“When was the last time you saw him?”
“Oh, eight or nine years ago. I’d say.”
“Have you met any of the others?”
“Yes,” she said. “Julian and Gerard were here not too long ago. Just a few months back.”
I suddenly felt very insecure. Benedict had certainly been quiet about a lot of things. I would rather have been ill advised than kept totally ignorant of affairs. It makes it easier for you to be angry when you find out. The trouble with Benedict was that he was too honest, though. He would rather tell me nothing than lie to me. I felt something unpleasant coming my way, however, and knew that there could be no dawdling now, that I would have to move as quickly as possible. Yes, it had to be a hard hellride for the stones. Still, there was more to be learned here before I essayed it. Time . . . Damn!
“Was that the first time that you met them?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said, “and my feelings were very hurt.” She paused, sighed. “Grandpa would not let me speak of our being related. He introduced me as his ward. And he refused to tell me why. Damn it!”
“I’m sure he had some very good reasons.”
“Oh, I am too. But it does not make you feel any better, when you have been waiting all your life to meet your relatives. Do you know why he treated me like that?”
“These are trying times in Amber,” I said, “and things will get worse before they get better. The fewer people who know of your existence, the less chance there is of your getting involved and coming to harm. He did it only to protect you.” She made a spitting noise.
“I do not need protecting,” she said. “I can take care of myself.”
“You are a fine fencer,” I said. “Unfortunately, life is more complicated than a fair dueling situation.”
“I know that. I’m not a child. But-“
“ ‘But’ nothing! He did the same thing I’d do if you were mine. He’s protecting himself as well as you. I’m surprised he let Brand know about you. He’s going to be damned mad that I found out.” Her head jerked and she stared at me, eyes wide.
“But you wouldn’t do anything to hurt us,” she said. “We-we’re related . “
“How the hell do you know why I’m here or what I’m thinking?” I said. “You might have just stuck both your necks in nooses!”
“You are joking, aren’t you?” she said, slowly raising her left hand between us.
“I don’t know,” I said. “I need not be-and I wouldn’t be talking about it if I did have something rotten in mind, would I?”
“No. . . I guess not,” she said.
“I am going to tell you something Benedict should have told you long ago,” I said. “Never trust a relative. It is far worse than trusting strangers. With a stranger there is a possibility that you might be safe.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Yourself included?” I smiled.
“Of course it does not apply to me. I am the soul of honor, kindness, mercy, and goodness. Trust me in all things.”
“I will,” she said, and I laughed.
“I will,” she insisted. “You would not hurt us. I know that.”
“Tell me about Gerard and Julian,” I said, feeling uncomfortable, as always, in the presence of unsolicited trust. “What was the reason for their visit?”
She was silent for a moment, still studying me, then, “I have been telling you quite a few things,” she said, “haven’t I? You are right. One can never be too careful. I believe that it is your turn to talk again.”
“Good. You are learning how to deal with us. What do you want to know?”
“Where is the village, really? And Amber? They are somehow alike, aren’t they? What did you mean when you said that Amber lies in all directions, or any? What are shadows?”
I got to my feet and looked down at her. I held out my hand. She looked very young and more than a little frightened then, but she took it. “Where . . . ?” she asked, rising.