Hey again! So, the chapter I was planning to write didn't actually get written...I realised I couldn't fit it all into one chapter...so this is what I ended up with. Some things don't turn out the way you want them too...but meh. It worked out in the end and I finally have something for you guys!

Most of the dialogue (and also the intro) does come from In The Hand of the Goddess (Book 2 of SoL), and the duel does too, as I've been trying to remain accurate...I'll try and continue with this asap!

Enjoy!

That hot July an embassy came to court from Tortall's eastern neighbour, Tusaine. Important matters were to be discussed. Spies had reported the King of Tusaine was considering retaking the Drell River Valley on the Tortallan border, and King Roald wanted to avoid war at all costs. Unlike his famous father, Roald was not known as "Empire-Builder", but as "The Peacemaker". He was proud of that title, and he wanted to keep it. Everyone knew that Mikal of Danne, the Tusaine Ambassador, had come to see if "The Peacemaker" had the stomach for war.

Tension was in the air. In the meetings, Ambassador Mikal became arrogant, thinking Roald was weak rather than quiet. Friendly discussions between Alanna's friends and the Tusaine knights grew sharp as each group challenged the other to more and more difficult contests of craft and skill. Matters finally came to a head during what was supposed to be a quiet evening party.

"Would you like something to drink?" asked Alex. We had just finished a dance, and it was getting rather hot.

"Yes please," I replied, smiling up at him.

"Excuse me, Your Highness, but I believe we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you."

I looked over. Ambassador Mikal had walked over, his wife, Lady Aenne, gliding just behind him to his side.

I smiled politely, though mentally I was grinding my teeth. I didn't like the Ambassador. He was the source of the majority of the barbed comments thrown Tortall's way, though the Tusaine knights did a fair bit of barb throwing too, I reminded myself.

"No, I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you either," I replied. I felt rather than saw Alex move to my side as if we'd practiced all our lives. It had a nice feel to it. "Ambassador Mikal, Lady Aenne, I'm Princess Willow of Tortall. This is Sir Alexander, a Knight of Tortall." I curtsied politely to both of them, not going an inch further than etiquette dictated, keeping my courtier's smile pasted on my face, then offered the Ambassador my hand.

"Your Highness, t'is the greatest pleasure," replied Lady Aenne softly.

"It is that," agreed her husband. He bowed, kissing the back of my hand politely, then turned to Alex. "A Knight of the Realm, are you? Doubtless you have a rather easy job, Sir Alex."

I felt Alex's hand tighten ever so slightly on mine, though his face was still blank and pleasant.

"We are not needed as much in these times of peace," he replied politely.

"Yes," I agreed smoothly. "We Tortallans prefer to converse in a more civilised matter. It is far more…refined, than swinging swords around like a barbarian." I kept my face pleasant and cheerful.

Ambassador Mikal looked taken aback. "Of course, by far you are the wiser nation when it comes to that," he stammered, then quickly excused himself, leaving with his wife.

Alex waited until they were out of sight and earshot before he let his face split into a grin. "That was very rude of you," he remarked, "but very funny. You should do that more often."

I grinned back. "I do it plenty Alex," I replied. "Next time Gary and I talk, I recommend you listen. So much talk with my dear cousin has made me rather proficient in the skill of witticism."

"Obviously," Alex commented, his voice very dry.

"Fencing! You call that fencing?"

Alex and I turned. A Tusaine knight, Dain of Melor, was sneering as he added, "Prince Jonathan, Tusaine three-year-olds can fence better than your knights!"

"You are rude in the palace of your host," replied Gary evenly, his shoulders stiff. "I wish it were possible to teach you some manners."

Alex and I exchanged glances. This was not good. I could tell from the look on Alex's face that he felt the same way. Quickly he took my hand and we walked over to the group in hope to avert the argument.

Lord Mikal turned to King Roald. "I must apologise for Sir Dain." My father inclined his head in acceptance of the apology. Lord Mikal added with a sly smile, "I fear I must agree, however. We seem to have done better by the martial arts in Tusaine. Perhaps peace has dulled your fighting edge?"

