It looks like a nice autumn night. Pity he isn't going to be spending
much of it in bed. Pocketing the key to his door, Martin sets off down
the hall to find Henden, anyone. Hell, that girl'll do.

Black haired and pale-skinned, she's dressed all in black velvet with a
girdle of pearls at her waist, and her steps are as quiet as a ghost's.

He calls out to her, and she turns, uncertainly.

Purity's face registers surprise when she finally gets a clear view of
the young man who called after her, and she drops into a curtsy as he
nears. "My lord Martin," she greets. "Welcome back."

Martin nods, waves aside the formality. "Yeah. Is Henden around?"

Purity straightens, and shakes her head, "I'm afraid he's unavailable,
my lord."

Martin hmms.

Purity suggests respectfully, "perhaps I could help instead?"

Martin cocks an eyebrow. "You're ..."

Purity inclines her head, answering, "Purity, my lord. I serve as Lord
Henden's aide."

Martin nods, "'Thought I'd seen you around before."

Purity acknowledges the comment with a graceful nod. "You wished
something done?"

Martin considers, shrugs. "I need something delivered."

Purity arches one delicate eyebrow.

Martin adds, with a faint smile, "To a lady."

Purity ahhs softly, understanding illuminating her features.

Martin reaches into his jacket, retrieves a small object on a chain. The
glint of gold. "It's a surprise."

Purity's gaze falls to the keepsake in Martin's hand, and she holds out
her hand for it. "I shall be circumspect," she assures him.

Martin doesn't comment. He weighs it in his hand, reluctant to give it
over, then drops it into her waiting hand, lets the chain slide into her
palm.

Purity studies the pendant as she folds its chain carefully around it.
"It's very beautiful," she says after a moment. "Shall I find a box for
it, or deliver it as it is?"

Martin shrugs, "As it is. My stepmother isn't one for ceremony."

Purity takes a second to digest this. "This is for the lady Vialle?"

Martin quirks a smile, "Sure. Who did you think it was for?"

Purity answers coolly, "it's not my place to speculate on such matters."

Martin chuckles, "Right."

Purity slips the pendant into a pocket, smiling archly. "Have you any
other intriguing little errands you'd like me to run then, my lord?"

Martin shakes his head. "Just give her my apologies. And maybe some
roses or something. I'm on my way out again, or I'd drop in and visit."

Purity says, "I'm sure she'll understand."

Martin says, "See that she gets it."

Purity says, "from my own hands, Lord Martin."

Gerard comes up the stairs then.

Purity curtsies deeply as the Regent approaches. "Your Highness," she
says.

Martin turns, sees Gerard, nods. He runs his fingers nervously through
his hair, says "Hi."

"Greetings all," Gerard says. "Are we having a conference to plot the
downfall of the regent?"

Purity smiles, "not unless his downfall involves flowers and chocolate."

Martin grins, "Who's been talking?"

Gerard smiles wryly, "Some might say that", patting his belly.

To Martin Gerard says, "Nobody. Don't you know I'm always the last to
know anything around here?"

Martin shrugs, "Well, you are only the figurehead."

Gerard peers at Martin.

Purity manages to keep a straight face.

Martin adds, "Or so they tell me."

Gerard says coldly, "You've been misinformed."

An old, musty-smeling breeze blows through the corridor.

Martin observes, "I have been away."

Gerard refuses to comment and instead asks Purity, "How go the
preparations for the reception?"

Purity says "They go well, your Highness. Lord Henden is confidant the
Virgan party will have no cause for complaint."

Gerard says "He doesn't know the Virgans very well then, I see."

Martin says "What reception?"

Gerard says "For a Virgan prince."

Purity smiles wryly, "Lord Henden is optimistic, and determined that the
Virgans will not have anything to complain about."

Martin says, "Lucky us."

Gerard says "It could be."

Martin mmms?

Gerard says "We might wish to delay his departure."

Martin says, "Somehow, I doubt it's because he's a great dinner
conversationalist."

