After hearing how Gerard reacted to the broadsheet of Solange, Vere summons Venesch to his quarters. He regards him silently for a moment, then says quietly, "I am very upset for personal reasons, and thus am going into the city to drink peaceably at a quiet public house. I have decided to take along three off-duty guards, purely for social reasons. Could you volunteer three whom you think would be acceptable? It is barely possible that I might decide to drop in to visit Drudge on my way to the pub, simply to have a polite word with him about this latest broadsheet."
Vere has a naval 'cat' on his desk.
Venesch studiously does not look at the cat. He provides Vere with the names of several men, from whom Vere finds three willing to accompany him into the city.
Vere and his companions walk down into the city, directly to Drudge's printshop. They enter the establishment and Vere gestures to the guards to wait by the door. He glances casually over the people in the front office, places a copy of the offending broadsheet on a tabletop, and says to the room at large, "I wish to speak with Drudge. Now."
There are several men working at presses in the workshop. A door at the back suggests an office. One of the men glances back there, and says, "I'll fetch him, milord."
He goes into the office, and a moment later, Drudge himself emerges. "How may I assist you?" he asks Vere, not sounding particularly bothered. Everyone else in the room is a little nervous, to say the least.
Vere regards him coldly, then points to the cartoon. "I have often been told that I have no sense of humor, and I fear that this is true. For instance, I do not think I understand this scribbling. At first glance it appears to be an insult to my Sister, but I am certain that I am in error. If it were an insult to her, I should of course be obligated to take action." He fingers the cat hanging from his belt. "Perhaps you can explain it to me, assure me that whatever misunderstanding has led to my erroneous assumption about it will never happen again, as you will be careful not to print anything which could be mistakenly regarded as being personally insulting again, and then you will escort me to the artist so that we can have this conversation with him as well." Vere tilts his head to the side and considers Drudge's reaction.
"It's a political cartoon," says Drudge, looking a little bemused. "It's not about your sister personally, it's about the job your sister does for the Regent. If your sister took it personally, I'm very sorry, but she's in a man's job, Lord Vere, and she can't expect to be treated specially, like a naive girl, when she's a minister in the government. Surely you can see that."
Vere doesn't think he takes the threat of the cat seriously.
Vere tilts his head to one side and regards him with the look a cat gives an especially intriguing bird. "An interesting view," he says. "And very informative of the way you regard the current government. Tell me, would you have published such a cartoon about Princess Fiona, had Oberon given her a position in the government? Why do you believe you are in any less danger in the current situation?" There is honest curiosity in Vere's voice, combined with a vaguely ominous undertone.
Drudge looks honestly confused, and doesn't seem to sense his danger, although the rest of the men in the room are on high alert and backed into corners and presses and such, looking small.
Vere smiles at them as Drudge speaks. It isn't a particularly reassuring smile.
"I can't say that I wouldn't have. But King Oberon never did, or if he did, she never took it. Maybe because she knew what it meant to be in public life."
"This is an extremely interesting topic," Vere says. "I think I could learn a great deal from you about the realities of politics in Amber. Why don't we continue this conversation in a more pleasant environment?" He looks back at the guards. "Please escort the gentleman to the Naval, and ask the staff if the two of us might have a private room." He looks back at Drudge. "I shall be along shortly, please feel free to order whatever you wish to eat or drink while you are waiting for me."
Two of the guards fall into position around Drudge, but don't manhandle him, as he doesn't seem to be resisting. They walk him out of the building. The third guard remains at the door.
Vere then walks over to the press and begins examining the equipment and the sheets that are currently ready to be run. It is clear he has dismissed Drudge from his mind.
It's the usual stuff -- satires, poetry and cartoons. None of it addresses Solange directly, if for no other reason because she hasn't done anything this week. There are a number of cartoons about Jerod, who is another frequent target.
Assuming that they don't cross the line from political criticism to purely personal attacks Vere smiles quietly at them, and passes on.
There is a column of gossip and rumor half-laid out with an original in script sitting on the press. It discusses the rumor that the burning of Heap's shop and the vandalism of Stout's press are part of an underworld campaign with Royal connections on both sides. Inside sources at the castle are cited, but it's all wrong as far as Vere can tell.
Vere shakes his head sadly, and asks one of the men in the shop, "Do people actually belive this sort of thing? How astonishing." He puts the original back down. "Do carry on," he says. "I'm sure Drudge would be disappointed if everything were not ready for him when he returns."