For a moment I saw red. I couldn't speak-I was that angry. How dare he! I hadn't realised that I had come to a halt until Alex squeezed my hand hard, his nails digging into my palm. I looked up, snapping out of my trance. He shook his head subtly, his eyes filled with warning. I realised that his hand was trembling with anger. Quickly I forced myself to smile at him. In return he let out his anger in a rush of air.
Looking around, I realised I wasn't the only one who was struggling to control themselves. Alan signalled to Douglass, who hurried over to his knight master, who was gripping his sword hilt with white-knuckled hand, his black eyes snapping with fury. Even as I watched, Douglass shoved a wine glass into the big knight's hand, talking swiftly, and Raoul released his sword with a sigh, looking away.

"I differ with you Sir Dain," Jon said, amusement in his eyes and voice. "Even our pages and squires know how to handle a sword against a full knight. But since our honour and teachers are in question, perhaps we must show you what a Tortallan can do."

Sir Dain gripped his sword hilt. "Bring on you champion, Highness. I'm sure I can prove Tusaine superiority over any man of your court."

I recognised the look in Jon's eyes then. It was the look when he was planning something devious, I realised. He glanced at Alanna, and I realised what he was about to do even as Alanna nodded at the question in my brother's gaze.

Jon turned back to Dain. "Not 'our champion', Sir Dain," he replied, his voice now icy cold, "I said, 'even our pages and squires'." He nodded to Alanna. The red head handed her wine pitcher to Sacherell, who almost dropped it, and walked over.

"Your Highness?" she asked, bowing politely.

Jon smiled at Dain. "I'm sure my personal squire Alan here would be willing to oblige you," he said politely.

Dain stared at the youth. "You want me to fence with a squire?" His voice cracked-someone giggled.

"Are you afraid?" Jon inquired, sensing that he had the Tusaine on the back foot.

Dain gasped for several moments before finding his voice. "I've fought in six duels!" he snapped. I've been killing mountain bandits when I was smaller than him! If I was ever smaller than him!"

"Did you need me for something, My Lord Prince?" Alanna asked. I could tell she was enjoying baiting this arrogant, drunk barbarian who dared call himself a knight.

My brother shrugged. "I thought you might fence with Sir Dain, Alan, but he no longer seems interested. I'm sorry to have called you away for nothing-"

"By Mithros, I'll do it! I fear no child!" Dain spat, the last word full of venom.

I snorted softly to myself. Dain obviously didn't know that remarks about Alanna's height never angered her in the first place, I thought, amused at his temper tantrum.

Jon turned to bow at Mother and Father. "If Your Majesties will excuse us, we would like to go to the first fencing gallery."

My father nodded. "I think this is something we will all want to see. Ambassador Mikal? Lady Aenne? My lady?"

My mother and Lady Aenne nodded as Mikal said, "It should be an interesting entertainment," very dryly.

We all headed down to the largest indoor court available, Alex and I trailing slightly behind the others surrounding Alan. I felt rather than saw my other cousin Roger settle behind me as Myles made a beeline for Alan. "Are you going to throw away everything?" he shouted. "He's a head taller than you are!"

My red head friend shrugged. "Nearly everyone I fence with is." Timon, Uncle Gareth's personal manservant, returned, having gone to her chambers to fetch Lightning. Alanna accepted her sword and buckled it to her belt. Faithful yowled until she picked him up, settling him on her shoulder as usual. She cocked her head as if listening to her violet eyed companion.

Oh come on, Faithful can't talk! He's a cat!

As if he'd heard me, the cat turned his head. I found myself pinned by his gaze for a long moment, before Faithful meowed. Am I, Lady Willow?

I turned away, searching for Alex, mentally promising myself that I would deal with this later.

"Are you listening to me?" Myles yelled, cutting through my reverie. "This is no time to play hero!"

Jon came to Alan's defence. "Don't be upset, Myles," he said, resting a hand on his squire's shoulder. "Haven't you seen Alan fence? I have-in the Black City."

Myles fell silent, but he wasn't done. "Dain is a practiced knight! It isn't the same!"

"Do you hear Father protesting?" Gary chimed in. "He's been teaching Alan and Alex privately for months now. Beside, you've got to trust Jonathan's judgement sometime. He doesn't try to get his friends killed."

I felt Roger move up beside me. I tensed mentally. Even after all this time, I still hadn't warmed to my older cousin. In fact, my suspicion and distrust had grown even more.

To my surprise, however, Roger didn't address me, but instead spoke to Alex. "What do you think will happen?" he asked his former squire.

