5. The
Assignment.
Had the intrepid cousins been not so preoccupied with their conversation upon leaving Allysa’s quarters, they would have certainly noticed a young man about to step out through the doors of the Castle library. Not overly tall, but athletic in build and strikingly handsome, with long black hair pulled back and held in a pony tail with a silver wire, a black goatee and mustache, and silver colored eyes, Akin Gu-Dakk would be hard to miss even in a large crowd. A Shadow son of Corwin, by now in his early thirties, he retained the colors of his father, wearing mostly black with a touch of silver, though his favorite outer garment was a red hooded cloak. More thoughtful than many of his peers and a cynic of epic proportions, he was a plotter and a planner, so secretive even he did not know what he knew. Curiosity was both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness, depending on how one would look at it. While proficient in the arts of war, he knew that the power of the mind was superior to a fast and skilled weapon, and his own was indeed as sharp and quick as any dagger. Power attracted him, but he would rather influence things from outside the spotlight. He understood loyalty, but not love, and inspired the same.
He was reading in the library – his favorite pursuit when visiting the Royal Castle – as so much could be discovered while studying those old scrolls, when a servant came in to inform him that the King had requested his presence. This was not unusual – as well as his half-brother Merlin, Akin was a trusted ally of Random, and had performed various services for the King on quite a few occasions. So he replaced the scrolls and opened the doors to the hallway, glancing with interest at two pretty redheads who happened to pass by. The taller one, in a chain mail with a sword at her belt, was Fiona’s daughter, Scarlett – they had met at many social functions, though hardly exchanged more than usual formal pleasantries – but the petite one in a green riding suit, he could swear he had never seen her before. The girls seemed preoccupied with their conversation and he could not help to catch some of it.
“Ooh... you mean the cards... I thought she said we could take as many as we wanted.”
“Did you find anything... useful?”
He wondered idly what cards they were talking about while watching them disappearing around the corner. The King’s messenger was still nearby, leaning to the wall, pale as if a library parchment himself. He did struggle to attention at the site of Akin.
“Who is it Princess Scarlett was with, my good fellow?”
“I’d swear I’ve never seen her before, Sir, and hope I’d never again,” the servant could not stop trembling. “The eyes… Have you seen her eyes, Sir? Like my insides got instantly frozen...” He muttered something about witchery.
Akin was somewhat puzzled by the servant’s apparent discomfort, but he had not seen the girl’s eyes and the king should not be kept waiting, so he shrugged it off and got on his way, reaching the Royal Chambers without further ado.
Random was alone. He smiled at Akin warmly and poured wine. There was some small talk, until Akin rather casually remarked on never being introduced to the prettiest girls in the Castle and mentioned the mysterious redhead. To his immense surprise Random abruptly became very serious, asking all kind of questions about the encounter and the girl’s appearance. The servant was sent for and made to repeat every smallest detail to the King. He recalled a medallion around the girl’s neck – a black opal framed in gold and embedded with diamonds forming a falling star surrounded by a starry background. With a sad sigh, Random gestured dismissal to the servant, finished his wine in a gulp and refilled the glass. Akin followed the King with his eyes, feeling rising concern as he had rarely seen Random so worried.
“Hell, Akin, it starts all over again! And just when I thought I could finally reign in peace. Why does it keep happening to me?”
Akin answered with a puzzled look.
“Elektra’s here! And I’m the last one to find out! Perhaps wouldn’t at all, but for you... So much for King’s eyes and ears in the palace...”
“Elektra? That can’t possibly be true…”
“Never mind those stupid rumors in town. But Brand does have a daughter. This is a kind of a closely guarded secret, nothing on the family portraits. Just a few know – Fiona and Scarlett, Bleys, Merlin… and now you. No one else. And that’s how I’d like it to stay.”
Akin nodded without much understanding.
“We’ve kind of an arrangement with Brand, they aren’t very welcomed in Amber, so he keeps her in Shadow, or has so far... There must be a reason why she’s here. If Brand sent her, he must be up to something. If she’s on her own – that’s even worse. The girl’s a loose cannon.”
Akin took a small sip, watching Random pacing the room, wondering to himself what was so threatening about a petite redhead.
“We all know what powers Brand once commanded. Fi suspects the daughter can do even more, in fact, much more. Combine that with a razor-sharp mind, an explosive personality, and a total hatred for me...” Random sighed deeply, throwing himself into an armchair.
Akin thought back to the messenger’s condition after just a glimpse of the girl. “But I always thought the Pattern powers don’t work in Amber.”
“That’s what we all think, my friend... that’s what we all like to think,” Random finished his wine. “Please understand me correctly, Akin. It’s not myself I’m worrying about... but the last thing Amber needs is another war...”
