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TRISTAN'S RETURN TO AMBER


From Jane Winter's Amber Game, where Tristan was played previously.
However, it works just as well for his introduction in The Last Enemy.


Fairly shortly after the huge storm from the repair of the Primal Pattern, and the message in the clouds from Oberon have passed (Tristan landed Corvallin in as sheltered a spot as possible to weather the storm and just hoped...), Tristan leaves the castle and standing so that neither the castle nor any major features of terrain can be seen, will attempt to trump Bleys.

If he can not get through then he will try again once a day for a fortnight, and then less regularly.

Assuming that eventually he gets through, he will give Bleys a few seconds to get over the shock of seeing him and then greet him in a rather apprehensive voice, "Brother Bleys. Greetings. I have recently been assailed by Shadow Storms which seem to pervade the entire Universe, bearing with them a strange message claiming that our father is dead. Is this true? And if so, may I ask who has now taken charge?"


Towards the end of the first week, you manage to make contact quite quickly. Bleys appears to be seated comfortably at a camp table in what looks like a well-appointed command tent. The table is strewn with papers. An unsheathed dagger gleams close to his right hand.

"Ah, Tristan" he smiles lazily, showing no sign of surprise. "Welcome."

Tristan is rather tense, ready to drop the link and run at a moments notice.

Bleys looks at you assessingly for a moment; you feel his mind brush yours more closely for a moment and then lift - rather as if he has stepped back, as it were. He nods.

Tristan doesn't break the contact, but suspicion shows on his face.

"Indeed" he says, in a deep voice. "Our revered father, to our eternal sorrow, recently went to join his fathers." He grins, dropping the doleful tone "Assuming the old man had any, of course."

A weight seems to lift from Tristan. There is no sign of grief over his father's passing.

"Shortly thereafter," he goes on, dryly, "our beloved brother Random was chosen as his successor. By the Unicorn, no less. He travels to Amber as we speak, to relieve Gerard of his long vigil." He looks amused, watching closely for Tristan's reaction to this piece of news.

"Random???" Tristan sounds incredulous. "As King?" He pulls himself together and calms down. "My, what a surprise. I can see that there must be a good tale which accompanies this news."

Tristan considers things for a while.

"I had planned that if father really were dead to beg for a pardon from my exile from the new King, who I assumed would be either you or Eric or Corwin. I had hoped that when you answered you would be wearing a crown.... But matters are obviously dramatically different from my expectations. I need your advice and help Bleys. First can you tell me whether by your estimation the climate is right for me to return? And then could you inform Random of my desire and gauge his reaction? It is a lot to ask, but you are the only brother I ever trusted a damn, and I yearn to return to Amber."

Bleys considers you for a long moment.

"Just at the moment" he says, cheerfully "the general climate is one of extraordinary sweetness and light, even towards a reprobate such as myself. Family unity snatched back from the brink and all that...It might be as well for you to seize the moment. Random will not wish to begin his reign by turning away a long-lost brother...and all of us have seen enough Family blood spilled to last many lifetimes- " Just for a moment, he looks deeply tired. Then he shrugs and smiles.

"However, though I would happily stand your go-between with the King, I am forced to suggest you seek another. Random is headed home; I, alas, remain close by the Courts of Chaos with our forces. Contact our faithful Gerard - you will need to approach Amber more closely to do so by the way - I have no doubt that he will gladly speak with Random on your behalf, and perhaps with more success than I. By the way, Tristan, I should try and get over that 'surprise' of yours before you arrive. I do believe Random is just a little touchy about his, ah, sudden promotion..."

Tristan is obviously intrigued by Bleys' hints as to what has happened recently. "Thank you, I will take your advice and head to Amber without delay. I look forward to the possibility of talking to you at greater length at some time in the future should the King decide to pardon me. Stay well Bleys." Tristan waits for a reply and then breaks the contact.


After getting a horse and provisions for a long ride, Tristan starts to shift shadow towards Amber, attempting to make good time. When he has reached what he considers to be the correct "distance" from Amber he tries to trump Gerard. If this fails he will ride closer and try again and so on.

