Had to write this one is a hurry - I have a science test tomorrow and I forgot to bring my notes to study!!! No!!! So my friend has to fax them to me - but she writes in yellow for God's sake...ugh...so here're two more chapters, quite short. I apologize if they seem boring - but before the conflicts, you gotta have some sort of introduction of elements! :o)
Happy reading!


Part V


Someone's at the door.
I know.
Aren't you going to do anything about it?

Why not?
Does the word black-robe' mean anything to you?
The knocking increased.
Will you please go get that?

Please, please, please?
I already told you - no.
But why?
It's nine in the morning; the day I go answering doors at nine in the morning is the day you lapdance for me.
Alanna glared at Numair before thrusting her chair back and stomping to the door. While she unlocked it, she mentally listed a number of things she would do to her very powerful and...tall...friend.

Startled from her thoughts, Alanna met the soft eyes of a timid maid, made even meeker by the presence of the stocky knight.
May I help you?
The maid swallowed before replying in accented Common. M'lady, his majesty, King Trystam, told me to give this to you and Master Salmalín. She handed Alanna a small wooden tube; Alanna immediately recognized the maker of its protection spell.
Thank you very much, she murmured. The maid curtsied and bustled away. Looking thoughtful, Alanna closed the door and returned to her seat.
Who is it from? Numair demanded, looking up from his bowl of fruit salad.

What's it say?
Quickly, Alanna pulled a piece of parchment from the tube, unrolled it, and skimmed down the rows of angular handwriting. she hissed.
Dark eyes concerned, Numair pushed his fruit aside. What's wrong?
Wordlessly, Alanna handed him the letter. Rapidly, Numair read it. Oh no.
Tusaine. The River Drell. Again. Alanna unsheathed her dagger and began to clean it with a napkin. Jonathan wants us back in Corus by the fortnight, pronto. I'll wager he's going to send me with the old group - Raoul, Gary. Jon won't be fighting. The Own would have fits. A dry smile twisted Alanna's lips.
Duke Hilam?
His son. Probably a runt like me.

Alanna flicked a banana peel at Numair; he brushed it aside with a graceful hand. Rotten blood runs true, I suppose. With a sigh, she got up and moved to the window, where she stretched.
Do we have to go? inquired Numair, starting on some pastries. Alanna nodded.
We have to be in Corus by the full moon.
What about Daine? I'm in the middle of her training - I can't just drop it all and go to some war against the Tusainis.
It's the king's command, Alanna replied softly.
The king's command, the king's command, echoed Numair in a sarcastic voice. Then he sighed. I know. Do you think we could bring her with us?
Alanna shook her head. This is her home. She'll never want to leave. Why don't you tell her what to do - we'll be back when the war is over.
If you say so.

Daine stared at her two new friends in disbelief. she squeaked.
Tomorrow morning, yes. With this weather, it'll be almost impossible to get across the mountain borders. Alanna's violet eyes were filled with a plea for understanding. Daine, please, realize that Numair and I don't want to go. We'd love to stay here and complete your training but -
Unless you'd like to come with us to Tortall, Numair broke in, voice excited. Maybe -
Daine was already shaking her head. I can't, she whispered. This is my home now. I have a job, friends, family. I'm sorry, Numair, but I just can't. Not yet.
Alanna punched Numair on the arm. I told you. Would you listen? Nooo.
I had to try, retorted the mage, rubbing his arm. But we'll be back when this blows over, so that's alright. Right, Daine?
I guess. But how long will this war take?
That's impossible to determine, Alanna admitted. But we will be back to finish your training. I promise. She extended her hand. You have our oaths.
Hesitantly, Daine took the offered hand, and shook it. What will I do when you two are away?
I've prepared a lesson plan, declared Numair, pulling out a thick book from seemingly nowhere. He placed it on the table between them. Inside is the plan. The book itself is the one on animal anatomy - I want you to have it. There's also a list of experiments you can do, if you think the time is right. Suddenly, he sighed. I really wish this wasn't happening, magelet, but that's life for you.
echoed Alanna, staring at her friend, who smiled back.
It's a nickname for me, said Daine, cheeks pink. Numair was...er...rather inspired during one of our lessons...
Ah. I see, muttered Alanna. I also see that it's time to have a little chat about the birds and the bees with our friend Numair Salmalín. Outloud, she said, Well, Daine, as much as I'd love to stay, Numair and I really have to get packed and ready to go. Her voice filled with genuine regret. I'm sorry Daine, I truly am, but who am I to disobey my king's command?
Numair snorted delicately behind his hand; Alanna kicked him under the table.
Daine, smiling hugely, nodded. It's been a pleasure meeting and working with you, Lioness, she began, starting to get up. And I wish you luck against them Tusainis.
Without warning, Alanna hugged her, gave her a motherly kiss on the cheek, then stood aside. She looked pointedly at Numair and tapped her feet on the floor.
Here's the stuff, Numair said, handing Daine the book. Keep on meditating. And...er...well, good luck with your self-training. Bye. He hugged her briefly, stepped back as if he'd been burned, and left the common room of the Silver Temple.
Never mind him; Numair's always sucked at goodbyes, Alanna reassured Daine.
It's all right, the young courtesan replied. Good b-
Daine, if anything happens, anything at all, don't hesitate to write me. Understand? Alanna demanded, voice serious. I know some courtesans back in Corus, and not all of them have the gentlest of customers. If any one hurts you, or threatens you, or whatever else, write me; I have a strong voice in the courts around the Eastern Lands.
Thank you, Alanna, whispered Daine. But don't worry - I'm too expensive to abuse. Trust me. Everything will be fine.
With a nod and a smile, Alanna departed, leaving Daine alone with her last words - which were, at the time, quite correct.