Gerard considers, "Virga has been raising a fuss of late. More than the
usual. I'd like to do something that might settle them down a little.
Remind them who's boss."

Martin nods, "Right. What did you have in mind?"

Purity asks matter-of-factly, "is he to be a long-term guest, then?"

Gerard says "I'm considering options. I'll speak with you and the others
before the reception. Perhaps we might wish to have you and Antonio raid
them on their way home. Of course that will mean you can't be at the
reception."

Martin grins, "Suits me. I'm not much for fancy dinners."

Gerard nods, "I'll think about it anyway."

Purity taps her chin, "perhaps if the Virgan party were raided =before=
they reached Amber, neccessitating their rescue by Prince Wayland's
ships..?"

Gerard says "No, after would be better. And somewhere in Virga, I
think."

Martin nods in agreement, "Outside our seas, that's for sure."

Gerard says "How soon can you leave, Martin?"

Martin shrugs, "I can leave now, but it means putting off the other
thing for a few more days."

Gerard nods, "The two of you are due to leave in a few days anyway. Just
consider this a side trip."

Martin nods, "Right. We'll head straight into shadow after saying Hi to
the Virgans."

Antonio casually wanders down the hall.

Gerard nods. Glancing across to the new arrival he says, "Antonio."

Purity raises a delicate eyebrow as she recognises the figure
approaching down the hallway.

Antonio says "What's all this I hear about Virgans?"

Martin eyes the new arrival with a faint smirk. "They're coming to a
party we're throwing in their honor."

Gerard says "You and Martin are going on a bad-will visit."

Purity stares, politely.

Antonio smirks, "Bad-will visit. I like the sound of that. Where's the
party?"

Martin says, "Here, then we see them off in their home waters. Give them
a sending off they won't forget."

Antonio says "Sounds fun. When do we leave?"

Gerard says "Immediately."

Martin shrugs, "You heard the man." To Antonio, "Do we take your ship,
or mine?"

Antonio's smirk widens slightly, 'Mine is a little the worse for wear
unfortunately. What happens if they decide to take a land route. Say via
Adamas?"

Purity's expression remains coolly diffident, but her gaze stays on
Antonio.

Martin says "and snub their navy, the envy of the Golden Circle, equal
of Amber, blah, blah, blah? Don't think so."

Antonio says "Their land forces are quite competent too."

Martin shrugs, "We could split up, I guess. You cover the sea-route, and
I'll handle the land, but it means only one of us gets all the fun."

Gerard says "Why don't you see which way they come in first. Our scouts
will be able to tell you within a day which way they're coming."

Antonio glances at Martin, eyes questioning.

Purity observes, "if I may, your highness? The Virgans are not above
touring the provinces, so to speak, to show off their might. They may
very well come by sea, and return by land."

Antonio says "Pity the trumps aren't working."

Martin shrugs, non-committal.

Gerard says "Have you tried them lately?"

Antonio shakes his head, "No. Should I?"

Martin points out to Gerard, "I did. There's a reason I had to walk back
to report to you."

Purity says quietly, "I could speak with the Virgan embassy, to...
confirm details of the visit, if you wish."

Gerard nods, "That might work."

Purity inclines her head, "then I shall see to it at once. Will there be
anything else, your highness?"

Gerard says "No."

Antonio says "No"

Martin says, "no"

Gerard peers at both Antonio and Martin.

Antonio smirks.

Purity curtsies deeply to the Regent, to the others, and backs away.

Martin grins to Antonio.

Antonio comments to the others once Purity is out of earshot,
"Interesting girl. A little psychotic though."

Purity turns and heads towards the stairs, leaving in a whisper of
velvet.

Martin cocks an eyebrow, "eh?"

The light reflects oddly from the mirror for a second, moved by a
breeze, perhaps.

Gerard throws Antonio a warning look, "Stay away from her. She's
Brand's."

Antonio arches his brow, "Really? Well that explains the psychotic bit."

