"Now the prophecy says the bloodline of Dworkin will pay the true price for their freedom. It specifically says that the firstborn will return to claim the sovereignty and fail. It goes on to say the fourth generation will build new power from the old. And finally and probably most importantly, the artifact will be returned," Brand finishes with a 'what do you think of that?' expression on his face.
Rochelle was frowning. "Returned to who? And what's happening to, say, Julian and why'd Gerard freak out? And - no offense - but where are all you dead guys coming from?"
Brand blinks, then gives a characteristic smirk. "All very good questions. I can only answer the first at this time, however." He pulls a card out of his pocket and holds it face out for everyone else to see. The card is Julian. As you watch, the card activates and shows Julian engaged in hand-to-hand combat with several men. They appear to be in a forest, possibly Arden. Though outnumbered, he does not appear to be in danger.
Brand breaks the contact and puts the card away. "Julian is defending his realm as would be expected." he remarks. "Oh, one more thing." He looks back up at the group. "The prophecy states there will be a regime change. I suggest we find out who that is supposed to be."
"Well, according to the prophecy, Osric's a wash and Random was wanting out anyway," Rochelle hums. "Eric?"
"I don't know..." Lladdwyr chips in the conversation finally. "It's a prophecy, so theoretically it'll come to pass regardless of what we do, correct?"
Brand gives a brief nod and looks to Lladd, "Indeed." he says. "But forewarned is forearmed. My guess would be either Eric or Corwin. And since Corwin is off in his own world, that leaves Eric." Brand is thoughtful for a minute before adding, "Of course, with the prophecy not being specific, it could be anyone."
"Right," Rochelle nods, looking at her nails. "Flora, do you want to be Queen?"
"Not on your life." Flora responds without hesitation.
Brand rolls his eyes and shakes his head slightly. He is about to say something when there is a knock at the door and Osric steps in. "Ladies, gentlemen," Osric says by way of greeting, nodding to each in turn. "Is this a private gathering, or can anyone sit in?"
"Do you have any thoughts on who should be monarch in Amber?" Lladdwyr asks Caine casually. He still has his own brandy to finish before he leaves, after all.
Caine looks up from contemplating his glass and regards you critically for a few moments before answering. "I don't know why, but I believe I can tell you." He pauses briefly before continuing, "Random was the best choice for the job. He has charisma suited for the position and he could think on his feet, among other things." He pauses to finish the brandy. "With him stepping down, my next choice is Gerard, but he won't take it. He would grudgingly take regency until someone else qualified stepped forward or was appointed. He's done so in the past. But, there would be no progress. Things would stagnate."
He shakes his head and rubs his temples. "No one else is fit for the job. None of my siblings I mean. I don't know any of the younger generation well enough to have an idea how any of you would do." He shrugs and pours himself another glass and tops off yours with the remainder of the bottle.
Lladd nods thanks, after having listened quite intensely to Caine's opinion. Then a thought crosses his mind. Setting the glass down, he answers Caine while at the same time quickly checks his still-damp pants hanging over another chair. "It's interesting that Random would step down just at this time. I don't know that he knew exactly the crisis that would be coming, but it seems odd that he just... stepped down without putting something in place." From a pocket he produces a soggy and crumpled packet of cigarettes. "You owe me some smokes, too," he remarks good-naturedly, tossing the packet on a table.
Caine grins and gives his head a jerk toward the bureau along the wall. "Check in there." he says."I don't think he's officially stepped down," he adds thoughtfully. "The timing is questionable, though. You are right."