Forgot that this one occured.  

Also, we can go ahead with the TNN thing if you like.  
I don't know why I was trying to juggle everyone.  ;)  

Gen and Jack.  Gen in Arden, Jack in the kitchens.  
Gen initated the call.  Day one.  

"Hey Gen, whats up?"  
"B-bad time?  Swords?"  
"Nope, just having some lunch.  Swords what?"  
"Ours.  Could c-compare them, what Dworkin said."  
"Ok, um want me to come through?"  

Jack stepped through.  
END
_____

It's Neville on the trump.  You can see Neville in a strange shadow 
with very small houses all around and very small trees.  
There is a beautiful sky above and the weather is splendid.  
Neville stands on a grassy plane.  Neville looks weak as usual, 
he wears a black doublet with some purple stripes.  

"Hello brother dear.  Hope I'm not interrupting you?  
Well, first of all I want to apologize for my last stupid tricks.  
I remember last time we talked I tried to play some stupid tricks 
and we didn't understand each other.  
Anyways... how are things?  Do you have any news from Amber?"  

Malcolm is sitting in a plush chair against a wall.  
"I am in Amber, Neville.  What news do you seek?"  

"Well, everyone is excited with the wedding.  
I thought you know something about it.  Do you?"  

"Only that there is to be one.  
I gather that this is something of a regular occurance for our father.  
I'll be there of course, both as dutiful son and as ambassador from Meru.  
Any chance you'll patch things up enough to attend?"  

"I am afraid not.  I do not expect an invitation for Oberon.  
I think you know that.  Unfortunately things went wrong between me and him 
some time ago and I don't think any of the two of us will forget it.  
Anyway, I won't.  Where is this Meru kingdom you mentioned?"  

Through their mental link, Neville can feel Malcolm become guarded.  
"Beyond the Golden Circle.  It's where my mother's people live.  
I'm the ambassador."  

Neville tightens his mental concentration.  "Oh, that's interesting, 
I've never been there.  Is it a kingdom in close relations with Amber?  
And may I ask you about your mother?"  

"Close enough to have an ambassador; not close enough to be a member 
of the Golden Circle.  And my mother is no longer among the living."  

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.  How did she die?"  

He doesn't answer, and changes the subject, saying, "So if anything interesting 
does occur at the wedding, do you want me to call you?"  He smiles, 
"Or do you have your own... agents... among the throng?"  

"Sure, I would be honoured if you want to call me.  
It's just that I don't think I will be able to come.  
I mean I could, but I don't think Oberon will allow it.  
Well, let me be more precise, I love Amber as I'm sure we all do 
and a big event there is a nice thing there 
and I kind of can imagine how beautiful will our home city look that day.  

"Well, I won't ask you to pass congratulations for Oberon.  
I don't wish him bad, but I will support anyone who opposes him.  
I may openly admit that.  What about your relations with Oberon?"

"I'm his son, and an ambassador to his court, Neville.  
It is no more than that, but neither is it less.  
Look, if you want to be angry at dad, fine.  
But don't look to me to support any coups against him."  

"I'm not looking for support Malcolm.  I'm just not in his team 
and I wanted to let you know about this.  That's all.  
May I ask what are your plans for the nearliest [sic] future?  
Anything conected to Meru? Do you seek more power for your kingdom?  
Would you like to see it among the Golden Circle lands?"  

"Neville, I plan to represent the interests of my kingdom, 
and to stay the hell out of Amber's politics.  
But I have several good friends that would get hurt 
if fighting were to break out.  I hope that's clear enough.  

"Meru is interested in only one thing.  It wishes to be let alone.  
It is the High Priestess' will that Meru not be... influenced... 
by the notions of outsiders.  As a half-outsider, it is convenient for Meru 
that I, too, am gone."  

"Why are you suspecting me of anything?  I don't plan to attack Amber.  
I admit I did it some time ago and I do not regret it.  
As I told you Oberon is not high on my list.  
You are afraid I can do it again, right?"  

"When a man inquires what another man wants, he usually wants something in return.  
I apologize if I am mistaken."  This in his best ambassadorial tones.  

"I want nothing but news, which you gave me and for which I am thankful to you.  
Is it something wrong?  And is there anything you may want from me?"  

"I want nothing, Neville.  You called me, remember?"  


"You mean Magenta's will?"  
"No.  The High Priestess of Meru.  She is the supreme power there."  
"Oh, who is it, I have never heard of her?  Must be a good friend of yours."  
"Oh, yes.  She is my sister, Rhea."  
"Is she of Amber blood?"  
"No.  She is Meruvian."
"Oh, I see. Pass my regards to her when you see her."  


"OK, OK, I do not intend to touch your kingdom at all.  
Maybe there is anything I can do for your Meru?  Can you think of something?"  

