Title: And One Go Alone
Author: Norah-hunt
Summary: After the last great rising, it is not Merriman that is destined to go alone. High magic has other plans for Will Stanton, last of the Old Ones. And it is the will of the gods which Will is transported into the world of Tortall, in which Alanna of Trebond masquerades as a boy, and Roger the Duke of Conte plots to overthrow the throne. Yes, the Dark has been banished from our world, but it small wings still have some control and power in the distant places of the universe, outside of our time. It's a Dark Is Rising/Song Of The Lioness Crossover, so please humour me and read it. :p
Disclaimer: Will, Alanna etc all belong to Susan Cooper and Tamora Pierce, both extremely talented writers, from which I whish I could compare myself to.
Replies to Reviewers:
First of all, to all of you: THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING MY FIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now the personal thanks. Sorry if I forget anyone. My most sincere apologies.
Lady Katia: lol. Thanks! Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be updating two days in a row all the time. It was in a fit of inspiration that I wrote those two chapters; sorry they're so short by the way. But to me, I think its maybe better to have a couple short chapters, then to have long ones that take forever to write. I really love it when I get reviewers, so thanks again! And as for how this will turn up? I have an idea, but that's for me to know. : P except, sorry, but the next chapter might take a little bit longer to come up. My teachers decided that April was the month that they wanted every single assignment known to people on Earth due be due within a span of about two weeks. Blah. O well. Thanks so much for reviewing!
CPAnthoni: hey, thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you like the crossover, this is only my second attempt at a fic, and the last *cough*died*cough* is not being continued right now, although, if you read what I've got and like it, I might consider trying to pick it up again. Meh.
Memet: Don't worry; this chapter might move the story along a bit. Thanks for starting me off on my reviews! I really appreciate it! :D cheers, I hope you like chapter three!
A/N: Hopefull this chapter is a tiny bit longer than the others. O, and if the characters are OCC, please bear with me. Cheers and enjoy.
"You are to go to Corus, Will, the capital city of this land." Merriman said, "And there, you will pose as a squire, training to become a knight."
Will couldn't resist it, "But why to the palace?"
Merriman looked at him, "The Lady and I have reason to believe that the messenger of the Dark will be there. Although it is dangerous, the Dark has channelled most of its failing strength into this one person, this one sorcerer hoping that he will gain power over Tortall. We do not know exactly who they are, as the Dark has shielded them from our eyes. For this you must be doubly wary of whom you trust." "It is extremely foolish to place so much power in one mortal," Merriman continued, "but the Dark here is desperate, and like a trapped, wounded beast they will try everything they can to save themselves. You must be careful, Will, never do anything foolhardy and never let anyone know of your gift."
"Yes, I understand," was Will's answer.
The Lady then spoke. "Your name here, Will Stanton, is William of Britannia. If anyone were to ask, you trained in the western fief of Britannia as a page under your knight master." "No one must guess that you are our warrior of the Light. Not the Dark, nor anyone in the palace. To make your masquerade real, you must take this ring." Will noticed for the first time that the Lady was not they only one to wear great jewel on their fingers. Merriman lifted up his hand to reveal a polished silver ring. Although, on the top of ring, where a gem would normally sit, there was nothing. Nothing that is, except for a small round circle, quartered by a cross. They ring was beautiful crafted. All of the metal crossbars were joined together seamlessly. Will look at it admiringly, it was stunning. Merriman slipped the ring from his finger and handed it to Will. Will gazed at it, marvelling at its flawless surface. As it touched his flesh he felt a warm tingling sensation spread through his hand and up his arm. Soon his whole body tingled with the power of the Light. Will slid the ring onto a finger on his right hand. The tingling stopped. Will looked up at Merriman amazed.
"That ring," said Merriman, "has given you the strength and knowledge of one the greatest knights ever to walk this earth. With it, you will be able to keep up as a squire in the palace, as this ring will provide you with all of the knowledge and training that a boy your age would know. Although, you must be careful to display only enough of your newfound skills so that you may pass all of the drills and tests that you are required to undergo as a squire."
