Background - What has gone before ...

Everything from the first five Chronicles of Amber happened, although not necessarily with the bias that Corwin puts on it. The events (described here) happened in that order and are factually correct (although their motivation may differ).

At the end of the Patternfall war it was believed that Brand, Deirdre and Caine had all fallen in the war. It tunred out that Caine (not trusting the others in this) had in fact sent a blood creature representation of him instead to the battle and it was this that died there instead of him. Brand and Deirdre are definitely dead however. With Oberon and Eric also dead this makes four of the Elder Amberites that are definitely dead.

No one has heard from Finndo or Osric since their dissappearance and they have still not yet made any attempt to contact Amber. Both Brand's and Oberon's records were searched and it was discovered that Brand had a son by Queen Jasra I called Rinaldo. It was also discovered that Oberon had two more children. A fellow by the name of Dalt who was son of a woman called Deela, and a daughter called Coral who is the daughter of Queen Kinta of Deiga. It was felt inappropriate to invite Brand's son to Amber, but both Dalt and Coral were invited. Both refused  the invitation for their own reasons they haven't cared to explain.

King Random who had already declared his son Martin by Morganthe invited the other elders to reveal their children to help run Amber whilst the Elders were dealing with a treaty with the Courts following the Patternfall War. Some such as Llewella took up the offer, revealing her daughter Jewel. Jewel was simple and it was deemed best for everyone that someone who may help her look after her, so she was entrusted to Dworkin to look after. Five other children were proffered for service and given positions within the Castle. Others decided that there may be advantage in King Random holding their children hostage in Amber kept quiet. Shortly afterwards an objectionable young dark skinned man called Valmonde arrived claiming to be of the blood of Amber. He was tested by making him walk the Pattern, and he was found to be truly a son of Amber. But exactly whose son is not known. After a month of his posturing and upsetting everyone he was sent by King Random to Synys as the Amber Ambassidor.

Brand not only left a diary but a number of other things in his rooms. When Merlin went in to investigate some of these objects there was a mighty crash and he dissappeared. He has not been seen since, and King Random has declared the rooms off limits until there is time for further detailed study.

King Random left his son Martin in charge of Castle Amber whilst he headed to a neutral venue for discussions with the courts. Corwin decided to head back to his pattern for further study.

Six months ago Jewel dissappeared after having given Dworkin the slip. She was seen heading for the Pattern and it is thought that she either successfully walked it or died in the attempt.

Last month trouble began flaring in the Golden Circle. The Elders you report to have briefed you on the situation and given you private council.