Warrior Princess
Chapter Four, The Mages and the Lioness
As Cat lie silently in bed with Harlem making dog-sleeping noises on the floor beside her, she thought about Rahj. She wondered if she was really attracted to him or if she just wasn't used to having a male friend near her age. And then there was how Rahj felt about her- what is she wanted to be more than friends and he didn't, or vice versa? She went over their moments together over the last few days. Sometimes she could remember a definite form of attraction between them, and others she couldn't detect one. Cat thought about this until she wore herself out and fell asleep. When she woke up, Cat felt both an excitement for meeting the mages Kaddar had spoke of and also sadness for leaving Rahj. Either way she felt about him, they had developed a bond and she would be visiting him as often as her new life would allow her to. She packed her things; which didn't take long because most of her belongings were in her saddlebags in the tack room. By the time she was up, Rahj had been up for at least a few hours. She found him checking Shadowdancer's legs for swelling. When he saw her, he straightened up. "She seems fine. All rested up. Her legs are fine, nothing torn or pulled. You can probably leave now, if you want to." He said. Cat nodded. "Thank you for everything, Rahj," she said, letting herself into her mare's stall. He stiffened, looking down at her. "What?" she asked. Rahj shook his head and went back to work, gathering his supplies and putting them outside the stall so he could groom her. She wondered if he was, for some reason, angry with her. "I can't pay you anything right now." she trailed off, suddenly remembering and feeling guilty. Rahj turned to her and smiled sadly. "Don't worry about it. I know you can be trusted." He went back to his work. So he wasn't mad at her, but something was wrong. "Rahj?" she asked. He looked up to show that he was listening. "Is. something wrong?" she asked timidly. He leaned on his pitchfork and sighed, looking tired. "Nothing, really. I had trouble sleeping last night. Not to mention my friend is leaving today." He smiled ruefully at her. Cat frowned slightly. "Why couldn't you sleep last night?" she asked. "Just. thinking." When she gave him an inquiring look, he shook his head. "Nothing important." He said in a way of explanation. Cat gave up and began to help him finish his morning barn chores. When they finished after an hour, Cat wondered if she should get ready to go. Rahj seemed to be thinking the same thing. "So. should you be getting Shadowdancer ready to go?" he asked. Cat shrugged. "I guess. But." she turned slightly red. This made him grin. "What?" he asked. Cat looked away. "I'm not sure if I want to leave yet," she said, and, to both her and Rahj's surprise, she flung her arms around his neck. Awkwardly he patted her back. "I wouldn't mind if you stayed another night," he said softly into her ear. She was tempted, but knew that the sooner she got to the mages, the sooner she could take back her father's throne. "I wish I could. But I need to get to-" she almost said 'the mages', but caught herself. "-my aunt. She's sick and needs me." She pulled back, and wiped the tears forming in her eyes away. "Well," she remarked with a grin. "I'd best get going before I give into temptation and stay here for another night." There was a flash of something burning in his eyes, but it was gone so fast that she had no chance of figuring out what it was. He nodded and went to get Shadowdancer's tack. "I'm going to get you some things for the road- you know, food, blankets, things like that." He said as he handed her the saddle. She nodded, touched by his generosity. She quickly brushed off and saddled the mare, who was looking better than she had in days. Once she had led the mare to the door, Rahj was waiting for her with Harlem sitting by his side. He loaded the saddlebags with the food, blankets, and a few oddly shaped paper-wrapped packages. Now, the time had arrived. Both of them stood there for a few minutes, unaware of what to say. After awhile, they both laughed awkwardly. "Well," Rahj said sadly. "I guess this is goodbye for now." She nodded, and hugged him again. This time it wasn't as strange. But as she began to pull her away, he pulled her back and hugged her tightly. "I'll miss you, little one." He said, his voice rough and deep. Cat laughed and hugged him back just as hard. "I'm not that much younger than you," she teased gently. For a while they stood like that, neither wanting to move. Like this she felt comfortable, warm, and something else that she hadn't felt since she had last been with Dimitri or her family. All the while there was a heavy feeling growing in her chest, not exactly bad but not exactly good, either; as if something good was happening but it was being dampened. When they finally pulled apart, Cat tried to smile and stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. Just before her lips reached his cheek, he turned his head and caught her lips with his own. His hands moved from her back to her cheeks, cupping her face. Everything about the kiss was sweet and innocent, but Cat didn't feel just 'sweet and innocent'. Rahj laughed at her surprised expression when they pulled away. He kissed her a final time on the lips, firmly, before helping her mount up. This whole time she said nothing, shocked. Even when Rahj slapped Shadowdancer's rump to send them on their way, she sat in a silent stupor. Only when they had gone not ten meters did she get her mind back. She turned to see him watching her go, and wheeled Shadowdancer around. The mare, full of energy, spun on a dime and trotted happily back. When they reached the entrance of the stable, Rahj cocked his head at her. Before he could say anything, she hopped off Shadowdancer and walked quickly over to him. She stood on her toes and reached up to kiss him for one last time before she left. This time he deepened the kiss, surprising her again. For a few moments they went on like that, until Cat felt something nudge her gently in the small of her back. She stopped and turned around to see what it was. It was Shadowdancer, eager to go and impatient to wait while her mistress stood there with the Stable Boy. Cat grinned and turned back to Rahj, who was also grinning. They kissed again, both smiling. "You will stop by for a few days on your way back?" he inquired softly, lifting her chin so he could see directly into her eyes. Cat couldn't help but grin. "With a goodbye like that? How could I not?" Rahj smiled, something mixed with pride and affection that she found irresistible. She kissed him for a last time and mounted up. Shadowdancer pranced eagerly and Cat got her under control so Rahj could come over to her side. "One question," Cat said, for once looking down (if only by a few inches) at him. "How long have you wanted to do that? And was it a planned thing, or just random?" she asked. Rahj cocked his head again, thinking. "I've wanted to since the first day, but it became hard not to last night. And I guess it was a planned thing, but I never thought I'd actually go through with it." He grinned at her. He reached up and kissed her on the forehead, cheek, and finally, lips. "Goodbye, Cat," he said. "Goodbye, Rahj," she said. Then, "I'd better go before I decide not to." With one last smile, Cat rode out of the small town, with Harlem close behind. Cat rode for 2 weeks straight, making sure they went at a comfortable pace with night rests to keep her companions rested. Soon enough, she had reached Pirate's Swoop. She asked a blacksmith if he knew of 2 mages called Daine and Numair, and if so, where they might be. He quickly and easily pointed their whereabouts, but gave her a strange look as if he had seen her somewhere before. She thanked him and hastily headed in the direction he had pointed out for her. She found a small cottage surrounded by fields the blacksmith had directed her to, and was greeted by a girl several inches taller than her and a man who seemed at least 3 feet taller than her. The girl smiled at her and rubbed Shadowdancer's mane and Harlem's ears (as they had gathered around her despite Cat's worries that they would squish the thin young woman not much older than she. "Welcome to Pirate's Swoop, Cat," she said. Cat smiled back and the girl extended her hand. "I'm Daine, and this is Numair," she said. The huge, dark looking man smiled at her. She nodded at him. Then, Daine, having been nudged by Shadowdancer, turned her attention to the mare. She placed both hands on the mare's nose and leaned her forehead against Shadowdancer's. For a few moments, she stayed like that. Cat shot a questioning look at Numair, who mouthed 'wildmages', and shrugged. Cat nodded, remembering. Daine could communicate with all animals. Daine looked up at Cat after an apparent conversation with Cat's mare, and looked surprised. "Did you know your mare has met someone else with wild magic?" she asked with interest. This caught Cat's attention. She looked sharply at the girl. "Do you know who?" she asked. Daine averted her attention back to the mare, and then back to Cat. "A tall man, about 20, skin darker than most Tortallans. He's in a stable, and." Daine's face lit up with an ornery grin and she looked up at Cat again. "and you seem to be very friendly with him." She said. Cat blushed an amazing red. "Rahj?" she asked, confused. "He didn't say anything about it." Before Daine could say anything, Numair cut it. "20? Don't you think that's a little old for you?" he asked the Princess sharply. Both girls blinked at him. He blushed and looked at Daine, who grinned at him. "Point taken," he mumbled, making Daine laugh softly. "Anyway," she continued. "Shadowdancer said that his name was Rahj. She also said that he doesn't even know