"No.  It is somewhat self-contained, brother, and not a place for men.  
Now let me ask you the same question.  What can the ambassdor from Meru do 
for you, without, of course, offending His Majesty?"  

"I thought we can be friends Malcolm."  Neville looks disappointed.  
"Can't I call you for some news?  Your tone suggests you do not appreciate 
a conversation with me, unless I am mistaken..."  

"You are.  Mistaken, that is.  I am always pleased to hear from the long-lost.  
It is merely that my official duties limit the propriety of contact with an outlaw.  
I'm sure you understand.  On a personal note, I am glad of the contact, 
and I'm asking you if there is anything you need."  

"I understand.  But, sorry for the expression, you seem a little paranoid.  
Hey, relax, this is only your brother calling you.  I may be an outlaw, 
but is it a good enough reason not to talk to me?  I can be an outlaw, 
but a friend also.  Who knows, maybe there will be the time when we save 
each other's asses.  Once you are on the top, another time you are an outlaw, 
you know our family...  I hope you can talk or...."  
Neville's face becomes suspicious, he lowers his voice, 
"Maybe you are being spied and you don't want to talk right now?"  

"No.  And it isn't paranoia.  I am merely not in the mood to conspire.  
I'd be happy to discuss anything else with you, however."  

"OK. I started to wonder if you are afraid of someone spying us or things like that."  


"No, there isn't anything I need from you at present.  
In the future, do you want me to call you only in case I need something?  
I just wanted to say hello, ask you for some news and chat a little that's all."  

[GM]: I gave them a tease. ;)

> You both reach towards the source of what you believe to be the watcher on 
> your trump call.  You get a sense of surprise, as you seem to have caught 
> the being off guard.  You catch a glimpse of what might be a hooded figure, 
> and the feeling of infinite coldness.
> 
> You feel a summoning of energy, of unbelievable proportions, and what could 
> best be described as a psychic smack.  
> 
> You're both dazed for a few moments, and the trump connection between the 
> two of you is lost.  

Loki notes, "He began to detect me here, as well.  He's very powerful, 
for a human."  
_____

Malcolm attempts to resist the trump call, but finds that the pressure is great.  
He slowly begins losing mental ground, and finally, out of the blue, 
the other person whips out what could best be described psychic jujitsu, 
and slips into trump contact.  

"Sorry Malcolm, this is me, Neville, I had to push to catch a contact with you."  

"By the goddess! You don't think I knew who it was?!"  He sounds very angry.  
"Get out!"  Malcolm pushes, hard.  


"'Twould seem they're having a falling out," Loki comments.
_____

It is Neville on the Trump call.  He appears to be off in Shadow.  
Gen is standing in a forest of some sort.  

Neville secretly checks Gen's mind.  

Neville openly fishes for info about Gen's Rangers in Arden.  
Neville then asks Gen to consider treason against Oberon.  

> > It's at this point that Loki reports some sort of energy 
> > building up where Gen is at.  A protective sort of energy.  
> 
> Emanating from the Forest in general?  

From the forest.  It's vaguely fae.  But only vaguely.  

_____

(Neville and Lucius)

> Liam wants the full info on this bard, who he is, 
> where he works and who for, where he's from, 
> who he likes and dislikes, etc.  
> 
> If necessary, Liam will inform the Sherrif's constables 
> about this guy, and about his involvement with Neville.  
> (This will be done secretly, of course, 
> by having one or more of Liam's agents 
> who've infiltrated the constables 
> tell of "rumors" they've "uncovered" about this.)  

The guy is just one of several bards in the court.  
It's pretty easy to find out where he likes to eat, who is favorite whore is.  
He's not that notable a chap.  He was friends with Neville before his exile, 
and he does not seem to have changed his feelings regarding him.  

From Neville, off in shadow, to Lucius, a bard in Amber.  He accepts the trump.  
He appears to be in Amber City, down in one of the small restaurants.  

Incidentally, Neville feels a distant sensation of being watched.  
You can't quite pin it down, but you also had the same feeling 
when you were talking to Malcolm.  

He then says to Lucius: "You seem to be in a nice looking place."  
[He's in an _ALLEY_, you dingbat.]  "Can I join you.  Pull me through!"  
After I see Lucius face to face I tell him.

Lucius' eyes widen, and he looks about for anyone in the area.  
The feeling of being watched intensifies.  

"Perfect.  This is very important for me.  Please try to walk around 
and if you spot her, do call me immediately.  I may want you to pull me through.  
I need to see her.  I won't have any chances at all probably to talk to her, 
but if you say you saw her in the corridor then here is what we will do.  
When you spot her you will Trump me there.  
I will have another quick Trump with me and after I see her even for a quick minute, 
I will Trump away.  I know she will be well guarded.  
This is very important and I do need you to do it for me.  
Go do it my friend and call me as soon as you see her."  

