Disclaimer: Once again, everything recognizable still belongs to Tamora Pierce, and I am still an unemployed high school student.
Chapter 3
Without a word to Katherine, Laura spun and sprinted towards the staircase. "It is done," she muttered to herself, repeating the Scanran woman's words. "I'll kill them." She pounded up the stone steps, stirring dust and cobwebs. Katherine's confused shouts echoed behind her, but she ignored them. Not bothering with the handle, the knight turned her shoulder to the door, slamming it back on its hinges.
The knight's breath came in short, hard gasps as she ran through the halls of the palace, although it was impossible to tell if her rapid breathing was from exertion or rage. Her left hand was clenched around the grip of her sword so tightly that her knuckles were white. There was a murderous look in her eyes, and anger and determination played across her face.
Laura barely slowed as she skidded around a corner, until she slammed into someone walking in the opposite direction. She instinctively rolled when she hit the floor, drawing her sword as she leapt to her feet. However, as her wild gaze settled on the person she had collided with, she relaxed from her defensive position and allowed the hand she was holding her sword in to fall to her side.
Pushing herself up from the floor was a young woman with wavy dark hair. She was wearing a deep green gown that seemed to be made of satin and silk, and the dark shade of the fabric contrasted sharply with her fair skin. Straightening her skirts, the young woman glanced at the knight with soft, brown eyes, then looked at the floor.
Despite her obvious eagerness to continue her charge through the halls, Laura bowed slightly. "Begging your pardon, lady," she said courteously in an obvious effort to be chivalrous, but there was impatience in her voice.
"No, no, it's my fault entirely," the young woman, obviously a noble, said quietly. "I should have been looking where I was going."
The knight made no effort to refute the noblewoman's claim, and made a move to leave when Katherine skidded around the corner, panting for breath. "What in the name of the Goddess was that about?" she asked haltingly, leaning against a wall.
"Lightning's gone," Laura replied, a note of fear in her voice.
"Why are you getting so excited about it?" Katherine asked, beginning to catch her breath. "It's just a rusty old sword."
"A rusty old sword?" the knight repeated. "That 'rusty old sword' belonged to one of the greatest warrior mages of our time. It was used to destroy a powerful spell and its magic is tied to that of the Dominion Jewel. It was forged by the Ancients. Who knows what sort of power it has, and now it's gone!" As she spoke, her voice grew louder and her tone more desperate with every word.
Both the rider and the noblewoman stared at the woman oddly for a moment before the latter hesitantly asked, "Have you been drinking?"
"Yes, but that's beside the point!" Laura practically shouted. "One of the most powerful magical relics in all of Tortall has been stolen, and it was the Scanrans that stole it! We have to stop them!" With that, she turned and began sprinting down the hall again.
Katherine threw her hands up in frustration, then grabbed the noblewoman's arm. "Come on," she said, pulling the other woman along as she followed the knight. "I'll need someone to help me convince His Majesty that she's mad and not responsible for any harm she inflicts on the Scanran ambassadors."
"I don't know that he will need much convincing," the noblewoman remarked, but she allowed herself to be pulled along.
Meanwhile, the ball continued, those present unaware of any danger greater than that of spilling a goblet of wine onto a garment of expensive material. However, the pleasant sound of idle chatter, laughter, and music was interrupted as a shout rang through the room.
"Where are they?" Laura shouted, causing people to stare at her as she stood in the main entrance. She looked mad indeed, her wild eyes flicking from one face in the crowd to another as her chest heaved from exertion and anger. "Where are those damn Scanrans?"
It was quiet for a moment, then Gruder stepped out of the crowd. "Come to insult us again, have you?" he asked, his tone arrogant. "Is this how Tortall treats all those who seek peace?"
"Liar!" the knight cried. "You are no emissary of good will. You are a filthy, thieving snake. Tell me what you have done with the sword, or I will put mine through your black heart!" Unsheathing her sword, she began to descend down the steps to the dance floor.
Katherine and the other noblewoman arrived to find several guards struggling to disarm Laura, who seemed to be trying to get past them without hurting them, all the while hurling curses at the Scanrans. Finally, her sword clattered across the floor as two guards pulled her hands behind her back, keeping her from escaping or doing any more harm. She continued to curse and yell that Lightning had been stolen and that the Scanrans were responsible until she was cut off by a shout.
"Enough!" bellowed Jonathan. Everyone, including the furious knight, turned and looked at the king. Despite his age, the ruler's voice still carried an unquestionable authority. The middle-aged monarch had risen to his feet, every inch of his proud bearing radiating anger. His deep blue eyes met Laura's, until she dropped her gaze to the floor under the ferocity of his glare.
"Only a few years ago I allowed you to keep your shield, lady knight, when many thought you should be stripped of it," Jonathan said slowly. "Is this how you repay my mercy?"
"But Your Majesty, they've stolen Lightning, I know they have," Laura protested, straining against the guards who held her.
"Do you have proof?" the king asked.
"No, Your Majesty, but-"
"Unless you have evidence to back your claims, I will listen to no more of your accusations," Jonathan interrupted. "Guards, take her to her chambers, and make sure she does not leave. She is under arrest until the ambassador leaves. I will deal with her then."
With a wave of his hand, he sat back down on his throne, clearly finished with the matter.
"Your Majesty, please," Laura yelled as she was dragged out of the ballroom. "Go to the catacombs. See for yourself. Please, you have to listen!" Her pleading shouts grew fainter as she was forced down the hallways, and eventually disappeared altogether. With a nod from the King, the musicians began to play again and the ball continued as though the interruption had never happened.