B.T.V. -- Session 09 Prelude: The Lawman's Dance

One is Selidor . . .

  And this is one’s introduction to Adrilankha society . . .

An inn, a tavern, a Ball . . . The House of Jhereg the partners in the First Dance of this bloody cotillion.

Finndo of Amber, and the Ghostwalker Asher the other beautillions to this coming out.

Coal Fires and Red Hot Pokers provide the hall and its decoration.

The stage is set, the audience awaits. Let the Ball commence.





One accepts Finndo’s clasping of hands. It is the conclusion to a tongue most effective. An inspirational commandment. Such speeches have no effect upon a Lord of Law. They are emotional diatribes bent on manipulating actions. One is immune. It is fact not fiction that must dictate course and conviction. And yet one finds oneself not immune. The answer to this contradiction may be found in the core nature of the children of Amber. Much discourse has been made in the theaters of Law as to their particulars, and Essar’s Dissertation on the Function of Architypes is most illicit in its revelations. So it should come as no surprise that the effects of such are felt even upon Oneself. They, meaning Amberites, are at heart inspirations, even to those who cannot be inspired.

And so the course of emotional consequence acts as it is meant, mind, sense, physical nuance all arrive at best fullness. One now turns to the encroaching event. As is the protocol of Law, One examines the Virtue of Intervention. Virtue in this usage holding no religious or dubious moral connotation but simply benefit, asset, consequence and necessity. Intervention here is action, reaction and inaction. The context of such examination is a Dragon Lord of the name Calcitrant e’Drien who is also a contractor of Jhereg has decreed a death, One’s death, and others. Is such Lawful? If so, then there is to be only reaction, as life must by its nature defend its own existence. If not, then there also must follow action.

The use of the Jhereg House in this circumstance coupled with the intention of assassination may in and of itself suggest the unlawful. There are examples of lawful slaying, in the execution of lawful authority by realm or nation, by result of trial, or word of King or national equivalent, and within the jurisdiction of lawful bounties, all of which One is convinced do not apply to the current event.

The current event.

One has been given the ground floor. The entrances are noted, pathways anticipated. Tables are shifted, chairs adjusted. It will not be obvious. These Jhereg are crafted for speed and skill. Placement is important to them. Such as their profession acts in discretion, not in overt gestures. This engagement may not be natural to them. Even a gratitude of numbers may burden them. Patience is their normal, but will not be available to them here. They will adapt, another requirement of their profession. That adaption will take them down a path of least resistance. That is the path One shall provide. The chairs, tables, walls, supports, roundings and squarings, curve and flooring, ceiling down to the smallest bump and intrusion shall bring them to Oneself and the fulfillment of their contract.

They will come in ones and twos, more will fashion a discomfort in their styles of fighting and anticipations. Hesitation and awkwardness that can be used against them. One prepares the dueling circle, in this event a section of tavern floor that can give good measure of Massartu and the sword mastery One has devoted Oneself to achieving. For movement and space is important to Oneself as well.

The blade is drawn, its voice heard in the cut of air and wakeful yawn. Awaken brother in arms. This moment history will shout your magnificence. Allow Oneself a meager participation. Let glory be yours. Guard Vigilant.

One assumes the stance.

Come, assailant assassin, bring sharp and blunt, bring poison and cloud, your effort shall shine in the fullness of your defeat.

Selidor's thoughts transcribed by A. Fraser