"Y-y-yes, my Lord," the pressman says.
He leaves the printshop and walks at a leisurely pace to the Naval, stopping briefly at a booksellers along the way to see if there is anything interesting.
[GMs]
Which one? Heap's or Stout's, or someone else's?
Vere will stop at Heap's business, to get a look at the new building as well as see what new books have been printed recently.
Heap's shop is in the same place as always, but it has been repainted since the fire and the presses have been repaired, plus there are new stocks of paper and ink.
Heap is gratified by your interest in his wares. While there is nothing new that interests Vere at the moment, Heap does mention very confidentially that his mysterious gentlewoman is writing another book, although he doesn't yet know what the topic will be.
Vere expresses his interest in this, pauses for a moment, and then says that perhaps when Heap has more information on this he might care to be Vere's dinner guest at the Naval....
"Oh, you're very kind to offer, Lord Vere, sir, but I would hardly know what to do in such fine company. Your continued interest and patronage are all I could ask for." Heap seems almost frightened by the idea of going to dinner with Vere.
Vere smiles and nods. "As you wished. Do keep me informed, though."
A flunky comes out from the back of the shop, where the presses and backstock are, with a wrapped package that obviously contains a reasonably large book. From the heft of it, it's nicer bindings and stock than Heap has previously used. "I hope your Lordship will accept this volume, with my compliments."
Vere accepts the book and nods to Heap. "My thanks. I shall make time for it as soon as possible. Alas, business calls me away now. I look forward to my next visit to your shop, and my congratulations on your recovery from the recent accident."
As they leave the shop Vere hands the book to the guard. "Would you be so kind as to see that this finds its way to my room in the castle" he says. It doesn't sound like a question.
The guard says, "Yes, sir."
Once Vere reaches the Naval he tells the guard to relax and have a pint in the bar, and summons a Midshipman to inquire as to where his guest is located.
Drudge has been escorted to a private room, where he is enjoying a fine glass of whiskey while he awaits Lord Vere's pleasure.
Vere joins him and asks pleasantly if he has dined yet. "The salmon steak here is quite excellent," he says, "I highly recommend it. Do allow me to treat you." He orders for both of them, and chooses a wine to go with the meal. He engages Drudge in meaningless small talk while they wait for dinner, deftly putting off any attempts at serious conversation and getting a feel for what sort of man Drudge is. Once food is served Vere will say, quite seriously, "I never discuss matters of import over a meal, especially so fine a meal as this. It deserves our full attention."
Drudge is a blowhard. If he were on a mailing list, he'd be the sort of guy who flamed the bejesus out of anyone who disagreed with him and then was shocked when the person was offended or hurt.
Vere keeps the conversation light and pleasant, and idly wonders if anyone would miss Drudge if he didn't leave the Naval after tonight's dinner...
[now, I'd miss some of my blowhard pals from mailing lists if they vanished...]
After dinner is finished Vere will request a fine port, and a plate of cheeses. As he and Drudge linger over these, Vere says, "You seem to have some very interesting theories regarding government, and regarding the government of Amber in particular. I would be both interested and honoured if you would explain these to me, up until now I have mainly conversed on such matters with the rulers, rather than the ruled."
"I'm not a governmental theorist per se," says Drudge, taking a sip from his glass of port. His manners are a but rough around the edges; Vere suspects he's not used to sophisticated company.
"What I do know is this: government is made up of people, and people -- collectively, mind you, not talking about anyone in particular -- tend to let themselves slide to the lowest common denominator in their behavior if they're not watched. That's what I do: watch 'em."
Drudge is quite proud of himself.
Vere nods. "That's an impressive calling, and a most serious duty. You are truly in a unique position. Have you followed this vocation for a long time? I would love to hear about some of the articles and cartoons that you have published about my grandfather, I am certain that hearing about them will tell me much about Oberon's rulership and about the nature of Amber's relationship with him."
Drudge speaks at length, then, about the _Amber Crier_ and its exploits during Oberon's reign. Apparently he really has been publishing even the most scurrilous cartoons about government ministers for decades now.
On questioning, it turns out he did publish satires and cartoons about some of the princes, especially Eric, Caine, Bleys, and Julian, but left princes who were perceived as being out of government mostly alone. (An exception to this last being a satire about Random's reputation with women, including his fathering and abandonment of Martin.)
Today is the first time any member of the royal family has ever contacted him about his work.
