Life Changes

by lullebell

Don't read if you like Daine and Numair being together! Part Two up now!

2. Part Two

"The next chapters of "Life Changes." (And I'm still going!!)

Oh yeah. All the characters are Tamora's, but some I did make up. I don't make money from this. So don't sue!

Chapter 11

Daine woke the next day from the warm sun filtering through her blinds. She sat up. A hollow lump of pain seemed to be sitting where her heart should've been but there was another feeling. Her stomach growled. She was hungry. Daine saw a tray sitting on her table, probably put there by one of the servants. She wandered over to eat. She was ravenous and was about to take a mouthful when her eye caught a folded piece of parchment on the table. Daine picked it up, read it and her eyes widened. She then glared at the tray. How dare he. Come into her room and leave her breakfast. The irony was unbelievable. And try to weasel his way back to her with such a, a -pathetic- apology. Suddenly Daine was furious, She picked up the tray and threw it against the limestone walls with a loud angry cry. The foods oozed down the wall. Daine knocked over the table and whirled around, looking for something else to vent her anger on. She ripped the curtains off their posts, letting sunlight stream into her room. Birds and various other animals came to her window and watched the anger of one of their own People. She pulled off the bed sheets and threw them on the floor. The pillow was thrown and feathers went everywhere. Daine pushed away all the paint pots on the dresser with a huge sweep, of her arm, the colours smashing and flecking the expensive floor. Suddenly Daine felt drained and close to tears. She sank down to the floor, leaning against the dresser, rocking backwards and forth, hugging her knees.

"Alanna…Alanna I wish you here…"

Back in Tortall, Alanna sat in her room cleaning her chain mail. It was the gold one Raoul, Jonathan, Gary and Alex had given her for her 18^th birthday, just before the Ordeal of Knighthood. There hadn't been any need for her to wear it as there were no wars (thank goddess) and it was just gathering dust. Next was the sword and Alanna polished it.

"Quite shiny indeed." She said pleased, looking at her reflection in the sword. Then she smiled.

"Listen to yourself Alanna you're talking to yourself. Next thing you know you'll be baying at the moon."

Alanna reached for her shield and rubbed the cloth gently across its surface, thinking of her brother Thom. Every time she saw the shield she was reminded.

"Alanna…I wish you were here Alanna…" said a voice. Alanna jumped and looked around.

"Great, now I'm hearing voices." She muttered. Glancing down at the shield leaning against the wall, Alanna sat cross-legged before it and saw the picture that usually held a lioness, was swirling. Curious, Alanna fixed her violet eyes on it until it stopped and rested on a room. Alanna peered intently into her shield. A very expensive room, but it had been dirtied. Sheets off the bed, table and chair knock to the floor, paint pots and its contents all over the floor with feathers everywhere and what the- was that food on the wall?

"What on earth happened here?" she asked, not expecting an answer.

Daine sat up quickly.

"Alanna?" she said hopefully.

"Daine?" came back Alanna's voice. Daine moved to the front of the dresser and looked into the mirror. She was surprised to see Alanna's face looking back at her.

"Daine! What's the matter? And is that food on the wall?"

Seeing Alanna's face and concern made Daine burst into tears.

"Oh Daine what's wrong? Please tell me."

Daine half laughed half sobbed.

"There's nothing wrong."

Alanna studied her friend shrewdly. Daine was on a verge on a big emotional breakdown. Alanna had to find out before she did something silly.

"Daine I know there's something wrong. Tell me what it is. It's hardly like you to burst into tears or go on a big room destruction spree. Now tell me, you know I care about you and, and Numair cares about you-"

"Ha!" was Daine's short reply.

Alanna's face changed from concerned to cloudy in seconds.

"It's Numair isn't it. What has he done."

"You want to know what he's done?" said Daine slightly hysterical.

Alanna nodded.

So Daine told her.

Alanna vented her anger out loud for ten minutes while Daine sat and listened, in a shocked kind of stupor. Seeing Daine's face Alanna tried to calm down but found that it wasn't easy.

"All right…ooh I can't believe he did that the the-"

"Alanna, calm down, breathe in and out, in and out." Said Daine. Seeing Alanna's concern was touching and Daine felt heaps better, simply by telling a friend what had happened.

"Daine, I can't believe you're not more upset about this."

Daine's heart ached.

"I am upset about this! You don't know how much I'm upset! And how I keep running it in my head over and over…"

"I talked to Varice, she comforted me yesterday-"

The look on Alanna's face made her stop.

"Oh Alanna you weren't here, as much as I wished you could be. And you've made me feel heaps better."

Alanna smiled weakly.

"I knew should've came with you."

There was a knock at the door.

"Well?" asked Alanna.

"Well what?"

Alanna let out an annoyed breath of air.

"Come in."

Daine got up to pull on her dressing robe, her back to the door. The door opened and Alanna let out an angry gasp. Numair had opened the door.

"What're you doing in here?" Daine said, coldly.

"Daine, we need to talk."

"As far as I'm concerned, needing to talk is the last thing I want to do right now."

"Daine I- oh hello Alanna."

Alanna raised an eyebrow at him in the mirror.

"Daine, you have to believe me. I was under the influence of-"

"Wine? Huh. Your pelvis? Need I say more."

Alanna fought to keep a straight face. She had at first; been worried that Daine would forgive him and let herself be subject to heartbreak again. But Daine wasn't, she approvingly, she was being an ice maiden. Cold and unforgiving.

Numair looked at Alanna whose face was carefully blank of emotion. Turning back to Daine Numair tried to say something. He wanted to clear this up with Daine but there was no chance she'd forgive him. But he had to try.

He walked towards her. Before Daine could do anything, a flock of starlings flew into in the window and hurled themselves at Numair. He tried to duck and dodge them, but was scratched badly.

After a moment Daine called.

-Come back here. I appreciate your concern but you might get yourselves hurt. -

-Not that he doesn't deserve it- replied a starling saucily, who was evidently their leader. The starlings flew back out and Numair stood there, heaving, staring at her. He walked until he was an arm's length away from Daine.

"I thought I told you not to come near me."

He stopped and reached out his arm.

"Don't touch me either."

He halted completely. He stood there, not doing anything. Then before Daine could do anything to stop it, he grabbed her and kissed her on the mouth. Daine was disgusted and repulsed. All feeling and tingling that she got from his kisses was gone. It meant nothing now, that he'd slept with someone else without a thought of her. It was just spit and icky-ness. Numair broke the kiss.

"I know you still love me."

Daine raised her arm and slapped him. The sound echoed in the room and Numair gasped, touching his cheek.

"I said not to touch me."

The silence stretched on.

" Then it seems we have nothing more to say." Numair said in a clipped tone and turned to leave. Daine was furious.

"How dare you try to turn this around and blame me!? This is completely your fault and I have every right not to forgive you!"

"My fault?" Numair knew it was his fault but didn't want to face up to that. He grasped for any excuse.

"You were off flirting with palace boys-"

"It was archery Numair! If you have a way to aim and flirt, I'd like to hear it!"

"You didn't sit with me at dinner!"

"You walked of with your little brothel lady-"

"Don't you dare speak about Marianne like that." Said Numair in a quiet angry tone.

"You love her."

"Daine I…"

"You lust for her then."

"YOU DIDN"T CARE ENOUGH ABOUT ME! IT WAS OUT OF LONELINESS!"

He yelled in frustration and anger.

"NO, YOU'RE JUST A PIMP WHO WANTED TO SLEEP WITH SOMEONE AND SHE'S A SLUT WHO-"

"IF YOU'D SLEPT WITH ME IN THE FIRST PLACE IT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!"

There was silence and Numair knew he'd gone too far. Daine's look of open disgust told him that.

"Get out."

"Daine I didn't mean tha-"

"Get out now, you disgusting piece of-," she hissed.

"Daine."

She snapped and blue magic blasted out of Daine towards him. Numair was sent flying out the door and was slammed into the wall opposite the room. His bones ached, from the power and the wall. A voice shrieked and Marianne came rushing to his side.

Daine might have power, but it wasn't controlled he thought, trying in vain to wipe a trickle of blood from his mouth. He then watched Daine mesmerized, her eyes a stormy blue, her body radiating with power as she deliberately raised her hand and slammed the door in his face.

Inside Daine trembled and then sank to the floor.

"Wow."

Daine smiled weakly.

"Did, did I know you could do that?"

"It's new. I put up a shield when Numair was chasing me because I didn't want to be anywhere near him-"

"Understandably."

"And I blasted him away as well."

Alanna nodded. It was like her friend, one of the Bazhir shamans, Kara who could create storms when she was angry. Daine's power was unleashed because she was angered and upset.

"And because you desperately wanted to talk to me-"

"You appeared in my mirror." Said Daine weakly.

