Into the Light (based on Zelazney's Amber Chronicles for those who've read them) (544 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 2 on 4 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by indigogecko (View user info) at 2004-08-03 10:56:26 EDT
Your Highness,
I want to tell you about Rina. She grew up in the kitchens of the Palace. Her mother was one of the chefs, and Rina had been set to helping out around the kitchen as soon as she was big enough to handle a broom and reach the countertops. Now, nearing her 14th birthday, it has been noted she has an extraordinary talent with knives. She was taught to juggle when she was 4 by one of the court jesters, just one of many talents she has picked up. She has also been a talented gymnast from an early age. She has a thirst for knowledge and a wider world which could not be provided in her situation.
And so it is that now she has passed into my care. As Master at Arms I have seen a great number of talented youths pass through my quadrangle, enough to know that she is a deity among mortals. Only a month into my training regime, she shows the talent of any dagger-scout in my regiments, the youngest of them is twice her age. I do not believe I would be unjustified in suspecting her to be more than the scullery-maid she appears to be. In short, Sir, she is one of us.
I request permission to have her walk the Pattern. It would prove what is obvious to me and will be suspected by any one of us who may come across her. I am confidant she will pass. I know my brothers well, mearly asking around would not prove worth my while. Perhaps it seems trivial, but she will be an asset to the defence of the citadel, and if I am correct there are powers she will gain access to, as well you know. In this respect an extra pair of hands is always appretiated.
I trust you will take into consideration the current situation, you can ill afford to turn away such talent, family or otherwise. I look forward to your swift response.
As always, your brother and loyal subject,
Benedict Bariman, Master at Arms.
---
Benedict,
I understand your concerns, and can well sympathise with your obvious liking for a child so talented in your field of expertise. I believe your conviction that she is one of us - who in your position would not be led to such a conclusion?
However, is it wise to put one so young through such an ordeal? Remember what happened with Galcian, Corwin's son. There is a reason these children are normally brought up away from all this. I cannot deny, though, that she has reached an age where she would not go quietly, and without question. If she is as gifted as you say, and succeeds, then I agree, she would be a valuable asset.
If you are willing to take responsibility for the consequences, you may do as you see fit. Need I remind you that if she dies, you will be stripped of your position, exiled and all contact with this place cut off. This may seem extreme, but if you are as confidant as you say, there should be no doubt in your mind to go through with this. Should you find that doubt, even in the feeblest of waking thoughts, I urge you to reconsider.
It would not be to your advantage to kill an innocent child simply for being gifted. You know this, and I trust you to make the right decision.
Your brother and King,
Random.
--
And so it was that I came under Benedict's tutilage, and I walked the Pattern, and I lived. Benedict tells me he is my uncle, though he has many brothers and does not know which one might be my father. He has said that walking the pattern proved I was a member of the family, for the ability to do so is imprinted on each of us at birth. Such an ordeal I have never known, but that, I'm told, is the point. The hardest thing I have ever done, will ever do, serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible.
We are deities among mortals. We are the residents of the most real place there is.
Amber.
User Reviews
Submitted by Coyote (user info) at 2005-07-13 05:06:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I always thought Random was an awesome name.
You chose a pretty tough pattern to walk in placing your writing alongside Zelazny's outstanding prose style. The second series never quite clicked with me the way the first one did, although maybe that's just the fate of any sequel.
Submitted by indigogecko (user info) at 2004-08-03 15:13:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I got hold of the Great Book of Amber (all ten novels in one volume) and have been running a campaign of the associated RPG - inspiration for this comes from a couple of the characters in the campaign.
Submitted by runninginplace (user info) at 2004-08-03 11:19:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Haven't read those in years. Good writing
Submitted by JMG114 (user info) at 2004-08-03 11:16:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've never heard of the Amber Chronicles before, but your adaptation makes me want to learn more about it.