Vere expresses admiration for Drudge's dedication to truth and integrity, and asks about the sources of his information and about the various artists and editorialists who contribute. Are the Royal Family and there doings the only subject of interest to the Crier, or do other worthies in the city also come in for their share of attention?
Government officials not of the blood are also under scrutiny and the subject of editorials, cartoons, satires, etc. For instance, Sir Archer Halfhand definitely gets his share of scrutiny, as many people think he is too political and wound up with people at court, rather than dedicated to doing his job, which is leading the watch and finding and arresting criminals.
A number of Drudge's contributors prefer to remain anonymous because writing or cartooning for a broadsheet simply isn't as reputable or prestigious as writing poetry for a noble or painting his daughters. He does not say that it's sometimes the same people, but Vere underhears that anyway.
Vere's mind flashes to Ossian's friends in the Thrush Pack....
As for his sources, they also need to keep their confidentiality, for obvious reasons. Drudge thinks of them as whistleblowers subject to reprisals, Vere gathers.
Vere nods thoughtfully at this.
[Vere]
And, begging Drudge's pardon,
but it appears that his broadsheet exclusively criticizes the Royal Family
and the government, never offering any word of support or praise. Are we
truly so bad that there is never anything good to say about us?
Vere senses Drudge's immediate suspicion when he says this.
"It's not the job of a muckraking broadsheet to find and trumpet the good things people are doing, unfortunately," says Drudge. "I'm sure there are broadsheets that would be happy to publish that kind of information. But it's just not what I do."
"No, I see that," says Vere. "You are a mouthpiece for the concerns of the citizenry, a way for them to make their worries and frustrations known to their rulers, without fear of reprisals due to personal hurt feelings."
Drudge relaxes a little.
[Vere]
He leans over and pours some more port for Drudge. "I cannot tell you how
pleased I am that we have had this conversation. You have relieved my mind
considerably, and assisted me in understanding an important part of Amber
that I did not previously comprehend. I am in your debt."
"After this dinner, I think I should be in yours. I'm glad I was able to give you something useful in exchange," says Drudge.
Vere smiles and steers the conversation into a very general discussion of the current state of Amber, the nature of her people, and the historic relations of the Royal Family, the Nobility, the Merchant Houses, and the populace. After another hour or so he will gracefully bring the discussion to a close, and insist on walking Drudge back to his printing shop. When they reach it he stands on the walk outside and shakes Drudge's hand, saying, "It was truly a pleasure, and thank you again."
"You're welcome, and thank you for the fine dinner, Lord Vere," says Drudge.
Thence back to the Castle to see what Heap had given him.
It's a very nice leather-bound book made with heavy paper, titled _The Garden of Fair Flowers_. It's heavily illustrated with beautiful woodcuts, and as Vere skims through a few pages, he realizes that the woodcuts show the women less and less clad and in positions of increasing intimacy. A glance at the text confirms it: Heap has given Vere a book of erotica.
Vere has seen such tomes on the shelves of the library at the castle and at the Naval before. This one is really nice, and you could put it on your bookshelf without anyone guessing what it is. If Heap can put out books of this quality, Stout may eventually be in trouble.
Vere raises an eyebrow slightly, and, with an amused smile, shelves _The Garden of Fair Flowers_ on the bookshelf next to his bed, in between _A Study of the Commercial Laws of the Golden Circle_ and _Mansfield Park_.
Two days after the scheduled meeting with the Paresh, Jerod's long-planned departure date arrives. The plan calls for a substantial convoy to accompany Jerod to Bellum, restock and return. Jerod will follow, relaying the shadowpath, relying on the destination of Amber to pull him in and the existing shadowpath to make it easier.
The last minute details, hiccups, and emergencies happen as expected and the convoy leaves on schedule. It is an eight week sail to Bellum, two or three weeks to recargo and refit if needed, and then the same back. If previous experience is of any worth, it will take Jerod twice as long when he's laying the shadowpath, so he is facing a half-year absence. If the path stops working on the way there, you can lead the ships and if it stops working on the way back, you can sweep them up as you rebuild it.
It's a good plan. The trading ships with the food should arrive back in early autumn and Jerod himself plans to be back before the start of winter.
The trading vessels return from Bellum on schedule, with descriptions of the voyage and their reception in Bellum. The captains report that Prince Jerod was feted as a hero for reopening regular trade and was considered the author of the last year of plenty.
The Bellum crews are optimistic and are planning their returns to home once Prince Jerod returns having once again opened the way.
