Chapter 1
Marina walked into the streets of Corus with a bounce in her step. She led her horse, Eclipse, behind her at a comfortable pace. Her face was covered by a heavy cloak around her shoulders and all you could tell about her was that she was about ten centimeters above the average height teenage girls usually had. She walked confidently to Tortall's Castle Gates and was calm when she was stopped by soldiers.
"Halt! What business does a suspicious character have with the castle?" asked the guard.
"I seek an audience with the King," murmured Marina softly. The soldiers laughed having never seen a cloaked figure walk up to them so casually and want to see the most important person in the realm.
"Not everyone can see the king," said the guard, "Or talk with him for that matter."
"When may I speak with him?" asked Marina. Despite the clear voice she had that showed she feared no one, she kept her face down.
"We cannot let you inside the palace when we do not even know where you are from or who you are," said the guard. Just then Prince Liam of Tortall rode to the gates. Marina kept her eyes averted from the man who was only two years her senior. The 19 year old had just gotten his shield the past year.
"What's going on?" asked Prince Liam stepping down from his horse and
walking to the guards, "May I ask if you are harassing this stranger?"
"No Your Highness," said the other guard, "this person wishes to speak with the king and we are wary as to the stranger's purpose." Marina noticed, with some amusement, that Prince Liam and his guards were using unisexual words since they did not want to admit that they were clueless as to Marina's gender. She now turned toward the prince her eyes still down.
"Your Highness," said Marina, "My name is Marina. I am from Galla and I would like to speak with the king about matters only he should hear." The Prince was still unsure but he knew enough etiquette not to let a lady get hounded by male guards.
"Follow me," said Prince Liam getting back on his horse and ordering the guards to open the gate. They complied still unsure whether the one within the cloak was actually a woman. Marina rode on Eclipse and followed Prince Liam to the footsteps of the large castle. Prince Liam ordered two stableboys to take care of Eclipse and his Moonlight looking to Marina to make sure she was alright with another person touching Eclipse. After she nodded the man led her to the Throne Room where King Jonathan of Conte and Queen Thayet of Sarain sat. Prince Liam bowed in front of his parents while Marina knelt with one foot.
"Liam," said Queen Thayet, "Who is your friend and what business do you have?"
"Nothing Mother," said Liam cheerfully, "This is Marina. I met her at the gates having trouble with the guards. She wanted to speak to Father."
"Well child," said King Jonathan, "Speak up." He looked regal as his voice boomed at Marina. Marina kept her eyes down.
"Your Majesties," said Marina, "I am Marina, the Shang Phoenix of Galla." This raised eyebrows. They were about to question further but stayed silent when Marina continued. "I have come to warn you that your surrounding countries: Tusaine, Tyra, and Galla house rebellious forces after Tortall. I fail to mention Scanra due to the fact that they are doing that already." Silence ensued in the room. The only ones in the room where Marina, Queen Thayet, King Jonathan, and Prince Liam.
"Excuse me my dear girl but what proof do you have to support your claims?" asked King Jonathan, "So far all you have said strikes me as unbelievable. First is that it takes a Shang fifteen years to acquire the title of an animal and you have one of an immortal. You look at the most 17. The second is that, save for Scanra, we have Tusaine, Tyra, and Galla as our allies."
"Your Highness," said Marina patiently, "In response to your inquiry of whether I am a Shang or not, I can prove in the training courts. And I also said that it is not those countries itself that wish to take over the throne of Tortall, but the citizens within the country. A man has been traveling around for most five years gaining large support from the countries he has travelled. It is only now that I step forward because they could strike some time this year and I was ordered to by my mother."
"Your mother?" asked Prince Liam, "There is a woman out there who would let a girl out on the road free to be attacked by bandits or even raped?" Though he said the possibility of rape, he did not know whether Marina was desirable under all her heavy clothing.
"Technically," said Marina calmly noticing the skepticism in Liam's voice, "She is everyone's mother. But genetically, I am daughter of the Great Mother Goddess." Now this was getting much too unbelievable. The royals in the Throne Room were getting a run for their money that day. How was it possible for a sixteen year old girl to come into their Throne Room with one of their sons and suddenly claim herself a Shang PHOENIX and a daughter, a hereditary daughter, of the Great Mother Goddess? Now Queen Thayet grew srious.
