"As Castellan of Amber Castle, it is my duty to ensure you are all familiar with the grounds and locations of your new home." Princess Flora says, happily. She strokes an elegant finger to hook beautiful hair back over a perfect ear before continuing. "So, let the tour begin with the Castle herself. . . "

"This is the third imagining of Castle Amber since it's inception, and reflects Father's continuing modernization of the Eternal City. Vast magicks and a considerable wielding of the Jewel of Judgment serve to redefine the castle. I must admit, it is disconcerting to come home after an absence only to find your home greatly changed. But, such is Father's desire.

"This incarnation of Castle Amber is based on designs popular in Victorian England of Shadow Earth. It is roughly six floors tall, though the uppermost floors are reserved for the King and Queen's chambers as well as my rooms. Lower levels extend into the mountain, called Kolvir, and delve deep into many levels of dungeons, including the seventh level, which houses the great room of the Pattern.

"The sitting porch looks out over the city proper, as well as the harbor and the sea. Steps up the mountain side lead eventually to the courtyard and up into the Great Hall. Though she's undergone many changes, Amber Castle has stood much as she always has, and always will. She's my home, regardless of where I live currently. She'll become your home soon enough."

"Let's walk around behind the castle now, and visit your Uncle Benedict's floral garden. He got teased, well, not much, by Eric and Corwin, but he simply answers that a 'warrior must be schooled in all things, not just war'. He spent some time in feudal Japan on Shadow Earth and help to set their code of bushido. He brought that back here with him.

"The garden features a wide assortment of flora, no relation, from around Shadow, so, regardless of your home, you should recognize something there. He's recruited Prince Brand to help him with the magic needed to control the growth, and Brand, when having his better days, is often seen there, tending the garden.

"Set around the main garden are smaller sections tended by one or more of us. Julian and myself each sponsor foliage to help maintain Amber's beauty and if any of you are interested in helping, you may contact Benedict for information. The rest of the grounds are reserved for weapons training, archery practice and outdoor balls and gatherings. To arrange something there, time can be reserved through my office."

"Um. . . excuse me. You there, yes. My eyes are up here, boy, thank you. Now, where were we? Ah yes, visiting the Church of the Unicorn. Fitting, I think, given some wandering eyes we have in this group."

"Now as we head down towards the forest of Arden, we'll come across one of the many Churches of the Unicorn. Worship of the Holy Unicorn is the official religion of Amber and these solemn temples are provided so that one may freely worship there. Each church is overseen by a priest and is available at the church any time day or night.

"Decorating, rather grimly I think, the lawn to the side of the churces are the graves of past great church leaders and saints. I've petitioned to have them spruced up, but, to no avail. The best I've managed to gain is putting flowers on them from time to time. It's a small concession, but one I'll have to live with.

"For those of you unfamiliar with the religion of the Unicorn, the Church was created by Dworkin shortly after he transcribed the Pattern and met the avatar of the Unicorn. Since then, She has been the very symbol of Order and Amber, guiding us as our patron deity. Worship of the Holy Unicorn is mandatory, but not widely enforced by either the King or the Church. If any of you have any further questions, please ask me later and I will arrange a meeting with a local priest."

"Off in the distance you see the rise of Arden forest. There, nestled between the trees is Prince Julian's lodge. He's one of the few that does not actively stay in the Castle when here. Prince Julian, as you should know, has been charged with defending all of Arden Forest, and, as such, that road to Amber. He takes these duties very seriously and brooks no insult or slight to his beloved forest.

"Assisting him in his duties are a small contingent of his beloved hellhounds, as well as a vast array of hawks that patrol high in the sky, reporting all they survey directly to the Prince.

"Helping him in the non-animal field are his team of highly trained and hand-picked Rangers. These Rangers are trained in both sword and bow and have an incredible kinship with the animals of the forest. It is often said that they would be happier dealing with trees and wolves than humankind. I've known at least a few where that was not the case. Regardless of their preferences, all are loyal to Amber and Julian. I don't know his stance on you younger generations joining the Rangers, but if that is something that appeals to you, please feel free to speak to him when we return."

"Now, we turn more to the west and from here can see the city below us, leading finally to Amber Harbor. We won't take the journey now, the city and harbor both are freely open for your exploration at your leisure. If Amber Castle is the Brain and Heart of Amber, then the Harbor is the lifeblood. Here the many ships of the Golden Circle Kingdoms bring trade goods and monies. That is the hub of commerce for half-a-dozen Golden Circle Shadows and it is their commerce that keeps Amber moving right along monetarily.

"The Harbor is also where Prince Gerard commands the great Navies of Amber. Comprising merchant and military sailing vessels, the Navy of Amber is feared and respected clear to the Courts of Chaos. It is due to her sheer naval power that Amber has enjoyed so many centuries of peace. It is said that the great fleets of England on Shadow Earth's history are but a small reflection fo the fleets of Amber.

"Most of us, even I, have donned the uniforms of the Navy, eventually, even, commanding our own ships. I hope that some of you will seek to carry on this strong tradition of Royal Service in the powerful Navy of Amber."

"Unless your vision is very good, you cannot see the lighthouse across the bay, but that is the Lighthouse of Cabra. It is kept by the caretaker Jopin. Jopin has cared for the Lighthouse for many, many years. Only Benedict and Eric remember a time when he was not there. He is old, now, and likely close to retiring.

The Lighthouse serves as the point of departure for all outgoing ships, and marks a welcome sight for returning sailors. Everytime one of the Amber Fleets set sail or returns from a tour at sea, Jopin welcomes them home with magically constructed fireworks.

Cabra also provides a line of defense against attackers seeking to do harm to Amber and the Harbor. Her defenses are strictly top secret, known only to Benedict, Gerard and the King, for obvious reasons. Ships that make it through the Home Fleet of Amber will have an unfriendly surprise awaiting them at the mouth of the harbor."

"Now that we've got the tour of the grounds finished," Flora concludes. "Shall we move into the Castle itself? Likely, it will be your home for some time to come." She carefully straightens her hair and clothes, both of which have remained flawlessly immaculate, and leads the tour inside.