To My Daughter Freya

Once I swore by all I could imagine
By Jewel, Unicorn, the very earth I stood on
By hate and love, and by the Depths of Rebma
By Chaos' Portals and the Gates of Amber
By sparkling Pattern and by swirling Logrus
By ice, by fire, and by Halya's demons
With my own blood on steel I sealed and bound it
And now I ask you - Have I kept my promise?

Once I swore by all gods I had heard of
My own blood coloured red the marbles of the Great Hall
Swore on my life to be a better parent
To make sure that my children had a future
To see to that my children had a family
That ever there should be someone to turn to
That they should know there was someone who loved them
I swore in bitterness - Have I succeeded?

Once I swore and called the world to witness
That my love for my children would be ever-lasting
A father and a mother should I give them
And all the worlds, from Amber and to Chaos
The best of schools and all the best of teachers
The knowledge of the Shadows, and of Amber
That they would grow up knowing of their birthright
I'd raise them Amberites, and humans - Have I failed?

Once I swore unto my future children
To them I would give the freedom of the Universe
I'd teach them loyalty and love and freedom
Consideration, virtues and compassion
To never fight for what they don't believe in
To dare stand up for what their hearts have told them
Be fair in judgement and believe in justice
To love each other - not be like the others

Once I swore - and look what life has brought me
Rank as lady, immense wealth and power over Shadows
Courtly favour and, finally, a father
But most of all it has brought me a family
A man so like myself to love and cherish
Two children whom I love above all others
Who's never brought me sorrow, only joy
A daughter I could ask - Had my oath any meaning?

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