gloves.

"That would be a problem, wouldn't it?" Cat asks, rhetorically, while she finishes wrapping the wounded hand.

"Whoever it was fled immediately before I could run him through. With cowardliness such as that, I suspect it was one of Joshua's men. But then again, it could have been anyone."

He snickers at the folly of his own misjudgment, looking up at Cat pathetically. "You're too kind to me, do you know that? And you're beautiful when you snore."

"I suggest you stay with me then," Cat says, smiling. "I've yet been handed more tasks for this early morning then we shall leave. I must get some things for Uncle Caine, for he wishes something 'fermented' to ease the length of solitary days. I shall take something for Father as well, though I doubt he's done pouting that I'm the worst daughter ever born to a father. Then, I've a message to give to Uncle Gerard. Then, we can absent ourselves to Rebma and points beyond."

Martin chuckles softly and nods to Cat. He flexes his hand, testing it. The wine must be having an affect already, as his limits of mobility are rather impressive. Then again, he always was a quick healer.

Then, an odd thought hits him as she spoke of Caine. He glances about as if searching for something worriedly, but does not find whatever it is he is looking for. Nonetheless, he did not appeared comforted by this revelation.

"I shall follow where you lead. The sooner we accomplish your tasks, the sooner we can be in Shadow."

Something about his expression does not show he believes this will be the case.

"What ARE you looking for?" Cat asks, teasingly.

"Nothing important," he says confidently, "Not to worry. I look forward to talking with our uncle."

Cat walks behind a dressing screen to put on some appropriate travelling garments, heavy slacks and a cotton turtleneck underneath an oversized sweater which nearly swallows her spare frame. She peeks her head around the side and replies with a grin, "I do not snore!"

Martin pouted playfully, "Pity. I do so adore women that snore. Make them more human." His eyes touch her, a grin parting his lips. "You're beautiful. I feel rather plain sitting here before you."

Cat blushes. "You are too flattering, Martin."

"One can never be too flattering, my dear," he chuckles, "Especially when one only speaks the truth."

She steps back from around the screen and while strapping on a blade asks, "Shall we go so that I may finish off these errands? While we are walking about, I want you to show me this chapel that some sacrilegious pig had the nerve to attack you in! I swear if I find out Joshua had anything to do with it, I'll slice him open!"

"If Joshua is behind it, it will be I that hang his insides out to dry. But I thank you for your words. As for the chapel, as I said, I never reached it. He attacked me just before I crossed onto hollowed ground. At least he had that much honor to him. Besides, this assassin has inspired me to do something I've dreaded all my years.

"As for your errands," he continues, standing up slowly. "I will collect my things together and put on a change of clothing. No sense walking around like a begger. Besides, I suddenly feel naked without a blade at my side." He sets the blanket down and takes one final, greedy sip from the wine.

Cat calms herself down considerably before continuing. "I suggest we get you some food and more drink as well. You've obviously the need for it as you've drained that bottle. Don't worry, I'll be with you the entire time."

He crossed over to her and gently cups her cheek with his good hand. It is still slightly chilly, but softened from being washed. The smell of soap hovers around him. "Might I do something I have been meaning to do for a very long time, m'lady?"

Before she answers, he leans close and kisses her lips. It is a fleeting embrace, but definitely not in the fashion one might kiss "family." It is over before it has barely even begun. Then he turns and heads back to his temporary room to collect his things.

The most peculiar thing Cat notices-other than this sudden burst of courage and affection-stands out with a glaring light. Not once, not even for a moment before, during, or after the kiss... did Martin blush.

Cat sits on the bed as Martin gives her the slight kiss. "Martin... uh...Martin, this is unlike you. As soon as you get your things, we should get moving."

She grabs a few personal belongings and gets them into a travel pack. She will be waiting for Martin to return.

Martin returns a moment later, dressed in more formal attire. A mixture of greens and grays, velvets and softened leathers, he looks more like a well-fashioned pirate than a Prince. He adjusts his long cloak, making sure that he has free and swift access to the wicked-looking rapiers at his sides. Finally, a silken bag of lavender is tucked securely away in a deep pocket. From the way he handles it, one would think it is more valuable than his weapons.

He grins broadly to Cat, removing his velvet hat in a flourishing bow. "I pray the lady approves."

"It is very different from your usual choices. I do like it though," Cat replies.

Martin spins, the tails of his cloak fluttering like raven's wings in the air. "Ah, but you have never been to my home away from home have you? I forgot that you have never seen me this way. When traveling, I prefer something more comfortable than proper."