"It's a powerful asset Daine. But you need to learn to control it."

"Hmmm."

"Where's Kit?"

"She disappeared, yesterday I think. She wandered off, doing her own thing."

"Oh."

"Daine?"

"Huh… –oh sorry Alanna.' Said Daine, whose eyes were drooping. "It just tires me out real easy."

"I know Daine. Go to sleep."

"But-"

"Just sleep…"

Alanna's eyes were beautifully violet and Daine felt herself falling away.

"Sleep…"

Chapter 12

Daine slept, her dreams taking her to odd places. She was swirling then she stopped. Two male voices were talking. Curious, Daine drifted towards them. She then recognised the surroundings. It was Lindhalls' office and he was in there…talking to Numair.

"Numair not again. And look at yourself! What happened?"

"Daine blasted me." He grimaced.

Lidhall raised an eyebrow. Daine knew how to blast her magic. Well that was interesting. Lindhall made a note to see what other talents Daine had hidden.

"You look as if you've been in a war!"

"I'm fine. Marianne patched me up." He said, smiling goofily.

Lindhall's look was severe as he poured tea for himself and Numair.

"And another thing, Marianne? Numair how could you do this again? I thought you loved Daine."

"I did, well I do but…Daine doesn't need me. She's so independent. And Marianne…"

"Right. Daine's independent so it's all right to break her heart." Lindhall's tone was harshly sarcastic and Numair winced.

"Why are you being so hard on me? It wasn't completely my fault."

"Aye but it was and you know it. I'm siding with Daine completely on this one."

"You and Alanna." He muttered.

"What's Alanna got to do with this?"

"Daine was talking to her." Lindhall raised his eyebrows thoughtfully.

Numair was silent and sipped his tea. Lindhall sighed.

"Numair you can't keep jumping from lady to lady. Varice was a prime example and now Daine. You have to choose…"

Daine drifted off, still floating along. The sky grew darker until it was night and she rested on two men.

The two men hid in the shadows outside the palace. The first man, tall and skinny, scaled the wall with ease and dropped gracefully over to the other side, even though he carried a large, heavy sack. His partner, a short and fat man with dark hair and a stubbly chin, sweated and heaved his flabby body over the wall. This was no mean feat. He fell over the other side and landed hard.

"Get up you fool." Hissed the tall thin man. He got to his feet, rubbing his rear, which he had landed on. This is the last time he would ever work with Jemison. The man was so harshly sarcastic it drove him crazy. Pautel made up his mind to tell his master that he would never work with Jemison again. But then again thought Pautel, his master was not a nice person and would probably kill him if he were to say such a thing. So absorbed in his thoughts, he didn't notice where he was going until Jemison grabbed him and yanked him back viciously.

"Are you a fool with a death wish?!" He hissed angrily.

Pautel realized he'd almost stepped into the line of light from the palace torches. He moved back into the shadows behind a tree next to Jemison. Jemison wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. That bumbling fool almost blew the whole operation, he thought, looking nervously at the guards patrolling around the palace walls. For the hundredth time he thought why he'd been partnered with such a stupid man. He tugged one his long blondish beard thinking. They had to move around the back. As if reading his thoughts, Pautel whispered.

"How do we around to the back?"

"I'm thinking, I'm thinking. We're not going exactly going to walk to the front door and ring the door chimes are we?"

"Well if we pretended we were workers-"

"Look at our clothes Pautel." Said Jemison trying to be patient. "What kind of palace would employ people dressed like us?"

Pautel looked as if he was thinking hard, staring at their tattered, grey and dusty rags that were poor excuses for clothes. Jemison lost what little patience he had with Pautel.

"You thick headed bumbling idiot!" he growled quietly, smacking the back of his head hard. Scowling, Pautel followed Jemison quietly through the shadows, rubbing his head. They tried to move as quietly as they could, Jemison in the lead.

"Where are we meant to meet her?" whispered Pautel.

"Under the left balcony." Muttered Jemison. "We meet her there, she'll collect it, then plant it and that's it."

He hefted the large sack on his shoulder. They both halted quickly, holding their breath as a soldier walked right past their hiding spot. As he disappeared they let out a sigh of relief.

"The sooner this is over," Muttered Pautel. "The better." Jemison agreed. For once his dim-witted partner was right.

Daine left that scene and drifted on. She floated and then suddenly her world turned orange. A desert sunset, of orange, pink and yellow colours blending into the horizon. And a large fireball sun, setting on the horizon of the desert, streaking the sky a deep, blood red. The setting rays shone over the city of Carthak and the palace. And then they appeared. Dark lines on the horizon, tiny specks of people, moving rapidly towards the city. Only two men remained on the horizon, standing apart. Then one man lifted back the hood of his cloak. Red light shone from his head, heading towards the castle. Daine, though floating above it all, felt the red light reach the palace and come into contact with a person. That person stopped, and in slow motion, fell to the floor with a loud thump and lay lifelessly still.

The thump woke Daine and she sat up, breathing heavily. It was the dream again, although she'd dreamt about Lindhall and Numair, and two odd men sneaking into the palace. Hmm. Daine got up off the floor, her bones aching. The room had been cleaned of the mess she'd made and someone had thoughtfully put a pillow under her neck. She stretched and undressed to bathe. Once she was clean and refreshed, she pulled on some clean breeches and shirt. Then, she opened a drawer on her dresser, to put on a pair of earrings. She paused and looked at the blue, sparkling jewels in her hands. They had been Numair's Mid- winter gift to her. She took out a small box and put them into it. Then Daine rummaged through all her belongings to remove anything that reminded her of Numair. In went a gold bracelet, the small portraits they'd had done and given to each other and a thin green chemise. It was a disgusting olive green that Daine would never have chosen to wear and now she was glad not to have to pretend to like it. As she was putting it in the box, a bright light shone, momentarily blinding her.

Daine blinked, trying to adjust to it. Kitten appeared from the light, looking extremely pleased with herself and then a beautiful lady in green emerged.

"Ma?"

"Oh, Daine."

Seeing her Ma, Daine burst into tears.

"NumairandMarianneandhesleptwitherandhedoesn'tcareaboutme!!!" Daine wailed out.

"Oh Sweetie…" Sara murmured, and pulled Daine onto her lap

Sara hugged her daughter, rocking her gently back and forth.

"Now, can you tell me what's wrong so that you make sense?" Sara asked gently, stroking Daine's hair. Daine sniffed loudly and sobbed out,

"Numair, hic –slept with Marianne a-and he –hic- d-doesn't care about me and I-I hate him!" Daine cried. "But then why do I feel so awful!? If I hate him now why do I feel like a part of me is missing?"

Daine buried her face in her Ma's long blonde hair, sobbing.

"Oh darling, I know you must feel terrible…"

Daine sobbed in reply.

"But sweetness, if he's going to treat you like that then you're better off without."

"But why? Why, if he said he loved me so, did he throw it all away for some slut?"

"Daine!"

Ignoring her Ma's disapproval at her language Daine rushed on.

"Did I mean that little to him? Or should I just have slept wit-"

"Veralidaine you don't ever sleep with a man just to please him. I did not bring you up in such fashion and you will not do so as long as I'm alive." Sara swelled and looked extremely formidable. "Don't ever be forced or pressured to do anything you don't want to do. You were right to wait until marriage and have the right to do so. It isn't your fault he's a-" Sara stopped and faintly blushed. "Mind my language..." she trailed off.

Daine looked at her Ma. She was so beautiful and so wise.

"How did you know to come?" Daine asked, calming down a bit.

"Kitten appeared yesterday and she was very firm in trying to get me to go with her."

Daine smiled as Kit trilled merrily at her and hugged her.

"Badger translated and we talked to the other gods and they agreed that as you're god born, you are entitled to special privileges. So I'm allowed to visit you if you ever really need me."

"I always need you Ma." Daine murmured.

"Darling you're a big girl now, no, you're a young woman. You don't need your old ma around all the time." Sara said.

Daine smiled understandingly.

"Are you all right now?"

Daine nodded.

"All right. I'm sorry sweetie, I really have to go. They aren't that lenient on me."

Silver light blossomed around Sara and Daine remembered something.

"Oh Ma! I learnt to blast my magic and to speak over long distances. I was trying to get away from Numair and I blasted him and then Alanna-"

"That's wonderful Daine, just make sure you learn to control that power. And use it for good not bad."

"Right. Goodbye Ma."

"Goodbye. Just one thing darling, what's with that awful green cardigan in the box?"

Daine laughed and waved as her Ma disappeared.

Feeling lots better, Daine put the lid on the box and shoved it into the drawer.

Picking up Kit and hugging her, the two left the room and went down for breakfast.

Chapter 13

Kitten trilled enquiringly and Daine smiled.