The Lady, who had been quiet for quite some time now, spoke up.
"We are depending on you Will. The Light of this realm needs you to vanquish the Dark from these lands. It will not be easy, as quests never are. You will know who to trust and who to not, but remember, never ever tell anyone, other than those of the Light, your mission at the palace."
"In order to defeat the Dark, you must defeat its creature, although it can only be killed by using the Light's Thing of Power in this world. " Merriman broke in, "This Thing of Power will not be easy to find. Long ago, the Old Ones lived here in times of peace, when the Dark had gone to lick its wounds for another thousand years or so. In that time, the great forgers of the Light hammered steel and magic together to form the Blade of the Light, Mìriel. Then, as we thought the Dark still hurt from their last defeat, they sprang on us, like an owl upon its prey in the blackness of midnight. They destroyed everything we had here. Except for the sword, it was too well hidden, but now, there are none who know where it lies. But it is your destiny to find this sword. Remember Will Stanton, you must slay the Dark's mortal creature, and your quest will be complete."
Throughout all of this, Will had been silent. Now, he spoke.
"When am I to leave for the palace?" he enquired.
"As soon as can be arranged. You'll need a horse of course, as well as clothes to fit the latest fashions and arms to defend yourself."
All three of them looked at Will's old, slightly battered jeans and his worn, grass stained sweater. He certainly didn't look like a noble of Tortall. Will felt slightly embarrassed under the harsh gaze of the two commanding figures. And then, Will noticed Merriman and the Lady slowly began to fade, just as the Lady had done the first time Will was in the Great Hall. Will cried out in alarm.
"We are needed elsewhere, my friend," said Merriman, "Remember what we have told you, and you will find that everything is ready."
"Goodbye, Will." Said the Lady.
"Goodbye," echoed Will, slightly sorrowful. It had been so long since he had last seen the Lady. Now, she was leaving him again. The two figures of Merriman and the Lady faded completely from the Hall.
With a sigh, Will turned back towards the entrance of the Hall.
Well, thought Will, I figure I have a long journey ahead of me; I may as well get started now. The large fire crackled in agreement. Will looked at it and whispered two words, very softly in Old Speech.
"Go out."
*************
Gareth the Younger waited out side the door of his father's office, with a feeling of slight puzzlement. As he waited, he examined the majestic hall in which he stood. The floor was of marble, with many different colours, all cut and shaped to form the red crest of Naxen. Light filled the room from a large arched window that looked out over the palace grounds, and then the bustling city of Corus. Richly coloured curtains of crimson flanked the tall panes of glass, and the intricate designs embroidered expertly into the fine cloth glinted brightly in the sunlight. The walls were of stone, each wall covered with a fantastic tapestry. The tapestries told of the legends of Naxen, remembered Gary, myths that had yet to come to pass.
Being a young knight of Tortall, Gary grew bored easily. He walked over to one of the tapestries, with a mind of amusing himself. Here was an interesting one, thought Gary. He saw a great battle being fought, between to men. One had dark hair, almost black. The other's head resembled something of a fireball. Fiery locks of hair whirled around as the figure weaved through the steps of its deadly dance. But it was not these figures that caught Gary's eye.
What did was the form of a small person in the background of the scene. The figure stood in a corner, wearing a simple tunic of blue and silver. Gary, felt the hair on the back of his neck rise as he looked at him. The figure was small, and inconspicuous, but Gary could sense the power that radiated from this figure, no matter how humble he dressed or looked. The boy's eyes were ageless, and Gary felt as if he could drown in their expressionless blue depths. Gary noticed some small detail on the hand of this strange figure, but before he could examine it closely, he heard the door to his father, the Lord Provist's, private study open. "The Duke is ready to you now, master Gareth," his father's herald announced. Gary nodded his thanks, remembering that he had been called by his father to speak to him. Tearing his eyes way from the figure on the tapestry, Gary promised himself that he would return to look at this person more closely.
Once inside the study Gary's father, Gareth of Naxen the Older looked his son in the eye.
"You have no squire, yes?" He said bluntly.