He does eventually get through. His journey through Shadow shows plainly that the Shadow Storms Tristan encountered have wrought damage almost everywhere - and yet there is a sense of newness, even hope, about most of the Shadows he passes through (assuming he avoids the Black Road?) - rather like the feeling you get at the start of a beautiful day when everything is fresh and cool.

"Gerard, greetings."

Gerard's eyes widen, and his face goes blank with shock for a moment. You see his body tense; apparently an instinctive preparation for possible trouble. The expression which replaces the blankness, though, is one of uncomplicated pleasure - almost delight.

He shakes his head in amazement, speechlessly.

Behind him, you can make out the rail of a ship, sea as blue as only Amber's waters can be glinting in the sunlight beyond.

"In light of some of the recent events I have come to beg King Random to consider pardoning me and removing the sentence of exile that hangs over me. If I may ask a favour of you, I wonder if you could present my plea to the King, and perhaps arrange an appropriate audience with his Majesty?"

There is absolutely no hint of disrespect for Random (he's had plenty of time to get used to the idea).

"Tristan!" Gerard still looks a little dazed. He takes a deep breath. "By the Unicorn, I thought you dead by now...it's good to see you, boy, very good indeed!

"I'll speak to Random for you and gladly."

His eyes take in Tristan' travel-stained condition, and he goes on, a hint of concern in his face

"Meantime, there are safer places to be than alone in Shadow, and more pleasant. Will you not accept my hospitality, brother? I guess you are headed toward Amber, and I can save you a journey; we sail for home in a few days..."

Tristan hesitates for quite some time and is obviously in two minds about accepting Gerard's offer, but eventually reaches forward his hand so that Gerard can pull him through.

"I'm sorry, but for too long now I have done everything in my power to stay well away from you all - trusting even you does not come easily."

Tristan accepts this offer, Gerard pulls him through onto the upper deck of his ship, immediately catching him in an immense bear hug that takes his breath away.

After a few suffocating moments, Gerard steps back, and regards you at arms length.

"I-" he clears his throat before continuing. "I am pleased and proud that you would trust me so, brother." Then he looks away, as if embarrassed by this show of feeling, and gazes out over the ship's rail as he speaks.

"If I am to carry out my plan of meeting with Random, then I foresee that I will have to throw myself at the mercy of others quite a few times in the next few days. You were always the most decent of us, and if I could not trust you then I would be truly lost."

"Things are much changed, Tristan. Some of this you must know already, to be seeking speech with Random." He shrugs. "Much of it I still do not understand, but I will tell you what I can, if you wish it."

Essentially, Gerard makes Tristan comfortable on board his ship, the 'Firedancer' - Tristan is free to go all over the ship if he likes (Gerard happily shows him around, rather like a kid with a new toy). He will give Tristan an unbiased and factual account of Patternfall - the fairness of the account does little to disguise his disgust and even anger with most of the involved parties. [Let me know if you would like to play through this.]

"I know almost nothing save that our father is dead, and that Random is King. I would be further in your debt if you would relate the tale of recent events to me."

"Debts" says Gerard, a little severely, "are for merchants." He waves over one of his crew and arranges for food and drink to be brought as he tells you of recent history.

[Don't write the whole tale - I'd drive you mad!]

Points where Tristan does react: he is somewhat shocked at the tale of Bleys' and Corwin's assault on Amber; he is intrigued by all mention of the Courts of Chaos;

"I'm afraid I know very little of this; Oberon left me as Regent in Amber while our brothers and sisters journeyed there to offer them battle. Though I understand" his expression darkens somewhat "that perhaps Fiona knows more of such things."

at an explanation of the Black Road, he nods as if something has just become clear; he maintains a studiedly neutral expression at the news of Oberon's death.

"I'm sorry, but for too long now I have done everything in my power to stay well away from you all - trusting even you does not come easily."

Gerard nods, sadly.

"The curse of our Family" he notes in the deep voice that is so familiar to you. "But in your case - understandable."


Tristan will spend the next few days travelling with Gerard, during which time, Random sends a message.

Random has sent a written message, sealed with what you recognise as Oberon's signet ring. Gerard hands this over without comment.

