As everyone knows, I don't own this unless I'm Tamora Pierce. Who I'm not.
Sunrise
No Hesitation
Dedicate Initiate Lark raced into Winding Circle Temple. Niko Goldeye and First Dedicate Moonstream flanked her.
Lark could feel sweat dripping off her nose and into her horse's mane. The poor animal must be exhausted, Lark thought. She and Niko had ridden all the way to Summersea to find Moonstream, since Moonstream was a powerful healer.
The trio turned off the main road, galloping through the temple's side streets. Dedicates and novices scattered away. A large, blond-haired man swore loudly.
Lark ignored the people and fixed her eyes on a distant rooftop. "We need to move faster!" she yelled to Niko. "Rosethorn needs us!"
The rooftop moved closer. Suddenly, a white-hot flare of magic lit the sky. Lark screamed. Magic, they're using magic! Something's wrong!
Another flare illuminated the cottage before two more bright flashes seared Lark's eyes. She bit back a sob and kicked her horse on to greater speeds. Hurry, hurry!
Then she was at the cottage. Lark leaped off the poor mare and was opening the door before Niko and Moonstream caught up.
Little Bear cowered in the alter-room, which was full of candles and Trader incense smoke.
Lark walked past, her heart banging against her ribs. Maybe nothing's wrong. I told them not to use magic. Maybe they're playing a game or practicing something.
She touched Rosethorn's door, then checked that Niko and Moonstream were right behind her.
Moonstream raised her eyebrows. "What are you waiting for? Delays change nothing."
Lark took a breath and opened the door. And screamed.
A/N- This is the point where the alternate ending of this story picks up. Sunset.