Disclaimer: All the characters are Tamora Pierces, in fact, nearly ALL of this is Tamora Pierces. I'm just the narrator.
Mid-June, Pirates Swoop,
Barony of George Cooper;
in the 9th year of reign of
Jonathan IV and Thayat, his Queen
448 H. E. (Human Era)
Chapter 1
"Look, George, she's walking! In no time she'll be wielding a sword," a proud Lady Alanna said from her place on the floor, arms held wide, as a tiny Alianne hobbled towards her. Aly's brother, Alan, was sitting in the sunshine, gurgling at Traven, the family hound, attempting to hitch a ride. "It seems like Alan is more suited to it, mounting Traven as if he was a horse!" At that moment Alan fell off the dog, and started crying, more out of confusion than anything else.
"Or not," George said good humorously. He reached his son and tried to comfort him. Aly finally reached her mother, who cooed at her lovingly. Thom, the eldest sibling, walked by, wearing his father's huge spectacles, attempting to read a roll of parchment.
"Give that to me now, young man," George said. "That is top secret information!" Thom, noticing that his da was busy with other things, continued holding the parchment, intent on leaving the room.
"Alanna..." George cried desperately.
"Give it back to your father right now, Thom!"
"But he's already busy!" attempted the young boy.
"That paper is important, give it to him right now!" The young boy hastened to his father, shoving the parchment into his hand.
"And the glasses," his mother reminded. He gave in, then made a face and ran off.
"I have to be at a function between Tortall and the Copper Isles in eight days," Alanna said, choosing to ignore the look (a rare thing).
"Now's the right time to tell me! When did you find out?" Asked a dismayed George.
"Jonathan just contacted me last night through his being Voice of the Tribes."
"I thought you didn't agree with that whole thing."
"That was before children," she grumbled.
"Anyways, I'll be gone for a month or two, so you'll have to hold the fort."
"Ha ha," her husband stated gloomily.
A/N: Please review! Did I do OK? Did totally ruin it? Tell me!