Alex smiled mysteriously, taking my hand again. "I think Dain of Melor is in for a large surprise."

Roger shook his head in disbelief. "Surely you don't mean to say Alan is as good as-well, you, for example."

Alex shrugged, still smiling. "But I do," he replied. "Alan's as good as I am. Someday he may be better."

I sensed Roger open his mouth, but he had no time to speak. We had arrived at the fencing gallery.

It was lit up by torches in wall brackets. Alex and I walked over one side, following Alanna as she pulled off her shoes and accepted the fencing gloves that Timon offered her. I realised she was grinning recklessly, a merciless look in her violet eyes. Turning, I realised that Jon had seen Alanna's face as well. His own was thoughtful as he gazed at his short squire.

Uncle Gareth approached Alanna as she bean stretching her muscles. "Don't forget to let him tie himself out while you get his measure," I heard him say. "I know the type. He'll try to make you angry with insults. Don't let that happen-keep your head. You're good, Alan, but you aren't the best."

My red head friend grinned mischievously up at my uncle. "No, sir. You are."

Gareth slapped her lightly on the shoulder. "Don't be pert. And do be careful."

"Don't worry, Uncle," Jon replied with a smile. "Alan keeps his head in a fight."

Alanna looked around at her friends, including Alex and I. "I'll be careful," she said to us, her gaze solemn.

That done, I walked with Alex to sit next to my mother and father. Because Jon was Alan's knightmaster, and the others were his friends, it wouldn't be frowned upon for them to stay where they were. I, on the other hand, as a lady was expected to, would have to sit on one of the three rows of benches lining one of the walls. I settled myself on the bench, my mother on one side, Alex on the other, just in front of Roger, who was with Ambassador Mikal and his lady.

I arrived just in time to hear Ambassador Mikal say to Roger, "The squire is brave, but this is folly. Dain is good, very good. I fear this evening will have a sorrowful ending."
I glanced nervously at Alex, worried now for Alan's safety. Alex lifted my hand, kissing my fingertips. "Relax," he murmured, keeping his voice low (unlike Mikal, who hadn't bothered). "I meant what I said about Alan. He's very good. I think he can do it-I've seen him often enough in our private lessons with you uncle to know."
I felt a tight knot in my chest come undone at his quiet, sure words.

Alanna and Dain steeped to the centre of the court, their unsheathed swords pointing downwards to the floor. Alanna fiddled nervously with a pendant of some kind under her shirt. Must be a good luck charm of some sort, I mused. I felt my father get to his feet. "Are you prepared?" he asked in his deep, commanding tone.

Both knight and squire faced him, bowed, and saluted with their blades. Quickly they faced eachother and performed the same service, then moved a sword's length apart.

"Cross your weapons," King Roald ordered, waiting until the two had obeyed. "Do honour to the laws of chivalry and to the customs of your lands. Guard!"

Instantly Dain swung his sword to meet Alanna's. A clear bell-like sound rang throughout the room. He applied pressure, his muscles bulging, trying to force Alanna's blade to the floor. To his obvious surprise, Alanna held. I wasn't as startled. I-and our friends- knew the training that Alanna went through to keep up with everyone. She practiced constantly, always looking for ways to improve.

Dain broke away and circled her, yelling, "Prepare to die, boy!"
Alanna ignored him. Jon had taught me that it was custom to yell insults and challenges at a foe. Alanna would later tell me that she considered it a waste of breath, something I agreed wholeheartedly with (not that I duelled). She also said that being quiet made her foes nervous, if not downright scared.
Dain thrust his blade down and in. Alanna knocked it away and thrust straight at Dain's heart. The knight backpedalled hastily, and Alanna lunged backwards before she fell over.

"A child's trick!" The Tusaine scoffed.

I saw my father wink at Roger. "That 'child's trick' nearly worked," he murmured to my older cousin, to the Ambassador's obvious discomfort.

Dain was still circling and talking. I realised that he was trying to distract Alan while he searched for an opening, and nearly laughed out loud. Alan wasn't some empty-headed fool, to be angered by Dain's frivolous words! The knight lunged in and out swiftly, and I was forced to watch with increasing nervousness as he continued to search for any weakness he could take advantage of. Alex, sensing my growing anxiety, lifted my hand to his lips again, this time kissing my knuckles. I glanced at him, and he smiled reassuringly.
Soon the two were breathing hard, Dain gasping heavily, and Alanna panting. Dain began to panic, frantically insulting her ancestors, mother, and looks. I wanted to laugh even more. Alanna would never let herself get angry over that, and Dain is wasting his energy. Barbarian.

