Isocrates's Diary

Chapter 5: The Pattern of Things to Come

I awake in my own bed. That was not where I collapsed. It transpired that Fane moved me there. No one else could be bothered. Are there no maid servants here? The nightmares were as vivid as ever and worse yet I felt trapped in them for an eternity. There is a lot of sweat. My clothes smell, as do I. 

It was dark. I managed to stumble to the light panel. I recall Allanon used a panel like this is summon light before. The first one summoned a dim light by the bed. Curious, I tried the other button; the room filled with bright light. My eyes were hurt by the sudden intensity of the light, like waking up to a bright morning. 

I had little time to consider what had happened when a soldier knocked on the door. I was pleased to find that this guard could understand me. I thought they had finally worked out my native tongue and found someone familiar with it. To them I was speaking English. I have never heard of such a language, but was grateful that was identical to my Greek. 

The soldier was very helpful: he was able to arrange for breakfast and was going to introduce me to Goat's Cheese - processed Goat's milk. It had an unusual taste, but worked quite well with the bread. I will have to find out how to process milk. The soldier also arranged for new clothes and explained where I may wash myself down. 

Fane showed up shortly after the soldier left - in my excitement, I forgot to ask the soldier's name. Somehow, we could understand one another. Astonishment caused me to retry to conversation again in case it was fluke. No, we really can understand one-another! I listened carefully, it seems that if I concentrate hard enough I hear his actual words in his native tongue, but somehow it is getting processed into Greek for me. What is this? 

With the need to eat, drink, wash and change clothes, I did not get long to talk with Fane. He informs me that Cordelia has fallen in the Pattern and is now in the infirmary. No one seems to know how it happened. Perhaps there are more dangers in the Pattern than even Cordelia realizes? 

It has been a day of much learning for me. The wash 'facilities' took some getting used to. Thankfully I had the chance to investigate one when we first 'dropped in' on Cordelia's residence. It seems people have become embarrassed with their natural appearance and choose to hide themselves away. I wonder how they handle situations like wrestling and love making? The new clothes feel strange, they are too tight, they need be more loose. It is like they are trying to package themselves up. 

What a difference 2000 years make. Well, that is the supposed temporal variance which separates myself from Fane. I would guess the gap is less pronounced between the others, given their relative behaviour. This place seems to be more in-line with Fane than the others; though, no one else in this place seem to have his physical appearance. 

The soldiers refer to us princes. I am not sure what to make of that. This Amberite nonsense is starting to irk me. Fiona, that lady in the centre of the Pattern, is keeping some barrier up to protect us form monsters. Then there is Luke, who is out collecting charcoal to keep the generators running. I would like to know more of these generators and what is so important about them. 

For a family there does not seem to be many of them. At the suggestion of the soldier, who was getting fed up of running errands for us, myself and Fane went to the stores. This was all started when I asked for an abacus. Such a device is not available here, but I am assured that a slide rule can be used in its place. I acquire one of these slide rules from the store, along with a portable clock that had straps. Fane got more clothes, and some clocks. He was especially interested in Captain stripes - they look like a fashion statement to me, perhaps they are 'all the rage' in this age? I also grabbed a broken clock as these are run by springs and gears - I would like to see how the spring works in relation to the gears. 

We visited the infirmary to check up on Cordelia. Her situation has not improved. She fell shortly after I fell unconscious. I am lead to believe that I was asleep for two days. Given how hungry I was when I awoke that would be about correct. This is serious. I hope someone is getting her fed and watered? Or is this another thing that is left to Fane to sort out? I still have not seen any maids around here. 

There is little we can do for her for now. Maybe Luke will know when he returns? We visit the armoury. Fane's intent here is to better equip me. I fear there will be more violence ahead. Ignoring the supporting gear, two items of interest were given to me: a 'pistol' and a 'steel' sword. Fane states he will show me what to do with the pistol. It seems to be a ranged weapon, but I fail to see how useful it can be if it can only fire small bolts. 

The swords were unusual, they had hand-guards and all were curved somewhat. It seems unnecessary, but how not seen a battlefield where these would be used. They handle differently to my Xiphos. This may take awhile. While I hate the idea of conflict, it seems that being effective at self-defence would be a wise stratagem for one's continued existence in these troubled times. 

We head to the mess, a large hall for the troops to eat at, and meet Allanon. He is very keen to show off some magic. He conjures a light in his hand. I would be impressed if the ceilings were not capable of such things here. Fane had explained that the light is created by electricity. Allanon seemed in-dignified when I suggested he was using electricity. He tried explaining what electricity was, which was raising more questions than answers. We will continue this discussion when we have more time. Fane had to go somewhere, but Allanon and myself were interested in investigating the Pattern more closely. 