“True. No one that I know wants another war.” By now Akin was quite certain that Random was not telling him everything, in fact, had not told much at all. But he was right of course; the benefits of his wise and peaceful rule were rather obvious.
“Listen, Akin, I had something in mind for you, but this is much more important. You and Merlin are the only two in the family I can fully trust, as I trusted your father and he trusted me...”
Akin nodded politely. He was well aware, that while Random and Corwin had indeed been close, as far as the trust was concerned, this had not been exactly the case. But he would not argue this point with the King, of course.
“We must know what she’s up to. Find her, follow her... quietly... don’t let her out of your sight. Every small detail might be of importance.”
Akin nodded again, finishing his, still the first, glass of wine. So that was his new assignment – to spy on a girl named Elektra, whose existence he had not even been aware of until a half an hour ago. How many family secrets were still hidden from him?
“Don’t let Fi on to it though. She’s on our side so far, but only as long as one doesn’t touch her beloved Elektra,” Random sneered. “Guess that’s her way of making amends with Brand. Or perhaps she sees her own youth in the little wench. They look very much alike, you know… except for this...” Random crossed the room to his desk, opened a secret drawer and flung Akin a card.
There was a slender girl, her flaming hair was long and flowing in the wind, her gray eyes were icy-cold, as if the points of daggers. A loosely laced top of her brief sleeveless dress of green suede somewhat revealed the alabaster of her delicate body. Her thigh-high boots, also green, ascertained her long shapely legs. Her bare arms were raised above her head, juggling eerie shapes of fire. It was hard to tell what they were – ball lightnings, suns, perhaps, whole worlds...
Akin shivered, suddenly feeling very cold and very uneasy. He understood now what the King had meant, and what the servant had been so terrified of, and was not looking forward to meeting Elektra, daughter of Brand. But so he must, to serve his king and his country once again.
By the early evening, it became rather clear that Elektra was not in the Castle; neither was Scarlett. Where did they go?
You mean the cards? I thought she said we could take as many as we wanted.
Did you find anything... useful?
So there were cards, and there was she, and trump artists’ workshops were just down the hall from the library. Perhaps it was good time to talk to Scarlett’s favorite trump artist, Allysa…
Allysa of Rebma spent her evening working. Painting was one of her true passions. She had finished the portrait of Fiona and her daughter Scarlett. Next on the list would be Corwin and his two sons. The charcoal sketching had been already done, and Allysa contemplated for a moment, looking at the black stains on canvas quietly and very thoughtfully. Corwin’s line was always interesting. She had heard such nasty rumors about Corwin and, though gruff, he seemed not such a bad sort. He had two rather handsome sons. Allysa's eyes wandered to Merlin’s silhouette when a loud knock on the door startled her out of her musings.
“Hi there,” Akin smiled broadly as Allysa opened the door.
“Akin? I’ve just been thinking… ohh… never mind… what can I do for you?” They had been introduced at one of those social functions she could not avoid attending, so the handsome son of Corwin was somewhat less than a stranger to her.
“Was in the neighborhood and was wondering if you’ve seen Scarlett lately.” Akin was all smiles.
“This afternoon actually… They departed though.”
“They?” Akin peeked into the room
Allysa nodded. “Yes. Scarlet and… a friend, I believe.”
“Do you know where Scarlett and her friend were going? It’s pretty important that I do find them, you see…”
Allysa cocked her head regarding him a bit. Corwin’s line charm… “Oh, may I ask why?”
Akin looked up and down the hallway and leaned in to whisper. “It’s for King Random. Shhh... don’t let anyone know I told you though.” He winked conspiratorially.
“I’ve Scarlett’s trump. I could try and trump her if it’s really important.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want you to do that,” Akin shook his head. “I don’t think it’s THAT important to pull her away from her friend.” Akin smirked, thinking since it was her friend that he was truly supposed to be checking on.
“What would you like me to do then? What did Random say… particularly?”
“Uhmm... well, you know him. Not as much as I would’ve liked, to tell the truth.” Akin honestly wished he had been told more. “He’s a bit concerned about Scarlett and would like me to keep an eye on her to make sure she stays safe. Is there any way I could find out where they’re?”
Allysa fidgeted uncomfortably. “I’m not sure, but if it were really important I suppose I could take us to her.”
Akin raised an eyebrow and leaned even closer, being all ears.
“A few of my trumps are missing. If they used them to leave, I suppose they’d be in one of my vacation Shadows.”
“Which ones are missing? Do you have any... umm... spares?”
“Oh, sure… loads...”
“Could I talk you into loaning those spares to me for a while?”
“Loan? I dunno... How about I take you?”
Akin gave a great puppy dog look. “Well, I’d hate to take you away from your own affairs for something that I’ve to do on business.”
“They took my vacation places. I know them best. I suppose I can guide you there and show you around if you want.”
Akin pondered that. “Umm... sure, I think that’d be fine.