he has it. He just thinks he's a 'knack with animals', like I thought at the beginning. It's pretty strong, from what she says. She misses him." Daine leaned in so only she and Cat could hear. "and I don't think she's the only one." Cat grinned in spite of herself, and Daine laughed. She had forgotten how much she missed female human companionship. Once Shadowdancer had been let into the field with the other horses (with a short lecture from Daine, a fat gray pony led the dark mare to a shady tree.) Daine and Numair led Cat and Harlem into their house. Once they entered it, Cat felt at home. It was nothing like she's ever seen before; yet it was comfortable. There was only one chair in the living room; it was apparently for Numair because it was huge. Numair offered it to her and sat on the floor. Cat was used to this kind of the thing from being a Princess. Once they were all seated, they waited for Cat to get comfortable. Suddenly, being on a chair while everyone else was on the floor felt wrong. She fought the urge to join them until she couldn't. She quickly stood up and plopped next to Daine. Harlem, who had been sitting in Daine's lap, crawled so that he was sprawled over both girls' laps. Numair and Daine laughed at both Cat and Harlem. "So, Princess Kathryn," Numair said. It was a shock hearing her name again. "Kaddar told us why you're here, but he didn't go into detail." "Emperor Kaddar." Daine corrected, and Numair rolled his eyes darkly. Cat got the distinct impression that Kaddar was not his favorite person. "Well. as you know, the Grapiran army killed my family. I escaped with my bother, Harlem, and Shadowdancer. But that's it. I ran to Carthak, just because it was far from home. Guards there arrested me for being a prostitute who stole animals from a noble, but Kaddar recognized me. He got me help, sent me to you. He sent me to you because I want to learn to fight. I have to take back my father's throne. He said you could teach me a lot and that you would be up to the challenge." She finished. Both mages looked sympathetically at her. "I understand," Daine said, patting her knee. "when bandits killed my family, I went mad. Attacked practically everyone in sight. I can help you- archery, tracking, hunting, and Numair can teach you a few things. Maybe come up with some protective charms or something." She said. Numair nodded. He then got up and began to cook. "I know you're tired, but I think you should eat something before you go to sleep." He said. Cat smiled gratefully and caught Daine smiling at him with love and admiration. To pass the time while the food cooked, Daine told her what Harlem thought- about her, about what happened, about Rahj. "He's loyal to you," Daine said admiringly to her. "Kathryn, you've got a good friend in him. I don't think I could get him to abandon you if I ordered him to." Cat grinned and hugged her large friend around the neck. He looked adoringly up at her and licked her cheek. Both girls laughed and Daine went back to conversing with Harlem. "He remembers what happened the night you fled. He says that you protected him and your brother and risked your life to check if your sister was alright." A flash of emotion crossed the older girl's face. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Cat shook her head, not wanting to think about that at the moment. "What does he think about Rahj?" she asked Daine shyly. Daine laughed and asked the Great Dane. "He says that he's different from other people he's ever met before. Like me. He likes him, although he's not sure if he's the kind of person you usually are around." She looked slyly at Cat. "He also says that he likes him better than most human men, and that he would make a great life- mate for you. Strong, dependable, and he loves you." Cat buried her face in the dog's short fur to hide her pleasure and embarrassment. "How does he know that?" she asked. Daine shrugged. "Dogs can smell emotions. It's not as strong as hyena scent, but he can definitely smell it on him. And you know," she lowered her voice, making Cat lean over and Numair look at them. "from my experience, dogs always know the right choice about life-mates." And Numair called them to eat. That night, Cat fell asleep easily. Harlem rested his head on her shoulder, his body providing more warmth than the blankets. Her last thoughts before drifting off were of Rahj and Dimitri. Luckily, she was too asleep to hear Daine and Numair arguing softly late at night. "I don't like the sound of this 'Stable Boy'," Numair said. Daine shook her head. "Why not? He sounds wonderful from what Harlem says." "Yes, and he is knowingly making this poor, young girl think herself in love with him. We don't know what he's like. While she's gone, he could be with a new woman every night. We don't know he's not at the pub right now saying to all his drunken friends how he bedded the Princess Kathryn." Numair said. Daine