"No, your Grace," replied Gary.
"It is not proper for a knight of the realm of Tortall to go without a squire, my son."
"Yes, your Grace" said Gary tonelessly. It was the only response he could make to his father.
"Gary," said the Duke, addressing his son by his name for the first time, "There is a boy coming to the palace soon, to train. For the previous years he has trained with his knight master, Lord Merriman, learning the ways of a page. Now, my old friend has contacted me, saying that he feels he can no longer teach his this boy anything that he does not already know. I want you, as a favour to Lord Merriman and myself to take the boy as your squire."
Gary's eyes widened in shock. Whatever he had been expecting from his father, a reprimand, praise, punishment, it was not this. His father wanted him, to take on a squire. The big knight opened and shut his mouth, unable to think of something to say to this. He had not planned on taking on a squire for a while yet.
Gareth the Older did not look impressed by his son's reaction.
"Gareth," he said coolly, "I do not want to have to make my request an order. Now, will you please to this favour for me?" Under his polite tones, Gary could hear a hint of steel.
"Yes, your Grace," Gary said again, "If it is your wish that I do so, then I will take on this knew boy as my Squire."
The Duke then became very brisk. "Good," He said, "He is expected to arrive within the week. His family is of an ancient line of noble blood. They have a fief in the western borders of Tortall, if my memory serves me correctly. The boy's name is William of Britannia. And I expect you to show him the respect that his blood deserves."
"Yes, your Grace," said Gary for the third time in their meeting.
"Tomorrow you will be moving into new quarters, as you will have to have adjoining rooms with your new squire."
"You may tell your closest friends of this, but please try and keep this a relative secret until the lad at least arrives here."
"You may go now, son." Said Gareth the Elder, and the interview was over.
Gary left his father's feeling slightly overwhelmed with such a change in events. He quickly went in search of his friends. They would have a lot to discuss this evening. All thought of the strange figure in the tapestry had been driven from Gary's mind, and he would not remember it for a long time.
A/N: Phew. You made it to the end, congratulations! Please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please review! :P bubye
Cheers, -Norah
Summary: After the last great rising, it is not Merriman that is destined to go alone. High magic has other plans for Will Stanton, last of the Old Ones. And it is the will of the gods which Will is transported into the world of Tortall, in which Alanna of Trebond masquerades as a boy, and Roger the Duke of Conte plots to overthrow the throne. Yes, the Dark has been banished from our world, but it small wings still have some control and power in the distant places of the universe, outside of our time. It's a Dark Is Rising/Song Of The Lioness Crossover, so please humour me and read it. :p
Disclaimer: Will, Alanna etc all belong to Susan Cooper and Tamora Pierce, both extremely talented writers, from which I whish I could compare myself to.
Replies to Reviewers:
First of all, to all of you: THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING MY FIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now the personal thanks. Sorry if I forget anyone. My most sincere apologies.
Lady Katia: lol. Thanks! Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be updating two days in a row all the time. It was in a fit of inspiration that I wrote those two chapters; sorry they're so short by the way. But to me, I think its maybe better to have a couple short chapters, then to have long ones that take forever to write. I really love it when I get reviewers, so thanks again! And as for how this will turn up? I have an idea, but that's for me to know. : P except, sorry, but the next chapter might take a little bit longer to come up. My teachers decided that April was the month that they wanted every single assignment known to people on Earth due be due within a span of about two weeks. Blah. O well. Thanks so much for reviewing!
CPAnthoni: hey, thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you like the crossover, this is only my second attempt at a fic, and the last *cough*died*cough* is not being continued right now, although, if you read what I've got and like it, I might consider trying to pick it up again. Meh.
Memet: Don't worry; this chapter might move the story along a bit. Thanks for starting me off on my reviews! I really appreciate it! :D cheers, I hope you like chapter three!
A/N: Hopefull this chapter is a tiny bit longer than the others. O, and if the characters are OCC, please bear with me. Cheers and enjoy.
"You are to go to Corus, Will, the capital city of this land." Merriman said, "And there, you will pose as a squire, training to become a knight."
