Torn From Hope
Epilogue: Dawn
by starzsong magick

A/N: DONE! AT LAST! This chapter sucks because I was in a hurry to get it finished... finally.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters below, except for the weather-mage boy Peseli, the judge dude, and the Mithran priestie guy. All is copyright of Tamora Pierce! Plot is mine though; don't you dare steal it! :)


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Daine yawned, then stretched her cramped legs. They had been in the dungeon for over a day, with no visitors, and she was longing for some kind of exercise. The little cell was protected with magic-blocking spells, so any hope of an escape was small.

Numair sighed beside her. "We should arrive for our trial soon," he murmered softly. "Then we can go home. At last."

She shook her head. "What makes you think they'll believe us?"

The man set his jaw firmly. "They will."

"Whatever you say."


The ship sailed into a harbor in the Yamani Islands a few hours later. As the guards led the prisoners out, Daine cringed against the accusing glares of the people around her. They seemed to have no doubt that she killed the duke for her own evil purposes. Let them think what they like, she thought, and held her head high, ignoring them.

They were taken to a little, one-roomed building. Fancy woodwork decorated the walls and there was several rows of benches. At the very front was a large desk. Within minutes the courtroom was filled with Yamanis in kimonos... and several Tortallans in the back.

"Numair... look!" Daine pointed to them. "Horse Lords, there's the Queen, Alanna, Sir Myles..." She rambled off the names of a few more people, then turned to stare into the foreboding eyes of the judge. Nervously she broke contact with him and stared at a painting on one of the walls.

"The accused, the mage Numair Salmalin and wildmage Veralidaine Sarrasri admit to murdering Duke Rasazne Dulong one day ago, above the royal ship Dragonwing. Since they are not of the Yamani Islands, it is up to the monarchs of Tortall to decide their punishment."

With a nod from the judge, Queen Thayet stood up and walked up to stand beside him. Clearing her throat, she began, "Numair and Daine would only kill someone if they had a very big motive. I would like for them to tell their side." She gave them an encouraging wink.

"Numair... you do it," Daine whispered. "You're better at persuading people than I am."

Numair stood and began to tell of the events of the last week, beginning with the storm and Ozorne's warning, and ending with him overhearing Dulong's plans. A lot of the crowd began to look like they believed him, but there were a few who didn't.

"How do you expect us to believe that?" accused a woman, voice thick with a Yamani accent.

Daine did her best to restrain to urge to glare at her.

Suddenly, a boy, about fifteen years old, ran up the aisle and knelt in front of the queen. "Your Majesty, they are telling the truth," he said, voice muffled. "I was on the Dragonwing with them. I heard the duke telling a few of his men of his plans."

"He could be lying, too!" screeched the woman. A few people around her frowned. One muttered, "Shut up, lady."

Another sailor came forward, and said the same that they other said. Finally Thayet opened her mouth and spoke. "They are guilty, but for a good reason. I believe they should go home. Judge?"

The judge agreed. A bell rang, and the crowd began to leave.

"Home?' asked Daine. "I can't wait..."

Numair grinned. "Home at last."