"Young Lady," said Queen Thayet, "Your words continue to be less and less believable. If you do not tell us the truth, I'm afraid my son will have to escort you out of the castle." Marina knew she was getting nowhere and decided to go to her last resort. She stood up and took off her cloak shocking Prince Liam, Queen Thayet, and King Jonathan. Prince Liam was the most surprised having not thought he was escorting a gorgeous Goddess to his parents. On the contrary, he thought Marina wore the cloak to hide a disfigurement or an unappealing scar. But there was reason to wear the cloak. Liam wondered if she had to beat boys off with a sword just to walk home. Or if the almost subtle ethereal glow coming from her body was normal. Marina had ivory white skin even whiter than Queen Thayet's and long black hear with red and silver streaks. She had emerald green eyes with colored flecks that seemed to change every second. Her full, red, and sensual lips smiled at Liam who was afraid of what he'd do if he looked at her for too long. She had knee-length boots with a color going between gold and red matching her gold shirt and red vest and red skirt. She had a beauty that seemed to outshine even Queen Thayet and her daughter Kalasin though she was humble about it.
"You certainly look like a goddess," said King Jonathan after awhile.
"My father always said I took after Mother rather than him," said Marina with a shrug before looking serious again, I know that you've never seen the Mother Goddess herself but do I at least look like I would be her daughter?"
"If we were to believe you," said Queen Thayet, "and that is a big if, why would the Mother Goddess want to send you to Tortall to warn us? And how could someone not even hear of you? I'm sure word would have spread to the corners of the Earth if the daughter of the Mother Goddess herself was in Galla. And I've seen Daine, a demi-goddess, before and she looks more human whereas you look more God. And a Shang has no magical power so why would they let you, who is sure to have them in every particle of the body, get to be a Shang? Oh and don't forget that..." King Jonathan cut his wife off.
"Just a minute my dear," said King Jonathan, "Let Marina answer your questions."
"Well," began Marina, "Let me start with your first question and go from there. Now, you must have noticed by know that the Gods and Godesses are particularly loving of Tortall? You've had many more divine interventions than any other country. There is Alanna the Lioness having even met my mother and been given a present. And though Veralidaine Sarrasri, daughter of a god, was born in Galla, she helped Tortall in the Carthaki War. And I have an answer to two of your questions. No one has ever heard of me because I have spent twelve years practicing the Shang Arts in a place where very few people visit. And they accepted me because my father is the Shang Unicorn and my mother is a goddess. Though they don't approve of magic, they admit anyone under the blessing of a divine being. So, do Your Majesties believe me?" King Jonathan did not know what to think. It was certainly reasonable to think that the daughter of another divine being would warn them of an attack on Tortall after Daine and the Immortals War. The child certainly looked like a divine being in her own right. Queen Thayet was as pensive as her husband while Liam was looking admiringly at Marina's curves trying to be as discreet as possible. Marina's eyes were only at the king and queen.
"I'll have to talk with my council," said King Jonathan decisively, "In the meantime, I would like to know if it is all right with you to stay in the castle? Or are you off to carry more messages?" Now Marina was slightly awkward.
"Actually Your Highness," said Marina, "If you will have me, I would like to assist you and Tortall in the war that will inevitably come." Queen Thayet winced at the word 'war'.
"It will be most welcome," said King Jonathan, "Liam, please lead Marina to the Royal Family Wing. If you will be most gracious as to give Marina your spare room." Marina looked surprised.
"I couldn't do that," said Marina, "I thought I would just sleep outside with Eclipse. I don't want to be a burden."
"Nonsense," said Liam looking very pleased, "You can have my room. I hope you don't mind if our will connect from now on. That one was supposed to be a squire but I think you will make good use of it." Marina's and Liam's voice echoed in the hall as Queen Thayet and King Jonathan gazed at each other.
"And I thought we didn't have to go through another war for the rest of our rule," said Queen Thayet, "You'd think the Gods would let Roald endure this.
"What do you think?" asked Liam opening the room. Marina sat down on the bed and looked around the large bedroom filled with the basic furniture.