sighed. "Kathryn seems to have a pretty sturdy handle on things by herself," she reminded him. "and we don't even know if he's bedded her or if he even knows who she really is. And I seem to remember a certain black-cloaked mage who bedded many curvy blonde debutantes, and even he was capable of falling and staying in love." Daine concluded. "Plus, I think you're just being protective of her because she's no father figure in her life anymore." "I'd still like to meet this Rahj for myself. What does he look like?" he asked. Daine explained him from the image Harlem had given her. "I don't like it at all. He sounds like a bored stable boy looking for some fun." He shook his head in disgust. Daine laughed. "He sounds like you!" she said, curls shaking with laughter. Numair softened and pulled her close to him. "That's what I'm afraid of," he said. Daine leaned her head against his chest. "And look how you turned out. What if he's the same?" Numair shook his head and kissed her. "We'll see. For now, though." he picked her up and carried her off to their room, Daine giggling all the way.
Over the next two months, Daine and Numair spent their time training Cat to become a warrior- soon she could shoot arrows almost as well as Daine, hunt and track her own food, and even do small magic, like protection circles. They had suggested that in a week, Cat leave to visit Emperor Kaddar again and see if she passed his warrior test. But first, Daine said, she would learn to wield a sword. "I thought you said you'd never held a sword in your life," Cat asked Daine critically as they walked toward an open field. Daine grinned at her. "That's true. But the Lioness has," she said. Right then Cat noticed a small, compact woman on horseback standing with Numair. She stopped in her tracks. "THE Lioness??" she demanded. Daine laughed at her younger friend. "Yes, The Lioness. And don't worry, Cat, she's not as "larger than life" as you'd expect." With that, she broke into a run to meet the woman. Cat, still stunned, followed slowly with Harlem by her side. By the time she arrived, the Lioness and the two mages had greeted each other and were waiting patiently for Cat. "Alanna, this is Princess Kathryn, otherwise known as Cat." Numair said with a grin as he put a hand on Cat's shoulder. "Nice to meet you, your honor," she said. The Lioness had a wide smile and sparkling purple eyes, which made Cat uncomfortable at first. Cat smiled somewhat stiffly. "Hello," she said shyly, shaking the knight's hand. Alanna held out a sword for Cat to take. "Shall we begin?" she asked as Cat took the huge sword with a trembling hand. She then turned to Daine. "What have you been working on with her?" she asked. Daine thought a minute. "Well, she can draw a bow easily, and for the last month I've been building her upper body and arm strength, and also her reflexes. " The wildmage replied. "Excellent, shall we begin?" Alanna asked Cat. Cat, knowing she could respond no other way, nodded. Her stomach twisted sickeningly as she realized she would be dueling with the world-famous female knight; the Lioness. "Alright, first tip, Princess. Always watch your opponent's movements, it can give away what he's going to do next." Over the course of the next week, Cat learned how to (somewhat clumsily) wield a sword. Alanna was tough but encouraging, and Cat began to relax around her and trust her completely. The Lioness was not hard to like at all. The week soon came to an end, and it was time for Cat to leave her new friends. Alanna left the same day as Cat did, and their goodbye was short and sweet. The Lioness, not exactly a morning person, had hugged the Princess goodbye and given her a light, strong steel sword. She had wished her luck and left. Saying goodbye to Daine and Numair was even harder to do than saying goodbye to Alanna. Numair, becoming somewhat of an uncle to Cat, had warned her gruffly of dark, older men, hugged her goodbye, and went inside. Daine laughed at him as he went, and then turned to Cat. "Well, Princess, you've learned well. I'm fair certain you'll pass Kaddar's test." She said. Cat smiled sadly and wiped a tear away from her face. "I'm more scared of having no female companionship for the next 6 months than of failing Kaddar's test," she said with a laugh. Daine shook her head. "If Alanna can survive it for 7 years, you can survive it for that short a period of time." Daine replied. Cat hugged the older girl. "Any last minute female advice for me before I go?" she asked. Daine laughed and shook her head. "Just listen to yourself and your animal companions. They know you better than you do. They know who you should chose," Daine said, her dark eyes locking on Cat's. Cat cocked her head, confused. "I. I don't understand." she said. Daine shook her head. "Not today. You'll see soon." She said. With that, she slapped Shadowdancer's rump and sent them off, Harlem trotting lazily behind them.