"And, yes… perhaps I have changed slightly. That was my final brush with death and a wake-up call. If I am to live my life, I may as well do it as I wish to, rather than hide behind timid smiles and bashfulness. I could have lay bleeding in the snow… and regretted every moment I had never kissed you before the darkness took me."

He stands up, straightening the hat upon his head. "If I have offended you, I do beg your forgiveness. It won't happen again."

"You did not offend me, Martin, and there is nothing you've done in need of forgiveness. I must ask your understanding in that it should not happen again," Cat replies, dropping her face into her hands, sobbing. "I am so sorry, Martin."

Martin's heart nearly shatters upon seeing Cat's tears. In an instant, he is kneeling before her, penitent. Carefully, he takes her hand and squeezes it. "I never meant to make you weep, angel. From the moment we shared scones and tea with Dworkin, I knew my heart belonged to you. But I also knew… that such matters are impossible within our family. I have understood this for a very long time, and accepted it willingly."

He cups her chin, wiping away a tear with his soft thumb. Capturing her eyes with his own, he speaks quietly. "Cat. There is nothing to be sorry for. I know my fate. I understand my lot in life. Forgive me for upsetting you so. Please. Don't cry."

"Dearest one, it is not for your loving actions that I weep but for my own selfish ones. Feeling certain that you cared for another, I made a decision which can only cause harm to my two dearest friends. A fate neither deserves," Cat replies, retrieving a small sapphire and diamond ring from her pocket. "I hope you can only find it in your heart not to hate me completely."

Martin's eyes go to the ring, a strange, if somewhat sorrowful, look creeps to his bruised features. It is as if he already knows what is about to be said.

"Martel last night sent a letter to me, dangerous as it was and when I went to face him, all of my anger and indignation at his actions fell apart, leaving little resistance for what happened next. Instead of railing him and remaining angry, I found myself instead given a proposal. I accepted so that he would leave. I should have told you of his message asking me to meet him last night but I did not want to cause you trouble in case the meeting would be found out by the guard. I decided that I should face the gallows alone, should it come to that. I feared that should the guard see Martel that I would have been accused of committing treason by meeting with him and did not want to involve the true heir to the throne, as you know well you are," Cat continues.

Cat wipes the remaining tears from her eyes and looks to Martin, "If you do not wish to travel with me now, I will understand. I am sorry, Martin."

A chuckle builds in the prince's throat as he shakes his head in amused defeat. He squeezes Cat's hand once more, then stands up slowly. "You were the one I spoke of last night, my silly angel. There is no other, nor will there ever be. Perhaps this is for the best though."

He touches her hair, running strong fingers through it tenderly. "If only I had been more courageous last night, then I would have asked to you for your hand. Instead, once again, I give up what I truly desire to my brother. Well, I shall never be one to stand in his way. I've known his and your feelings for some time now. I even suspected he was in the castle last night. At least my intuition has not faltered."

"I wish my intuition were half as keen as yours," Cat replies, closing her eyes briefly as he runs his fingers through her hair. "For I was caught completely unaware on all counts."

Leaning forward, he kisses her brow, holding the embrace for a moment. She can feel him shivering, and not from the morning chill. Finally, he whispers, "This is all my fault, Cat. Think not upon this day again. Remember me as I was. Do not let your heart ache for me. For us. Besides, I am too short for this world. This is how fate should weave its grand tapestry.

"I will defend your live with my own, Martin. Is that not what a friend and loyal subject to the heir to the throne should do?" Cat asks, rhetorically.

Cat straightens up. "My loyalty is nothing if not based on my feelings toward both you and your brother, not some trinket that either of you may ascend to. It was not the 'Heir to the Throne' Martin that came along and saved me from the beatings I would have surely endured. That was Martin, my dearest friend and savior. It was not 'Crown Prince Martel' that would sneak food to me, when I would be denied it for days on end by a cruel and sadistic nanny. It was just Martel, my playmate and confidante."

Martin holds up his hand in forgiveness, nodding solemnly. "Savior, no... just an understanding soul. There is little I would not have done for you. I know where your feelings lie, Cat... I simply could not have you as a subject. Does that make sense?"

She pauses as she feels his shiver, "What is wrong, Martin? Has the infection already begun to run rampant? Or is it something else entirely?"

"Now, as for travelling together, I would still be honored to have you at my side. But would such a thing be proper? After all, you are to be my sister-in-law, are you not?"

