Here's Chapter III. R&R, plz!!!
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Chapter III
Excuse me? Daine snapped at Aeld. What do you mean, I can't leave'? I have to get back to Tortall - the King...
Aeld shook his head slowly. Sit down, my dear. He pointed at a chair. Reluctantly, Daine sat. Her senses were alert; something was very fishy.
His smile wistful, Aeld took a seat next to her. You can not leave, Daine. Just after you left Whitefield, the son of the lord there was found. Dead. You do imagine how it looks, right? You leaving, him dead... He had already thought of the lie, staying up late at night trying to sound convincing. Zachary wanted her here, with her will or nay. Preferably with, but oh well...
Daine sighed, rubbed her forehead. I can stay for another fortnight, at least, she said finally. But that's it.
That's better than I could have hoped for, lied Aeld.
But I must write to King Jonathan. And...my friends...
No, no, Aeld protested. No one must know where you are, Daine. Envoys can easily be tortured for their messages. Please, just stay put...quietly.
Daine nodded. Then she bowed herself out of the room and made for her rooms.
Is this weird, or what? she muttered, throwing open the doors - she froze. All her belongings were there. Didn't I pack Cloud? Weird...
She sat down at her small desk and found her quill and a piece of parchment. An hour later, she had formed a letter.
Numair [it read], I know I promised that I would be home by this date, and I'm not. Something is going on, Numair, and I'm going to find out what it is. Lord Aeld said I can not return to Tortall for at least another fortnight - I have a feeling that he'll lock me in my room once that time has past. The reason he gave me was this; after I left my visit to Whitefield, the lord's son was found dead. Is this a set-up? I don't know - and please don't get all jittery over me, love, because I'm fine. How are you? And how's Jon, Alanna, and the others? I have to keep this short - me sending letters has been forbidden by Aeld, and if he finds out I did so... I miss you. Keep on being you, and I'll be the happiest woman on earth when I get home. Love, Daine.
She folded the parchment, sealed it, then rolled it up. Making her way to the window, she reached with her mind...
-Can anyone hear me? Only answer if you're a fast, sturdy bird. - she called.
-I am Bluetalon, - replied a harsh voice. A moment later, a small falcon had perched on her window sill.
-That was fast.-
-Of course. Do you need help?-
-I would ask a favor of you, Bluetalon.-
-Ask away- Bluetalon replied, his tone amused.
-I am the Wildmage, and I need to get this message to Tortall. Now. Without any further ado. Will you do it?-
-Of course - the bird of prey answered immediately. -Where exactly and to whom do I deliver it?-
-There is a mage - black robed. He has the Gift, so you'll see a huge amount of white light in him. Long black hair, darkish skin. Name's Numair Salmalîn. If you can't recognize him, ask some of the local animals. Now, you'll find him in the Royal Palace, in Corus. -
The bird bowed his head slightly and extended an extremely sharp looking talon. Thanking him, Daine rolled up the parchment and handed it to him. With a fierce shriek, the falcon took off and rapidly disappeared from sight. With a wistful sigh, she watched the sun disapear - should she shapeshift and just fly back to Tortall?
I won't risk it, she thought glumly.
Sorry this one was so short - on to chpt. IV!!! »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»