The message bears no greetings, simply instructions to Tristan to come alone and unarmed to a certain hostelry in Amber city on a certain night.

The message bears no greetings, simply instructions to Tristan to come alone and unarmed to a certain hostelry in Amber city on a certain night.

Tristan again umms and ahs before deciding that he has little choice but to go along with this if he ever wishes to return to Amber. He leaves the message on Gerard's ship so that he at least will understand what had happened if Tristan suddenly disappears and heads off...

Gerard's ship arrives in Amber that very day. The weather for the return trip was favourable...

Gerard remains on his ship. After wishing you luck (at some point), he adds in a low voice: "Remember that I have offered you my hospitality, brother. Random knows it."

Although long absent from Amber and its ways, you think that Gerard is trying to offer a reassurance of some kind. Family etiquette placed you under his protection when he offered hospitality. He has made Random aware of this. He is telling you that the offer is still open.


Assuming he goes there, he finds it is a ramshackle old bar, in one of the distinctly less salubrious areas of town. There is no immediate sign of anyone he recognises, and after he studies the place for some time neither does it seem to have been packed to the gills with soldiers in disguise or anything.

After a few nervous hours spent drinking surprisingly good ale, the near-comatose figure at the bar next to him rises, stumbles a little closer and mutters "Waiting for you in the back" before recovering his balance and weaving his way out of the door.

In a shadowed corner of the bar, a small doorway leads into a dimly lit private room. As Tristan approaches, the door is opened by an unsmiling Benedict, who gestures him to enter.

Tristan flinches slightly on seeing Benedict, takes a deep breath and heads in.

And Benedict follows closely at your back, coming to a halt just behind your left shoulder.

Random, wrapped in a disreputable old cloak suited to the setting, is lounging comfortably at a table bearing the remains of a meal, a wine flagon and a couple of extremely well-wrought silver goblets. He looks older than Tristan remembers, lines of worry already appearing at the corners of his eyes and mouth.

Tristan comes in and gives a respectful, but wary nod.

He comes to his feet as Tristan enters, and stares at him intently. After a long silence, he nods once, abruptly and says to Benedict "Leave us."

Benedict looks unhappy, but Random seems to ignore him and keep his attention fixed on Tristan. Benedict bows, and leaves, pausing only to add coldly "I will be outside".

The door closes behind him. Random's gaze continues to devour Tristan; then suddenly the pressure lifts and he laughs softly.

Tristan has been looking back at Random, but not staring at him with the same level of intensity. He has been trying not to let any of his anxiety show too openly.

"Forgive the less-than-regal surroundings, little brother. But we have much to discuss, and this place affords privacy. We are, you might say, off the record here. Besides, they serve the best ale in Amber city and I have few enough opportunities to sample it these days..."

He returns to his seat, and pours wine into the two chased goblets. The tattered cloak is shoved carelessly back to reveal rich but very plain clothing in the royal green and gold. The ornately carved hilt of a large dagger shows at his belt.

"Sit down. Drink. Talk to me..."

Tristan takes a seat and sips at the drink.

It's very good. A vintage you seem to recall from your life in Amber, in fact...

Random seems relaxed and confident (his voice is deeper than you remember, you think, and more decided) but the intensity of his gaze has not faltered at all. His fixes his eyes on yours, takes a sip of wine and waits for you to speak.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me, Your Majesty," he starts. "Although I haven't got the full story yet, I know that some incredible events have occurred recently, and you probably don't need any new problems. I hope that I will not add to them. The reason that I'm here is to request the lifting of the sentence of exile upon me. I've lived out in Shadow for too long and now I yearn to return to Amber. The nature of my ... crime was such that I believed that Amber's new monarch may grant me a pardon. I will not hide from you the fact that discovering that you are now King came as something of a surprise. I offer you my congratulations. But despite the poor relations between us in the past, will you consider my plea?"

At this, Random's face breaks into a broad, slightly crooked smile - warm and genuine and amused; quite unlike anything you have associated with him in the past.

"Kid, you couldn't be more surprised than I am." He raises his goblet to you. "And, believe it or not, it's good to see you. For myself, I can't wait to have you back at Court so that all our dear brothers and sisters can put you under the microscope instead of me..."