Will couldn't resist it, "But why to the palace?"
Merriman looked at him, "The Lady and I have reason to believe that the messenger of the Dark will be there. Although it is dangerous, the Dark has channelled most of its failing strength into this one person, this one sorcerer hoping that he will gain power over Tortall. We do not know exactly who they are, as the Dark has shielded them from our eyes. For this you must be doubly wary of whom you trust." "It is extremely foolish to place so much power in one mortal," Merriman continued, "but the Dark here is desperate, and like a trapped, wounded beast they will try everything they can to save themselves. You must be careful, Will, never do anything foolhardy and never let anyone know of your gift."
"Yes, I understand," was Will's answer.
The Lady then spoke. "Your name here, Will Stanton, is William of Britannia. If anyone were to ask, you trained in the western fief of Britannia as a page under your knight master." "No one must guess that you are our warrior of the Light. Not the Dark, nor anyone in the palace. To make your masquerade real, you must take this ring." Will noticed for the first time that the Lady was not they only one to wear great jewel on their fingers. Merriman lifted up his hand to reveal a polished silver ring. Although, on the top of ring, where a gem would normally sit, there was nothing. Nothing that is, except for a small round circle, quartered by a cross. They ring was beautiful crafted. All of the metal crossbars were joined together seamlessly. Will look at it admiringly, it was stunning. Merriman slipped the ring from his finger and handed it to Will. Will gazed at it, marvelling at its flawless surface. As it touched his flesh he felt a warm tingling sensation spread through his hand and up his arm. Soon his whole body tingled with the power of the Light. Will slid the ring onto a finger on his right hand. The tingling stopped. Will looked up at Merriman amazed.
"That ring," said Merriman, "has given you the strength and knowledge of one the greatest knights ever to walk this earth. With it, you will be able to keep up as a squire in the palace, as this ring will provide you with all of the knowledge and training that a boy your age would know. Although, you must be careful to display only enough of your newfound skills so that you may pass all of the drills and tests that you are required to undergo as a squire."
The Lady, who had been quiet for quite some time now, spoke up.
"We are depending on you Will. The Light of this realm needs you to vanquish the Dark from these lands. It will not be easy, as quests never are. You will know who to trust and who to not, but remember, never ever tell anyone, other than those of the Light, your mission at the palace."
"In order to defeat the Dark, you must defeat its creature, although it can only be killed by using the Light's Thing of Power in this world. " Merriman broke in, "This Thing of Power will not be easy to find. Long ago, the Old Ones lived here in times of peace, when the Dark had gone to lick its wounds for another thousand years or so. In that time, the great forgers of the Light hammered steel and magic together to form the Blade of the Light, Mìriel. Then, as we thought the Dark still hurt from their last defeat, they sprang on us, like an owl upon its prey in the blackness of midnight. They destroyed everything we had here. Except for the sword, it was too well hidden, but now, there are none who know where it lies. But it is your destiny to find this sword. Remember Will Stanton, you must slay the Dark's mortal creature, and your quest will be complete."
Throughout all of this, Will had been silent. Now, he spoke.
"When am I to leave for the palace?" he enquired.
"As soon as can be arranged. You'll need a horse of course, as well as clothes to fit the latest fashions and arms to defend yourself."
All three of them looked at Will's old, slightly battered jeans and his worn, grass stained sweater. He certainly didn't look like a noble of Tortall. Will felt slightly embarrassed under the harsh gaze of the two commanding figures. And then, Will noticed Merriman and the Lady slowly began to fade, just as the Lady had done the first time Will was in the Great Hall. Will cried out in alarm.
"We are needed elsewhere, my friend," said Merriman, "Remember what we have told you, and you will find that everything is ready."
"Goodbye, Will." Said the Lady.
"Goodbye," echoed Will, slightly sorrowful. It had been so long since he had last seen the Lady. Now, she was leaving him again. The two figures of Merriman and the Lady faded completely from the Hall.
With a sigh, Will turned back towards the entrance of the Hall.
