Disclaimer: Okay, this is the last one: THIS IS NOT MINE. I do not own any of the characters or the settings. I might possibly own minor characters later, but until then, everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.

Chapter Nine:

Alanna spotted Kel standing at the edge of the group, looking confused. Walking over to her, she said, "What brings you here?"

Kel smiled at her and replied, "I saw the messenger come in and I want to know what's going on."

The king opened the chamber door and beckoned the council inside.

Alanna whispered, "I'll let you know what happens."

Kel nodded and turned to leave.

"Lady Kel," the king called, "please join us. Your advice might be useful."

"Oh, no, Your Majesty, I was just passing by. I'm sure I won't be needed."

"No, probably not, but it will be nice to have another's opinion." he held the door open for her.

Not one to disobey orders, Kel stepped into the chamber.

Alanna smiled at her and pulled out a chair for her. Kel sat, feeling nervous. What could she possibly contribute to a group of the finest, most noble lords in the kingdom.

"The king of Scanra is dead," the king began, "we just received a report from the border saying that the country is at war with itself because there is no heir apparent to the throne of Scanra."

The room erupted in cheers and calls of glee.

Lord Raoul spoke up asking, "How did the dear king die?"

"Took an arrow to the heart last week at a royal parade," the king responded.

"Are you sure he's really dead? I'd hate to see that tyrant come back to haunt us." Alanna called out.

"The soldier who delivered the message saw the body himself. He confirmed that it really was King Maggur. They did everything they could to make sure that it was actually him."

Alanna opened her mouth to say something else, but the king interrupted, "Yes, Alanna, they used the Gift, too."

"You know my past experience with people coming back from the dead. I don't care to repeat the experience if you don't mind," she rejoined.

"Your Majesty, do you now wish to send orders to the troops to take Scanra?" the previously silent messenger humbly put in.

"My Lord, there will be many to argue that we should take the country while it is weak, so it does not pose any further risk to us" Lord Raoul added.

"But there will also be many saying that we should let them fight it out for themselves, and not meddle in their wars" added a rather stuffy conservative.

Arguments arose immediately as to what to do about Scanra. The king let them continue for a few minutes before interrupting, "Lady Kel, what are your thoughts on the situation?"

Kel, who had sat quietly through the whole thing, hesitated to speak. Finally, she said, "I think that we should give them time to work it out on their own. Then, after a predetermined amount of time, we should go in and see what we can do to better the situation."

"Good answer," Alanna whispered to her, "I agree with Lady Kel. I think we should give them time to work it out on their own first, before we go in and take over. But I also think that we should have some input on who takes power. We don't want to further the threat to our own country while trying to help theirs," she said to the council.

The king pondered their thoughts for a moment, then said, "I find myself in agreement with Lady Kel and Alanna. Anyone care to vote on it?"

The council voted in favor of letting the Scanrans work it out on their own. With details to be worked out on a later date, the council adjourned for midday luncheon.

Review please!! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. I've been really busy with the school play and other usual excuses. I love you all!! Thanks for putting up with my lack of updating!

Betsy