"No I'm fine. Well, I felt terrible yesterday but-"

Yells up ahead interrupted their conversation and Daine ran towards them and into the room they were coming from. A large dog stood its lips curled back, snarling ferociously and the fur on it's back standing up. Numair stood in front of it backing away cautiously. At Daine's entrance, the dog whipped its head in her direction. Surprised and a little wary, Daine saw the dog's eyes were totally black. There was no pupil or iris or whites, just solid black. Daine reached out with her magic, stretching into the dog's mind. She was swamped by blackness and struggled hard to fight it. It was the same black as the creature that had attacked the boat on the way to Carthak. Daine used her magic, burning back the black. She reached the dog's copper core and was able to push out all the black surrounding it. The dog's eyes changed from black to normal, and it shook, confused.

-What happened? - He asked confused.

-You seemed to be controlled by this black thing and-

-And you rescued me- the dog finished.

-Well, yes but-

The dog gave Daine a lavish lick and she laughed. A voice called trying to get her attention.

-Just one moment- she said to the dog.

"What?' Daine snapped angrily.

Numair looked a bit taken aback.

"Well, what?" she asked again. Numair shook his head slowly.

"This came out of the dog." He said, holding up a magicked jar with something black and cloudy in it, fighting to get out.

"Well done, good for you, hooray." Daine replied sarcastically.

"That dog tried to attack me! And you're just laughing with it!"

Daine raised an eyebrow.

"It tried to bite me!" Daine was sure she heard him emphasise the 'me'.

The dog growled and took a threatening step towards Numair, hearing his voice rise at Daine. Numair hurriedly took two or three steps back.

-Don't attack him- Daine said.

-But he's threatening you- the dog answered, confused. –And I can tell you don't like him-

-You're right, I don't. But I wouldn't want you to get hurt. -

The dog sighed resignedly.

-He'd probably taste yucky anyway. -

"He wouldn't do that would you? He wouldn't want to bite your yucky arm, would you?" Daine crooned to the dog, ruffling his fur as Daine and the dog laughed silently.

Numair looked at her, his face unreadable.

"That dog was planted in my room-"

"Well what do you expect if you leave your door open for thieves and tramps to wander in anytime they please?"

Numair's face darkened but there was a faint blush.

"It was unlocked-"

"Same thing." Daine noticed that the breakfast tray on the table was set for two. Numair noticed what she was looking at and his blush darkened.

"And, obviously your 'door open' was planned as there's breakfast for two. How sweet. Were you going to give this dog a cup of tea?" she asked sarcastically. They both turned as Marianne appeared, wrapped only in a towel from the adjoining bathing room.

"Not this dog, maybe that one." muttered Daine under her breath.

"Oh, hello Daine! Fancy meeting you here." Said Marianne airily, sitting at the table. It didn't seem to bother her being found in only a towel in Numair's room.

"Who'd have thought." Said Daine flatly. Then a thought struck her.

"Marianne, did you hear anything just before?"

"What? Oh, no, I didn't. I was bathing. Head under water and all that."

Daine nodded, a fake smile across her face.

"Would you care to join us for breakfast?" Marianne asked sweetly. Daine answered just as sweetly.

"Oh, no. I really couldn't stomach anything at the moment."

Numair winced and Daine turned sharply and walked out, Kit and the dog following.

-Are you all right? - The dog asked worriedly. Daine smiled weakly, but no one was fooled.

-You should've let me bite him. - The dog answered. Daine laughed.

-So what's your name? -

-I'm Honoor. - The dog said proudly.

Daine smiled.

-Quite a fitting name. Honoor sounds like 'honour', which also means faithful and loyal-

Honnor waved his tail happily and followed Daine to breakfast.

Daine ate a light breakfast of porridge while she got a large plate of fruit for Kit. The servants had been most understanding about Honoor and got a large bone that was going to be a soup. Daine was very thankful, but not as grateful as Honoor was. She finished and cleared her plates, taking them to the kitchen. The servants were rushing around but others were gossiping as they worked. Daine put her plates in the sink and turned to leave when she overheard the conversation…

"So where's Misha today?" asked a middle aged lady, who was washing dishes at the sink. An older woman, on a stool snorted.

"Probably gallivanting off with that Marianne."

The whole room snorted and made rude noises.

"Never have I met a noble as obnoxious and as irritating as her." Muttered the old lady.

"I saw Misha last night." Piped up a younger servant girl. "I couldn't sleep so I went out to the lake. She was under a balcony with Marianne. I didn't know what they were doing but they had something large with them."

The older lady snorted again.

"Probably some expensive package. From a suitor don't you think?"

The kitchen laughed.

"The woman is such a tramp." Came a different voice."

"Getting any man she can. If she didn't, it wouldn't be because she didn't try."

"Or pay." Muttered someone else.

"Do you know, she tried to get his Imperialness himself?" said a voice. Everyone tutted in disbelief.

"Luckily His Imperialness Kaddar is too good, and pure and above all the court games." said the old woman.

"She's trying to entice that Tortallan mage, Master Salmalin."

"She's got her hooks on him! I saw her sneaking out of his room two mornings ago."

Everyone made sounds of disgust. The doors to the kitchen opened and a young servant girl came in, laden with plates. She tripped and the plates almost flew everywhere. Daine quickly grabbed most of them, but the girl dropped about 5 on the floor.

"Mithros girl, don't you have any sense?!" barked the middle aged woman at the sink.

"I'm sorry, it was an accident, I didn't mean-" the young girl glanced up and saw Daine holding the majority of the dishes. Her eyes widened as she recognised Daine as a noble.

"Oh your Ladyship I-" the girl began frantically. She stooped, then got up and then stooped, unsure whether to pick up the smashed plates or take the ones Daine had.

"Ladyship? What's this nonsense now child-oh!" The middle-aged lady realized who Daine was too.

"Let me take those plates!" cried the young girl. "Oh, forgive me, I'm sorry you had to see this, this mess and oh dear."

Daine smiled kindly.

"I'll take these ones to the sink. They're a bit heavy."

The girl looked at Daine with wide eyes. Daine took them to the sink and then returned to help pick up the smashed pieces.

"You don't have to help me." She whispered.

"Where do they go?" Daine said. They were put in the bin and Daine dusted her hands.

She then realizes the whole of the kitchen was looking at her. Daine felt her face turn very red.

"Sorry…I didn't mean to, I uh…"

"What are you doing in here?" asked the old lady on the stool.

"I was putting my dishes, in the sink."

The old lady got up.

"So, a decent noble at last."

Daine's cheeks reddened even more.

"My ma… I-"

"Well, well, so you're Daine of Tortall."

"Of Galla originally. But I'm not really a noble I-"

"Well Daine of Galla, I hope you'll forgive our idle gossip."

"I quite understand. There's nothing for me to forgive." Said Daine honestly.

The old lady nodded then laughed.

"Girls, wouldn't she be perfect for the Prince!"

Daine's face burned bright red and she snuck out amidst all their laughter. How embarrassing! Daine found Kitten and Honoor staring at the jar, transfixed. Worried, she moved towards them and found them stock still, not even a whisker twitching on Honoor. Daine quickly grabbed the jar and hid it under her shirt. Kitten and Honoor blinked and returned to normal.

-What happened? - Honoor asked.

Kit chirped her curiousity.

-You seemed to be mesmerised by that jar and the black thing. Better I keep it hidden, unless it happens again. -

Kitten trilled agreement and they headed off to the University.

Chapter 14

Two women sat in a darkened room, waiting. They sat in front of a mirror, one a brown haired lady and brown eyes lounged casually in her chair while the black haired and coal eyed other lady sat straight up. The mirror swirled and then a hooded head appeared in the mirror. The hood was made of bearskin.

"Well?" the man in the bearskin hooded robe said.

The lady with black hair trembled.

"I-it didn't go accordingly to plan. T-t-the mage is still free and so I-is the d-d-dog."

"FOOLS!" the man hissed, his image wavering in anger. The black haired lady cowered. "I am trying to gather an army and you cannot do anything but to throw more obstacles in my path!? You mustn't have done it right!"

"For heaven's sakes calm down." Said the brown haired lady off handed.

"What."

"I said calm down. It wasn't us. I planted the creature there myself, do you honestly think I'd do it wrong?"

The hooded man grumbled but said nothing. The lady continued, checking her nails lazily as she spoke.

"It was planted and then he was still free. Why don't you talk to the man whose little spell it is?"

"I can't. He's dead." Was the flat reply.

The lady sighed noisily.

"Maybe it was those two thieves then." Said the black haired lady, timidly entering the conversation.

"The idiots!"

She cowered again while the brown haired lady flicked back her hair.

"Well it is like you to hire incompetent people isn't it? I mean, if you had any power you wouldn't be in this situation."