Chapter Four, The Mages and the Lioness
As Cat lie silently in bed with Harlem making dog-sleeping noises on the floor beside her, she thought about Rahj. She wondered if she was really attracted to him or if she just wasn't used to having a male friend near her age. And then there was how Rahj felt about her- what is she wanted to be more than friends and he didn't, or vice versa? She went over their moments together over the last few days. Sometimes she could remember a definite form of attraction between them, and others she couldn't detect one. Cat thought about this until she wore herself out and fell asleep. When she woke up, Cat felt both an excitement for meeting the mages Kaddar had spoke of and also sadness for leaving Rahj. Either way she felt about him, they had developed a bond and she would be visiting him as often as her new life would allow her to. She packed her things; which didn't take long because most of her belongings were in her saddlebags in the tack room. By the time she was up, Rahj had been up for at least a few hours. She found him checking Shadowdancer's legs for swelling. When he saw her, he straightened up. "She seems fine. All rested up. Her legs are fine, nothing torn or pulled. You can probably leave now, if you want to." He said. Cat nodded. "Thank you for everything, Rahj," she said, letting herself into her mare's stall. He stiffened, looking down at her. "What?" she asked. Rahj shook his head and went back to work, gathering his supplies and putting them outside the stall so he could groom her. She wondered if he was, for some reason, angry with her. "I can't pay you anything right now." she trailed off, suddenly remembering and feeling guilty. Rahj turned to her and smiled sadly. "Don't worry about it. I know you can be trusted." He went back to his work. So he wasn't mad at her, but something was wrong. "Rahj?" she asked. He looked up to show that he was listening. "Is. something wrong?" she asked timidly. He leaned on his pitchfork and sighed, looking tired. "Nothing, really. I had trouble sleeping last night. Not to mention my friend is leaving today." He smiled ruefully at her. Cat frowned slightly. "Why couldn't you sleep last night?" she asked. "Just. thinking." When she gave him an inquiring look, he shook his head. "Nothing important." He said in a way of explanation. Cat gave up and began to help him finish his morning barn chores. When they finished after an hour, Cat wondered if she should get ready to go. Rahj seemed to be thinking the same thing. "So. should you be getting Shadowdancer ready to go?" he asked. Cat shrugged. "I guess. But." she turned slightly red. This made him grin. "What?" he asked. Cat looked away. "I'm not sure if I want to leave yet," she said, and, to both her and Rahj's surprise, she flung her arms around his neck. Awkwardly he patted her back. "I wouldn't mind if you stayed another night," he said softly into her ear. She was tempted, but knew that the sooner she got to the mages, the sooner she could take back her father's throne. "I wish I could. But I need to get to-" she almost said 'the mages', but caught herself. "-my aunt. She's sick and needs me." She pulled back, and wiped the tears forming in her eyes away. "Well," she remarked with a grin. "I'd best get going before I give into temptation and stay here for another night." There was a flash of something burning in his eyes, but it was gone so fast that she had no chance of figuring out what it was. He nodded and went to get Shadowdancer's tack. "I'm going to get you some things for the road- you know, food, blankets, things like that." He said as he handed her the saddle. She nodded, touched by his generosity. She quickly brushed off and saddled the mare, who was looking better than she had in days. Once she had led the mare to the door, Rahj was waiting for her with Harlem sitting by his side. He loaded the saddlebags with the food, blankets, and a few oddly shaped paper-wrapped packages. Now, the time had arrived. Both of them stood there for a few minutes, unaware of what to say. After awhile, they both laughed awkwardly. "Well," Rahj said sadly. "I guess this is goodbye for now." She nodded, and hugged him again. This time it wasn't as strange. But as she began to pull her away, he pulled her back and hugged her tightly. "I'll miss you, little one." He said, his voice rough and deep. Cat laughed and hugged him back just as hard. "I'm not that much younger than you," she teased gently. For a while they stood like that, neither wanting to move. Like this she felt comfortable, warm, and something else that she hadn't felt since she had last been with Dimitri or her family. All the while there was a heavy feeling growing in her chest, not exactly bad but not exactly good, either; as if something good was happening but it was being dampened. When they finally pulled apart, Cat tried to smile and stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. Just before her lips reached his cheek, he turned his head and caught her lips with his own. His hands moved from her back to her cheeks, cupping her face. Everything about the kiss was sweet and innocent, but Cat didn't feel just 'sweet and innocent'. Rahj laughed at her surprised expression when they pulled away. He kissed her a final time on the lips, firmly, before helping her mount up. This whole time she said nothing, shocked. Even when Rahj slapped Shadowdancer's rump to send them on their way, she sat in a silent stupor. Only when they had gone not ten meters did she get her mind back. She turned to see him watching her go, and wheeled Shadowdancer around. The mare, full of energy, spun on a dime and trotted happily back. When they reached the entrance of the stable, Rahj cocked his head at her. Before he could say anything, she hopped off Shadowdancer and walked quickly over to him. She stood on her toes and reached up to kiss him for one last time before she left. This time he deepened the kiss, surprising her again. For a few moments they went on like that, until Cat felt something nudge her gently in the small of her back. She stopped and turned around to see what it was. It was Shadowdancer, eager to go and impatient to wait while her mistress stood there with the Stable Boy. Cat grinned and turned back to Rahj, who was also grinning. They kissed again, both smiling. "You will stop by for a few days on your way back?" he inquired softly, lifting her chin so he could see directly into her eyes. Cat couldn't help but grin. "With a goodbye like that? How could I not?" Rahj smiled, something mixed with pride and affection that she found irresistible. She kissed him for a last time and mounted up. Shadowdancer pranced eagerly and Cat got her under control so Rahj could come over to her side. "One question," Cat said, for once looking down (if only by a few inches) at him. "How long have you wanted to do that? And was it a planned thing, or just random?" she asked. Rahj cocked his head again, thinking. "I've wanted to since the first day, but it became hard not to last night. And I guess it was a planned thing, but I never thought I'd actually go through with it." He grinned at her. He reached up and kissed her on the forehead, cheek, and finally, lips. "Goodbye, Cat," he said. "Goodbye, Rahj," she said. Then, "I'd better go before I decide not to." With one last smile, Cat rode out of the small town, with Harlem close behind. Cat rode for 2 weeks straight, making sure they went at a comfortable pace with night rests to keep her companions rested. Soon enough, she had reached Pirate's Swoop. She asked a blacksmith if he knew of 2 mages called Daine and Numair, and if so, where they might be. He quickly and easily pointed their whereabouts, but gave her a strange look as if he had seen her somewhere before. She thanked him and hastily headed in the direction he had pointed out for her. She found a small cottage surrounded by fields the blacksmith had directed her to, and was greeted by a girl several inches taller than her and a man who seemed at least 3 feet taller than her. The girl smiled at her and rubbed Shadowdancer's mane and Harlem's ears (as they had gathered around her despite Cat's worries that they would squish the thin young woman not much older than she. "Welcome to Pirate's Swoop, Cat," she said. Cat smiled back and the girl extended her hand. "I'm Daine, and this is Numair," she said. The huge, dark looking man smiled at her. She nodded at him. Then, Daine, having been nudged by Shadowdancer, turned her attention to the mare. She placed both hands on the mare's nose and leaned her forehead against Shadowdancer's. For a few moments, she stayed like that. Cat shot a questioning look at Numair, who mouthed 'wildmages', and shrugged. Cat nodded, remembering. Daine could communicate with all animals. Daine looked up at Cat after an apparent conversation with Cat's mare, and looked surprised. "Did you know your mare has met someone else with wild magic?" she asked with interest. This caught Cat's attention. She looked sharply at the girl. "Do you know who?" she asked. Daine averted her attention back to the mare, and then back to Cat. "A tall man, about 20, skin darker than most Tortallans. He's in a stable, and." Daine's face lit up with an ornery grin and she looked up at Cat again. "and you seem to be very friendly with him." She said. Cat blushed an amazing red. "Rahj?" she asked, confused. "He didn't say anything about it." Before Daine could say anything, Numair cut it. "20? Don't you think that's a little old for you?" he asked the Princess sharply. Both girls blinked at him. He blushed and looked at Daine, who grinned at him. "Point taken," he mumbled, making Daine laugh softly. "Anyway," she continued. "Shadowdancer said that his name was Rahj. She also said that he doesn't even know he has