"Is this supposed to be a squire's room?" asked Marina, "The Shang bedroom was much smaller."
"Then I'll presume you like it," said Liam satisfied before dropping the packs Marina and he had taken from Eclipse into the nearby chair, "Is this all you have? Where are your other clothes?"
"I only have another pair," said Marina, "The Shang always pack light."
"Would you like to go shopping at Corus with me tomorrow then?" asked Liam. Marina looked closely at Liam after hearing those words.
"Um...Prince Liam," said Marina slowly.
"You can call me Liam," said Liam amiably.
"Liam," began Marina, "I can't help but wonder, and forgive me if I'm wrong, but are you courting me?" Liam did a very unknightly thing and blushed.
"You could say that," said Liam, "I'm sorry. Does it bother you? Would you like me to stop?"
"Well it's not really my decision to tell you what to do with your feelings but aren't you going a little quickly?" asked Marina, "I know I haven't been around the court very long but are they really this fast."
"It depends on the girl," said Liam before smiling, "But you're right. I should go a little slower and know more about you before I get ideas about courting." Marina seemed to like his answer for she said,
"By the way, is that offer for Corus still free? Could you fit me into your knightly schedule Liam?"
"I'm sure I'll find some time," said Liam, "But I guess I'll be going. Just knock if you need me. Oh and Marina?"
"Yes?"
"If any other knight acts as fresh as I was with you, tell me." Marina laughed not bothering to remind him that she was trained in the art of the Shang.
***
"Jonathan, Thayet," said Alanna, "Are you sure that you aren't pulling our legs?" The royal highnesses of Tortall had just finished telling their council the events of that morning and they were as skeptical as the two were before.
"She sounds like she's telling the truth," said King Jonathan, "And you should have just seen her. She definitely looked like a Goddess. And it's not even an understatement." This comment received glares from Buri, Alanna, Daine, Onua, and a particularly hard one from Thayet. Sir Raoul of Naxen laughed at Jonathan's awkward position but then turned serious.
"Well then," said Raoul, "It doesn't seem as if we could do anything but wait until those forces she's been talking about comes."
"I'll send some more spies to our borders Jon," said George, Alanna's husband and Baron of Pirate's Swoop, before turning into his old comical self, "So, you say the lass is quite a beauty? Can't wait to see if your claims are true, Jon, or if you've turned into a Player."
"George," said Alanna sternly.
"Sorry sweet, just seeing if I can still make you as jealous as you would be months after we wed," said George in good humor.
"Anyway," said Alanna, "If she is who she claims to be, I'll test her. I've seen the Mother Goddess before so I'll know if there's a resemblance. And for her claims as one of the strongest Shang, possibly even of the Shang Dragon, I won't take it easy on her. Maybe the Shang Horse or the Shang Snake will recognize her."
Marina knocked on Liam's door an hour after he had left her. She nearly laughed when the door was opened only after the second knock. He smiled having hoped it was her. "Now Liam," said Marina, "Did you not say that you should know me better?"
"Yes but how can I not know you if we don't spend time together?" asked Liam, "Now how may I help you?"
"I was wondering if you could show me the castle," said Marina. Barely a second after Liam walked next to her and offered her his arm. Marina laughed again and took it looking like any other average noblewoman. They had just finished examining the Royal Forest and were on their way to the archer rings when they saw knights coming from the castle headed their way. It seemed that many of Liam's old classmates were there relaxing in the times of peace. It won't be peaceful in the coming years thought Marina before they headed their way. It seemed rumors had abounded that the prince was leading a goddess around the castle and the knights wanted to see if the servants were right. That goddess part is only have true said Marina to herself. Before the knights were even in walking distance they gawked at the beauty in Liam's arms and then were very envious of the prince. It was Liam and Marina who ended up going to them.
"Liam you dog!" said one nudging him, "You've been hiding out on us. Where did you find this beauty?"
"Marina," said Liam, "Meet Francis of Naxen, Alan of Pirate's Swoop, and Alex of Caynn." Francis had thick black hair and intelligent green eyes. He looked to be the most genuinely courteous of them all. Alan had to be the most mischievous taking after his mother with his fiery red hair and violet eyes. Alex was truly handsome, though they all were, with kind light blue eyes the color of the sea and hair as blond as any Scanran.