Martin's face darkens. His hand, perhaps unconsciously, falls casually
to the hilt of his rapier. "How do you mean, "she's Brand's"."

Antonio ignores Martin and asks, "So, we wait until we know and then
head off to do what specifically?"

Gerard says "Raid the Virgan party as they're on their way back to
Virga."

Martin keeps his gaze on Gerard, waiting for an answer.

Antonio nods, "Alright. Do you want them captured or killed?"

Gerard ignores Martin as he answers Antonio, "It might be best to
capture the envoy, the prince. The rest, it's up to the two of you."

Martin takes no part in the planning of the raid, his eyes fixed on
Gerard as he waits for an acknowledgement.

Antonio says "Okay, then. We'll make the arrangements as we see fit
then. Martin, care for a drink down in the Anchor?"

Martin says, without turning, "I'll join you later."

Antonio shrugs, his eyes going to Gerard's.

Gerard just nods to Antonio.

Antonio says "Alright. I'll see you there later then."

Antonio heads towards the stairs.

Martin nods, his gaze still fixed on Gerard.

Gerard turns to face Martin.

Martin says quietly, his voice edged. "I believe I'm owed an
explanation."

Gerard says "Believe what you like. I can't tell you what I don't know."

Martin says, "You said she was Brand's. Tell me how."

Gerard shrugs, "There's not much to tell. Brand brought her here about
fifty years ago. I think they were lovers. That's basically it."

Martin frowns, somewhere between irate and doubting. His fingers dance
over the hilt of his blade in irritation as he insists quietly, "there's
more to it than that."

Gerard nods, "Probably, but you will have to find another to tell you."

Martin wavers for a moment, nods, and half-turns to go. "That's all you
know?" he asks, the edge gone from his voice, but the tension still in
his face.

Gerard nods.

Martin nods curtly, "Right, then." As he turns to leave, he mutters,
"thanks", saying it with little satisfaction.

Gerard doesn't comment as he turns and heads the other way.

Martin heads towards the stairs, his long strides carrying him quickly
down them.

He's given a message that Antonio will meet him in the Crown and Anchor
on the Vine, and makes his way there, his mood soured for the evening.

It's late in the night, or perhaps early in the morn, by the time he
enters the cosy interior of the inn.

Martin ducks in, shaking a leaf off his cloak.

Antonio is sitting near the hearth sipping a glass of red wine.

Martin shrugs off his cloak, glancing round the room for Antonio.

Antonio calls out, "Martin! So good you could join us."

Martin raises a hand in a half-hearted wave, and heads over to the
hearth. He pulls up a chair before the hearth, and slumps into it, a
frown creasing his forehead.

Antonio says "What are you drinking?"

Martin says "Something that'll take this off my mind. Howabout some of
that Virgan shit they got here?"

Antonio nods and tries to attract the attention of a server to order the
Virgan Gold from the Bar.

Martin stares gloomily into the hearth-fire.

The server returns with a carafe of sweet, amber-coloured wine and
carefully places it before Antonio.

Antonio slides it across to Martin, "There you go." He sips his red.

Martin takes the drink, and considers it. "Here's a toast to the star of
the party," he says, raising the glass.

Antonio smirks and then shrugs, "Very well then. To me", he says raising
his glass.

Martin manages a smirk, and downs the glass.

Antonio casually comments after a sip of red, "So. You like Purity,
huh?"

Martin splutters, jerking upright in his seat. "Phaugh! This is foul!"

Antonio nods knowingly, "Virgin piss? It is aptly named, don't you
think?"

Martin coughs, "No shit. Any doubts I had about toasting the bastards
just evaporated." He wipes his mouth, and waves a server over and orders
something drinkable.

Antonio says "I did once try to ruin their entire industry. There are,
however, only so many Virgan virgins one can satisfy before one looses
one's lunch."

Martin shakes his head, after the server returns with some Bayle red,
and smiles, "I'll bet."