This is not quite the Random you remember. The old manic energy seems to have been banked down somehow, forged into something harder, more focused, more...settled. The smile he gives you carries only the faintest trace of the malice you automatically expect. It is very hard to tell whether you are successfully hiding your feelings from him.

Physically, he seems as slight as ever, though a little older and tougher. His manner is much more relaxed and self-confident; less cocky and arrogant.

Tristan looks somewhat taken aback - he hadn't been expecting this kind of welcome at all. A (somewhat hesitant) smile appears on his face to mirror Random's.

He sighs, and his eyes meet yours again.

Tristan now meets Random's gaze.

"Any personal quarrel between us is in the past, Tristan. "

Tristan looks relieved and nods in agreement.

"I've changed, so they tell me, and I think you have too. If I've learned anything, it's that I must come to know my brothers and sisters as family before I can hope to rule them well as King. So, speaking as your brother, here's my hand on that, and my personal goodwill, if you'll take it."

"With pleasure."

He holds his right hand out to you across the table: "Tristan."

Tristan takes his hand and gives it a firm shake. "Random."

He does not lean to close to Random, or make any other movements that could be construed as the prelude to an attack. Although he is definitely much more at his ease, he is still somewhat apprehensive at the thought of Benedict lurking behind him.

Then he sits back, and his manner undergoes a subtle change. Somehow, as he regards you across his goblet, you are aware that you now face the King of Amber. A fleeting hint of resemblance to Oberon sends a shiver down your spine.

"As ruler of Amber, however" he goes on "I may not act according to my feelings alone. I must make certain I do not invite back a serpent into the bosom of the Family. I have to ask you - on your honour as a Prince of Amber - to tell me all of your story, since you and Queen Isabel...left us. "

Tristan' smile disappears and his expression becomes neutral, but with pain beneath the surface.

"And thereafter, if I judge you should be pardoned, an oath of allegiance will be required of you. First given here, tonight, witnessed by our brother Benedict, and later-" he grimaces slightly "-at as public an occasion as possible. For your own protection if nothing else."

"My oath of allegiance is yours whenever you require it should you pardon me. I knew that you would have to ask for my tale, and was perhaps expecting rather more conditions before you would consider taking me back. I have steeled myself to tell you all, but I still do not find it easy to talk about Isabel." There is a definite catch in Tristan' voice as he says her name.

Wordlessly, Random fills your goblet back up to the brim, and waits for you to go on.

Tristan sighs deeply and begins again. "Truth is that there is little to tell. We fled from Amber deep into shadow, praying that our trail would be cold by the time that Oberon returned. When pursuit did not immediately appear, I found us a strong, defensible point in which to hide and set up our home. We stayed well away from any shadows which I considered may hold interest to the rest of the Family - dull lands, with no sources of vast power, no shining legions marching through the countryside - and where time ran slow."

Random's eyes narrow at this. "You were out by the Chaos Rim, then?" he asks.

Tristan nods, "Out near where all the shadows go wild, but like I said I tried to keep things reasonably boring. I never went too far though and I never learned about these Courts of Chaos of which Gerard has informed me."

I did not wish to meet any of you by chance. As our fear of discovery by Oberon diminished, we settled down, and I have never enjoyed life as in those years with her." Tristan looks wistful and then presses on with his expression darkening even more. "Eventually old age claimed her." Tristan comes almost to a stop and his eyes moisten. He pulls himself together and continues.

Random waits patiently.

"I remember little of the next few years, as I secluded myself from the world almost entirely. My solitude was eventually broken by the appearance of the Black Road, which demanded my attention to prevent the destruction of my remaining friends. And then a fortnight ago I heard father's last message, and realised that perhaps I had a chance to start a new life, back here, in Amber."

Tristan comes to a halt, and stares into his wine goblet as he swills it around and tries to collect himself.

"We are all starting a new life, here in Amber" murmurs Random, half to himself it seems.

He looks back at you, his formality once more set aside.

"I'm sorry about Isabel, Tristan. She would have been welcome. As you are."

Tristan meets Randoms eyes and smiles in gratitude. "Thank you, your majesty".

