Disclaimer: *bows down in praise of the goddess Tamora Pierce* (that says it all, doesn't it??)
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THE HARSH LAND NORTH
"Things are that bad, Jon?" The King and his Champion were alone in the War Chamber, the rest of the council had long since departed.
Jonathan scrubbed his face with his hands, saying, "They are. Scanra wants war - they're jealous of our prosperity I guess. After all, we do have the Jewel."
"But that's crazy! A country can't just become wealthy overnight! I've seen how hard you've worked, trying to pull Tortall back from the disaster of your coronation. If they could get where we are today just by fighting us then I'm ten feet tall!" Jon laughed and ruffled his friend's hair - he knew how Alanna felt about her height. (or lack there of)
"I'm sending you and George to settle things down. Along with the other ambassadors I need you there to prove our strength - they'll think twice about taking us on once they see you fight! George will be there to find out exactly how strong Scanra is - he'll have to go undercover for that, but I'm sure he'll manage." This last was accompanied with a dry grin - Jon knew full well that George would do more than 'manage'.
***
Alanna sighed, it was good to be out of the city. She and George were travelling overland alone, the rest of the envoy having gone by more speedy ships. The King's Champion turned slightly green at the thought of sea travel - she had promised herself she would never again step foot on a boat, and by the Goddess, she would keep that vow! Her husband chuckled at the greenish tinge, guessing correctly what had caused it.
"Not regrettin' goin' by horse, my Lioness? After all, we'll be travellin' through the winter." Alanna leant from her saddle and scooped a handful of dirt into his face in one graceful movement, wiping away his evil grin, but not the laughter in his eyes.
"So it's a fight you want? Would ye like to dismount then, Lady Alanna, and try your hand at some wrestling?" In response she kicked Moonlight into a gallop and left her laughing husband behind.
Two weeks into their month-long ride the travellers hit the foot hills of the Grimhold Mountains. Going along the Coastal Way as they were, they bypassed the mountains but still had to traverse through these hills. They set up camp warily, knowing full well the dangers they faced from hill men and raiders. It was for that reason Jon had not wanted them to go overland, but apart from Alanna's violent reaction to the thought of travelling by boat both she and George had wanted some time alone - they had been helping the King at court, which meant little time to enjoy solely in the other's company. Plus there was bound to be more adventure if they went by horse.
"Crooked God save me, it's your turn to cook, isn't it?" George teased, drawing a scowl from his quick-tempered wife. "Oh lass, stop your frownin' - the wind'll turn and your face'll freeze like that." His gentle hands stroking her arms and capturing her waist belied his tone as he settled her against his broad chest. Seeing her stifle a yawn he chuckled and said, "I'll take first watch."
About three hours later George's head snapped up - he could have sworn that sound was a twig snapping. Gently easing Alanna onto the ground he grabbed his sword and crept out to investigate. So silently that the man trying to steal their horses didn't notice until his knife was pointed to his throat, the former King of Thieves stalked his victim and whispered, "I wouldn't do that, were I you." The raider screamed, alerting his friends before George's knife was thrust through his neck. "Alanna! We've got visitors!" The cry was loud enough to wake the dead, and after a few grumpy seconds Alanna became aware of the fight around her and rushed to join, striking two men down on the way to George.
Although the raiders had some training, it was nothing compared to the skill both George and Alanna showed - both flowing from strike to block and back again faster than the eye could follow. Finally the one remaining invader broke and ran, but was cut down by one of the Baron's numerous throwing knives.
"Well, wasn't that fun?" Asked wife of husband, before she realised he was bleeding profusely from a deep gash across his chest. "By the Mother George!" She exclaimed while reducing her tunic to shreds so she could bind it. He collapsed against her from loss of blood, almost sending both sliding down the hillside. Quickly the knight wrapped the wound in bandages then set to work healing him with her magic, knowing he would be all right but still becoming frantic anyway.
"Shh, love, stop your crying. I'll be all right." He gave her weak smile and grasped her hand before falling once again into unconsciousness.
George woke first the next morning, smiling as he spotted Alanna curled up beside him with a death-grip on his hand. He winced as the blood began to flow through it once again, but the action of disentangling his fingers from hers woke her. She gave a huge yawn and smiled brightly at the sight of George preparing breakfast as though nothing had happened the night before. That was the thief she knew and loved. They struck camp and rode onwards towards Scanra.
to be continued
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i know, i know, it's real short, but i promise the rest will be longer. anyway, this was the first of what will probably be a very looong series (hopefully at least!), but it'd be nice to know if u think it's any good or not!! (hint hint)