"Pleasure to meet you Sir Francis, Sir Alan, and Sir Alex," said Marina bowing, "My name is Marina. I grew up in Galla so I have not heard of your lands but I am sure they are beautiful."
"Certainly not as beautiful as you good lady," said Alan smiling like an adorable trickster, "And please, it's Alan."
"And you are free to call me Alex," said Alex, " and would I truthfully say that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen or ever will see."
"I also prefer to be called Francis," said Francis, "And might I say you certainly do deserve the status of a goddess." Marina laughed.
"Your friends are certainly charmers, Liam," said Marina laughing cheerfully, "I hope all knights aren't like this or I'll have a head as large as Tortall!"
"It certainly wouldn't ruin your beauty," said Alan kissing Marina's hand.
"Excuse me but I do believe Marina and I have to continue with our tour," said Liam blushing hotly at what Alan had done.
"C'mon Liam," said Alex, "The more the merrier."
"On what realm?" muttered Liam to which Marina giggled.
"Are you headed for the archery fields?" asked Francis. Marina brightened.
"I certainly hope so," said Marina, "I do love archery." They headed for a field where it looked as if pages were training.
"Would you like to try?" asked Alan holding up a long bow, "It's a tad big but I hope you can manage." Marina took the bow and weighed it in her hands. Liam grinned to himself. He was the only knight between the five of them that knew Marina was an exceptionally good Shang warrior. The pages parted way to watch Marina ready to aim already at a far distance with the long bow and her quivers.
"Liam," said Francis, "Do you think Marina can shoot that far? That's the level for knights."
"I'm sure she'll manage," said Liam. Marina readied and aimed. The arrow hit dead center to the awe of the knights and pages alike. She took one step back and struck again. She kept going until she was out. Marina ran back to the knights and smiled.
"Did it all hit center?" asked Marina before taking a look for herself. Thirteen arrows were neatly clustered around the middle of the target. Marina looked satisfied.
"Who are you?" asked Alex.
"Marina of the Shang Phoenix," said Liam proudly. Just then the entire group heard clapping behind Marina.
Marina walked into the streets of Corus with a bounce in her step. She led her horse, Eclipse, behind her at a comfortable pace. Her face was covered by a heavy cloak around her shoulders and all you could tell about her was that she was about ten centimeters above the average height teenage girls usually had. She walked confidently to Tortall's Castle Gates and was calm when she was stopped by soldiers.
"Halt! What business does a suspicious character have with the castle?" asked the guard.
"I seek an audience with the King," murmured Marina softly. The soldiers laughed having never seen a cloaked figure walk up to them so casually and want to see the most important person in the realm.
"Not everyone can see the king," said the guard, "Or talk with him for that matter."
"When may I speak with him?" asked Marina. Despite the clear voice she had that showed she feared no one, she kept her face down.
"We cannot let you inside the palace when we do not even know where you are from or who you are," said the guard. Just then Prince Liam of Tortall rode to the gates. Marina kept her eyes averted from the man who was only two years her senior. The 19 year old had just gotten his shield the past year.
"What's going on?" asked Prince Liam stepping down from his horse and
walking to the guards, "May I ask if you are harassing this stranger?"
"No Your Highness," said the other guard, "this person wishes to speak with the king and we are wary as to the stranger's purpose." Marina noticed, with some amusement, that Prince Liam and his guards were using unisexual words since they did not want to admit that they were clueless as to Marina's gender. She now turned toward the prince her eyes still down.
"Your Highness," said Marina, "My name is Marina. I am from Galla and I would like to speak with the king about matters only he should hear." The Prince was still unsure but he knew enough etiquette not to let a lady get hounded by male guards.
"Follow me," said Prince Liam getting back on his horse and ordering the guards to open the gate. They complied still unsure whether the one within the cloak was actually a woman. Marina rode on Eclipse and followed Prince Liam to the footsteps of the large castle. Prince Liam ordered two stableboys to take care of Eclipse and his Moonlight looking to Marina to make sure she was alright with another person touching Eclipse. After she nodded the man led her to the Throne Room where King Jonathan of Conte and Queen Thayet of Sarain sat. Prince Liam bowed in front of his parents while Marina knelt with one foot.