Well, thought Will, I figure I have a long journey ahead of me; I may as well get started now. The large fire crackled in agreement. Will looked at it and whispered two words, very softly in Old Speech.
"Go out."
*************
Gareth the Younger waited out side the door of his father's office, with a feeling of slight puzzlement. As he waited, he examined the majestic hall in which he stood. The floor was of marble, with many different colours, all cut and shaped to form the red crest of Naxen. Light filled the room from a large arched window that looked out over the palace grounds, and then the bustling city of Corus. Richly coloured curtains of crimson flanked the tall panes of glass, and the intricate designs embroidered expertly into the fine cloth glinted brightly in the sunlight. The walls were of stone, each wall covered with a fantastic tapestry. The tapestries told of the legends of Naxen, remembered Gary, myths that had yet to come to pass.
Being a young knight of Tortall, Gary grew bored easily. He walked over to one of the tapestries, with a mind of amusing himself. Here was an interesting one, thought Gary. He saw a great battle being fought, between to men. One had dark hair, almost black. The other's head resembled something of a fireball. Fiery locks of hair whirled around as the figure weaved through the steps of its deadly dance. But it was not these figures that caught Gary's eye.
What did was the form of a small person in the background of the scene. The figure stood in a corner, wearing a simple tunic of blue and silver. Gary, felt the hair on the back of his neck rise as he looked at him. The figure was small, and inconspicuous, but Gary could sense the power that radiated from this figure, no matter how humble he dressed or looked. The boy's eyes were ageless, and Gary felt as if he could drown in their expressionless blue depths. Gary noticed some small detail on the hand of this strange figure, but before he could examine it closely, he heard the door to his father, the Lord Provist's, private study open. "The Duke is ready to you now, master Gareth," his father's herald announced. Gary nodded his thanks, remembering that he had been called by his father to speak to him. Tearing his eyes way from the figure on the tapestry, Gary promised himself that he would return to look at this person more closely.
Once inside the study Gary's father, Gareth of Naxen the Older looked his son in the eye.
"You have no squire, yes?" He said bluntly.
"No, your Grace," replied Gary.
"It is not proper for a knight of the realm of Tortall to go without a squire, my son."
"Yes, your Grace" said Gary tonelessly. It was the only response he could make to his father.
"Gary," said the Duke, addressing his son by his name for the first time, "There is a boy coming to the palace soon, to train. For the previous years he has trained with his knight master, Lord Merriman, learning the ways of a page. Now, my old friend has contacted me, saying that he feels he can no longer teach his this boy anything that he does not already know. I want you, as a favour to Lord Merriman and myself to take the boy as your squire."
Gary's eyes widened in shock. Whatever he had been expecting from his father, a reprimand, praise, punishment, it was not this. His father wanted him, to take on a squire. The big knight opened and shut his mouth, unable to think of something to say to this. He had not planned on taking on a squire for a while yet.
Gareth the Older did not look impressed by his son's reaction.
"Gareth," he said coolly, "I do not want to have to make my request an order. Now, will you please to this favour for me?" Under his polite tones, Gary could hear a hint of steel.
"Yes, your Grace," Gary said again, "If it is your wish that I do so, then I will take on this knew boy as my Squire."
The Duke then became very brisk. "Good," He said, "He is expected to arrive within the week. His family is of an ancient line of noble blood. They have a fief in the western borders of Tortall, if my memory serves me correctly. The boy's name is William of Britannia. And I expect you to show him the respect that his blood deserves."
"Yes, your Grace," said Gary for the third time in their meeting.
"Tomorrow you will be moving into new quarters, as you will have to have adjoining rooms with your new squire."
"You may tell your closest friends of this, but please try and keep this a relative secret until the lad at least arrives here."
"You may go now, son." Said Gareth the Elder, and the interview was over.
Gary left his father's feeling slightly overwhelmed with such a change in events. He quickly went in search of his friends. They would have a lot to discuss this evening. All thought of the strange figure in the tapestry had been driven from Gary's mind, and he would not remember it for a long time.
A/N: Phew. You made it to the end, congratulations! Please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please review! :P bubye
Cheers, -Norah