A letter home.
Father and Mother,
These are troubled times in Amber. First there was a siege and the city was under attack. One half of the city was cut from the other by a great bug infestation. Now the seas boil with monsters and terror.
Kazimir has travelled to the Fortress at Schenn and taken the other Icemanes with him save for me and one or two others. I do not know what troubles him. I believe he left me here because I am the Fightmaster and also because I serve the Argus Niklas in his duty protecting Arianne. I was there when the Regent himself assigned Niklas to her protection and education. He then gave me the task of helping Niklas.
Given the troubles that have plagued Amber, I have not been able to return home to visit. I spoke of Lilith in my last letter and how I hoped to introduce you to her. She is now the Duchess of her father's house, the Great House Karm of Amber. Her loyalty must now lie to Amber and her father's family. Kazimir said he would release me from my oaths if I wished to accept her offer and become her consort but I could not forsake all that I am. Instead I wait. It is hard and it has pained me that I have hurt her but I still wait.
You may be pleased to learn that I continue to work hard on shaping bows and arrows for the Spire. Grandfather would be proud to know that I am learning the art of the Smiths. It is long and arduous but I toil away each day. My time gets whittled away more with every passing day. Some days I do not have the time to hunt and I still have others to take into the forest in search of game. I have found the tracks of the perfect prey for them, these animals will be waiting for us for a time yet.
Mother I am certain Father has spoken to you of the menagerie at the Spire. Did he speak to you of the Huntswoman Faelin and tell you of the amazing creatures she is responsible for? So many strange animals exist and I am learning about a new one almost every day. Of all the creatures in the menagerie, the Huntswoman is by far the most dangerous and captivating. She saved me from an eel that was determined I was its lunch and that it was not mine. I have learned more than one lesson from the Huntswoman and many of her lessons are riddles, puzzles to be solved.
I have met some strange people in recent days. First there was Lady Yvonne of Amber who told me of Rebma. It seems each time I find this lady, she is in need of rescue. Then I helped guide the Regent's lost son, Saul back to the Spire with the Baksi's help. He was married to Lady Emma and asked about her. Many things were being spoken and I thought it best to guide him somewhere he could cause no harm and perhaps receive help. I have also met another lost Weir, he is of the Sea but also the fallen clan. I do not know what to make of Lysias truly yet but he knows how to wake a wolf from sleep with song.
Know that I am well and that I miss you both and my brother and sister. I hope to write again soon when times are less troubled in Amber.
Zane