banks down south, destroying the best part of seven fiefs grain supplies, and minor losses for five other fiefs. The crown had recently put in some funds for new flood defences, which had been started after the majority of the winter snow melt.
But an immortal attack by hurroks and damaged so badly they wouldn't be completed by winter. Hence the reason that an entire company of the Own had been drafted in, to get the defences completed, or at least back on track. Although it was sweaty, dirty work, Alanna felt it would be useful for her Squires work ethic - not that it was bad. But the general veiw of Knights being lazy nobles afraid of real work still held true in many commoners eyes.
The ride was quiet one, due to the urgency of the work needed on the defences was why they'd set off tonight instead of waiting until the morning. So many of the members of the Own were really ready for bed, rather than a hard ride south, where they wouldn't get to sleep tonight until well after midnight because they wouldn't look for a campsite until then.
Looking around to see how Alexia was fairing, Alanna was surprised to find how well Alexia's face blended with her tunic as both were scarlett.
''Squire, why by the mother Goddess are you as red as your tunic?'' Alanna asked, only to have her answer stalled by Alexia choking on a mouthful of water. Finally she was breathing somewhat normally, ''Well?'' Alanna asked again.
But Alexia didn't tell, merely saying, ''Um, nothing, Lioness.''
Alanna merely shook her head, she'd forgotten since getting rid of Neal just how much work Squires could be. And how confusing, she didn't remember being that complicated as a page and then a squire, despite the fact she'd been disguised as a boy for years .
Beside her Raoul was talking with Kel, ''...at the tournament in Kennan, what do you think?''
''I'd like that, sir.''
''What trouble are you trying to get your old Squire into now Raoul?'' Raoul chuckled.
''Now would I do that?'' he asked innocently. Alanna merely traded a glance with Kel, signifying that yes he would, but niether said anything to the contrary. ''Actually I was asking Kel if she'd like to partner me at a little tilting demonstration in a few weeks to demonstrate her excellant skills in the saddle.''
''What tournament?'' there were lots all over Tortall, especially in the summer. Ample chance to test her Squire's ability.
Kel answered for him, ''Fief Kennan, Cleon invited Raoul and me specially, it's the first one they've been able to afford since before the Scanran conflict. It's right near where we're going, and Raoul wanted to make a show of knocking me off a horse.''
Several dark and sleepy hours later Raoul gave the order to leave the road and make camp. Alanna would share a tent with Alexia to save room, despite how hot the recent summer nights had been. Alexia fell asleep before her head even touched the pillow.
But Alanna couldn't sleep, too many thought were rolling around her head. Quietly so as not to disturb her squire Alanna crawled out of her ground bed and slipping on some breeches and an old worn tunic headed outside for some fresh air. The woods around the camp was quiet, not even animals stirred.
Over by the campfire sat the sentires, Quasim and and Corporal Wolset, whom was also joined by Dom, Lerant and new member of the own whom Alanna didn't know. All five looked up as Alanna approached the fire.
''Evening Lioness.'' Dom said brightly. He like his cousin always seemed to have something smart to say. Alanna nodded and sitting down she accepted a cup of Bazir tea-like concoction.
''Shouldn't you boys be tucked up in bed by now?'' her words were innocent enough, but Dom caught on her words and nodded his head, grinning briefly, then replying cheekily.
''We're big boys, Lioness, honest we're just wanted to share each others company and have some mature conversation about politics and litrature.'' Alanna snorted. The others joined in, though the new man looking rather hesitant.
Then Alanna remembered something. ''I'm sure. But you wouldn't want to stay up too late, you'll age faster and by the time we get back to the palace Elaine will not recognise you.'' Dom grinned as the others looked rather mystified.
''And how is my baby sister, I didn't have chance to speak to her while we were at the palace.''
''She seemed fine, when Lexa introduced us.'' Dom nodded.
''Ellie goes on about Lexa alot.'' Alanna was intrigued what her friends would say about Alexia.
''Oh, what does she say?''
Dom chuckled, ''Apparently, she has a temper,'' Alanna knew that, she'd seen it the day they'd met. ''but Ellie said she's also really honest. And I'm sure your familiar with her fighting and weapon skills.''
Wolset was handing out cups of some hot drink, Alanna took her with thanks. ''So, Lioness, are you or your lovely squire planning to enter any tournaments during our little southern adventure?'' Quasim asked while Lerant burnt his mouth on his drink, causing a few more laughs, this time at Lerants expense.
When the laughter had subsided Alanna answered, ''I'm not sure about entering them myself, but I deffinitely plan to Lexa, she did very well in the one in Corus.''
''I saw it.'' chirped up Lerant, his mouth apparently having not suffered to badly from his hot drink. ''That knight was a foot and a half taller than her, quick an all, but a sore loser.'' Alanna agreed, but Lerant didn't even know of Sir Jamesons lashing of his horse nor his lowly remarks to Lexa later on.
''What competitions?'' Dom asked his mouth half full of a roll.
That was a good question, obviously Lexa would do sword but she'd also shown an interest in doing hand-to-hand and there was now a section in tournaments for glaives. Shortly she answered, ''Sword probably.''
They talked about
At that moment Raoul decided to come out and order his 'insubordinate' men to bed as the chatter was keeping him from getting any sleep. Alanna bid them all goodnight, and concealing a grin headed back to her tent. Raoul was right about one thing, they should get all the sleep they could now because their work on the dam defenses would be tiring and they would cherish every second of sleep then.
Lexa was still sound asleep when she re-entered their tent. This time when Alanna lay down, she fell asleep almost instantly.
In her dream, which wasn't a dream at all the Great Mother Goddess was waiting for her. Going onto one knee Alanna said, ''Great Mother,''
As ever when in the presence of a God or Goddess the air shimmered with their great power, so much so it almost hurt. In a booming voice that radiated power. ''Of your Squire, she is strong. But beware her past, I will say no more, both you and she will discover it eventually.''
As criptic went that was very much so, and very unusual for the Great Mother Goddess. ''Great Mother, what do you mean about her past?''
''For now that is unimportant, just remember it when the time is right and trian her well.'' With that Alanna awoke with start. Breathing fast she sat up and looked over her Squire, whom was sleeping as peacefully as ever.
Perhaps there were divine forces at play with Lexa's destiny just as there had been with her own. Though Alanna didn't understand if that was so, why hadn't the Great Mother, or whatever God had an interest in her squire spoken to her squire herself.
For now Alanna would just stay quiet about her converstion with the Great Mother and merely do as she'd instructed and teach her Squire as best she could.