I still have not got used to being able to talk with everyone. It was only yesterday... Well, two day's ago that I could only talk with Cordelia - I hoped that the two events were not related - my talking and Cordelia's state. We reached the Pattern. I figured only one of us should try the Pattern a second time in case something happens. To avoid unnecessary running around, I decide that I would try to teleport next to the broken clock, that I laid down, near the tree. 

Not knowing what would happen, was both terrifying and exhilarating; though, I never would have guessed what actually happened... 

Walking the Pattern this time was easier than before; however, I was approached by a shadow. It was not bound by the rules of the Pattern. I wondered whether I had gone too far. There was no way that could get away before it reached me. My best chance was to talk with it. 

It responded. It was more interested in talking than attacking. A fact that I am very grateful for. I discover that it is a apparition of Corwin, when he last walked the Pattern. He wanted to know how his daughter was. I realized that he was referring to Cordelia. Still in a state of shock from the unexpected appearance of a ghost, I stumbled on my words as tried to explain that she was unconscious. I did not think she was dead as she was being looked after, but I couldn't be more helpful. 

Thankfully this seemed to suffice for the specter. It takes awhile to walk the Pattern, so I had time to discus several matters with Corwin's shade. Much of what he said fits what Deerdre, his half-sister, told us those few day's ago. Though he confirmed that I was not of his blood, I understand more, and perhaps this Amberite lore is not so ridiculous as it first seemed. There is something about discussing family matters with a memory-spirit that causes one to re-evaluate how one sees the world, or perhaps question one's sanity. 

He explained how to use the pattern without having to walk it and that bothering Fiona, right now, would be a bad idea. Allanon was keen to talk with her, but that will have to wait. While Corwin is knowledgeable, I was regularly hitting the limit of it (or as much as he was prepared to divulge.) At my suggestion that Deerdre may be alive (which was pleasing to him,) he suggested that we talk with her more. We would have to use her Trump(s). What is that? I had reached the middle of the Pattern and teleported to the clock. It worked! 

Allanon started accosting me while I was disseminating my conversation with Corwin's ghost. It troubled me that it was the illusion that attacked Cordelia; though, he did not understand why he did it. He felt compelled to attack her. his attacks drain the victim of their physical and mental life energy. Cordelia would have no protection against such an attack. He remembers nothing of what compelled him, which is strange as the figment cannot normally forget anything. 

Corwin drew this pattern, based off the design in Amber. The manifestation of the Pattern has suggested that Amber's pattern had been damaged, which can happen if a family member's blood is spilt on it. The image of Corwin also warned that Brand is serious trouble. I speculate that one can use the master Pattern in Amber to influence the others. If that is true, then it will only be a matter of time before Brand can deal with this pattern - he may have already started interfering with it, perhaps to try and bring the barrier down. 

With so much information swimming in my memory, I explain bits of what I can to Allanon. He only heard my side of he conversation, not the other, in fact he did not see the shady figure. He rightly figured I have not told him everything, I have not processed it all myself. I am exhausted from walking the Pattern, but at least I did not fall unconscious this time. Allanon tried something, I cannot tell what it was, but I felt a presence in my mind. He was staring at me, chanting. Simply talking to him was enough to stop whatever it was he was up to. 

Allanon is as impatient as he is easily distracted. He may know some magic after all; though, if it requires dedication then he will be limited in what can achieve. Joining a military force would be good for him, as would knock some discipline into him. Like Fane, he shows compassion, which, even if faked, is certainly comforting and what we need against that selfless, egotistical Brand (or so I heard that is what he is like.) 

When Fane found us, we went off to train, sparring. The other two can wield swords, but they are not that brilliant. Fane, seems more comfortable with claws, and I am sure Allanon would prefer to use his magic. I have not seen that girl around here for a while. I wonder where she is? Still, those two are better with the sword than myself. I spent the evening, trying to walk the pattern in my mind. It took a couple of hours and it was tiring. I understand that I cannot do anything with the Pattern here and there are protections in place. I will have to try further away. I wonder if I can somehow feel the effect of the restraining influence? 

To investigate this broken clock, I am going to need tools. There were none at the stores; though, they did mention a workshop. I will go there tomorrow. I may have to forge the tools myself. Blacksmithing is a physically demanding art, so I will have exercise and build up my strength. This not only helps me to defend myself, but I need understand 'steel'. Fane said it was was a purer Iron. So, even after smelting, impure atoms remain in the Iron? Removing them would require some form of catalyst then? Something to act like the sand with water. I will need to identify which elements will exhibit such properties. 

All the events of the day are catching up on me. So much as happened. So much still needs to be done. I hope I am getting closer to saving Athens. 

My head is starting to spin... I'm going to sleep...