The man growled.

"You're lucky that I'm your brother else you'd be dead."

She smiled serenely at him. "My little brother at that."

He wondered for the tenth time wether or not she really wanted this. She always seemed so offhand, as if she honestly couldn't care.

"For chaos sake sister, anyone would think you don't care."

The dazed dreamy look on her face changed in the blink of an eye to mad and insane. This was the sister he knew. The dark dangerous femme fatale who had made him what he was. The scary little girl who'd broken his arm when he was little. Eight times. The one he owed all his power to, who'd encouraged him to pull out one of his own eyes for the tantalising black power. This was the face of the girl, now woman he called, 'sister.'

"But I do care." She hissed. "I have to sleep with that disgusting murderous mage. Get your work done quickly little brother."

The hooded figure nodded, smiling twistedly under the hood. This was the response he hoped to evoke.

"My poor, sweet sister." he soothed. "I know it is hard. But the rewards will be bountiful. Even more than we could ever hope or dream for."

"Will I get to kill him?" she asked innocently, twirling one of her brown locks.

"We'll do that together." He promised.

"Goody." She breathed, her eyes insane.

"I must go now. My 'master'," he sneered, "awaits me. I shall instruct you soon. But don't fail me."

Red light reached out to them and just as it touched their necks, it and the picture in the mirror vanished and the room was dark. The brown haired lady got up and opened the curtains, letting sunlight stream into the room.

"Well that went well." She said brightly to the coal headed lady. Misha just sat there in semi shock. Marianne straightened her low cut dress.

"I'll be needed in the university."

And she left.

Daine wandered into the university. She had a vague idea of where Kaddar's study was. Quickly, she changed her face so her nose was like a dog's and sniffed the air. Kaddar's study was two corridors down, the third room on the left. Marianne was here somewhere too. As if I'd ask Marianne for directions thought Daine fiercely. If I were lost, dehydrated and dying in the desert I wouldn't ask Marianne for directions let alone water. Honoor's yip broke her hold on dog form.

-That was wonderful! - He said enthusiastically. –You were one of me then! -

Daine smiled.

-I can go the whole way but it wasn't really necessary then. -

-It was still wonderful- Honoor insisted. –None of the men where I was could do that. -

Daine knocked on Kaddar's door. Lindhall opened it.

"What're you doing in Kaddar's study?" she asked in surprise.

Lindhall motioned for her to come in. Inside were three other people, two men and one woman.

"Daine, hello. Take a seat." Said Kaddar.

"What's going on?" Daine whispered to Lindhall as she leant against a wall behind him.

"The woman is Meina and her husband Bageesh. They own and sell horses. Their horses ran off early this morning."

Daine looked at Lindhall and he smiled. "No they don't mistreat their horses."

"The other man is Geguild. He's a merchant. His camel-" Lindhall stopped yet again.

"No, he doesn't mistreat his camel either."

"It's like you know me Lindhall." Said Daine smiling. She couldn't help caring about animals and their treatment. They were a part of her.

"His camel ran off."

Daine frowned slightly. That was odd. Daine shifted slightly and felt the jar by her foot. Maybe…

"Meina, do remember anything odd from this morning?"

The blonde haired lady looked at Daine in surprise.

"Sorry Ka- Your Imperialness, for interrupting, I just-"

"No, go ahead Daine."

Daine sat in a chair next to Meina.

"Anything?"

Meina looked at Daine carefully and saw that she was sincere.

"I, I don't know." She said in a heavily accented voice. "It was so fast…"

"Go over what happened this morning. Tell exactly what you heard, saw and did."

She took a deep breath.

"I, I woke up earlier than usual. The horses outside were noisy. They were whinnying and stamping. I thought someone was stealing them, or there was a snake. I woke my husband and we ran out to them. They were rearing and struggling against their ties. I caught hold of my own mount, Sandstorm. I tried to calm her, pull her down and to stop rearing. She struggled and then knocked me over into the dust. Then she ran off. All the other horses ran after and they were gone. We do not mistreat our animals."

Meina looked worriedly at Daine.

"I believe you." Daine said.

"Normally they are all so gentle. This was so odd. We came to talk to a palace ostler but his Imperialness insisted on listening."

Daine smiled. She noticed all these people greatly admired and respected Kaddar.

"Did they look unusual or anything?"

"I… wouldn't remember…"

"Close your eyes and think." Said Daine soothingly.

Meina shut her eyes and listened. Daine took the older woman's hand.

"When you pulled your horse towards you, you would have been very near Sandstorm. Was there anything different about her-"

"The eyes." Said Bageesh suddenly. Meina's eyes snapped open.

"Yes," Meina whispered. "Their eyes. They were all black. Normally she has chestnut eyes. But they were totally black."

Daine let go of her hand and turned to Geguild.

"Were your camels like that too?"

"I would not know. They dumped all my goods and ran off. But normally they are very placid and gentle. They would not run off on me."

Daine absorbed all this information. It fitted in with the black thing in the jar and Honoor. Not wanting these people to worry unnecessarily, Daine quickly said.

"Well that is unusual. But I'm sure it's nothing too terrible. I mean, it's awful you lost your horses and your camels, but they shouldn't be harmed. Just an inner magic thing. Herds calling and all that." Daine spun off something to do with herd animals. They seemed to accept this. Kaddar watched it all silently.

"I'm truly sorry you lost your mounts." He said when Daine was done. "We'll arrange you a mount from the city and spread word that your horses are missing. If anyone sees them they can report to the palace ostler. In the meantime, a servant can take you to bathe and wash your things. You may eat and wait until your mounts arrive."

"Your Imperialness is very kind but we couldn't impose on you-"

"I insist." Said Kaddar firmly.

"I won't accept charity." Said Bageesh, hesitant at arguing against his Imperial ness's words "Let us at least pay for our mounts."

Geguild nodded his agreement.

Kaddar opened his mouth to disagree but Daine shook her head slightly. These people have their pride, her look seemed to say.

"Very well then." Said Kaddar. "Now if you want to go with Serana."

A servant appeared to lead them away.

"You Imperialness is most kind." Said Meina. "We thank you with all our hearts."

They all bowed and curtsied deeply, throwing admiring and thankful glances back as they left. The door shut and Kaddar turned to Daine.

"All right. Spill the beans. What's the real reason behind the odd behaviour?"

Daine picked up the jar and explained how Honoor was controlled and how the two stories seemed to fit together.

"How did the black-whatever- get in the jar?" asked Lindhall.

"Numah- hurg- mm it."

"What?" said Lindhall and Kaddar together. Daine sighed.

"Numair magicked it into a jar." She mumbled a bit clearer.

Kaddar looked at her.

"It hurts doesn't it."

"What hurts? Being disembowelled with a spoon?" she said threateningly.

"No need to get aggressive." He said cheerfully.

Daine lowered her eyes. She didn't mean to snap.

"Stop looking at me too." That was a snap as well. Kaddar bugged out his eyes.

"What?"

Daine stared back.

"I can stare longer than you."

"No you can't."

"Yes I can, watch." Daine changed her eyes to cats.

"That's cheating!" Kaddar said.

"Excuse me!?"

They both turned to Lindhall.

"Good grief, it's hard to believe you're both 18."

Daine and Kaddar grinned sheepishly at him.

"Well we have a serious problem on our hands you two." Lindhall continued

"Animal control might lead to human control. People are going to get hurt if their animals turn on them. And many animals may get hurt too."

Lindhall frowned thoughtfully.

"May I have a look at the thing?" Lindhall asked.

"Don't look at it too long," Daine warned. "Kitten and Honoor got mesmerized by it."

Lindhall studied it.

"Interesting…" he murmured. He stared and then blinked quickly. "I see what you mean about Kitten and Honour. It nearly sucked me in. Perhaps it'd be best if we shut it away."

He opened a cupboard and locked the jar inside it.

"I think we should make a study of it. Record any more reports or odd animal behaviour."

Daine and Kaddar nodded in agreement.

"I think there's something else we have to do as well." Said Kaddar.

Daine and Lindhall looked at Kaddar.

"It's something of great and dangerous proportion. Such a task requires nerve, confidence and swallowing of pride. The consequences of such actions could be dire. A thing so terrible, that-"

"All right you're being sarcastic now." Said Daine flatly.

"We will be risking a great deal and be endangering our surroundings if we should go ahead with such a perilous and precarious deed."

"What do we have to do?" asked Lindhall fearfully.

"Go and ask Numair for help." Daine said bitterly.

Lindhall shook his head in disbelief while Kaddar tried hard not to laugh.

Chapter 15

Numair came straight away. Lindhall and Kaddar explained the circumstances and what they planned to do.

"So it'd be a great help if we could use your expertise and advice on this." Said Kaddar eagerly.