"Propriety be hanged!" Cat answers. "We have been friends for a long time. That I should now travel with you should strike no one as odd. I do, however, ask that news of Martel's and my engagement should not yet become public knowledge, as I have not even had the opportunity to tell my father properly yet. I meant to last night, but when I got there, all we did was argue, as is our usual. I shall try again when I take a few small treasures to him and to Uncle Caine, though this may finally be the thing that makes him disown me once and for all. Mother denied me years ago, I don't know why he has not yet."

Grabbing her travel gear and attaching her final dagger, Cat looks to Martin, "Shall we be off then? The longer we tarry here, the longer it takes to get away, for I must take Father and Uncle some things to make their solitary days a little easier, and I must then deliver a message to Uncle Gerard from said Uncle, then we will be off, no more delays."

With that, Cat opens the door to her chambers and looks into the hallway to ensure safety before gesturing Martin to walk out with her so that they may head for the kitchens to obtain food and drink for the imprisoned family.

I would like to see the Crown used for the ultimate good of the country and people, rather than one's own pet causes and perversities. I don't thing that anyone so far has tried to govern well with the crown on his head. While you think Martel may be the stronger monarch, he is not the diplomat and cool thinker that you are. Besides, he has claimed he wants no such thing, but I think in his heart he may desire it still."

A groan escapes Martin at her final words, his fingers flexing in agitation. "Unless he has changed his desires over night, Martel may not have been entirely honest. I've heard of his army already training to assault Amber and take it by force should Gerard not succeed to his rule.

"As for myself... the one element a king needs is the loyalty of his people. Who in their right mind would follow me? One lovely cousin pledging her loyalties does not a kingdom make. No. Let them kill one another to become ruler of the ashes that will remain behind their struggle. I will have nothing to do with it."

Cat's face flushes momentarily. "Martin, know that you will always be affixed in my heart in such a way that no one will ever be able to unattach it. We must forever know that I am promised to another now." She smiles, softly, "Besides, you would tire of being idolized all the time, wouldn't you?"

"Ha," he chuckles, "Such a thing would never grow old to my ears. Nor would I ever tarry in offering you my love and devotion."

He smirks faintly, "Besides... should you grow bored and lonesome after your first child and Martel is off fighting his wars... you could always take me as your consort. It is not just the men that are allowed lovers by law."
With a quick wink and a wiry smile, he walks over to the table by the window and wets his lips again with an almost desperate thirst. In the window's reflection, she can see the smile does not last long, replaced by a dark sorrow of profound depths.

"In a way, should he scorn me again, I hope that I will not get over it easily. That would mean I'm losing my personality and humanity in some respects. I don't mind being flawed that way. After all, I have seen time and again what I do NOT wish to be like, and I wish not to be like them, so mired in petty differences and hate that I cannot love. I should rather be dead first."

"I am glad the flame still lasts in your heart, Cat. That is always what drew me to you. Don't let it go out. The Unicorn itself would weep on such a day. Perhaps that is why we are destined to be apart. My fire was doused before you were even a baby. I would not shadow your heart with the darkness in my own."

So said... they head towards the tower.

It is still early when the pair make their way through the castle. Parts are as deserted as the grave, bare of human traffic and warmth under the blanket of snow being laid down upon them from outside. Others bustle with odd activity, and both Catriola and Martin notice more than a few squads of guardsmen moving with purpose toward their destinations.

By the time the pair reach the base of the Tower, they feel cold despite their warm clothes. The pair of guards stop them.

"Your Lordship...Ladyship. I've orders none go to see the Princes' without leave of his Highness, King Gerard."

Martin is in no mood to be detained, his snow shadow eyes focusing on the man foolish enough to speak. He tosses the dried water skin aside and steps closer to the man. "I have sworn my loyalty to the King, boy, that is permission enough." His words drip with suppressed anger. "Now step aside so I might speak to my Uncle on matters that would interest the king greatly. In his current frame of mind, I shudder to think what King Gerard might do to the guard that lost him a kingdom because he would not allow a Prince and Princess of Amber to conduct their business."

"King Gerard." Cat whispers. "Figures."

Something almost feral has come over the young Prince, an ire that is quite unnatural for one usually so meek.
The first guardsman quails, but holds his post. "Begging your pardon, your Grace, but the orders I have come from His Highness himself..."

A hand rests on the man's shoulders. It's his companion, who with wary eyes on Martin, says softly. "Of course we shall let you in, our Prince and Princess...though you understand we must place your name in the log book. If you will but come this way..."

He indicates a small table set with ledger, ink and quill, near the door. At the same time, he pulls an iron ring holder out from his belt, and jangles through the varied keys.

