A/N: I only own Rachel and Eliza. Everything else is Tammy's. Please don't sue, all you would have is a hairbrush!
Rachel sighed inwardly as she glanced up at the small ship that would be carrying her back home to Tortall. She didn't want to go back home to a place that held hidden memories and feelings that she wanted to keep locked away inside forever.
"Come on darling, you must board the ship now, " Eliza said, sympathy in her voice. She had come to love her great-niece very dearly. "You don't want it to leave without you."
Rachel refrained from yelling, "Yes I do!" and running as far as she could in the opposite direction. She glanced up at her great-aunt, whispered, " I love you, " and marched up the loading plank, determination in her bright green eyes that held back tears.
She didn't have the heart to wave good-bye to Eliza, but just slipped below decks, carrying one suitcase in a trembling hand. Abruptly, the hallway ended and Rachel sat down and started crying.
***
"Rachel, the time has come. You are returning to Tortall to avenge my death! You must be brave. Do not let anyone influence your thoughts, especially King Jonathon. He has a way with women. He can make them believe anything he says, but he is on the wrong side, my dear, and he must pay. As must the King's Champion, and anyone who wants the good of the kingdom."
"But Alex, they can't be all bad can they? They're just people. And what if I fail? What if they just kill me too?"
"Well you can't let that happen then can you? I must leave you now, but I will depart with this advice: When you arrive, be sweet and beguiling. Trick everyone into loving you. You have that tempting smile and good looks. It shouldn't be hard. Be the perfect lady, and they will all accept you. But I warn you, STAY AWAY from Sir Myles of Olau. Don't look him directly in the eye when he asks you a question. Try not to converse with him at all. He is dangerous, and could ruin all my plans. Take care, little one. Farewell.
***
Rachel awoke with a start. She didn't know how long she had been asleep. Someone had moved her to a small cabin and she was lying on a narrow bed. She got up and almost bumped her head on the low ceiling. Going up to the deck to get some air, she saw that it was already night.
The River Drell looked like a cloud with the evening fog creeping up along the ship's hull. Rachel couldn't see a thing. Oh, what am I going to do, she thought. I don't want to hurt anyone at all. But if I don't' do exactly as Alex says he'll make my life miserable. He might even kill me! Then again, if I do as he tells me too, I'll still probably end up getting killed. "Will my life ever be normal?" This last part she whispered to the night.
Yes, my dear, it shall.
Rachel was too tired to hear what the darkness answered back to her. She went once again below deck to her cabin and fell into a dreamless sleep.
A/N: There's a little box down there. You know what it's for. Now USE IT! please