Warrior princess
Chapter 7, Parija
As the barge pulled away from the shore, Cat turned on Shadowdancer's back to wave at Kaddar and Dimitri. She saw Kaddar raise the Parijian Prince, her little brother, into the air so he could wave goodbye. Her face broke into an ironic smile. She blew kisses at them, in her heart aiming them at both. Dimitri awkwardly blew her kisses back, making her giggle. Kaddar, too, blew her kisses, but his were more serious. Cat blushed slightly and waved again until she couldn't see them anymore. She turned, sighing, to face what would in a few hours be her old home. Mixed emotions rose in her chest; part of her wanted to scream and dance with joy and gallop Shadowdancer towards her home, but part of her never wanted to go back. She knew that no matter what she felt, she had to go back to save her people and take back her father's kingdom. She would rule it until Dimitri was old enough to marry and rule it on his own. The idea of ruling an entire island gave Cat the chills; she hated politics. Her people would not give her trouble. In fact, the Parijian people were loyal and devoted to their royalties. It was the opposing island, the Graspir, which worried her. She frowned as she thought of them. Quickly she changed her train of thought to something less angering. Realizing that after yesterday's complicated and trying test she was still tired, Cat dismounted Shadowdancer and sat down against the railing of the barge. Harlem immediately moved to her side, and she laid her head down on his side. She fell asleep quickly, and Shadowdancer scooted closer to her mistress and canine friend, shielding them from all other actions on the barge and casting her comrades in cool shade.
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As the barge neared land, Shadowdancer raised her head and inhaled deeply. Something in the air excited her. She whinnied loudly and jumped impatiently in her place. She bent her head to nudge Cat awake before going back to shaking her head, stomping her feet, and snorting loudly. Cat woke up quickly, calming the mare. "You smell home, huh?" she asked soothingly, rubbing the mare's ears. Shadowdancer let out a heavy sigh. Cat leaned against her, and sighed too. Her mixed feelings about coming home were hitting her extremely hard right now. She whistled to wake Harlem as she grimly mounted Shadowdancer. The bridge was let down and Cat shook her head inevitably. "Well. let's go," she said, clucking to her horse. Shadowdancer pranced happily off the barge, once again throwing her head up in the air to breathe in the scent of the familiar, her home. Cat had to laugh; it felt good to be home. As Parija had only one main town (and many sub-towns and farming communities,) Cat headed there. The royal Parijian castle overlooked Leaina, Parija's biggest city. Cat turned her head at the sight as they rode through the crowded streets. She knew where she was headed: Mythos Skoni, the local pub. Cat knew that it was the largest building in Parija apart from the castle. She also knew the bartender, Rinaldi, as her father had taken her to the pub since she was little. Back when she was considered alive, she and Rinaldi had been pals. He also had great influence over the rest of the town. Cat intended to use this in her favor. She tied Shadowdancer to the back hitching post and summoned Harlem to follow her. As she stepped into the dark, crowded, noisy pub, nostalgia overcame her. She re-adjusted the hood covering her face and walked up to the bar. "Rinaldi," she said gruffly, lowering her voice. He looked up at her. "Yeah?" he asked, in his usual dealing-with-strangers manner. Cat grinned, glad her hood covered her expression. "Two Queen Mary's, on the rocks," she said, using the secret code Rinaldi used for 'secret trading in private'. He gave her a queer look and put his rag down. "Carter," he said to a young man near him that Cat recognized as Frankie Carter. He was a year older than her, and would show her around while King Elijah talked with Rinaldi. She remembered the last time she had seen her old friend, he had teased relentlessly about her dress and face- paint. She had always had a crush on him, even when she was a tiny child. Rinaldi motioned for her to follow him into his secret trade room in the back of the pub, shaking her from her thoughts. When they arrived, he locked the door behind them and leaned against a barrel of mead. "What d'ya got?" he asked. Cat moved to lean against the door. "Rinaldi," she said, lowering her voice again. "No matter what I say, promise me you won't raise your voice above a whisper." She said. Rinaldi gave her another strange look. He nodded. "And whatever you do, keep yourself under control." She said. Once again