Unanswered Questions

This day started before sunrise for the Castle. Word arrived that one of the villages in the hill near the Keep had been sacked. Corwin had been relaying orders and assembling his men as the survivors arrived escorted by some of his scouts. He crossed the courtyard seeing Rohan preparing to leave. "Rohan, Take the dragons with you as well." "My lord, what of the castle?" " We should leave them here to protect it." Corwin shook his head," I appreciate your concern for Amber but we will be fine." " I will send a messenger to Blackthorn and see if he has any men he can spare if it will ease your mind." Rohan smiled," I am sorry M'lord, I should not question your actions." " If you did not question them where the safety of the people are concerned you would not be holding your title my friend", Corwin said smiling slightly. " Now go before any more people are harmed" " And Rohan, Be careful." Rohan nodded and turned to the men, nearly 500 of them and led them out the gates. Corwin's face grew grim as he watched them leave. In his heart he knew something else was at risk but was unsure what. Returning to his study Corwin took quill and parchment in hand.


Brother,

There was yet another open attack. They do not try to hide the attack and even though I am told that they have large numbers they seem to be allowing many to escape. To me this seems fishy but why would they be so obvious?

I sent Rohan and a company of my men to set up post near the keep. I myself am going to scout the hills and see if I can find out what is happening. I have to find out who is leading these rogues. I hope not to be gone for long but I am determined to find out who is behind this and will take what time is needed to do so.

Please see that things go well in Amber while I am gone. Chay is in charge of the guard and will send regular reports to you.

Until my return, Be well my brother.

signed by my hand this 2nd day of August, in the year 1098

Corwin


With this done he rolled the parchment and called for a courier. He stood and went to his window looking out into the late morning sky. The courier came running in," you have need of me M'lord?" Corwin turned and looked to the young man," I want this delivered to Lord Blackthorn and no one else, understood?" "Time is essential so you need to leave immediately" The young man nodded and took the scroll hurrying out to the stables.

Corwin walked across the hall to where Kylan was napping as was Taiba. He smiled as he looked at them, " Soon I will make up to you the time we have lost through all this" Silently he closed the door and made his way to the courtyard. After giving final orders to Chay he transformed and took to the air looking one last time at his home before heading toward the hills.