"Liam," said Queen Thayet, "Who is your friend and what business do you have?"
"Nothing Mother," said Liam cheerfully, "This is Marina. I met her at the gates having trouble with the guards. She wanted to speak to Father."
"Well child," said King Jonathan, "Speak up." He looked regal as his voice boomed at Marina. Marina kept her eyes down.
"Your Majesties," said Marina, "I am Marina, the Shang Phoenix of Galla." This raised eyebrows. They were about to question further but stayed silent when Marina continued. "I have come to warn you that your surrounding countries: Tusaine, Tyra, and Galla house rebellious forces after Tortall. I fail to mention Scanra due to the fact that they are doing that already." Silence ensued in the room. The only ones in the room where Marina, Queen Thayet, King Jonathan, and Prince Liam.
"Excuse me my dear girl but what proof do you have to support your claims?" asked King Jonathan, "So far all you have said strikes me as unbelievable. First is that it takes a Shang fifteen years to acquire the title of an animal and you have one of an immortal. You look at the most 17. The second is that, save for Scanra, we have Tusaine, Tyra, and Galla as our allies."
"Your Highness," said Marina patiently, "In response to your inquiry of whether I am a Shang or not, I can prove in the training courts. And I also said that it is not those countries itself that wish to take over the throne of Tortall, but the citizens within the country. A man has been traveling around for most five years gaining large support from the countries he has travelled. It is only now that I step forward because they could strike some time this year and I was ordered to by my mother."
"Your mother?" asked Prince Liam, "There is a woman out there who would let a girl out on the road free to be attacked by bandits or even raped?" Though he said the possibility of rape, he did not know whether Marina was desirable under all her heavy clothing.
"Technically," said Marina calmly noticing the skepticism in Liam's voice, "She is everyone's mother. But genetically, I am daughter of the Great Mother Goddess." Now this was getting much too unbelievable. The royals in the Throne Room were getting a run for their money that day. How was it possible for a sixteen year old girl to come into their Throne Room with one of their sons and suddenly claim herself a Shang PHOENIX and a daughter, a hereditary daughter, of the Great Mother Goddess? Now Queen Thayet grew srious.
"Young Lady," said Queen Thayet, "Your words continue to be less and less believable. If you do not tell us the truth, I'm afraid my son will have to escort you out of the castle." Marina knew she was getting nowhere and decided to go to her last resort. She stood up and took off her cloak shocking Prince Liam, Queen Thayet, and King Jonathan. Prince Liam was the most surprised having not thought he was escorting a gorgeous Goddess to his parents. On the contrary, he thought Marina wore the cloak to hide a disfigurement or an unappealing scar. But there was reason to wear the cloak. Liam wondered if she had to beat boys off with a sword just to walk home. Or if the almost subtle ethereal glow coming from her body was normal. Marina had ivory white skin even whiter than Queen Thayet's and long black hear with red and silver streaks. She had emerald green eyes with colored flecks that seemed to change every second. Her full, red, and sensual lips smiled at Liam who was afraid of what he'd do if he looked at her for too long. She had knee-length boots with a color going between gold and red matching her gold shirt and red vest and red skirt. She had a beauty that seemed to outshine even Queen Thayet and her daughter Kalasin though she was humble about it.
"You certainly look like a goddess," said King Jonathan after awhile.
"My father always said I took after Mother rather than him," said Marina with a shrug before looking serious again, I know that you've never seen the Mother Goddess herself but do I at least look like I would be her daughter?"
"If we were to believe you," said Queen Thayet, "and that is a big if, why would the Mother Goddess want to send you to Tortall to warn us? And how could someone not even hear of you? I'm sure word would have spread to the corners of the Earth if the daughter of the Mother Goddess herself was in Galla. And I've seen Daine, a demi-goddess, before and she looks more human whereas you look more God. And a Shang has no magical power so why would they let you, who is sure to have them in every particle of the body, get to be a Shang? Oh and don't forget that..." King Jonathan cut his wife off.
"Just a minute my dear," said King Jonathan, "Let Marina answer your questions."