Antonio says "So, what has our uncle been having you do?"

Martin sips at the red, and shrugs as he sits back. "Looking for the
rest of them."

Antonio arches his brow, "The rest of who?"

Martin says "The family."

Antonio nods, "I'll presume that you didn't."

Martin allows himself a wry smile, "not a hair of one of them. Don't
suppose you saw anything... a shadow of a shadow...?"

Antonio shakes his head, "Can't say I was looking."

Alyn comes down the stairs into the room, and says, "Greetings."

He stands about 5'10" tall with light brown hair and blue eyes, dressed
in a simple gray tunic and pants. Over his shoulder he carries a pack
that looks as though it's filled with books.

Martin nods greetings to the new arrival.

Antonio turns to Alyn, "Hiya. Alyn, isn't it?"

Alyn says "Yes it is. Antonio correct?"

Antonio smiles wryly, "That's correct. Why don't you grab yourself a
drink and join us. This is my cousin Martin. Martin, this is Alyn. He
has an unusual fetish for cats."

Alyn chuckles.

Martin glances from one to another, eyebrow cocked, swirls his red
around some. "We all have our weaknesses, I suppose."

As Alyn gets himself a drink, Martin and Antonio continue their
discussion in quiet. Martin says "he wants us to continue, after the
side-trip to Virga."

Antonio nods, "Where have you looked?"

Martin says "Shadow's a big place. I looked everywhere that I could
think up. Nothing."

Antonio nods, and turns to Alyn, just returned from the bar.

Alyn sits down on one of the comfortable chairs around the hearth.

Antonio adds, "Especially cats owned by young ladies."

Alyn says "It was merely an experiment as to how cats act when they are
drunk."

Martin says, "Cats? drunk?" He eyes Antonio suspiciously, "this is
typical of the sort of company you keep, is it?"

Alyn says "Yes, it was quite interesting. They lose their coordination.
No longer land on their feet and such."

Antonio smirks, "It takes all types."

Martin grins, "I like it."

Antonio smirks, "Perhaps we should bring him with us."

Martin grins, "now there's a plan." To Alyn, he asks, "do you specialise
in cats, or can you get anything drunk? Anything at all?"

Alyn laughs, "Anything I suppose. The cats were there and I started
wondering, and the rest is rumour."

Antonio laughs loudly.

Martin chuckles, the day's tension finally seeping from his neck and
shoulders. "This could be interesting, eh, Antonio? Howabout we send
some oliphants and dromedaries his way?"

Alyn grins, "Are you supplying the barrels of ale?"

Antonio grins, "Of course! But have you considered the possibilities
something a little more potent might allow?"

Martin muses aloud to himself, "I wonder what a griffin needs to get
drunk?"

Antonio considers. He says "I'd say a girl griffin in a short dress.
It's a good enough excuse for me."

Martin laughs!

Antonio sips his wine.

Alyn says "Actually, harder alcohol could theorectically be dangerous.
You don't know what quantities or contents can be fatal to a certain
animal."

Antonio says "So?"

Martin suggests: "This is how you find out."

Alyn grins, "Would you want to be responsible for killing the cat of a
very beautiful and single girl?

Martin considers, "you kill it, she cries. The you get her another?"

Antonio glances across to Martin as he says to Alyn, "We were thinking
of something a little larger than a cat, actually."

Alyn says "Yes, but then nothing else could happen in the mean time. I'm
sure you know what I mean."

Martin shrugs, "it's a matter of timing. Girls seem to have a thing
about kittens."

Alyn says "Did you have a particular animal in mind then?"

Antonio shakes his head, "We're not certain at the moment. We're just
evaluating options."

Martin nods, "How brave do you feel, Alyn?"

Alyn says "In the pursuit of knowledge, infinitely so."

Antonio says, "Good. Very good," and sips his wine.

Martin eyes Antonio, a grin perking up the edges of his mouth. "Oho!" he
says with a smile.