Suddenly Alanna, obviously having seen a chance that I completely missed (I wasn't trained in swordplay so I missed half the fight as it is, no matter how hard I looked), lunged desperately. Dain scrambled backwards and she tried to wipe the sweat off her face onto her sleeve while the knight floundered momentarily.

Even I could see she was to slow, and I knew with a sinking heart what would happen next. Dain lunged in with a yell of triumph. Alanna skipped backwards, but not quickly enough-Dain's sword tip sank into her right arm below her elbow. Slowly my friend lowered her blade. I could tell she was kicking herself very hard. According to the rules (which Jon had also taught me), Dain had drawn first blood, thereby winning the duel. It was over.

Suddenly I saw the crazed Tusaine's eyes, and realised what was about to happen. Even as I yelled "Look out!" Dain lunged forward crazily. Alanna jumped aside, narrowly missing getting speared.

"Foul!" I heard Gary shout in fury. I started shouting as well as the other courtiers, yelling "Foul!"

I could tell Dain hadn't heard. He searched hungrily for another opening. My uncle stood up and strode forward, his blade gleaming in his hand. I could tell he was going to end the fight, and he wouldn't care if Dain was hurt. Well, neither did I! I may not know much about swordplay and duels, but what Dain did was obviously dishonourable and whatever he gets, he deserves!

To my amazement, Alanna shook her head at Gareth. Is she mad? I wondered in horror. Then I saw the icy fury in her eyes, and shivered inwardly. I did not pity the Tusaine knight at all. I knew that Alanna loved the laws of chivalry, and the crazed barbarian had just broken about every one of them, and I knew she intended to make him pay dearly for such a transgression. She carefully stepped back, shifting Lightning to her left hand, then lunged forward viciously. I heard Faithful yowl in what I deduced to be encouragement. Crash after crash rang through the room. Alanna moved swiftly like her sword's name as she rained blow after blow on the Tusaine barbarian, who flailed desperately, then sent hooked her sword under his hilt and sent it flying with a wrist flick. Dain turned to run and stumbled, falling onto his back. Alanna darted in to press Lightning's point into his throat.

"Stupid." Alanna's quiet voice echoed with fury throughout the silent room. Her eyes were the coldest I'd ever seen. "That was very stupid. And you're lucky I'm a better 'knight' than you are, or you'd be dead." She lifted her blade, turning away in contempt to walk back to Jon and the others. Jon braced her as Uncle Gareth bound her wound. Both Alex and I stood, me intending to use my Gift, but Alanna caught my eye and shook her head ever so slightly. I understood. I couldn't heal her-the Tusaines would probably see it as a weakness. Besides, Alanna has the Gift too. She can heal herself when she's alone. It still frustrated me to deny my own Gift's use though.
Alex, sensing my frustration, put his closest arm around my shoulders. I looked into his face and smiled wearily, leaning into him.

"He was holding back." Alex pulled away so we could turn around. Ambassador Mikal's face was thoughtful as he stared at us all. "All along-that boy was holding back. If all your young knights are like that one squire, your army must be formidable indeed," he said, looking at Roald.
"See for yourself," my father replied, pointing at my quiet and commanding brother, my big cousin Gary and even bigger Raoul, and of course, cat-like Alex. "They are part of our future," my father said, quiet and firm. It is a future that we all want to protect."

So? What did you think? I always thought Dain was a barbarian. Anyway, hope you liked it, please review!

Still have no entries for my competition...not even one? Come on guys! My email is on my profile and it's vicksterj-at-hotmail-dot-com so hope to hear from you guys soon! :D

As I've previously said, I'm actually working on a Harry Potter fanfic, but until the glitchy thing that has happened has been resolved, I won't be able to publish, so y'all just have to be patient. The good thing is that I'll be able to get some done, so you'll get a big chunk of fanfic when the HP Fandom comes back online! YAY! :D I'm looking forward to that, it looks quite good already!

Stay tuned!

~MagicalLeaves