Daine bit back a tart reply, keeping her face expressionless. Numair looked very awkward.

"That's very flattering of you but you see well, uh…"
"You're not going to help." Said Lindhall sternly. "Why?"

"I too would like an answer Numair." Said Kaddar somewhat disappointedly.

"Uh well you see…" Numair wouldn't meet Daine's eyes.

"If it's because of me, I'd think that you could handle this on a more mature level."

"I'm not the one who's immature. I don't have temper tantrums and can't control my power."

"Oh I can control it. Care to try me?"

"For your information that's not the reason I can't work on this."

"Can't or won't." muttered Daine to herself.

"Be-because…"

"Yoo hoo! Numair? Where are you?" trilled a voice and Marianne appeared.

"There you are!" she said.

"Have you heard the news?" she said excitedly to Kaddar and Lindhall.

"Uh, news?" said Kaddar blankly.

Marianne held up her hand. On her finger was a thin gold band with a diamond set in the middle.

"We're betrothed!"

The room was silent.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Marianne asked looking at Lindhall's grimace and Kaddar's look of disbelief.

A little too late Lindhall and Kaddar plastered fake smiles on their faces.

"Aren't you happy for us?" pouted Marianne.

"Extremely. I hope you're both very happy." Said Daine and she walked out of the room. But not before Kaddar saw the tears in her eyes.

Daine wandered out of the university. Numair and Marianne, to be married! An empty hollowness filled Daine, as if she had no insides at all. Daine wandered aimlessly and found herself opening the door to her room. She had no idea how she got there. She wandered in and sat down in front of her mirror, staring but not really looking at anything. She had no idea how long she sat there for, not doing anything until Alanna's face appeared in the mirror.

"Oh good, you're there Daine. I've been trying to contact you for ages…Daine? Daine are you alright?"

"Oh yes, I…" she trailed off.

Alanna peered intently at her. Daine's eyes weren't focussed on her. It was as if she was there physically but her spirit had left her body. Alanna had never seen Daine like this, ever.

"Daine, what is it?"

"Numair and Marianne…are going to be wed…"

Alanna just stared at her in disbelief; her mouth open and her eyebrows arched high.

"Marianne?"

"You know…works at the university, charming, smart…." A slight frown creased Daine's face. "I can't believe I said that."

"Marianne…?"

"Brunette, attractive late-twenty something…" Another slight frown. "I can't believe I said that either."

Alanna shook her head. "No, Marianne? He hasn't know the woman for a week and now he's marrying her?"

Daine didn't answer. She just sat there, staring into nothing, toying with the silver claw fastened at her neck. It broke Alanna's heart to see Daine like this. She was a shell, nothing more. A knock at the door interrupted them and Kaddar poked his head in.

"Daine?" he asked gently. She didn't move.

"Kaddar…" was all she said before trailing off. He moved over to her, standing next to her.

"Alanna, how surprising to see you again." He said, realizing Alanna was in the mirror. He raised his eyebrows at in her in an unspoken question, how is she?

Alanna shrugged in reply, a look of helpless confusion and worry on her face. Kaddar looked back at Daine.

"Daine? The boat is leaving now. Do you want to come see them off?"

"That was tactful." Muttered Alanna. Kaddar winced apologetically.

"Wait a minute, the boat is leaving. That would mean they're coming-here." Alanna finished flatly. Kaddar nodded.

"When he gets here, ooh." Muttered Alanna darkly.

"Daine?" repeated Kaddar gently. Daine got up slowly.

"Bye Alanna…" and she headed to the door.

"Look after her." Alanna said to Kaddar. He nodded and followed Daine.

They walked silently along the corridors, Kaddar casting glances at Daine. His heart panged. It was so -wrong- to see Daine like this. She was just wandering, like a lost little ghost.

"Daine? Are you all right?" Kaddar asked finally.

"What? Oh…"

"Do you uh, want to talk about any of it?"

"Hmmm, maybe…."

She wasn't answering his questions properly, just trailing off, lost in her own little world. They arrived at the docks, silent. Although the abrupt and short announcement of their engagement and departure, there was a large crowd and a large amount of wedding gifts. The dark clouds overheard didn't dampen their spirits as everyone was talking to the to be bride and groom. Kaddar led Daine to the front of the docks where Kitten and Honoor were sitting. Kit was tinged slightly blue green, a sign she was worried about Daine. Finally Numair and Marianne boarded the boat and waved merrily at the people on the docks. The crowd waved back, calling things at the happy couple. The sky rumbled ominously and the crowd dispersed, going indoors due to the bad weather and the ship, getting smaller as it sailed away.

Soon, no one stood there but Daine and Kaddar.

"Daine, I think we should go in. it's going to rain."

"You go. I… I'll stay here…for a bit." She answered.

Kaddar looked at her worriedly but then nodded as drops fell from the sky. He ran to the university as the skies opened and poured rain. Kitten and Honoor went with Kaddar and Daine was left all by herself. She sank down onto the wet wood and sat there. She didn't care that she was soaked to the skin, or that her hair had fallen out, or that the waves were getting dangerously close to her. The rain seemed to open something inside of her and the tears started, falling down her face and falling like the rain into puddles.

Marianne lent on the edge of the boat, letting the breeze blow her dark brown hair. She watched as the crowd dispersed and the only person left on the dock was Daine. She smirked smugly, but the boat was too far away for Daine to see. It had been easy getting rid of the girl. She was nothing. Charm and beauty got you everywhere and anything these days she thought conceitedly. It had all been a matter of time. True, she had to break the girl's heart into a million of little pieces but that didn't bother Marianne. All's fair in love and war, she thought. Then a frown crossed her pretty face. Which was better, the love or the war? Years ago she would have said love, as would that silly little girl on the docks. But war is by far. You get whatever you want in war, she thought insanely. And I will get what I want. Luring Master Salmalìn away had been the best part of the plan and my brother can take what he wants, unnoticed. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made, he told her. It will be worth it in the end. Marianne felt warm comforting hatred inside of her. It will be worth it in the end. I will have everything and that mage will be killed slowly and painfully-at my hands.

"Marianne?" called Numair from inside their cabin and she knew he'd be in the bed.

"Coming, my love!" she called back. Yes, soon, you will be mine mage…

Chapter 16

Inside the University, Kaddar was pacing restlessly in his study. Lindhall was sitting at the desk, writing while Kitten watched fascinated and Honoor slept on a rug. The sky was dark with clouds and the rain poured down harder.

"So where's Daine?" asked Lindhall, not glancing up at Kaddar.

"She's still out there."

"It's raining."

"I know that!" exploded Kaddar, causing Lindhall to look up at the young Emperor. "But she's still sitting there, in the rain by the dock, watching Numair and Marianne sail away! And I asked but she wouldn't go in and I -she's so sad! Like a shell, she's not even in there. That creep who didn't even care about Daine ripped her heart out! She didn't deserve that! She-"

"You obviously care very much about her." Said Lindhall quietly.

"Well of course I do!" he said, blushing lightly at Lindhall's look. "Not like that Lindhall, I hardly think that a romantic interest is what Daine needs right now! Not that I'm offering." He added hurriedly, blushing even redder. "I just wish that she'd trust us and tell us instead of-" Kaddar broke off as he turned and saw Daine standing in the doorway. Kitten trilled and scolded loudly, enveloping Daine in bright light. She emerged dry.

"Don't be angry with me." She whispered.

"Oh Daine I'm not angry, not at all with you. I couldn't be angry with you." Kaddar said gently, walking over to her. "We're just worried."

Daine looked at them, Lindhall's earnest face, Kitten's curious immortal one and shaggy Honoor on the floor. And at Kaddar, his eyes holding so much care and concern for her. Daine burst into tears.

"Oh Daine." Said Kaddar, uncertain of what to do. He awkwardly put his arms around her as she sobbed into his shirt.

"I know it must be hard, with him leaving you and-"

"It's not that!" she choked out. "I've been behaving awful and you have been so nice and all understanding!" she wailed, her grammar slipping with emotion. Kaddar hushed her quietly.

"I think a hot drink and bed for you Daine. Then a few days rest. Come on, let's go." He said firmly. Daine was bawling still and made no effort to move, so Kaddar picked her up like a baby and walked out. Lindhall watched them Kitten and Honoor trail after them.

Kaddar gave her calming tea, bundled Daine into her bed and watched her fall asleep. He sighed and stroked her tear stained face.

The next morning, Daine sat up groggily. She was in her own room, in her bed still dressed in the day before's clothes. A deep sleep had left her with no dreams, and a good rest. She looked to her left and saw Kaddar slumped in a chair asleep. His mouth was open and drool was sitting at the corner of his mouth. She smiled affectionately, thinking that this was the mighty Emperor of Carthak. A drooling teenage youth. She moved quietly, to get up when Kaddar jerked awake.