Loki notes, "I believe I was detected.  While he isn't strong enough 
to resist my spying, he was strong enough to sense my presence, I believe.  
I spied on the area where he trumped through to.  
Do you wish me to do something with the bard?"  

> I just wanted to make sure what you are doing.  
> Are you going to trump him out while Neville's in Amber?  
> Or are you going to wait until Neville leaves?

As I see it, here's the current situation: 

1.  Liam just received a transcript of the trump call between Neville 
  and his Ally in Amber, Lucius.  
2.  According to this transcript, Neville is in Amber, _right_now_, in an alley, 
  with Lucius, about two miles from Liam (at least, as of the trump call).  
3.  Neville has expressed a desire to be in Cymnea's presence, or at least 
  to acquire a description of her (presumably, to make a trump of her), in either case, 
  for reasons unknown to us.  (We can _assume_, but not confirm, that it's for 
  some mischief to be executed at Oberon's expense.)  
4.  Neville detected the spying effort.  

So, here's what we're gonna do: 

1.  Liam finds Oberon, gives him the discreet "urgent!" signal, 
  and talks to him in private, telling him about #s 1, 2, and 3 above.  
  With regards #4, Liam says that the trump spy was an agent of Liam's that he taught.  
  (Liam does _not_ mention that the "agent" was actually a construct.)  
2.  Liam recommends that Oberon inform Errol and Arric about Neville being in the city, 
  and about his ally, Lucius.  Errol can try to apprehend either or both of them 
  (Liam gave Oberon the last known location of Neville, and Oberon can give that, 
  as well as Lucius' description, to Errol to help him apprehend the two of them.)  
  I don't know if Arric has already ordered the guards to be on full alert yet, 
  but they ought to be told to be on the lookout for Neville and/or Lucius.  
3.  As far as trump-kidnapping Lucius, I'm putting that idea on the back burner for now.  
  _BUT_, since Loki now "knows" Lucius (having intercepted the trump call), 
  he can create a virtual trump of him also, send "copies" of that virtual trump 
  to Beta-4 and -5, and have them track him.  

Oberon says that he will summon Arric and Errol and brief them on Lucius.  

> What are his orders/recommendations/(etc.) to Liam?  
> (for example: Leave Neville alone?  Let Errol handle it?  
> Have Liam's "agent(s)" continue to track Neville?  etc.)  

"Continue to monitor him at all times.  It bodes ill that he should have aims for my bride, 
especially given his history.  Let me know if he contacts anyone else in Amber."  
_____

Neville contacts a librarian in Amber named Daggor.  
_____

While at his estate in Amber, Kyle receives a trump call of fairly high urgency 
it feels like.  He accepts the call.  "What is it?"  

The connection snaps into place with great suddenness.  It's Neville.  
He appears to be in an alley of some sort.  
"Oops, sorry to be that sudden, Kyle.  I hope I am not interrupting.  
I have things to talk over with you, but I definiately want to talk 
face to face.  Can you pull me through?  I'm here, downtown in Amber."  

Motioning his friend and bodyguard that everything is alright, 
Kyle says,"Sure, come on over," and extends his right hand.  
After bringing Neville through Kyle looks at his bodyguard and says, 
"Sandar, would you please check the outer perimeter.  Thanks, man."  
With a wink for Neville, the Amberite captain leaves the living room.  
"Why are you in Amber, little brother?"  Though his tone is teasing, 
Kyle clearly awaits an answer.  

Neville hopes to be Trumped to Cymnea's presence by one of his allies, 
whereupon he will either talk to her face to face, or else examine her 
from a distance and then retreat to make a Trump of her.  
If she proves too loyal to Oberon, he plans to implant something nasty 
into her mind.  

Neville was doing some Trump spying of his own, which is how he was so quick 
in deducing that someone was spying on him.  He will resume trump spying later, 
and will keep Kyle informed of what he knows.  
As far as the "spy", he said, "It may be Oberon, Dworkin or someone very strong 
[from] Chaos or from Shadow.  I really have no idea, but I know it is something 
extremely powerfull mentally."  

Kyle: "Have you considered the possibility of it being Amadan?  
I don't see Oberon spying on you without taking further action, 
and as for Dworkin, he is stark raving mad most of the time.  
You realize you might have given your mysterious enemy an important piece 
of information.  Aside from Sandar, no one knew we were still close, 
up until you showed Mr. X otherwise.  I hope your plans warrant the risk.  
Anyway, my idea of seeing Cymnea won't go completely unnoticed 
now you have that spectator looking over your shoulder.  
Do you think we should go ahead with it?"  