It is not until he is a full two months late that people begin to openly speculate that something has happened to him.
[Ummm.... A wee bit of clarification for the major-life-change-addled:
- The trading vessels return at about the fourth anniversary of the Sundering?
[Definitely after the anniversary. This is the first thing we've posted that crosses into Year 5]
- Did Solange accompany Jerod on this trip as originally planned? If so, how is Gerard holding up?]
Denial is not just a river in Egypt. Ships are late all the time. Natural Causes. They'll be back. Trumps still aren't working, are they? Well maybe you could just try one and see...
Ossian is naturally very willing to try that. He tries paining a trump sketch of Vere first, to see if the trumps work at all.
Paige cheats and tries her Martin Trump first... Clearing her mind and erasing the doubts that it won't work...
[GMs]
[They still don't work.]
A Council night that Brita's home...
"Cousin, does that magical boat of yours find people?" Paige asks.
[OOC: Actually, I was wondering the same thing. I am assuming Jerod did not take the boat this time in the discussion below. GMs?]
[GMs]
That was our reading of the posts. He tried it and it wasn't going to give
him any advantage on this trip, so he didn't borrow it.
Brita responds, "I've never used Skidbladnir in that manner. We can test it out. Maybe have someone ride down the coast aways and then go in search of them by boat. Feel like being the fox?" Brita pauses after her question. Then gets a really weird look on her face as she realizes what she said. "Uhm, I mean like in a fox hunt....er,..." Brita seems completely flustered at this point.
[OOC: Monica is amazed that Brita even caught that one.]
Paige laughs, smiling all the while, "I'll assume you're just referring to the similarity hair color between me and our canine friend."
"Yes, I can play the hunted, Brita."
Sometime towards the end of Year 4, Paige sets out alone for Heerat, per Gerard's instructions.
This time, without the distractions of trade caravans and sheep (and with the help of a sweet card draw ;), she is able to locate Heerat without difficulty. Heerat, like many of the places you all have travelled in the last few years, has suffered some trade disruptions, but it is recognizably the same place to Paige.
Paige meets with the local government/better business bureau/merchant's guild to see what the trade possibilities would be and afterwards retreats to Marie's to spend the night as 'Lina, talking with friends and enjoying herself before getting a good night's sleep. She'll also play the sponge, absorbing anything she can about how things have been here, looking for reflections of home. [She'll also notice that she identifies with Amber as home for the first time in her life.]
She then heads back to Amber at good speed, promising to return (relatively) soon with a trade caravan. She returns home to Amber, in better spirits than she left, glad that she can tick a success under her belt.
"I think getting a caravan there would take someplace between a fortnight and a month, as would coming back. That means I, or any of the others, can probably turn three or four caravans around, a year. They're looking for [insert quantity as defined by the Hivemind]." Paige shrugs. "Lucas, anyone? Can we get that in quantity?"
[GMs]
They are looking for a little of everything, being a trade city. There
will be something Amber can get in quantity.
"Next time out, I'll take Martin so he knows it can be found and can work with Solange and Jerod when they return. After that, I'd like to find Gateway." Paige suggests, [Only to have her world turned upside down by Y5...]
[GMs]
Gerard approves of that plan. [His world is pretty upside down after
Solange vanishes too.]
Taking Martin to Heerat and back could prolly almost have been done before we even notice that they're more than a few weeks over due. Paige suggests Martin, just because he's been there before and would be easier to help.
[GMs]
Given the timing, you could have that trip months before you notice that
they are missing. They are gone at least six months before anyone decides
they're overdue.
[Paige]
Good to know...
Then, bouyed by her success in finding Heerat Paige will make an attempt to find Gateway. "Again, it's a trade hub and it appeases a GC ambassador..."
Gerard is not ready for another experimental trip just yet; he needs trade caravans and fleets along established routes with Solange and Jerod gone.
"No problem, but once a few of the others can add Heerat, with a relative short turn around, I'd like to try again, with your permission Uncle," Paige says.
Gerard says _Not bloody likely until I can get the damn treasury settled_, but the words sound like, "We'll see."
Once she's back, well Gateway might wait on whatever decision is made about finding Jerod or Solange.
P.S. What ever happened with the idea of Skilbladnir(sp?) finding Paige down the coast? [Resisting urge to ask about Brita's fox hunt...]
That conversation, as I understand it, is timed based on the disappearance of Jerod and Solange, which means it's in the latter half of Year 5. We ain't there yet.
Last modified: 1 Jan 2002