Note: All characters and place names are property of Tamora Pierce.

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Alanna sighed, and ran her hands through her coppery hair. She needed something to do! Although she had only been a Tortallan knight for half a year, already the thrill was wearing off. There were no wars going on, no evil mages to defeat. What was a knight to do? As she sat in the shadow of a large tree, her thoughts wandered to George. She missed him desperately, but knew that his going to Carthak was for the good of the kingdom. No one else had the skills George did.

Suddenly, Alanna heard the distinctive sound of a galloping horse headed her way. She stood up to see what the commotion was about, and before long a messenger stopped at her feet. He was tall and vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place him. He handed her a note, and slumped onto his horse in exhaustion. "Lioness," he gasped, "a letter from Baron George. Said it was of the utmost importance." And before Alanna could respond, he galloped wearily away again.

Excitement filled Alanna. Whatever this was, it bound to be interesting. Maybe she would even get to see George earlier than expected! Carefully, she opened the letter and read its contents.

Dearest Alanna,

The emperor of Carthak has asked that I stay for
another year, to help with negotiations and other
kingly details. I know this is not what I usually enjoy
doing, but there are things going on here that interest
me. Would you consider coming to Carthak for
awhile? I'll be staying at the royal palace, just ask for
me. I miss you.
Love, from George

If Alanna was looking for excitement, this didn't sound too promising. A year at a palace? George, of all people, should know that she hated palace life. Still, the notion of something there that interested him was curious. Alanna resignedly set off towards Pirate Swoop, and decided to leave at dawn the next morning.

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Noon the next day found Alanna astride Moonlight, trotting towards the Carthaki capital. Then, unexpectedly, she felt her instincts nudge her. She had the distinct feeling that someone was following her. Pretending not to notice, she casually turned back after a few moments but saw nobody. Probably my imagination. Anyways, it shouldn't take more than two or three days to get there, she thought to herself. And then I can ask George myself what's going on.

At dusk two days later, she was only ten miles from the royal palace. The trip had been an easy one, with no further problems. Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw a sudden flash of black. She leaned back to see what it was, and an arrow shot by her nose, so close she could feel the breeze it made as it passed. Shaken, Alanna knew that only luck had kept her alive. But she feared she was about to run out of luck. A group of over fifty masked figures, all in black, surrounded her. At the head was a tall man, the very person who had delivered George's message to her a few days ago.