Chapter Four

Grandpa greeted her quite passionately before turning to introduce us, and noticing where I was. "Come on girl, she isn't that scary."

"George who is that…. She looks so like…."

"Alanna, surely you can recognise your own flesh and blood." I was nearly on my feet before I was swept into a hug.

"Ma… Ma always said you weren't the affectionate type…"

She grimaced at that, "Ali was always mad at me for not being around. I have changed in my old age."

"Oh." I looked down at the floor. "I… I asked Grandpa what I should call you but, well he said to leave that up to you…"

"Oh he did, did he?" She laughed. "I guess you can call me Grandma in private. But if we are in company please; just call me Alanna."

I smiled shyly, "Does Raichin count as company?"

"No, our extended family, including Daine's and the Royals do not count."

"Thank you… Grandma."

"Your welcome. When did you arrive?" I looked at Grandpa who told her everything. "Well then… that's intriguing. Does Alan know he has lost his groom yet?"

"Oh my… I forgot all about him!"

"Well then, why don't you and Raichin go and explain while my husband and I catch up." Needless to say we left, very quickly.

"That wasn't too bad a reunion. Although, you were really shocked in the beginning weren't you?" I nodded and he wrapped his arm around me. "Come one, I think he is down in the practice yards at this time."

We slowly winded our way to the courts, just enjoying each other's company, but I let go once we were close. "Probably not a good idea, letting people get the wrong idea of me."

He gave me a devilish smile as he pushed open the doors. There were around ten knights all in there and thankfully my uncle was one of them. Raichin went over to him while I stayed out side, "Cousin, could we please talk."

Although he didn't look happy Alan agreed and followed him out, he saw me and his anger flared. "Where were you all yesterday after noon? And this morning? This is unexcusable. You should have at least told me you…"

Raichin cut him off. "Cousin please…. Mother and I distracted her. We were the one's who should have realised. It was only now when your mother pointed it out that we remembered we had to tell you."

"My mother…why would she talk to this Kyprian stray?"

I smiled sadly at him. "Don't you remember were your twin sister lives?"

"Of course I do…. Now that I think about it, you look like her."

Raichin laughed. "That's because Liea here is your niece, she is Ali's daughter."

"Liea…. Is that true?"

I nodded. "Daine thought it best I stop working as your olster and things just happened from there."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know how too…" For the third time in, two days, I was swept into a massive bear hug.

"Well no matter what, I am glad to meet you. And don't worry I will find some one else to care for the horses."

I smiled up at him, "Thank you, Uncle Alan."

He chuckled at that, "Now scat you two, I have to train."

And so we left. "Do you think we should return?" I asked Raichin.

"Noway am I going back. It's like a rule, those two have been apart for a month and still great each other the way they did before we were born."

"What are we going to do then?"

"I was going to go to a lecture on Kyprian politics but with you here it seems pointless."

I giggled, "Would I be allowed to come I am intrigued at how many mistakes they will make."

"Let's do it." We sat in the back of the class room and listened to the teacher talk about my native land it made me miss it.

They started talking about my family and so I paid attention. "They have female Spy master who is the daughter of our Lioness, her name is Alianne. She married a commoner whose name is Nawa and together they helped bring the queen to power…"

I raised my hand. "Excuse me, but that is wrong."

The lecturer looked at me with disgust. "I think I know what I am talking about young girl! This happened before you were born."

Still I kept my hand up. "Alianne married a man named Nawat, he used to be a crow."

"What would you know about such things?" he still had that disgusted look, which mad Raichin laugh. "And what are you laughing about Raichin?"

I stood up and bowed. "I am sorry to interrupt your lecture, and please excuse Raichin's behaviour. It is just amusing because I, myself was born on Kyprian soil."

"Liea," Raichin scolded me, "Tell them the whole story."

I blushed. "Please forgive me. My name is Llaniea; I am the Grandchild of George of Pirates Swoop and the Lioness. My mother is Alianne, and my father is Nawat."

The whole room gaped at me, including the lecturer. "I thought it would be interesting to hear the Tortallan views, so I attended the lecture, please excuse me. I will leave as to cause no more interruptions."

I quickly ran out the door and down the halls till I came to a staircase and realised I was lost so I sat down. "Well that was stupid…" I muttered to my self.

I hid myself in one of the many wings of the castle and stayed out of every ones way for hours. Eventually I decided to overcome my fears enough to at least hide in my rooms. Thankfully there was no on in the corridor. I quickly ducked into the door and locked it before grabbing a book and tucking myself into a large cushioned chair. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. "Liea, I know you are in there." Raichin called out. "Come on, let me in. It's not that bad you know, it's not like you embarrassed your self or anything. Please just open the door."

I grumbled, "You're meant to be a spy masters assistant, let yourself in."

There was a sound behind me, "He hasn't quite got the knack of lock picks yet, but we are working on it."

"At least I know there is a capable spy in the castle," I scowled. "I'm sorry Grandpa, its just I hate being the centre of attention, and now every one knows who I am they will want to talk and so on and so forth. I just want to keep to myself."

"Never mind, Liea. They will get over it eventually, I promise. They leave me alone now."

"Yeah, but that's probably because you threatened them all one too many time."

"Yes, well there might be that I suppose." He grinned, "Now go let the poor boy in, he has been worried about you."

I groaned but opened the door anyway and was immediately swept up into a huge bear hug. "Yes, Rai. I am perfectly safe, see no scratches or anything."

He mock growled, "Yes but I was worried about inside that thick skull of yours as well, not just your physical body, as pretty as it is."

A cough came from behind me. "I should hope so; after all she takes after her grandmother and mother."

"Very true, sir. She does indeed. So you alright then Liea?"

I smiled slightly. "Yeah I suppose, I just don't particularly like attention and all that."

"Well our families will protect you."

"Good, because if they don't I'll be forced to make another seven odd year sail around the oceans."

They both drew me into a hug, "Don't even think about it kitten. You're stuck with us."