it. He just thinks he's a 'knack with animals', like I thought at the beginning. It's pretty strong, from what she says. She misses him." Daine leaned in so only she and Cat could hear. "and I don't think she's the only one." Cat grinned in spite of herself, and Daine laughed. She had forgotten how much she missed female human companionship. Once Shadowdancer had been let into the field with the other horses (with a short lecture from Daine, a fat gray pony led the dark mare to a shady tree.) Daine and Numair led Cat and Harlem into their house. Once they entered it, Cat felt at home. It was nothing like she's ever seen before; yet it was comfortable. There was only one chair in the living room; it was apparently for Numair because it was huge. Numair offered it to her and sat on the floor. Cat was used to this kind of the thing from being a Princess. Once they were all seated, they waited for Cat to get comfortable. Suddenly, being on a chair while everyone else was on the floor felt wrong. She fought the urge to join them until she couldn't. She quickly stood up and plopped next to Daine. Harlem, who had been sitting in Daine's lap, crawled so that he was sprawled over both girls' laps. Numair and Daine laughed at both Cat and Harlem. "So, Princess Kathryn," Numair said. It was a shock hearing her name again. "Kaddar told us why you're here, but he didn't go into detail." "Emperor Kaddar." Daine corrected, and Numair rolled his eyes darkly. Cat got the distinct impression that Kaddar was not his favorite person. "Well. as you know, the Grapiran army killed my family. I escaped with my bother, Harlem, and Shadowdancer. But that's it. I ran to Carthak, just because it was far from home. Guards there arrested me for being a prostitute who stole animals from a noble, but Kaddar recognized me. He got me help, sent me to you. He sent me to you because I want to learn to fight. I have to take back my father's throne. He said you could teach me a lot and that you would be up to the challenge." She finished. Both mages looked sympathetically at her. "I understand," Daine said, patting her knee. "when bandits killed my family, I went mad. Attacked practically everyone in sight. I can help you- archery, tracking, hunting, and Numair can teach you a few things. Maybe come up with some protective charms or something." She said. Numair nodded. He then got up and began to cook. "I know you're tired, but I think you should eat something before you go to sleep." He said. Cat smiled gratefully and caught Daine smiling at him with love and admiration. To pass the time while the food cooked, Daine told her what Harlem thought- about her, about what happened, about Rahj. "He's loyal to you," Daine said admiringly to her. "Kathryn, you've got a good friend in him. I don't think I could get him to abandon you if I ordered him to." Cat grinned and hugged her large friend around the neck. He looked adoringly up at her and licked her cheek. Both girls laughed and Daine went back to conversing with Harlem. "He remembers what happened the night you fled. He says that you protected him and your brother and risked your life to check if your sister was alright." A flash of emotion crossed the older girl's face. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Cat shook her head, not wanting to think about that at the moment. "What does he think about Rahj?" she asked Daine shyly. Daine laughed and asked the Great Dane. "He says that he's different from other people he's ever met before. Like me. He likes him, although he's not sure if he's the kind of person you usually are around." She looked slyly at Cat. "He also says that he likes him better than most human men, and that he would make a great life- mate for you. Strong, dependable, and he loves you." Cat buried her face in the dog's short fur to hide her pleasure and embarrassment. "How does he know that?" she asked. Daine shrugged. "Dogs can smell emotions. It's not as strong as hyena scent, but he can definitely smell it on him. And you know," she lowered her voice, making Cat lean over and Numair look at them. "from my experience, dogs always know the right choice about life-mates." And Numair called them to eat. That night, Cat fell asleep easily. Harlem rested his head on her shoulder, his body providing more warmth than the blankets. Her last thoughts before drifting off were of Rahj and Dimitri. Luckily, she was too asleep to hear Daine and Numair arguing softly late at night. "I don't like the sound of this 'Stable Boy'," Numair said. Daine shook her head. "Why not? He sounds wonderful from what Harlem says." "Yes, and he is knowingly making this poor, young girl think herself in love with him. We don't know what he's like. While she's gone, he could be with a new woman every night. We don't know he's not at the pub right now saying to all his drunken friends how he bedded the Princess Kathryn." Numair said. Daine