he nodded. Cat looked at her left, where Harlem was sitting. She sighed, wondering if she should just pull the hood off or tell him first. "Rinaldi," Cat began, dropping her deep voice. "What would you say if I told you one of the princesses survived? That she was alive right this minute, and needed your help?" Cat asked. Rinaldi gave Cat a very strange look indeed. "That can't be," he said gruffly. "The Graspiran soldiers killed 'em all. But if Kathryn or Kira happened to be alive and needed help, I'd be the first in line to." He said slowly. "Why do you ask such a far-fetched question?" Cat pulled off her hood, and Renaldi jumped back in horror. "No! You're. you're. dead! They said they'd killed you all!" he was shaking slightly. Cat growled. "They lied. I got away, Renaldi. I saved Dimitri too." She explained. He reached out and touched her cheek gingerly. "It's you," he said, still shaking in disbelief. She grinned as tears began to form in his eyes. "I mean. when I'd heard you was all killed, I didn't know what to do. Princess Kathryn, I will do anything you ask of me. I am at your service." At this, Renaldi bowed to her and then stood, embracing her in a hug. "How are you doing?" he asked kindly. Cat wiped suddenly teary eyes. "I was alright before I got back here," she said, and then broke into the long story of what had happened that night and what she did after, and her plan to take back Parija. Right as she neared the end, she was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Frankie. "Renaldi? You okay in there?" he asked. Renaldi gave Cat a questioning look and she nodded before pulling on her hood. "Fine. Frankie, come in here for a moment," Renaldi said, unlocking the door to let Frankie in. Once the dark haired young man with the bright and intense eyes had let himself into the trading room and locked the door behind him, Renaldi spoke. "Bow to your Queen, Frankie," he said quietly. Frankie's eyes shifted from Renaldi to Cat. She pulled the hood off her face, and he gasped in surprise. He rushed at her, paused and bowed, and then flung his arms around her. Cat giggled, so glad to be with her old childhood friend again. He picked her up and swirled her around, and then set her down. He grinned at her as she wiped tears from her eyes. "Sorry," she apologized with a smile. "It's just been so long," Cat sat down and Frankie sat with her, hanging his arm lazily around her shoulders. Renaldi gave him a look. "Frankie," he warned. "Remember, she's Queen now." He reminded him. Cat shook her head. "I haven't been a Princess, let alone a Queen, for over a year. I'm. different now." She said. Renaldi smiled down at her like an uncle would. "You have changed since I last saw you. What do you need our help with?" he asked. Cat took a deep breath. "I want to take back Parija. I've been training for the last three months; I'm a warrior now. I want you two to help me rally the people. We need to rebel against the Graspir, just take back the island. I plan on attacking by next month. I have 2 mages and part of the Carthak army coming to help me. We need to build an army and train them before next month, and we have to make sure the Graspir don't suspect a thing. They can't know I'm alive, they can't know I'm here. They have to be clueless of our attacks." Cat finished, looking hopefully at her two old friends. Renaldi wrinkled up his nose thoughtfully. He looked at Frankie. "The dungeon." he said. Frankie nodded enthusiastically. Cat cocked her head at them. "Dungeon?" she asked. Renaldi nodded. "This place has had a dungeon since it was built. Place to hide runaways, something odd like that. It's huge, we could meet and train your army down there." He suggested. Cat nodded quickly. "Perfect. We can't waste any time, so Renaldi, I'm going to ask you to gather the people of Leaina in the pub. Just tell them. I'm alive and I want to rebel against the Graspir. I need an army as fast as I can get one. Any man, woman, or child that wants can help. Send messengers to other parts of the island to spread the word. Any person who doesn't need to leave and get weapons or deliver the news can wait in the pub." Cat thought a minute. " Pick two especially loyal, trustworthy men out. I need one to ride to Pirate's Swoop and deliver a message from me to Master Numair Salmalin and Daine Sarrasri. I'll give that to you after you have told everyone. Send the other to Emperor Kaddar of Carthak. Frankie, you show me the dungeon and help me set up the training camp." She instructed. Both men nodded, and then Renaldi smiled at her. "You remind me so much of your father," he said before leaving the trading room. Cat smiled sadly before looking up at Frankie. "So," she said briskly. "Where's this dungeon?"