He stands. "Let's get this allegiance bit over with and then you can come back up to the castle, and meet *my* Queen, Vialle." His expression softens faintly as he speaks the name.

He raises his voice slightly: "Benedict..." and Benedict enters the room again, closing the door behind him.

"If you would be so good as the lend our young brother a sword, Benedict? He has none of his own to pledge with."

Silently, Benedict draws his blade, crosses to stand beside Random, and passes the sword to you hilt first. His grey eyes watch you searchingly.

Random lifts a hand "Uh, wait a minute" he says, and reaches for something beneath the table. After a few seconds he produces a cloth- wrapped bundle, which falls apart to reveal a narrow gold circlet set with emeralds.

"I suppose we should do this properly..." He brushes his straw-coloured hair impatiently back from his forehead, and sets the crown in place, shrugging the tattered cloak to the floor.

Then he looks at Tristan seriously, and waits.

"Thank you Benedict." He notices Benedict's hawk-like gaze as he takes the sword and stands within stabbing range of the King, and raises an eyebrow. "You need not worry, brother, I haven't yet tired of life."

Benedict raises an eyebrow, but remains impassive - the faintest look of amusement, perhaps, in his eyes.

Tristan now turns toward Random and pays no further attention to Benedict. He goes down onto one knee and bows his head before him, holding the sword up towards Random, hilt first.

He then speaks in a deep, solemn voice that fills the small room, with no hint of hesitation or uncertainty. "I, Tristan of Corvallin, do humbly pledge my allegiance to King Random, rightful ruler of Amber and its domains, and to his heirs. Let those present bear witness to my most solemn oath."

Random reaches to cover your hands with his own.

"I, Random, Lord of Amber, do accept the allegiance of Tristan, and welcome him back to our Court and Family. Let it be known that Prince Tristan of Amber, no longer exile, stands within our protection from this moment forth."

"Witnessed" says Benedict, softly, as Random raises you to your feet.

Then, reaching to lay his right hand on your shoulder, Benedict smiles slowly and adds: "Well done."

Random slips the royal circlet from his head, setting it to spin on the table, where it finally settles against his goblet. Benedict averts his eyes.

"Well," Random flashes you a grin, "that was painless, huh? What do you say we all head back to the castle and get drunk?" He pulls a Trump deck from his belt and begins searching through it. "Oh, yeah - better bring that along" he gestures to the circlet "I don't fancy being stuck with that monstrosity Oberon insisted on wearing, gives me a headache..."

Benedict moves to Random's side as he starts to concentrate on the Trump he has chosen...

Trying to hide his bemusement, Tristan picks up the crown and moves over to Random's side and prepares to go through with him.


The three of you emerge in a pleasant sitting room, lit by candles and a flickering fire. A cold supper is set waiting on a side table, and low armchairs stand around the fireplace.

Random stoops to kiss the lady with whom contact was made, then turns back towards you, one arm still around her waist.

The woman is in her early twenties, short (she barely reaches Random's shoulder) and slight in build. She is dressed in a high-necked gown of rich, deep red velvet, and her long chestnut hair is caught back simply by a plain silver circlet. Her face is not outstandingly beautiful, but very delicate, her look gentle and calm. As her wide dark eyes look towards, but not at, you, you realise that she is blind.

"Vialle, my brother Tristan, home from the back of beyond. Tristan - my wife, Vialle."

Random keeps his arm almost protectively around Vialle's slender waist as she gives Tristan a smile of remarkable sweetness in greeting.

"Welcome home, Prince Tristan." Her soft voice is warm and agreeable.

She holds out her right hand towards you.

Tristan lightly takes her hand and bows forward to kiss it. "It is a honour to meet you, Your Majesty."

Vialle's slender fingers close around yours, and hold the clasp awhile.

The sweet smile deepens. "Please call me Vialle, Tristan." She raises her other hand slowly in the direction of your face, stopping short of touch. A little shyly, she asks

"Would you permit...? I would very much like to picture you."

Random steps back, over towards the supper table, but you notice his eyes return constantly to his wife.

Tristan then stands back, surveys his surroundings and begins to soak in the atmosphere of Amber castle again. His eyes again moisten as memories of his old home come back...