sighed. "Kathryn seems to have a pretty sturdy handle on things by herself," she reminded him. "and we don't even know if he's bedded her or if he even knows who she really is. And I seem to remember a certain black-cloaked mage who bedded many curvy blonde debutantes, and even he was capable of falling and staying in love." Daine concluded. "Plus, I think you're just being protective of her because she's no father figure in her life anymore." "I'd still like to meet this Rahj for myself. What does he look like?" he asked. Daine explained him from the image Harlem had given her. "I don't like it at all. He sounds like a bored stable boy looking for some fun." He shook his head in disgust. Daine laughed. "He sounds like you!" she said, curls shaking with laughter. Numair softened and pulled her close to him. "That's what I'm afraid of," he said. Daine leaned her head against his chest. "And look how you turned out. What if he's the same?" Numair shook his head and kissed her. "We'll see. For now, though." he picked her up and carried her off to their room, Daine giggling all the way.
Over the next two months, Daine and Numair spent their time training Cat to become a warrior- soon she could shoot arrows almost as well as Daine, hunt and track her own food, and even do small magic, like protection circles. They had suggested that in a week, Cat leave to visit Emperor Kaddar again and see if she passed his warrior test. But first, Daine said, she would learn to wield a sword. "I thought you said you'd never held a sword in your life," Cat asked Daine critically as they walked toward an open field. Daine grinned at her. "That's true. But the Lioness has," she said. Right then Cat noticed a small, compact woman on horseback standing with Numair. She stopped in her tracks. "THE Lioness??" she demanded. Daine laughed at her younger friend. "Yes, The Lioness. And don't worry, Cat, she's not as "larger than life" as you'd expect." With that, she broke into a run to meet the woman. Cat, still stunned, followed slowly with Harlem by her side. By the time she arrived, the Lioness and the two mages had greeted each other and were waiting patiently for Cat. "Alanna, this is Princess Kathryn, otherwise known as Cat." Numair said with a grin as he put a hand on Cat's shoulder. "Nice to meet you, your honor," she said. The Lioness had a wide smile and sparkling purple eyes, which made Cat uncomfortable at first. Cat smiled somewhat stiffly. "Hello," she said shyly, shaking the knight's hand. Alanna held out a sword for Cat to take. "Shall we begin?" she asked as Cat took the huge sword with a trembling hand. She then turned to Daine. "What have you been working on with her?" she asked. Daine thought a minute. "Well, she can draw a bow easily, and for the last month I've been building her upper body and arm strength, and also her reflexes. " The wildmage replied. "Excellent, shall we begin?" Alanna asked Cat. Cat, knowing she could respond no other way, nodded. Her stomach twisted sickeningly as she realized she would be dueling with the world-famous female knight; the Lioness. "Alright, first tip, Princess. Always watch your opponent's movements, it can give away what he's going to do next." Over the course of the next week, Cat learned how to (somewhat clumsily) wield a sword. Alanna was tough but encouraging, and Cat began to relax around her and trust her completely. The Lioness was not hard to like at all. The week soon came to an end, and it was time for Cat to leave her new friends. Alanna left the same day as Cat did, and their goodbye was short and sweet. The Lioness, not exactly a morning person, had hugged the Princess goodbye and given her a light, strong steel sword. She had wished her luck and left. Saying goodbye to Daine and Numair was even harder to do than saying goodbye to Alanna. Numair, becoming somewhat of an uncle to Cat, had warned her gruffly of dark, older men, hugged her goodbye, and went inside. Daine laughed at him as he went, and then turned to Cat. "Well, Princess, you've learned well. I'm fair certain you'll pass Kaddar's test." She said. Cat smiled sadly and wiped a tear away from her face. "I'm more scared of having no female companionship for the next 6 months than of failing Kaddar's test," she said with a laugh. Daine shook her head. "If Alanna can survive it for 7 years, you can survive it for that short a period of time." Daine replied. Cat hugged the older girl. "Any last minute female advice for me before I go?" she asked. Daine laughed and shook her head. "Just listen to yourself and your animal companions. They know you better than you do. They know who you should chose," Daine said, her dark eyes locking on Cat's. Cat cocked her head, confused. "I. I don't understand." she said. Daine shook her head. "Not today. You'll see soon." She said. With that, she slapped Shadowdancer's rump and sent them off, Harlem trotting lazily behind them.