Martin steps back for a moment, his anger beginning to ebb away. Like a defused bomb, his manner becomes far less dangerous. "Finally, someone with common sense," he says. He smiles at that the helpful guard, nodding in thanks. "I shall remember you, sir." Then his eyes, burning with cold fire, turn to the first guard. "And you I shall not forget."

He steps over to the table and fills his name into the ledger. Then he waits for Cat to do the same.

"Shall we make this as long, drawnout and painful as possible?" Cat asks smiling. "We've many things to accomplish today."

She follows Martin and the guard up the stairs.

Winding upwards, the stairs eventually lets out into a small foyer where two more guards sit, and whom also stand upon the arrival of the Royals.

Two barred doors let out from the foyer..one a cell for Caine, the other for Julian, each having it's own barred window.

With a cough, the foremost guardsman bangs on the cell door for Julian, and then slides open the barred window. "Visitors for your, Prince Julian."

Beyond the door is a distant muffled reply.

Cat looks to Martin, "Will you give the first basket of items to Uncle Caine? It appears that I may be attempting to pull teeth out of a bobcat in trying to get my father to speak to me."

Calling out towards Caine's door, she says, "Uncle Caine, we've things for you this morn as promised."

Leaning on Julian's cell door, Cat calls out, "Father, please come to the door if you are able. I must tell you this morning what I could not last evening. Martel proposed to me just this evening past. I wanted to share this news with you last night but found myself in the throes of the wine and not able to control my words, saying hurtful things I did not mean. I...am.... I am sorry, Father."

She awaits any reply at all from Julian.

Martin moves over to Caine's door as Cat has directed after saying softly, "Good luck, Fair One." He straightens the things in his arms, looking at the wine greedily. Licking his lips, he barely wins some inner struggle and turns his attention to the task at hand. Cat takes note of Martin's unusual desire for liquid and makes a mental note to have him looked over by a doctor.

He smiles faintly at the guard and knocks on Caine's cell door. "Uncle, it is your nephew, Martin. Cat and I have brought you some of the things you require."

A voice calls from within. "When have I ever known Martin, son of Random?"

Martin Calls back, "Once or twice in passing. You may know my hounds better than I, I'm afraid. You've commented on their intelligence to me whilst on a hunt, commending me for their training. I believe you thought me a simple nobleman rather than blood relation."

"Ah." Is the only response.

His eyes go to the guard, "Are we allowed in their chambers?"

The guard nods. "if you'll dispense with any arms, your grace, yes."

Martin hands his weapons to the guard, nodding politely. "See they are well kept."

The door swings open at the guard's turn of a key, and within a bare, but mostly clean cell is Julian, shackled to his iron-legged bed, his beard gone long from lack of a razor.

Thinner, but just as cold-eyed, he eyes the newcomer and his daughter.

"What would you have of me?"

Martin steps into the chamber, remaining near the door. Under his arm he holds the basket meant for their other uncle. His other hand slips into his pocket while the pair speaking, and a distracted look comes across his face.

"I brought food for you, Father. A bit of smoked venison, bread, and a bit of cheese," Cat replies, setting the basket on his bed. "Some wine as well, not your preferred vintage but a good bit, anyway. I don't know when I'll be around Amber again, considering my recent engagement to Martel, likely not for a long time."

Noticing the distant look on Martin's face, Cat asks, "What is wrong, Martin?"

Martin seems lost for a moment, then offers a gentle, but somehow strained, smile. "I'm fine. Just...thinking."

"Hmm. When we are away to Rebma, I think a visit to a doctor may be in order for you, Dear Martin, if you are still feeling well enough to travel, that is." Cat replies.

Martin shakes his head, nose wrinkling up as if he just stepped in something unpleasant. "No doctors. And I will be just fine for travel, dearheart. Worry no longer on my well-being."

If Julian seems perturbed in the least by the announcement of an impending marraige, he gives not the slightest sign. Unruffled, he takes the basket and smashes the wine bottle's top against the iron post of the bed.

"Pulling the cork out would have been a little too easy, Father?" Cat asks with a wry grin as her father takes a long drink from the mangled bottle.

"Perhaps," is all he concedes to the thought.

Martin flinches at the sound of the smashing glass, but remains where he is, watching and slightly distracted. His eyes rarely leave his uncle, a deep curiosity burning behind them. Faint amusement forms on his lips when the man begins drinking from the shattered bottle.

The guard looks alarmed, until Julian proceeds to drink from the jagged neck.

"Not too bad..." he mutters. "Thank you."

After a long second draught, he rights the bottle and begins eating the venison strips.