Then turning to Random he says "I wonder if I may be permitted to invite Gerard to join us, Your Majesty. He has been very kind to me in arranging our meeting and bringing me here to Amber."

From over by the supper table, Random shrugs, then flashes a grin.

"Why not - it's your supper he'll be eating though...

"And, Tristan? I would find it more relaxing to be addressed by name when I'm off duty. Which," he sinks comfortably into one of the armchairs, crossing one ankle over another, "I am now."

Tristan nods, "As you please, Random."

He then proceeds to trump Gerard. Assuming that he can be contacted...

"Gerard. It's Tristan. I've met with Random and he has dissolved my sentence of exile. We just about to start celebrating. If you're not too busy, I wonder if you would care to join us?"

Gerard is still up and fully dressed - and answers your call very quickly indeed, looking at you anxious for news. At your words, he seems to relax, and his wide grin re-emerges.

"Too busy to celebrate..?" He smiles, already reaching for your hand.

Random greets him with a faintly malicious grin: "See, Gerard, we didn't eat him..." but he has a filled goblet waiting for his brother, and the group toasts your return. "To new beginnings" as Random puts it.

Well, Vialle doesn't get horribly drunk - in fact she soon excuses herself and retires. Almost as soon as she leaves, Random begins a slightly drunken but apparently genuine heartfelt speech as to how wonderful she is, which progresses to a thoroughly drunken story of how they came to marry, and how she changed him - 'I fell in love with her, I really did'.

If you want the conversation to touch on any specific points, kick them off here - I have time for a few.

"I shall know you now. Forgive me - I am keeping you from your reunion."

With a smile, she adds tentatively: "I would like to sculpt you, should you ever have time." You do not feel as if she is putting you under any pressure to accept.

"I dare say that I will have an abundance of free time, unless Random gives me a vast number of duties to perform. Even were that to be the case, I would seek to make the time, since it would be a pleasure and an honour to accept your invitation."

Tristan does indeed pose for a sculpture some time in the near future at Vialle's earliest convenience. He is eager to get to know her.


You wait in a small antechamber as the Throne Room fills with a huge crowd of Amber nobility. Random slipped in early during your wait, accompanied by a young man taller and sturdier than himself but like him enough for you to guess it must be Martin; as indeed it is.

Random is dressed very formally indeed in green and gold - the young man is dressed in midnight blue formal court clothing, in which he seems a little uncomfortable.

"My son - Martin. Martin - Prince Tristan."

Martin gives you a boyish grin, looking at you with open (but not offensive) curiosity and offering hiss hand to shake.

"Hey - welcome back and all that stuff, Tristan."

There's only time for a few words before Random and Martin have to go.

Random turns at the door, and throws you a friendly grin - "Cheer up, Tristan - it'll be over soon!"

The Throne Room hushes as Random enters from a door to the left, with Vialle on his arm. He helps the Queen to take her place, then nods once to the crowd in the hall before taking his own place. Benedict follows the King into the hall, and moves to stand to the left of his throne. Both Random and Vialle are dressed in royal green and gold than you have ever seen them. Both wear slim circlets of gold set with emeralds. Random looks for once completely serious, even stern, as the huge main doors to the hall open and a lone figure enters in silence...

... and strides purposefully down the hall. Tristan stands at just over six feet in height and has a well-muscled physique. He has a handsome, angular face with deep, ice-blue eyes and bronzed, clean-shaven skin. His hair is straight and blonde, reaching down to his shoulders. He is wearing formal court robes, with grey trousers tucked into black leather boots, and an elegant white shirt. A finely crafted sabre hangs from his belt. Just at the moment his expression is extremely serious.

Tristan' attention is locked solely on Random as he marches up to the throne. On arriving at the steps of the dais he bows deeply, then climbs up before kneeling before the King. Drawing his sword, he offers it hilt first to Random.

In a solemn voice that carries to fill the entire throne room he declares, "I, Prince Tristan, do pledge my allegiance to Random, rightful King of Amber, and to his heirs. Let those present witness my oath of fealty."


Go to Tristan's Page.

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