Yay! I'm so happy! I haven't even had my first two chapters up for a day and already I have reviews! Thanks everyone! I'll keep writing as much as possible. I really like to hear from people, so keep R/R and I'll try my best to keep my story exciting! :D
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Alanna sat hard on her bed, breathing heavily. That couldn't be true. No way had he just called her Alanna. If only Faithful had been there. Hey, she thought, where is that silly cat? The thought made her uneasy. In fact, the last time she had seen him was quite a few hours ago.
Alanna didn't have any more time to ponder about where her purple eyed feline had gone because there was suddenly a knock at the door. Her breath catching in her chest nervously, Alanna hoped silently to the Goddess that it wasn't Roger.
"Are you decent, Squire?" It was Jonathon. He had people with him, she knew because this was their little password. Sighing with relief, she opened the door, allowing Jon, Raoul, and Gary to enter her room. She wasn't surprised to see Alex wasn't with them. Ever since he had become associated with Duke Roger, he had grown distant. She smiled at her friends who all towered a head and a half above her.
"To what do I owe this visit?" She asked, happy for the distraction to her thoughts.
"We were just on our way to the city. You comin'?" Gary of Naxen, the Younger responded.
Alanna grabbed her cloak, not needing a second invitation. The four of them made their way to the stables, saddling their horses. They rode into the city heading directly for the little inn called the Dancing Dove. Despite herself, Alanna grinned. It had been a while since she'd seen her good friend George and now had to be the most perfect timing to talk with him.
As they entered the inn, they greeted Solom, the old Inn Keeper. He smiled knowingly and immediately sent a maid to bring them drinks.
The three Knights and the Squire settled themselves around the fire with George. As usual, the Common room was crowded and noisy, the King of Thieves seated upon his "throne." They thanked the maid as she set down their drinks and joined in with the merriment of the Inn. Gary and Raoul wandered off to roll some dice and make bets with a few of the local men. Jon became absorbed in conversation with a young flower maiden, leaving Alanna and George to talk between themselves. The night carried with laughter and fun. Finally Gary, Raoul and Jon were ready to return to the palace.
"Anyone mind if I stay a little longer? I have the morning off so I don't have to get up as early." Alanna's excuse seemed reasonable enough so the three nights bid farewell to whoever was left at the Inn and headed out to the stables.
Somehow George always knew something was wrong. Immediately, he motioned for her to follow into his room. After he closed the door behind her, he turned to find her sighing with relief.
"Would you like to explain, or shall I start 20 questions?" George asked, taking a seat.
Fidgeting slightly, Alanna started to explain. "Well, you know how at the Black City, Jon discovered I was a girl? Well somehow since the time we've been back, he's not the only one at the palace who knows. Is seems.." She trailed off for a second before regaining control of her voice. "Roger found out also." She watched as George's face filled with worry.
"But how?" he asked, looking sick. He was one of the few besides Alanna who expected the Duke of treason. "You've been careful not to say anything to Jonathon in public, right?"
"Of course!" Alanna snapped before she could control herself. "Sorry," she sighed. "It's just, I'm nervous. I thought at first it was a dream and I meant to ask Faithful about it, but he's gone running off somewhere."
"Faithful gone, Roger knows your secret. Something wrong is underfoot. I advise staying away from him for a while and try not to talk about it with Jon. Did you ever maybe think.." George started but thought second about finishing. He was about to ask if Alanna had any suspicions that maybe Jon had told his cousin. He knew already that she wouldn't welcome the answer and the last thing he wanted was her to be angry with him.
Alanna sighed. "I should go."
"I'll take you as far as permits." George swept Alanna into his arms and kissed her fiercely as he had a few times before. He always managed to take her by surprise. He then exited his room, Alanna following.
George and Alanna rode from the city, heading toward the castle. Alanna looked nervous, her hand wrapped around the ember stone at her neck. She had a bad feeling and was keeping her senses alert since she didn't have her trustworthy Faithful to warn her of dangers.
Alanna sneezed a few times, her nose itching. Sorcery was afoot. Suddenly, Moonlight, Alanna's horse, reared. The sandy mare tossed her head, her eyes rolling violently as she threw her rider. Moonlight wasn't easily spooked and something strong must have scared her to cause her to prance nervously about as she was now. The last thing Alanna saw as she soared through the air was a mix of orange and blue magic surrounding her horse for she was still gripping the Goddess's gift in her hand.