"Well," began Marina, "Let me start with your first question and go from there. Now, you must have noticed by know that the Gods and Godesses are particularly loving of Tortall? You've had many more divine interventions than any other country. There is Alanna the Lioness having even met my mother and been given a present. And though Veralidaine Sarrasri, daughter of a god, was born in Galla, she helped Tortall in the Carthaki War. And I have an answer to two of your questions. No one has ever heard of me because I have spent twelve years practicing the Shang Arts in a place where very few people visit. And they accepted me because my father is the Shang Unicorn and my mother is a goddess. Though they don't approve of magic, they admit anyone under the blessing of a divine being. So, do Your Majesties believe me?" King Jonathan did not know what to think. It was certainly reasonable to think that the daughter of another divine being would warn them of an attack on Tortall after Daine and the Immortals War. The child certainly looked like a divine being in her own right. Queen Thayet was as pensive as her husband while Liam was looking admiringly at Marina's curves trying to be as discreet as possible. Marina's eyes were only at the king and queen.
"I'll have to talk with my council," said King Jonathan decisively, "In the meantime, I would like to know if it is all right with you to stay in the castle? Or are you off to carry more messages?" Now Marina was slightly awkward.
"Actually Your Highness," said Marina, "If you will have me, I would like to assist you and Tortall in the war that will inevitably come." Queen Thayet winced at the word 'war'.
"It will be most welcome," said King Jonathan, "Liam, please lead Marina to the Royal Family Wing. If you will be most gracious as to give Marina your spare room." Marina looked surprised.
"I couldn't do that," said Marina, "I thought I would just sleep outside with Eclipse. I don't want to be a burden."
"Nonsense," said Liam looking very pleased, "You can have my room. I hope you don't mind if our will connect from now on. That one was supposed to be a squire but I think you will make good use of it." Marina's and Liam's voice echoed in the hall as Queen Thayet and King Jonathan gazed at each other.
"And I thought we didn't have to go through another war for the rest of our rule," said Queen Thayet, "You'd think the Gods would let Roald endure this.
"What do you think?" asked Liam opening the room. Marina sat down on the bed and looked around the large bedroom filled with the basic furniture.
"Is this supposed to be a squire's room?" asked Marina, "The Shang bedroom was much smaller."
"Then I'll presume you like it," said Liam satisfied before dropping the packs Marina and he had taken from Eclipse into the nearby chair, "Is this all you have? Where are your other clothes?"
"I only have another pair," said Marina, "The Shang always pack light."
"Would you like to go shopping at Corus with me tomorrow then?" asked Liam. Marina looked closely at Liam after hearing those words.
"Um...Prince Liam," said Marina slowly.
"You can call me Liam," said Liam amiably.
"Liam," began Marina, "I can't help but wonder, and forgive me if I'm wrong, but are you courting me?" Liam did a very unknightly thing and blushed.
"You could say that," said Liam, "I'm sorry. Does it bother you? Would you like me to stop?"
"Well it's not really my decision to tell you what to do with your feelings but aren't you going a little quickly?" asked Marina, "I know I haven't been around the court very long but are they really this fast."
"It depends on the girl," said Liam before smiling, "But you're right. I should go a little slower and know more about you before I get ideas about courting." Marina seemed to like his answer for she said,
"By the way, is that offer for Corus still free? Could you fit me into your knightly schedule Liam?"
"I'm sure I'll find some time," said Liam, "But I guess I'll be going. Just knock if you need me. Oh and Marina?"
"Yes?"
"If any other knight acts as fresh as I was with you, tell me." Marina laughed not bothering to remind him that she was trained in the art of the Shang.
***
"Jonathan, Thayet," said Alanna, "Are you sure that you aren't pulling our legs?" The royal highnesses of Tortall had just finished telling their council the events of that morning and they were as skeptical as the two were before.
"She sounds like she's telling the truth," said King Jonathan, "And you should have just seen her. She definitely looked like a Goddess. And it's not even an understatement." This comment received glares from Buri, Alanna, Daine, Onua, and a particularly hard one from Thayet. Sir Raoul of Naxen laughed at Jonathan's awkward position but then turned serious.
"Well then," said Raoul, "It doesn't seem as if we could do anything but wait until those forces she's been talking about comes."