Neville: "What about you? Did you talk to anyone?  Do you have any plans?  
Oh, and did you talk to.... you know, our small problem, one of us once created?  
I don't want to name things, not even here.  
It may be worth to check if things are safe there, but if something is spying on us, 
maybe we will open ourselves if we do."  

Kyle: "No, I didn't. Perhaps it's time to do so again. Would you care to join me?"  


Kyle: "I bought this exqisite porcelain tea set for a wedding gift.  
Can't show up empty handed, now can I?"  


Kyle uses a touch-based Fae power on Neville.  
_____

> From Loki:
> 
> "I hate to bring this up, but while observing Neville's actions, 
> I discovered another being of my order that, if I am correct, 
> is observing Kyle.  It's roughly on par with myself in terms 
> of power, and using a Pattern lens for its monitoring.  
> Should I break off observation?"

[Liam]: "I'd rather ye didn't, seein' as he's here in Amber 
and up t' no good, but if ye're in danger, don't be 
riskin' yerself unnecessarily.  
If ye can keep an eye peeled on him every so often, 
that'd work, and now that he's left that bard, Lucius, 
can ye see if ye can ... 'borrow' ? ... the bard's Trumps?  
I'd like to have us examine them, as well as any other ... 
'goodies' ... he has from Neville, what say ye?"  

[Loki]: "I'm not at risk, it merely seems to be watching me 
as I watch it...  Fascinating.  It has attempted to cloak itself 
further with some shadow manipulating capability.  
As for Lucius, he only appears to have one trump on his person, 
that being of Neville."  [made by Neville; _studied_!!! (for future comparison)]

Hood and Spanky are names I chose for the two constructs monitoring him.  
"Hood" is Loki.  "Spanky" is the other one.  

> BTW, was Loki able to acquire any further info on "Spanky"?  

Aside from the fact that he's using what Loki terms "a direct Pattern interface 
for the viewing of remote locations in shadow, combined with an ability to make 
fine modifications to the very nature of shadow for specific purposes"?  

> Does he have enough of a "sense" of "Spanky" to be able to make a Trump of it?  

He could try.  Not much to go on.  "Spanky" isn't spawning a remote terminal, 
so it's harder to get a sense of "identity".  

> If memory serves, Loki noticed "Spanky" for the first time 
> at Kyle's estate.  Before then, "Spanky" wasn't around 
> either Neville (at least, not while Loki was spying on Neville).  
> The impression I got from what you told me 
> was that Spanky was present from the get-go at Kyle's place.  
> Is this correct?  

He was there when Loki arrived.  
_____

After Liam reported to Oberon abut Neville, 
Oberon trumps Kel, Errol, and Arric very close together.  

Loki notes that he has been wholly unsuccessful in listening in on Oberon's conversations 
with people he's trumped to him.  It seems some localized field interferes.  

Loki will ascertain what orders Arric and Errol give to their troops.  
_____

(Kyle trumps to the Main Hall in the Castle)


_____

Late evening [ret-con!] on day #1, Oberon trumps Jorrel, Jordan, and Jack separately 
with a good space of time between them.  
_____

[Jorrel]: I am in my quarters in Castle Amber.  
I am sitting behind my desk.  "Hello?"  

[Oberon]: "Duke Jorrel.  Do you have a moment?"  
He's wearing casual attire, appears to be in his study, in a "political" mood.  
Formal and polite, but not friendly.  Typical Oberon.  

"Yes, I do."  
"Shall I bring you through?"  
"Yes."  Jorrel extends his hand and grasps the hand of Oberon.  
_____


_____

Late evening on the first day, Jack receives a trump call.  [ret-con?]
It's Oberon.  In his study.  "Jack, come through.  Now."  

[Jack does]
_____



_____

First day, after dinner, late evening.  [ret-con?]

Arric is in the niche sitting area off the hall not too far from Oberon's rooms.  
The light is relatively low, some from a lone oil lamp off to the left 
but most from the hallway.  She's lounging in one of the comfortable leather chairs 
with a finger holding her place in a book from the shelf on the wall, plotting 
and waiting for Oberon.  On feeling the stirrings of the contact, 
she'll first check to see who it is.  

It's Oberon, in his study.  "Arric, I need to speak to you immediately.  
Shall I bring you through, or would you prefer to walk the distance?"  


_____

First day, after Kyle trumps into the great hall, stalls in the bathroom, 
and is met by Oberon.  

Trump call from Arric to Oberon.  

"Yes?"  

"Ah- you seem to already know that Kyle just trumped into the castle.  
Do you want me to stay out of there while you discuss things?  
I need to talk to him about his methods of entry before he leaves."  
She looks grim.  

"I will talk to him on my own for now.  I shall be certain he sees you 
before he leaves.  Was there anything else?"  

"No, sir."   She cuts the contact.  
_____