OK. That was the world's WORST first chapter. I don't know why I bother.

Alanna wore a soft black cloak that had a heavy hood.

Inside the Dancing Dove, it was smoky and filled with laughter. George sat on his high backed chair. His eyes lit up when he saw her.

"George, can I talk to you?"

"Whatever ye say, lass." George said, rising from his throne, leading her to his rooms.

"George-"

"Tis' 'bout that new Shang 'Sparrow', right?"

"How did you know?" Alanna demanded, "wait, don't tell me. I know."

"Well, lass, she's beaten Alex, she isn't lying 'bout that she's a Shang then." George stared at her. "How would she, a simple Shang, know about you?"

"Shangs are not simple, George."

"She has no Gift. There has been confirmation of that."

"There has?"

"The lass has absolutely no magic whatsoever," George eyed her. "Unless."

"She may be a vessel for the Duke."

George smiled at her. "As much as I hate to say this. talk to Jon. It may help." He looked at her with those eyes.

Alanna shivered, looking away. It was enough to have JON looking at her like that, but George.

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Well, this is going to be an A/G novel, and a K/J as well. (NOT JOREN)