"I'll send some more spies to our borders Jon," said George, Alanna's husband and Baron of Pirate's Swoop, before turning into his old comical self, "So, you say the lass is quite a beauty? Can't wait to see if your claims are true, Jon, or if you've turned into a Player."
"George," said Alanna sternly.
"Sorry sweet, just seeing if I can still make you as jealous as you would be months after we wed," said George in good humor.
"Anyway," said Alanna, "If she is who she claims to be, I'll test her. I've seen the Mother Goddess before so I'll know if there's a resemblance. And for her claims as one of the strongest Shang, possibly even of the Shang Dragon, I won't take it easy on her. Maybe the Shang Horse or the Shang Snake will recognize her."
Marina knocked on Liam's door an hour after he had left her. She nearly laughed when the door was opened only after the second knock. He smiled having hoped it was her. "Now Liam," said Marina, "Did you not say that you should know me better?"
"Yes but how can I not know you if we don't spend time together?" asked Liam, "Now how may I help you?"
"I was wondering if you could show me the castle," said Marina. Barely a second after Liam walked next to her and offered her his arm. Marina laughed again and took it looking like any other average noblewoman. They had just finished examining the Royal Forest and were on their way to the archer rings when they saw knights coming from the castle headed their way. It seemed that many of Liam's old classmates were there relaxing in the times of peace. It won't be peaceful in the coming years thought Marina before they headed their way. It seemed rumors had abounded that the prince was leading a goddess around the castle and the knights wanted to see if the servants were right. That goddess part is only have true said Marina to herself. Before the knights were even in walking distance they gawked at the beauty in Liam's arms and then were very envious of the prince. It was Liam and Marina who ended up going to them.
"Liam you dog!" said one nudging him, "You've been hiding out on us. Where did you find this beauty?"
"Marina," said Liam, "Meet Francis of Naxen, Alan of Pirate's Swoop, and Alex of Caynn." Francis had thick black hair and intelligent green eyes. He looked to be the most genuinely courteous of them all. Alan had to be the most mischievous taking after his mother with his fiery red hair and violet eyes. Alex was truly handsome, though they all were, with kind light blue eyes the color of the sea and hair as blond as any Scanran.
"Pleasure to meet you Sir Francis, Sir Alan, and Sir Alex," said Marina bowing, "My name is Marina. I grew up in Galla so I have not heard of your lands but I am sure they are beautiful."
"Certainly not as beautiful as you good lady," said Alan smiling like an adorable trickster, "And please, it's Alan."
"And you are free to call me Alex," said Alex, " and would I truthfully say that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen or ever will see."
"I also prefer to be called Francis," said Francis, "And might I say you certainly do deserve the status of a goddess." Marina laughed.
"Your friends are certainly charmers, Liam," said Marina laughing cheerfully, "I hope all knights aren't like this or I'll have a head as large as Tortall!"
"It certainly wouldn't ruin your beauty," said Alan kissing Marina's hand.
"Excuse me but I do believe Marina and I have to continue with our tour," said Liam blushing hotly at what Alan had done.
"C'mon Liam," said Alex, "The more the merrier."
"On what realm?" muttered Liam to which Marina giggled.
"Are you headed for the archery fields?" asked Francis. Marina brightened.
"I certainly hope so," said Marina, "I do love archery." They headed for a field where it looked as if pages were training.
"Would you like to try?" asked Alan holding up a long bow, "It's a tad big but I hope you can manage." Marina took the bow and weighed it in her hands. Liam grinned to himself. He was the only knight between the five of them that knew Marina was an exceptionally good Shang warrior. The pages parted way to watch Marina ready to aim already at a far distance with the long bow and her quivers.
"Liam," said Francis, "Do you think Marina can shoot that far? That's the level for knights."
"I'm sure she'll manage," said Liam. Marina readied and aimed. The arrow hit dead center to the awe of the knights and pages alike. She took one step back and struck again. She kept going until she was out. Marina ran back to the knights and smiled.
"Did it all hit center?" asked Marina before taking a look for herself. Thirteen arrows were neatly clustered around the middle of the target. Marina looked satisfied.
"Who are you?" asked Alex.
"Marina of the Shang Phoenix," said Liam proudly. Just then the entire group heard clapping behind Marina.