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Renaldi was right; the dungeon was huge. The entire thing was under not only the pub, but also several houses surrounding the pub. It was the perfect secret place to train her rebel army. After setting up, Cat wrote her notes to Daine and Numair and Kaddar, explaining to them when she estimated she would begin the rebellion and (for Daine and Numair, at least) if there was anything they could start doing now, she was in their debt if they could do it. Later, Renaldi came down with two men following him. He reported on everything that was happening so far. "Every being in Leaina is working for your rebellion, Queen Kathryn. Messengers have been sent to all corners of the isle, and they shall be arriving with recruits by tomorrow night. The blacksmiths are working hard on forging as much armor and weaponry as they can. Women are making more food to contribute to the army. I'd say that by tomorrow night at the least, we can begin the training. There two men were chosen by me to deliver your messages. Princess Kathryn, this is Joseph Cuore and Andre deLamer." At this, Joseph knelt at Cat's feet and took her hand, kissing it respectfully. He had tears in his eyes. "Your Highness, I am under your will. I will do what you ask and remain loyal and trustworthy. What is my task?" Cat handed him the note for Daine and Numair. "This goes to Pirate's Swoop in Tortall, to a mage called Numair Salmalin and a wildmage called Daine Sarrasri. Once in Pirate's Swoop, find the local blacksmith and ask him for directions. He will lead you to their home. Thank you, sir." She finished, smiling down at him. He wiped a tear away. "Your Highness, the people of Parija are ecstatic to have their royal Princess back. We will do whatever you ask of us." Cat smiled at him. "It's good to be home," she joked lightly. Joseph smiled. Now cat turned to Andre. He was a smaller man than Joseph and seemed nervous. "Sir, you will be taking this to Emperor Kaddar of Carthak." She explained. He nodded nervously, taking the message and shakily kissing her hand. "Thank you, Your Highness." He mumbled. Both men bowed before heading off on their long journeys. "Good luck!" she called after them. As soon as they were gone, Renaldi turned to her. "Kathryn, we have enough men but who will train them?" he sounded slightly worried. Cat shrugged. "I will. With the help of Frankie, of course. I haven't been training for over 2 months for nothing, have I?" she asked. Renaldi gasped. "Queen Kathryn, I'm afraid that is out of the question. You cannot train an entire army of men!" he said, appalled. Cat looked at Frankie, "Draw your sword," she said. Frankie gave her a look that said no way. "I'm not fighting you," he said. Cat looked at him haughtily. "Do you dare disobey your Queen? Draw your sword, Frankie Carter." She grinned, for once loving her authoritative power. Frankie scowled and drew his sword. Before he knew what was happening, Cat lunged at him and just at the last second, he pulled up his sword and blocked her blow. Frankie had always been a talented swordsman, not to mention one of the few commoners who wielded a sword. He had that certain something in sword- fighting that few trained knights had. Cat had no problem fighting and beating him, though, because she had been trained by the Lioness herself. Once they had finished, she turned to Renaldi. "I'll be training them," she said coolly. He scowled and walked back to the main room of the pub. Cat sighed and flopped down next to Frankie on a hay bale. "How's it feel to be beat by a Princess?" she teased lightly. He grinned. "Queen," he corrected. "And it feels great. Who taught you how to handle a sword like that?" he asked. "The Lioness. You know, Alanna the Tortallan King's Champion. She also taught me hand-to-hand combat without any weapons. Daine Sarrasri the wildmage taught me how to use a bow." She strung an imaginary bow. "I'd show you, but I'm too tired right now." She leaned against Frankie. "It's strange to be home," she said quietly. "Mixed feelings, huh?" he asked understandingly. Cat nodded and then yawned. "Know a place I can sleep?" she asked. Frankie thought for a moment. "There's a room behind the bar that Renaldi used to let me sleep in. You can probably stay there." He stood up and looked at her. "You have no idea how strange it is seeing you again after. after you'd died. I'm glad to have you back. We