The late King Eric is a polarizing figure, both among his brothers and sisters and among the people of Amber.  Many choose to regard his brief reign as a Regency, but those who do not do so defend the memory of their bold and handsome king with a virulent passion.

In life, Eric had much the same effect.  Possibly the most like Oberon of any of the princes, his was a powerful, sometimes overwhelming presence.  One did not stand beside Eric, one stood in his shadow and accepted what light, or what gloom, he chose to offer.