Allysa walked over to an index file box with more trumps in it than Akin had seen in any one place, and slipped out two or three. “Where do you want to look first?”
“Wow!” Akin took a step into the room. “Did Scarlett or her friend mention anything in particular?”
Allysa shook her head. “Not much… Scarlett mentioned adventure and her… hmm… friend mentioned the Courts of Chaos. But I don’t think one can get to there via my vacation spots.”
Akin shrugged. “Well, let’s see.” He examined the cards in her hand and pointed at one depicting a dilapidated structure in the middle of a desolate landscape. “How about this one?”
“Sure. Just get some water.” Allysa laughed. “Desert.”
“Can you give me ten minutes to get ready?”
Allysa rummaged in her things to prepare for the trip while Akin pulled out his personal trump and disappeared to his place to get his gear, plenty of water and the right attire. She was quite ready, dressed in a white poncho, by the time he got back ten minutes or so later dressed in light tan loose clothes with a sack and two skins of water. She gave him her hand as the trump gate opened up.
They were on a poorly paved road winding through blue sand dunes under the orange sky. There was a road sign nearby that read in English – a language they were both fluent in – “Las Vegas - 40 mi.” They walked into a shady looking roadside tavern with a long shiny Cadillac convertible parked in front of it. It was almost empty, except for someone playing a slot machine in the corner and two middle-aged men in well-tailored suits, ties and fedoras at the bar. They were talking in English and rather loudly.
“…And I’m telling you, Meyer, all it takes is to build a hotel! They all gonna come. We shall control the whole state of Nevada before we know it!”
“And I’m telling you, Ben, though I hate to mention it, that’s exactly why they call you Bugsy. Just look at these people!” The second man theatrically pointed at Akin and Allysa. “They still carry water around in… hmm… whatever they carry it in! Havana! That’s where the future of gambling is!”
Akin sighed disapprovingly, his eyes drifting around the room and then back at Allysa. “That’s where you vacationing?”
Allysa looked rather confused. This was clearly not her vacation spot. What the hell was going on? What was this place? And more importantly, had the girls gotten to here too? She shook her head. “No, this is all wrong… This... this looks like shadow Earth, though the sky and sands are of different colors, so it’s a close Shadow, I think.”
“But this is the trump that’s missing after Scarlett and her friend had visited you?”
“Yes, an exact copy of it… It always took me to the right place before though…”
Akin shrugged and walked toward the bar counter, coughing politely to attract attention of the man called Bugsy. “Excuse me, I’m looking for someone and was wondering if you’ve seen them? Two women... redheads both… very striking... would’ve been through here as recent as this morning.”
Bugsy half turned toward Akin, looked him over and grinned. “Say, wouldn’t you gamble if we opened up a casino out here?”
“Sure would.” Akin chuckled. He was known as a high roller in quite a few shadows.
Bugsy’s grin became broader. “There you see, Meyer! They're coming already!”
The second man sighed somewhat sadly. “I suppose you’d need more than just two.”
Akin nodded, “Can’t have a casino without a town, and it seems like there isn’t much of one here either.” He gestured towards the window.
Bugsy laughed loudly. “The town’s just a few miles away. That’s where we’re building.”
“Oh, then perhaps that’s where our two female friends went to?”
“Do they have good legs? We can use some show girls.”
Akin chuckled as he recalled Elektra in her green riding suit. “Very good legs, excellent in fact.”
“Dang! Bring’em on. Where’re they?” Apparently he either had not heard Akin’s original question or had already forgotten about it.
Akin looked over at Allysa, who had apparently lost all interest in the conversation and wandered to the window to watch the sunset and the varying color schemes, and then turned back to Bugsy with a patient smile. “As a matter of fact we don’t now where they’re. I was hoping that you’ve already seen them.”
But Bugsy’s thoughts already took a different turn. “We can always use another partner. Care to come in on the ground floor? Slots… craps… cards… Well, starting cash would be nice. You can be a silent partner.”
“I’ll think about it, Mister… hmm... sorry, didn’t catch the name.”
“Segal, Ben Segal.” Bugsy shook Akin’s hand energetically. “And this is Meyer Lansky,” he nodded at the second man.
“Pleased to meet you Mr. Segal. How do you do, Mr. Lansky? I’m Akin… hmm... Corey.”
“So, how about it, Mr. Corey?” Bugsy just would not let the subject go. “What do you want? Cut of the profits? A hand in the shows? A place to hide and call home? The more you invest the more we can offer…”
Akin smiled, “Alright. How much would you need to be... hmm... convinced of my good intentions?”
Bugsy grinned with much satisfaction. “A handshake will do for starts… We can discuss the details later. See, Meyer, told you, everyone would want a share.”
“A regular thriving business,” Meyer did not seem very convinced.
