(Disclaimer: all characters and places belong to Tamara Pierce, except Akeda and Nick and Rosie and, O.K. most belong to Tamara)

December 30

Goddess, what a childhood I have had, with a ma who is one of the best of the Provosts Dogs and a pa who is the Rouge. I could get away with murder, literally. The trouble I got into with my friends, playin' pranks and tricks on the rushers and their women. A doxie with 'er bed full of snakes and a rusher with 'is feet tied to his chair was a normal night. Then to come home to mother who would scream herself breathless as pa tried not to laugh. Always failing, he would ruin her lecture. Yes, me and Rosie, Nick, Caleb, an' later, Sarai, we always got away with everything, until now.

I should start with descriptions and such, so here goes. I myself am 17 years old and a medium height mot with extremely pale skin, white blond hair to my waist, and ice eyes just like my mother's. They say my eyes look like the eyes of a thousand year old ghost and I know it's true for my mother has glared at me with those same eyes. It's enough to freeze you through to your very soul. Because of my looks the people of the city call me Phantom, though my true name is Akeda Cooper. Nick and Caleb are both 18, two good lookin' coves. They are the best of friends though they are as unlike in looks as humanly possible. Nick is but an inch taller than me and his dark hair is clipped short. His skin is olive and with his dark green eyes giving him the biggest contrast to Caleb, who is tall, fair and extremely muscular.

Sarai and Rosie complete our group. Sarai is a noble who came to live with her father in the city after her mother, Lady Knight Sabine of Macayhill was killed in battle. Sarai is tall with dark ringlets and black eyes. She was raised in a convent and kept some of those ideas, though now Caleb is teaching her to use the broadsword. I happen to know Caleb would do anything for her 'cause he's sweet on her. Now I come to Rosie... at 15 years Rosie is the youngest of us. She is a year younger than Sarai, and a healer. She is the only one of us that has the gift. I have the air gift but it's not quite the same. Rosie is tiny with wavy red brown hair and green eyes.

Each of us has a nickname given to us by the rouge's court. (In order of description) Phantom, Blade, The Hunter, Princess, and The Sorceress.

Now back to my story… it was evening about a week ago. We were just leavin' the Blessing and Wineskin after supper, when we was attacked. Outnumbered three to one made it a fast battle in which Sarai, Caleb, Nick an' Rosie were captured. I escaped only because I was knocked unconscious and my attackers presumed me dead.

There has been no word of them, Gods above I hope they're all right.

"My dear, we must do something, the children have being missing for a week. Akeda has turned into the phantom your court named her after." Rebakah Cooper looked over at her daughter, who sat at a table in The Dancing Dove picking at her dinner. "What more can we do, my love" whispered her husband "we have the best of the Provosts Dogs looking for clues in all districts and in my entire court. Until there is word of the lads and lasses we must sit tight and hope." "Hope, hope, we must do more than that. Nothing comes from hoping, results come from action. These children are as closer than kin and your only solution is to sit tight and hope!" Rebekah's voice rose dangerously," I'm so worrit 'bout them, word should 'ave come afore this." Rosto pulled her into his arms, "Ï know love," he murmured.

Akeda sighed, she always knew her mother was in a state when her speech deteriorated into slang from the slums where she grew up. It's true though nothin' will interest me until their safe. Their attempts to cheer me up are useless. Thought Akeda

"Majesty, Guardswoman Cooper, everyone come hurry!" There was a clatter from the courtyard and the outer door flew open…'

(Sorry about all the descriptions)