Nine Princes In Amber

“Eric has announced his coronation in three months' time,” he said. “I can triple my forces by then-at least. Perhaps I can even have a quarter of a million Shadow troops to lead against Amber. There are other worlds like this one, and I will penetrate them. I will raise me such a force of holy crusaders as has never been sent against Amber before.”

“And Eric will have had the same time to intensify his defenses. I don't know, Bleys ... it's almost a suicide run. I didn't know the full situation when I came here-”

“And what have you brought with you?” be asked. “Nothing! It is rumored that you once commanded troops. Where are they?”

I turned away from him.

“They are no more,” I said. “I am certain.”

“Gould you not find a Shadow of your Shadow?”

“I don't want to try,” I said. “I'm sorry.”

“Then what real good are you to me?”

“I'll go,” I told him, “if that's all you had in mind, if that's all you really wanted me around for-more hodies.”

“Wait!” he cried out. “I spoke hastily. I don't want to lose your counsel, if nothing else. Stay with me, please. I will even apologize.”

“That is not necessary,” I said, knowing what this thing means to a prince of Amber. “I'll stay. I think I can help you.”

“Good!” and he clapped me upon my good shoulder.

“And I'll get you more troops,” I added. “Never fear.”

And I did.

I walked among Shadows, and found a race of furry creatures, dark and clawed and fanged, reasonably manlike, and about as intelligent as a freshman in the high school of your choice-sorry, kids, but what I mean is they were loyal, devoted, honest, and too easily screwed by bastards like me and my brother. I felt like the dee-jay of your choice.

Around a hundred thousand worshiped us to the extent of taking up arms.

Bleys was impressed and shut up. After a week my shoulder was healed. After two months we had our quarter million and more.

“Corwin, Corwin! You're still Corwin!” he said, and we took another drink.

But I was feeling kind of funny. Most of these troops were destined to die. I was the agent responsible for much of this. I felt some remorse, though I knew the difference between Shadow and Substance. Each death would be a real death; however, I knew that also.

And some nights I dwelled upon the playing cards. The missing Trumps had been restored to the pack I held. One of them was a portrait of Amber itself, and I knew it could bear me back into the city. The others were those of our dead or missing relatives. And one was Dad's, and I skipped it over quickly. He was gone.

I stared at each face for a long while to consider what might be gained from each. I cast the cards several times, and the same thing came up on each occasion.

His name was Caine.

He wore satin that was green and black, and a dark three-cornered hat with a green plume of feathers trailing down behind. At his belt there was an emerald-studded dagger. He was dark.

“Caine,” I said.

After a time, there came a reply.

“Who?” he asked.

“Corwin,” said I.

“Corwin! Is this a joke?”

“No.”

“What do you want?”

“What've you got?”

“You know that.” and his eyes shifted and lay upon me, but I watched his hand, which was near to his dagger.

“Where are you?”

“With Bleys.”

“There was a rumor you'd shown up in Amber recently-and I wondered at the bandages on Eric's arm.”

“You're looking at the reason,” I said. “What's your price?”

“What do you mean?”

“Let us be frank and to the point. Do you think Bleys and I can take Eric?”

“No, that's why I'm with Eric. And I won't sell out my armada either, if that's what you're after-and I'd imagine you are.”

I smiled.

“Perceptive brother,” I replied. “Well, it's been nice talking to you. See you in Amber-maybe.”

I moved my hand, and he cried out.

“Wait!”

“Why?”

“I don't even know your offer.”

“Yes. you do,” I said. “You've guessed it, and you're not interested.”

“I didn't say that. It's just that I know where the equities lie.”

“You mean the power.”

“Okay, the power. What've you got to offer?”

We talked for maybe an hour, after which time the northern seaways were open to the three phantom fleets of Bleys, which might enter expecting reinforcements.

“If you fail, there'll be three beheadings in Amber,” said he.

“But you don't really expect that, do you?” I asked.

“No. I think either you or Bleys will sit upon the throne before too very long. I'll be satisfied to serve the winner.

That regency would be nice. I'd still like Random's head as part of the price, though.”

“No deal,” I said. “Take it as you've heard it or forget it.”

“I'll take it.”

I smiled and placed my palm upon the card and he was gone.

Gerard was a matter I'd leave for the morrow. Caine had exhausted me.

I rolled into bed and slept. ———

Gerard, when be learned the score, agreed to lay off us. Mainly because it was I who was asking, as he had considered Eric a lesser of potent evils.

I concluded the deal quickly, promising him evervthing he asked, as no heads were involved.