"What-oh Daine. Sorry I-" Kaddar began embarrassed. Daine smiled.

"It's okay."

She got up and he moved to the door.

"Oh um Kaddar?" Daine asked, as a sudden thought hit her.

"Yes?" he said, turning.

"Well, I… I was wondering if, well I don't want to go back to Tortall, at the moment and I…"

Kaddar understood and saved Daine the embarrassment of saying it.

"I'd appreciate it very much if you'd stay as a member of our University and help us with the situation that's controlling our animals. It would be a great honour and a wonderful help. And I insist that you stay here in the place, for you will always be welcome in my home."

Daine felt the tears well up in her eyes and she nodded thankfully.

Kaddar smiled, understanding and opened the door.

"Kaddar?" she said again.

He turned and looked at her. So many things needed to be said but only one thing came out.

"Thankyou."

He closed the door quietly. Daine bathed and washed her hair. For the first time in days, she felt relaxed. The bathe and feel of clean clothes made Daine feel refreshed. She pulled up her hair with a green ribbon and headed down to the dining hall.

Daine sat and ate quietly, Honoor and Kitten crunching. Nearby sat two messengers, who were eating ravenously.

"Unsettling things in the desert." Said one, through a mouthful of rice cereal.

"Yes, I heard."

"Tribe members, the Kumar, disappearing, traders not arriving in town.

"Rumour has it," the man leaned in closer to his friend, " That they want to declare war."

"NO! Get out of here, I-you, really?"

Daine left the dining hall and headed out to the University. She crossed the wide palace gardens, admiring the beauty of all the exotic flowers. A green house stood, on the right of the lake as it curved behind it. To the right and behind the greenhouse stood the University. Daine looked at the rows of flowers and ferns in front of the green house. A large pink flower with yellow middles attracted her attention and Daine wandered to it. She peered at it and reached out her hand to touch its velvety looking petals when a voice called out, "Stop!" Daine immediately froze and turned, to see and older man wearing a flapping green robe hurrying towards her.

"Don't touch it." He wheezed, puffing as he reached her. He bent over, hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. Now that he was closer Daine could see he was fairly old, his long flyaway hair grey streaked with white, the same as his beard.

"I'm glad you didn't touch it." The man said, straightening. "That plant there devours anything that lands on its petals."

"But it couldn't eat my hand- could it? It has no teeth."

"It uses a poisonous corrosive. You would have collected enough poison to kill a large elephant." He told her matter-of-factly. Daine winced.

"Then I'm very lucky you were nearby to stop me." Said Daine gratefully. He smiled warmly at her.

"Akriditus Foggarty." He said, holding out his hand.

"Veralidaine Sarrasri. But please, call me Daine."

"Look there!" Akriditus said. Daine looked wildly and saw nothing.

"The bee." Akriditus said patiently. Blushing, Daine saw the tiny insect buzzing around the flower.

"The flower uses pheromones to-"

"Phero-what?"

"Pheromones. Special smells to attract its meals. It uses the pheromones and bright colours to attract various insects for it to eat. Then, when its unsuspecting prey lands on its petals…"

Daine watched as the bee landed and then suddenly, the plant snapped shut, it's long petals enclosing the bee.

"It shuts and fills the enclosed chamber with poisonous chemicals. They break down the insect's body and absorbs the nutrients. The-"

He stopped.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't bother you with this ramble. No one wants to listen-"

"No! Please continue! It's very interesting!" said Daine eagerly.

"The Vernacular Flora- carnivorous plant."

Daine looked at the plant, fascinated.

"Wow." She said breathlessly. "Master Foggarty-"

"Please, call me Akriditus." He said, eyes laughing.

"That's amazing."

He smiled.

"Feel free to visit my greenhouse any time you wish."

Daine nodded.

"I look forward to seeing you again, Daine."

"And I you– Akriditus."

The old man smiled and disappeared amongst various plants. Daine went along to the University. She opened Kaddar's door and found Lindhall sitting at the desk, writing.

"I'm ready to work!" she said cheerfully, shutting the door quietly. Lindhall didn't look up.

"Didn't Kaddar say to have a few days rest last night?" he asked mildly.

"Well, yes, but I can't rest. I'm fine honestly."

"Honestly."

"Mm hmm." Said Daine, eyes wide and eager.

Lindhall put down his feather pen.

"All right. Tell me then. How did you learn to blast your magic at Numair? How did you manage to put up a shield, strong enough to shatter a Master's power? And you communicated with Alanna so how did you learn to use the far speaking spell to tell Alanna bout what Numair did?"

Daine froze, closed her eyes momentarily and looked away, shoulders slumped and defeated.

"When you can answer me Daine, we'll find out. Time will heal wounds. For now just rest."

Daine turned to walk out the door.

"And as I know you'll do no such thing as rest, Kaddar is down at the training yards."

Daine smiled gratefully. "Thankyou Lindhall."

He smiled at her.

"You know we care." Was all he said and he went back to work. Daine shut the door gently and went to the yards.

Chapter 17

She wandered there, while Kitten ran ahead, inspecting everything they came across. Daine entered the training yards and found Kaddar practising at a target with a bow and a quiver of arrows.

"Keep both eyes open. You should know that. See the target in your mind as well."

Kaddar did as he was told and the arrow slammed into the very centre of the target. He grinned at her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, putting down his bow.

"Well, I wanted to held at the University but well, he asked questions and he said you were here so I …"

Kaddar nodded.

"Well, you're welcome to stay if you want…" He began, gesturing to the other targets. Daine eyed him when he said this.

"I won't stay."

"You can…"

She smiled wryly.

"Don't lie. It's not polite."

Kaddar looked at her apologetically.

"I won't steal your limelight. I'll be in the stables, all right?"

He nodded. Leaving Honoor outside with a sulky Kitten, because her smell might upset the horses, Daine wandered into the stables, looking at all the beautiful mounts. After talking to the chief hostler there, he knew Diane could handle horses well and left her alone so he could continue with his job.

-Aren't you all beautiful. - She said. The horses stamped and snorted in surprise.

-What are you!? –Cried a young colt. –Get away, devil! -

-Silence! - Ordered a dominant stallion, a fine pure black roan. –She is the human who is People. If you have a problem with the People, go live in the desert for all we care! -

The young colt was silenced, sulkily pawing the ground.

-How do you know of me? - Asked Daine in surprise.

-The People know everything- the stallion said haughtily, as Daine smiled at his arrogance.

-Of course we know of you. And we're glad you came. One of our mare's, she is different. -

-Different? - Asked Daine, as she made her way down the end of the stalls, a feeling in her stomach that she already knew how different.

-Yes. We can't reach this one. She has, -changed. -

Daine stopped. A chestnut female was in the stall, bucking and kicking the walls. She let out a shrill neigh of anger and kicked harder. Daine hurriedly reached out with her magic. She reached inside and sure enough there was the black fire, covering the mare's copper one. Daine chased it away quickly, forcing it away. When drew her mind back, she saw a large black thing. It was like the one in the jar, a sort of cloud hovering in front of her. It circled her, wrapping around her waist once, twice then pushed around her and zoomed out the door. The chestnut horse that it had controlled, jumped out of it's stall, pausing only for a second for Daine to mount and ran after the cloud.

They thundered past the trainees, Kaddar turning and seeing Daine hurtling towards him.

"Daine? What the-!?" He cried but Daine ignored him. They raced through the town, people scattering everywhere as a horse and a maiden charged towards them. The cloud was in sight ahead of them, several meters away. They almost lost it a couple times, because of stalls and frightened people as Daine and the horse reared up and dashed another way. Soon their chase brought them to the edge of the desert where Daine and the horse had to stop.

-I can't go well on the sand- said the horse, slightly tired. Daine nodded and watched the dark cloud zip away, into the sandy desert. They turned back, and headed for home.

When they arrived there, Kaddar was waiting for them, with a very angry Kitten. They trotted up to him, both of them very red.

Kitten burst out into a series of loud and angry shrills and whistles. When she stopped they could hear Kaddar.

"Where were you!?" he yelled at the top of his lungs. "You just careened past everyone, telling no one where you were going! I had to convince the ostler that you weren't some witch who had bewitched his horse and that you weren't some lunatic, but right now I'm thinking of taking that back!"

He glowered at her, chest heaving with emotion.

"Don't you love it when he gets all protective?" teased Jasthan who had appeared with the other crowd of people, wondering what was going on. Kaddar fixed his glare on Jasthan who winced.

"Kaddar, calm down." Daine said.

"Calm down! Calm down?!! I won't be calm for weeks!"

"I, never mind." She said and quickly trotted off before Kaddar could yell at her again.

