Prologue
The De La Vegas. Their rule stretched across realms, across continents and even across the barriers between worlds, Tortall was one of their dominions. Though as one Prince Jonathan of Conte pointed out while studying their history with Sir Myles of Olau they hadn't disturbed them in years. No one noticed the small smile on the face of the prince's friend 'Alan' of Trebond. And when 'Alan' was revealed as a girl Alanna no one remembered the name of the current Empress, or the fact of her distinctive looks. And when Prince Roald of Conte said the same thing 20 years later none of the people there noticed the small smile shared by Nealan of Queenscove and Keladry of Mindelan. But now years after the escape of the royal family they needed to come back.
The group in the room were tense as the young woman looked over the dispatches. She was Selena de la Vega, Dama Seconda and Archduchess of St. Petersburg. Famed for her beauty, prowess in battle and sharp mind. She was acting regent for her cousin Tsarina Keladry de la Vega. One thing the cousins shared were the piercing emerald eyes that some distant elfish ancestress had gifted them with. These were most disconcerting when they were glaring at you. "Well," she said putting them down and looking piercingly at the council "I take it this calls for Kel to come back." "Your Arch Grace," the one ancient noble said (he was the only member of the council older than 20, all the others had known Kel, Selena and their other cousins Isabelle, 'Danae, Dom, Neal, and Saro, since they were pages) "I believe that her Imperial majesty requested that we only informed her in times of great peril for the kingdom." "Lord Eustace," Selena said her every word a block of ice, "It is my opinion that the fact that our people are considering mass suicide means that it is a time of great peril for the kingdom," the councillor gulped and fell silent. "I'll go and bring them back," said Isabelle leaping to her feet and on to the heavy oak council table. "Isabelle you can go but only if you get off the table." Selena said in a long suffering tone, "I take it no one has any objections?. Right Iz you'll take a shuttle and bring Kel and any other members of our family who are their with you. Council dismissed." There was a scrambling to get out of the room and soon only Selena was left. "dear god," she muttered to no one in particular "all of us together again, Roger won't know what hit him.
Isabelle made a face as the soldiers pushed her roughly through the fortified town of New Hope. Half the towns soldiers were staring at the region of her chest and the only reason the other half weren't was because they had gone on to warn the town commander of their imminent arrival. Right then everything to plan. Plan being tell Kel to come back now. If necessary drag her into the shuttle. (and don't forget the overgrown pony, whatever you do don't forget the overgrown pony).
She stumbled up the stairs of the commanders home and conducted a mental review of her weapons just in case. Dagger, its sheath plaited into her hair and only the diamond on the pommel showing. Long thin knives were hidden in her corset under her loose blouse. Knives in their thin sheathes up her sleeves. Throwing stars looking like simple ornaments in her belt and yet more knives in her boots. The really amazing thing was that she could move without silently and outwit most pursuers.
She was pushed into a small room and onto her knees. She looked up and met the long lashed eyes of the woman who she had served since birth.
The De La Vegas. Their rule stretched across realms, across continents and even across the barriers between worlds, Tortall was one of their dominions. Though as one Prince Jonathan of Conte pointed out while studying their history with Sir Myles of Olau they hadn't disturbed them in years. No one noticed the small smile on the face of the prince's friend 'Alan' of Trebond. And when 'Alan' was revealed as a girl Alanna no one remembered the name of the current Empress, or the fact of her distinctive looks. And when Prince Roald of Conte said the same thing 20 years later none of the people there noticed the small smile shared by Nealan of Queenscove and Keladry of Mindelan. But now years after the escape of the royal family they needed to come back.
The group in the room were tense as the young woman looked over the dispatches. She was Selena de la Vega, Dama Seconda and Archduchess of St. Petersburg. Famed for her beauty, prowess in battle and sharp mind. She was acting regent for her cousin Tsarina Keladry de la Vega. One thing the cousins shared were the piercing emerald eyes that some distant elfish ancestress had gifted them with. These were most disconcerting when they were glaring at you. "Well," she said putting them down and looking piercingly at the council "I take it this calls for Kel to come back." "Your Arch Grace," the one ancient noble said (he was the only member of the council older than 20, all the others had known Kel, Selena and their other cousins Isabelle, 'Danae, Dom, Neal, and Saro, since they were pages) "I believe that her Imperial majesty requested that we only informed her in times of great peril for the kingdom." "Lord Eustace," Selena said her every word a block of ice, "It is my opinion that the fact that our people are considering mass suicide means that it is a time of great peril for the kingdom," the councillor gulped and fell silent. "I'll go and bring them back," said Isabelle leaping to her feet and on to the heavy oak council table. "Isabelle you can go but only if you get off the table." Selena said in a long suffering tone, "I take it no one has any objections?. Right Iz you'll take a shuttle and bring Kel and any other members of our family who are their with you. Council dismissed." There was a scrambling to get out of the room and soon only Selena was left. "dear god," she muttered to no one in particular "all of us together again, Roger won't know what hit him.
Isabelle made a face as the soldiers pushed her roughly through the fortified town of New Hope. Half the towns soldiers were staring at the region of her chest and the only reason the other half weren't was because they had gone on to warn the town commander of their imminent arrival. Right then everything to plan. Plan being tell Kel to come back now. If necessary drag her into the shuttle. (and don't forget the overgrown pony, whatever you do don't forget the overgrown pony).
She stumbled up the stairs of the commanders home and conducted a mental review of her weapons just in case. Dagger, its sheath plaited into her hair and only the diamond on the pommel showing. Long thin knives were hidden in her corset under her loose blouse. Knives in their thin sheathes up her sleeves. Throwing stars looking like simple ornaments in her belt and yet more knives in her boots. The really amazing thing was that she could move without silently and outwit most pursuers.
She was pushed into a small room and onto her knees. She looked up and met the long lashed eyes of the woman who she had served since birth.