Antonio says "So, Alyn. Do you get seasick at all?"

Martin smiles, sips his wine, smiles some more.

Alyn looking unsure now, "Uh, no. On the few occasions I have been, I
have ways to treat it."

Antonio nods slowly, "Good. And can you ride well?"

Alyn says "I suppose so. Never really done much hard riding, but I think
I can handle my own.

Antonio nods, "Any ties that might prevent you from leaving at a
moment's notice?"

Alyn says "Nope. None."

Antonio says simply, "Good."

Antonio sips his wine.

Martin comments, as he sips his wine, "No one to miss you if you don't
return, then?" His eyes twinkle as he says that, though his face remains
quite, quite straight.

Alyn says "No, no one. Can I ask what you have in mind?"

Antonio shakes his head and says seriously, "No. National security."

Alyn says "Ah ha. If you say so."

Martin puts a finger to his lips. "Absolutely hush-hush."

Alyn says "Ohhhhh-kay."

Antonio says "Just be prepared to leave at a moment's notice."

Martin says "Sleep with your boots on."

Antonio says "And your sword on."

Alyn says "At which point you would tell me why and where I was going,
correct?"

Antonio nods, "Eventually."

Alyn says "Especially since I don't know how to use any weapons."

Martin arches an eyebrow. "Not a one?"

Alyn says "No, not one. Never had a need. I have always been adept at
talking myself out of any situation."

Antonio says "We might have to remedy that."

Alyn says "Well, I'm afraid that if you want me to learn a weapon, due
to mortal danger, then I would have to know where I was going well ahead
of time. Regardless of national security and the like."

Martin, to Antonio, "we could always just let him get the opposition
drunk."

Antonio comments, "It is always a good skill to know. Life is full of
dangers."

Martin mutters into his wine, "sometimes, you don't get the time to talk
your way out of a knife-thrust."

Antonio considers Martin.

Martin looks up from his drink, with a "what" expression. He senses
Antonio shakes his head.

Antonio's gaze falls on Alyn.

Alyn says "Well, gentlemen. It has been a long day. Time for me to head
up to my room."

Antonio nods, "Very well. Remember. Be prepared."

Alyn stands and leaves the comfortable chairs around the hearth.

Martin nods, "see you. Soon."

Alyn disappears through the archway and ascends the stairs.

Antonio chuckles, "Interesting chap."

Martin says "I almost feel sorry for him."

Antonio peers at you, "Why?" He sips his wine.

Martin eyes Antonio from the side, "Would you like having bastards like
us yanking your chain around, just for a bit of a laugh?"

Antonio says "You've had little dealings with your uncles I see. Plus,
so what? If he survives he'll have a raging yarn to tell his grandkids.
If not, who cares? Plus he might prove to be useful to have a long."

Martin shrugs, "I've had dealings enough. But, I agree, your firend Alyn
could prove useful."

Antonio smirks, "At least entertaining."

Martin smiles wryly, "Oh, yes. Very interesting. At the least."

Antonio nods and drains his glass, "I think I might wander back to the
castle then. Coming?"

Martin cocks an eyebrow, "I thought we were supposed to just go."

Antonio says "No. We're to wait until we hear from Purity which way
they'll be leaving."

Martin's expression clouds over, then vanishes with a forced shrug.
"Yeah, might as well lounge around the palace for a bit while we can."

Antonio says "I plan to eat and sleep as much as I can until we get
called up. Never know when you might get another chance." He stands and
leaves the comfortable chairs around the hearth.

Martin abandons his half-empty glass by the chair, and rises,
stretching. "Good plan," he says.

Antonio wanders over to the bar, returning his glass and then makes his
way toward the door. He opens the door for Martin, commenting, "Youth
before beauty."

Martin slips his cloak on, and bows, "ladies first."

Antonio shrugs and says, "Brains before brawn", as he slips out the
door.

Martin grins to himself, "First into the lion's den," and follows.

---------------
10/6/97