A very long apology was needed to the ostler but Daine was soon in the stables, grooming and washing down the horse.

-Thankyou very much for helping me go after that-thing- Daine said as she brushed.

-Not at all. Thank you for rescuing me from that thing's clutches. -

-That's all right. -

-Now I require your name. - Said the horse smoothly.

Daine smiled at this sudden formality.

-I'm Daine. -

-I am Crystal. - The formal air was gone. –I don't know how it got me. One moment I was resting then the next, you were there. -

Daine led the mare back into the stall.

-Well the main thing is that you're safe now. - Fishing out two lumps of sugar from her pocket she fed them to her new friend Crystal.

-Come visit me soon- she called after Daine and Daine promised. With Kitten and Honoor by her side, Daine hurried to leave the training yard and head to the University.

"Daine!' called a voice and Daine halted and turned. Jasthan ran up to her.

"Daine, I wanted to talk to you."

"What is it?" she asked, curious.

"Uh, well it's about Kaddar." Daine nodded.

"Well, you see, ever since he's become his Imperialness, well, he has to take his role very seriously. His life is ruled by rules and he has to be serious. He forgets we're not like that. We have to keep him down to earth."

"And he's very lucky to have such great friends who care about him like you." Daine said warmly.

Instead of a pert reply, Jasthan blushed.

"Geez Daine, you're the one who's meant to be blushing!"

"Anyway, just go easy on him." Said Jasthan, suddenly serious and he walked off. Daine frowned slightly, puzzled. Then she shrugged and hurried to find Lindhall. She'd think about that some other time.

And so that's how it was. Days slipped to weeks and weeks turned into months, Daine was so absorbed in her work she didn't notice the time. She worked and studied by day with Lindhall and Kaddar, recording more odd disappearances. They studied animals, Daine proving to be a great asset and able to answer to many questions scholars had been wanting to know. At night she occasionally went to banquets, but mostly spent her time in the palace library reading. When Kaddar had to attend banquets, she read by herself but when he didn't, the two holed themselves in the library talking and reading. In fact, she spent a lot of time with Kaddar; he had become a very close friend and a good companion. They spent their days also practising in the archery grounds and riding the palace horses. Daine learnt the odd fighting skills and became friends with Kaddar's friends. It was all very fun and a friendly rivalry was begun regarding archery.

Chapter 18

That night, a few months after Marianne and Numair had left for Tortall, Daine and Kaddar walked around in the gardens. It was a nice night to be out. They walked talking about whatever came into their heads until they finally rested under a tree. Daine realized that it was a weeping willow; the exact weeping willow that she'd hidden under when she'd ran away from Numair. So upset at the time, she hadn't realized there was a lake several meters away. Daine fell silent and didn't say anything.

"Daine? Daine what's wrong? You just went all quiet."

"Nothing's wrong all right?!" she snapped.

Kaddar looked at her with raised eyebrows.

She sighed. "I'm sorry I snapped. I don't want to talk about it."

Kaddar shrugged and then got up ran a few meters and then disappeared. Into the lake. Daine watched as he reappeared at the surface.

"Come in!" he called.

"No! I'll get wet!"

"Chicken!"

"I'm not a chicken!"

"Then how come you're not in the water?"

Daine paused and then dived in, swimming under Kaddar and pulling him under the water by his legs. They both resurfaced laughing.

"Still say I'm chicken?"

He laughed and shook his head. They both tread water until Kaddar said,

"I'll race you to the dock! No changing though." And he swam off. Not one to refuse a challenge, Daine raced after him. He got there before her and pulled himself up onto the dock. Daine clambered up next to him. They sat in silence.

"Numair." Said Daine suddenly.

"What about him?"

"That's what I was thinking of before."

"Oh."

They fell silent again.

"Daine I know it's not really any of my business but what happened between you? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He added hurriedly. Daine smiled.

"No, I at least owe it to you to tell you what happened. You've been such an understanding friend."

So Daine told him what had happened. Kaddar was silent afterwards.

"I'd never do that." He said out of the blue.

"What?"

"What Numair did to you."

Daine thought about that.

"Even if you were in a bad marriage or something?"

"Well I wouldn't have married her in the first place would I?" answered Kaddar. Daine accepted that.

"Then you're going to make some lady very lucky someday."

More silence.

"Did Numair ever ask you to marry him?"

"Yes he did as a matter of fact."

Kaddar gaped at her. "But he's so old."

"I know. It never seemed important then but now, when I think about it, it was important. Besides, I never said yes to him."

"Speaking of which, are you going to get married?"

Kaddar looked at her funnily.

"Not that I know of. I mean, you know about the arranged marriage deal, yes?"

Daine nodded. It was common knowledge that princes and princesses weren't supposed to marry by choice.

"Well I don't want it to be like that." Kaddar said. "I wouldn't want to marry some stuck up princess or noble just for the good of my country. I'd have to know her, and actually care about her to want to share such a large part of my life with her, you know what I mean?"

Daine nodded.

"Ozorne was trying to organize something with a princess from Galla-"

"Humh, Galla." Said Daine smiling thinking of her home. Then she laughed.

"Hey, if worst came to worst you could marry me!" she laughed while Kaddar fell unusually silent.

"You know Kaddar, you've been such a good friend to me. With the whole Numair thing. I don't know what I'd have done without you these past months." Daine put her head on his shoulder.

Kaddar's insides froze. He knew he cared deeply about Daine. But he didn't want to tell her. She had so much to handle at the moment; he didn't want to be an extra worry. But she was so close to him he knew if he said anything it would all rush out. So he did the only thing possible.

"Kaddar!" spluttered Daine from the water. "And I was calling you my friend! My clothes were nearly dry too!"

Kaddar laughed his head off on the dock, relieved. She hadn't guessed. He fell into the water as well Daine had grabbed his legs. He didn't mind. They swam back to shore and headed back to the castle, talking loudly.

Lindhall emerged from his room, voices waking him from his sleep. He saw Kaddar and Daine and rounded on them.

"Listen to you two, cawing away in the middle of the night! And why are you both dripping wet?" asked Lindhall, anger melting away to be replaced by confusion and amusement.

"I was pushed into the lake. By some crazy person wandering around." Said Daine in a mock angry tone.

"It was accident!" said Kaddar innocently.

"Right, an accident. You 'accidentally' shoved me into the water!"

"No no, I'm quite sure it was an accident. Perhaps it was a muscle spasm-"

Daine grinned and shoved Kaddar along.

"Whatever. Sorry for waking you up Lindhall. G'night."

He watched the two of them walk off, a speculative look in his eye.

Daine stopped in front of her room.

"Well…Goodnight." She said, looking at Kaddar, who was nervously fiddling with the bottom of his shirt.

"Hmm? Oh, yes um…" he said. He looked her in the eye. "Daine tomorrow night, there's a big banquet on and I… I was wondering if…if you'd accompany me."

Daine's eyebrows rose quickly and her heart felt funny.

"You know," Kaddar added hurriedly, a light blush staining his cheeks. "As a friend."

"I'd be honoured." She said, surprised and gratified.

You know, in honour of the military's achievements and so on. It'll be really boring and everything so if you don't want to I quite understand…" He added hurriedly.

Daine smiled warmly. "I'd love to."

Kaddar looked relieved.

"Thank you. Well, good night."

And he turned and left quickly. Daine felt slightly disappointed that he hadn't stayed a bit longer and then shook herself. What was she saying? She definitely needed some sleep.

Chapter 19

The next night Daine took a long time to get ready. She pulled out a silvery dress that she normally wouldn't have worn and made a face. Kitten trilled her approval so Daine had no choice. After bathing in scented water Daine dried herself and dressed. She looked at herself in the looking glass. The dress was beautiful, she had to admit. It was one that Queen Thayet had given to her, that she'd worn when she was younger. Daine was the only girl slim enough to fit into it; therefore she'd been given it. It had a V neckline that thankfully, wasn't too low with a thin muslin collar that stood up and went behind her neck and stopped midway of the V. The dress accented her tiny waist and then flared out and around to form a beautiful gown. Daine then put on a necklace that had been given to her also by Queen Thayet. It was a gorgeous diamond and silver necklace. It had nine strands of diamonds that hung down from the chain so that the diamonds sat on her fore chest. After adding a very small amount of face paints, (Daine had found the stuff quite annoying in the Carthak heat), the result looked quite splendid. Kitten trilled and whistled her appreciation as Daine twirled for her.

"Thanks Kit." Said Daine. "I just hope I look good enough for Kaddar."

Kitten let out a high-pitched trill of surprise and then chirped loudly, teasing her.

"I didn't mean it like that Kit! What I meant was that because he's the Emperor I have to look good because of all the Royal things and all the people and-"

Kitten whistled insincerely, jokingly.

"Kit!"