Cat kneels next to Julian as he consumes his meager feast. A tentative hand reaches to pat Julian's knee as she remarks, "Easy, Father. Too much too quickly will unsettle even the most ironcast of stomachs. Sadly, Martin and I will be unable to stay long, but if I may be of any service to you before I leave, Father, now would be the time to tell me. Uncle Caine has already asked that I bear message to King Gerard, is there anything to be done on your behalf?"

"Get me the hell out of here...Caine and I surely did not kill that runt of a brother."

A thought passes over Martin's pale features, then he sets the bundle of Caine's goods down. He closes the cell door slightly, enough to be harder to hear but keep the guard happy. He steps closer to his uncle, nodding politely. "And perhaps you may be able to answer a question for me, uncle. If you would be so willing to share some of your wisdom."

His voice falls an octave, an almost nervous tone in his voice. "How many brothers have you seen buried before now? Was there another brother, far older than my father and perhaps even Eric, that was laid to rest here in Amber long ago?"

"Corum...Osric...Finndo...Lucinda..." Julian says between bites and gulps.

"Who were these relatives, Father? How did they die?" Cat asks, the names foreign to her ears.

Martin's eyes narrow as one of the names is spoken, nodding lightly to Julian's words. He scracthes his chin with his poor hand, considering his next words. He allows Cat to speak first, then adds to her questions in a low tone. "Tell me of Osric. Did you know him in life? Corwin only mentioned him briefly while we spoke about the family over Guinness on Shadow Earth. What was the man like, both in life and death?"

Martin bites his lip when Julian refuses to answer his question, simply nodding in silence rather than pressing the issue.

From outside there is the clang of the stairway door, and a man is heard to say...."I've orders from the King...orders of release for Prince's Julian and Caine!"

Cat looks out of the cell door as the male voice resonates.

"It does appear, Father, as if you and Uncle Caine have received your wish," Cat says to Julian. "Shall I gather fresh clothing for you to travel in? I would hope that you should make a hasty retreat from this Hellhole."

Cat turns to Martin, "Would you see to Uncle Caine's needs, Martin? Surely, he will still need to have a meal and require some personal assistance."

The prince's eyes focus on the door for a moment as he listens to the speaker. Then he nods to the others, a sad smile lighting his paling features.

"Of course. I'm sure he is much need of such things."

Julian arises as the guards examine the royal seal upon the herald's writ.

He says nothing of Osric. "We are leaving with Caine...the forest suits me more than this heap of stone....you will come with me 'ere you go about your other business - there is much to discuss, yea, even with you Martin."

His eyebrow goes up quizzically when his uncle includes him in this soon-to-be conversation.

"Aye. I will come with you. Perhaps the obfuscation of matter here in Amber will finally be dispelled."

In minutes, Caine and Julian are handed clean, but plain, garb, but they decline razors and wash water, seeming both impatient and agitated. It is not long before the descend the stairs before bowing guards, and begin to make for a dim side corridor...

Cat retrieves her weaponry (sword and dagger) from the guard as the small crew of her father, uncle and cousin make ready to leave. Cat takes a defensive positon to guard the group as they leave, keeping careful eye out for an ambush.

"You may wish to start saying whatever it is you have to say, Father. I somehow doubt that this day will be so uninterrupted as to give us leisure time to speak later on," she says, keeping guard.

Martin retrieves his blades, appearing more comforted by their presence at his side. As the others prepare, he samples another goblet of water, draining it to the bottom before returning it to the guard. Taking up the rear of the group, the young prince remains wary of his surroundings, as if expecting to be attacked at any moment. Still, his manner reveals the obvious desire to be out of this place. He remains silent as they walk through the halls, listening tot he others speak.

I will cleave my tongue to palate until we depart this miserable pile of stone," Julian says over his shoulder.

Martin snickers faintly, nodding his agreement. "I knew there was a reason I liked you, uncle. The more expedient our departure from this place, the better we'll all feel, I suspect. Far too many-bad memories in this place. Not to mention, far too many cousins."

He gazes over at Cat, and offers her a gentle smile. "Fear not, dearest. There will always be time for talk later. Our main goal should be to put as much distance between us and Amber as possible. Dark clouds are coming, and better we not be beneath them when they arrive."

Cat looks around nervously. "I'd not put it above 'King Gerard' to grant freedom only to organize an ambush just outside castle grounds and claim they were attempting escape, lovely fellow that he is. Of course, I wouldn't put that above any of our family. Though with the return of Bley's son, 'I'm-so-important' Christopher with young Merlin and Bleys himself bringing home Thomas, I'm sure the king has his hands more than full."

Cat falls silent, her mind obviously thinking on some grave matter.

 

 

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