Akin looked back at Allysa by the window, who by this time had taken out a sketchpad and was doing the landscape and then back at his newly found partners. “So, I take it you haven’t seen our two friends earlier. I’m sure that they may want in as well... they are both, err… well to do. In fact, they were supposed to be here on vacation, like my companion and me…”
Meyer shook his head negatively, but Bugsy was too busy smirking at Akin’s outfit. “You an Englishman or something?”
Akin picked a bit at his tan desert ensemble. “Well, it is a desert out there, no? We like... err... camping.”
“Ahh camping,” Bugsy winked. Taking the Missus out for the night?”
Akin glanced at Allysa’s reaction, but she seemed consumed with her work. “Actually... we aren’t married.”
Bugsy eyed Allysa over. “Great! We can always use another showgirl. Can she sing or dance?”
“I’ve never seen her doing either, the truth be told.”
“That’s a shame… she’s a bit too young, but sure’s a looker. What did you see her do?” Bugsy chuckled.
“We’re just traveling companions. Nothing’s going on between us, if that’s what you are asking Mr. Segal.”
“Oh, then I can go try?” Bugsy’s grin broadened. “You know, get friendly…”
“Sure, go right ahead,” Akin watched Bugsy slinking off to talk to Allysa leaving him with Meyer.
“You know, this place used to be a truck stop,” Meyer sighed. “The casino’s in Vegas, of course. Almost finished by now. Called Flamingo.” Meyer sighed deeper. Obviously he was not a big fan of the project. “Havana, my friend,” he continued after a brief pause. “That’s where the future is. But Ben thinks otherwise, and somehow he managed to convince Lucky… so here we’re.” Meyer seemed to never run out of sighs.
Both fell silent watching Bugsy who was leaning over Allysa looking at her drawing. “Sayyyyy... that’s pretty good! You caught the colors very well there.”
Allysa looked up and nodded uncertainly, having somewhat a bad feeling about her new acquaintance. “I’m rather pleased with the coloring though I’ve no paints just pencils.”
“Was just talking to your friend about becoming partners with me. I’m building a casino in Vegas.” Bugsy grinned.
“Partners? In a casino?” Allysa rolled her eyes wondering what Akin is getting them into. “I see… actually we… we’re looking for someone…”
Bugsy stared at her closely. “Those two gals that your friend was talking about? We didn’t see them, though. They might’ve just went on straight to Vegas.”
Allysa blushed becoming a little self-conscious under his stare. “Oh? We should be on our way then. Hope it’s not too far.”
“Not too far by car.” Bugsy pointed at the Cadillac outside. “Do you need a ride? We’re having to go back there soon anyway.”
Allysa nodded with a warm smile, “That would be great!”
“Hey, Meyer! Let’s roll! Gonna give these two a ride to Vegas.”
Allysa folded up her sketching pad to stuff in a backpack. Akin got up picking up his. All four headed out toward the car, Allysa and Meyer taking the back seat while Akin got into the front passenger seat next to Bugsy.
The road snaked between blue dunes. It was getting dark fast. Akin was looking around, at the same time concentrating on his senses, reaching out to detect anything unusual. He still remembered his mission of course, and wondered where Scarlett and Elektra could have been. Allysa worked a little trump work in the back seat to divine the girls’ whereabouts with a frown.
Akin turned to Bugsy. “So, yours is the only casino in town?”
Bugsy nodded. “It’s a small joint but growing everyday. Here, in the middle of nowhere, lots of room to grow. And the Feds are going to deal with the heat if they come to get us.” He laughs loudly catching Akin’s look at the holster under his left arm revealed as the wind flaps open his jacket. “This is my piece.”
“A piece? A piece of what?”
“You know… My hardware.” Bugsy slipped out a revolver.
“Ah, a weapon! So, dangerous place, eh?”
“Not like the Wild Wild West,” Bugsy grinned as he put his piece back into holster. “But if the fuzz shows you want to be prepared. But you gonna love this place. You look like a real en-tre-pru-nu-er.”
The car rumbled into town passing a multitude of battered shacks then some nicer cottages and then a group of assorted structures in various stages of completion, the centerpiece evidently a hotel. They pulled up onto a side street and stopped near a large frame building, apparently a nightclub, judging by the sounds of a swing band playing a snazzy tune. Akin opened the door and stepped out, and slowly turned around taking it all in. Bugsy led through the doors and toward the bar. Meyer seemed to be content with staying in the car for now.
“Have a drink and I’ll go see if the boss and the boys are around.”
He stepped away and disappeared behind a side door, much to Allysa’s relief. She felt nothing but disgust for this Shadow and its inhabitants. There was clearly no trace of Elektra and Scarlett, so why wouldn’t they just go home? She was about to suggest it to Akin when a new couple entered the club settling at the table right across from them.