Kitten cooed and her hair twirled up into a three-piece elegant bun interwoven with silver ribbon.

"Thanks Kit. And no more teasing."

Kitten trilled under her breath cheekily.

"Kit!"

They moved down to the banquet hall, the back entrance where Kaddar would enter and be announced. Daine would enter out with him then move to the side while Kaddar sat at the throne. Then, when the feasting began, she'd sit next to him at the table. Daine swished her way down to the entrance, everyone bowing deeply as they saw her. It was rather unnerving Daine thought and was glad when she got to the door that Kaddar was there. He looked extremely regal in gold and red and Daine thought he looked very nice. Kaddar turned and gasped.

"Daine, you look beautiful."

"You think so?" she said shyly.

"Of course you do! Announcing Daine, the most beautiful lady noble in all of the lands, even to the Roof of the World! A vision so lovely, even the hardest sea-men and brigands cry when-"

"All right, hush up!" said Daine, blushing heavily. But secretly she was very pleased. Kaddar grinned and turned because he had just been announced. He walked out, Daine and Kitten following. The whole court was cheering and bowed or curtsied respectfully. Daine curtsied also, her dress spreading elegantly. When everyone rose, the whole of Court buzzed quietly. Who was that beautiful maiden in shining silver? A lot of people were craning their necks to get a glimpse of her, the Court boys and men were staring but Daine, who was sitting down looking at Kaddar, didn't notice.

The Captain of the military, Seamus Dridigon gave an extremely impressive, detailed-and boring- speech regaling the military's achievements. When he was finally done, everyone sat down to eat. After the meals were finished and cleared, everyone moved to the other Banquet room that was also a Dancing room. There were couches and bowls of fruit around various edges for people to sit on, but basically nobles and others socialised flirted, and vied to be seen in important people's presence. Which included Kaddar. Many a people came up to Kaddar and Daine. Hundreds of titles flew past her and Daine smiled graciously and nodded and basically tried not to embarrass Kaddar. A lull in nobles coming to speak to Kaddar gave Daine and Kaddar time for a short conversation.

"Are you all right?" he asked, looking her in the eye.

Daine nodded. "You're very popular." She said dryly. Kaddar laughed.

"They do this all the time. You get used to it."

Daine shook her head. "I don't think I could. You forget, I'm but a commoner from Galla."

"A very important-to-the-Royals-in-Tortall-commoner? Daine don't be silly. You're a noble yourself. And you're to tell me that being a god's child isn't important?"

"Hush up you. The last thing you need is me stealing your spotlight."

Kaddar laughed again until a voice called out, "KADDAR! There you are!"

Kaddar paled slightly. "Oh no."

"What is it? Who is it?" asked Daine.

"It's my Aunt Tarah. Oh no, I hoped she wouldn't be here."

"What's so bad about her?" Daine wanted to know but before she could get an answer, a large plump woman came bustling over to Kaddar. She wore a gown of expensive satiny grey silk that was very well cut, but it still couldn't disguise her extraordinary large- figure-. She was dripping with black pearls and she grabbed Kaddar in a big bear hug as Daine stifled a laugh.

"I haven't seen you for an age!" she cried, releasing him and pinching his cheek. "You just grow handsomer every time I see you don't you!" she gushed.

"Hello Aunt Tarah." Kaddar said, forcing a smile, as she tugged on his cheek.

"And who's this beauty?" she cried, turning her gaze to Daine. Daine smiled.

"This is Veralidaine S-" began Kaddar but Aunt Tarah interrupted.

"Oh Kaddar this is wonderful! How could you not tell me you were to be wed!? Oh you secretive child you!"

Daine opened her mouth in surprise and then tried to explain that she wasn't Kaddar's bride to be but Aunt Tarah rushed on like a herd of camels.

"Oh that's just wonderful! You'll look so beautiful in your wedding dress! Now if there' anything I can do, anything at all, invitations, decorations, the dress anything, you let your Auntie Tarah know right away, all right Kaddar?"

She suddenly sniffed, her large bosom heaving with emotion.

"My Kaddar's all grown up!" She said chokingly, wiping her eyes with a silk handkerchief. "Why it seems it was only the other day you were at my house, only a little thing, running around with no clothes on you naughty little tyke you!"

Kaddar's face burned bright red as Daine bit her cheek trying desperately not to laugh.

"Well, I must be off, there's the Earl of Tainasa, go chat to him. I'll see you soon Kaddy-waddy, buh-bye!" And off she went, waddling off like a pearl encrusted hippopotamus.

Kaddar turned to Daine, mortally embarrassed, not able to meet her eye.

"Daine, I am sooo sor-"

"That's all right- Kadday-Waddy!" she cried and burst into laughter. Kaddar stood there as Daine laughed her head off.

"I'm never going to live this down am I?" he muttered. Daine was laughing too hard to answer. Finally she composed herself and they wandered on. Through out the night, many other nobles assumed Daine was Kaddar's bride to be. Daine eventually gave up trying to explain their friendship and just nodded, plastering a fake smile across her face.

Chapter 20

When the party was over it was into the early hours of the morning. Daine and Kitten made their own way back to their room when they knocked into somebody.

"Oh I'm so sorry I-" Daine stopped and stared. It was a brown-cloaked figure. On closer inspection the cloak actually seemed to be a brown bed sheet. The face, under a make shift hood looked out at her; two dark eyes, short dark hair and long dark eyelashes. The person was definitely female. The eyes widened and a loud squeak came from the figure. It ran off in the direction it had been going and Daine just stared, puzzled. Then she shrugged. It was too late to be worrying about odd people running around in bed linen.

The next morning after the party, a servant with an urgent message wakened Daine. Daine dressed quickly, ran to the university and to Kaddar's office. She opened the door and shut it loudly. Inside, Kaddar and Lindhall were trying to calm a hysterical woman with long white hair. Kaddar looked at her pleadingly and Daine hurried over.

"Are you all right? What's the matter? Are you ill!? What's wrong!?" Daine cried just as hysterically as the woman. Kaddar and Lindhall stared. The women, hearing Daine turned to her and broke down in tears. Daine led her to a seat and patted her back while Kaddar and Lindhall just gaped. Effectively, Daine had calmed the woman in two minutes with more success than they'd had in the last 15.

"Now, can you tell me what's the matter?" said Daine.

"I'm dreadfully sorry. " said the old lady, composing herself. "It's just when I tell you what happened I-"

The tears welled again but the lady shook them away.

"My name is Tatura. I live in the city and I weave. My family have weaved rugs for generations."

Lindhall and Kaddar sat down, ready to listen also.

"Yesterday, my son arrived home with a large bite on his arm. It was a horse's teeth marks; some horse had bitten him while he was selling rugs. He came home to me and I bandaged it up for him. We sat to eat lunch, waiting for my eldest son to come home. He also works selling our rugs. My eldest is Akut and my younger; the one who was bitten is Tenkat. My eldest came home and we were seated, eating when my Tenkat suddenly got up and knocked the table with our food everywhere. He started to walk out the door, as if he was sleep walking. We yelled at him and called, pleading him to come back, what was wrong? My elder son grabbed him and spun him around. Hoe eyes were totally black. We were so frightened; we thought he was under magicks. My elder son dragged him back inside but he was fighting tooth and nail and struggled. We had to tie him on the bed because we thought he'd hurt someone or himself. He screamed and struggled for a while them he was quiet and just muttered inanely to himself. Later, last night, a healer came. She came in and said it was just a fever. I didn't think he felt hot or cold, but I let her take over. I was too worried and tired for trying to care for him myself. So Akut went to bed and soon later, so did I. The next morning, Tenkat was gone. The ties were undone and he was gone. The healer had gone too. He couldn't have untied then himself."

There was silence as what she said sank in.

"What was he saying?" Daine asked finally. "When he was tied down."

"He was saying he had to go to the desert. He said he had to go and join the others. Then he said a name."

Her eyes turned sharply to Kaddar, locking his gaze.

"He said he had to meet him. Muhassin Ali Iliniat."

Kaddar's face paled and Lindhall gasped audibly. Daine looked at their reactions, confused but said nothing, quietly puzzled. Tatura stood.

"I must leave. I hope that what I said will help you."

"What do you mean?" said Daine warily. Tatura smiled.

"I know something is wrong. I can feel the Balance is unstable. No don't worry your pretty head youngin' I'll be able to get home myself."

And then she left.

Daine crossed the room and shut the door.

"All right. Who is this Muhassin Ali-whatever?"

Lindhall looked as if he'd been kicked in chest by a camel. Kaddar was still in shock, pale under his tan.

"Muhassin, Muhassin!" Lindhall said, in disbelief.

"Who is he?" Daine pressed. Kaddar looked at her distractedly.

"Muhassin, was- is…my older brother."