need someone to overthrow these Graspir, they're getting unbearable." With that, he turned to leave the room but Cat stopped him. She stood up and pulled him into a hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she said truthfully. Frankie laughed but hugged her back. "I doubt that. You could always handle anything they threw at you." "Still. It's good to have friends." Cat said. Frankie grabbed Cat's neck in a headlock. She giggled, realizing she hadn't done that in awhile. She knew that if she wanted to she could escape his grasp, but it brought back old memories of when she was younger. Before they left the room he let her go and draped his arm over her shoulder. As they headed towards Cat's new room, she remembered something. "Shadowdancer! I've got to go get her settled into the barn." She said, running for the back of the pub, which led to the tiny barn behind it. It was only made for 3 horses maximum, and one of the stalls was already occupied by Renaldi's huge palomino draft, Sunny. She knew that Renaldi would be fine with keeping Shadowdancer next to his horse as she had done it so many times before. She quickly cleaned out the stall, filled the trough with hay and led Shadowdancer into it. She un-tacked and groomed her, then headed for the well to give her a bucket of water. By the time she had finished and patted each horse on the nose, she was exhausted. She stumbled into the back of the pub to see Frankie. "Where's m'room?" she mumbled. Frankie looked concerned. "Over here. Kathryn, do you need some help?" Frankie asked. Cat shook her head. "No, I've got it. I just need some sleep." With that, Cat let herself into her room, fell onto the bed, and fell asleep.
Chapter 7, Parija
As the barge pulled away from the shore, Cat turned on Shadowdancer's back to wave at Kaddar and Dimitri. She saw Kaddar raise the Parijian Prince, her little brother, into the air so he could wave goodbye. Her face broke into an ironic smile. She blew kisses at them, in her heart aiming them at both. Dimitri awkwardly blew her kisses back, making her giggle. Kaddar, too, blew her kisses, but his were more serious. Cat blushed slightly and waved again until she couldn't see them anymore. She turned, sighing, to face what would in a few hours be her old home. Mixed emotions rose in her chest; part of her wanted to scream and dance with joy and gallop Shadowdancer towards her home, but part of her never wanted to go back. She knew that no matter what she felt, she had to go back to save her people and take back her father's kingdom. She would rule it until Dimitri was old enough to marry and rule it on his own. The idea of ruling an entire island gave Cat the chills; she hated politics. Her people would not give her trouble. In fact, the Parijian people were loyal and devoted to their royalties. It was the opposing island, the Graspir, which worried her. She frowned as she thought of them. Quickly she changed her train of thought to something less angering. Realizing that after yesterday's complicated and trying test she was still tired, Cat dismounted Shadowdancer and sat down against the railing of the barge. Harlem immediately moved to her side, and she laid her head down on his side. She fell asleep quickly, and Shadowdancer scooted closer to her mistress and canine friend, shielding them from all other actions on the barge and casting her comrades in cool shade.
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As the barge neared land, Shadowdancer raised her head and inhaled deeply. Something in the air excited her. She whinnied loudly and jumped impatiently in her place. She bent her head to nudge Cat awake before going back to shaking her head, stomping her feet, and snorting loudly. Cat woke up quickly, calming the mare. "You smell home, huh?" she asked soothingly, rubbing the mare's ears. Shadowdancer let out a heavy sigh. Cat leaned against her, and sighed too. Her mixed feelings about coming home were hitting her extremely hard right now. She whistled to wake Harlem as she grimly mounted Shadowdancer. The bridge was let down and Cat shook her head inevitably. "Well. let's go," she said, clucking to her horse. Shadowdancer pranced happily off the barge, once again throwing her head up in the air to breathe in the scent of the familiar, her home. Cat had to laugh; it felt good to be home. As Parija had only one main town (and many sub-towns and farming communities,) Cat headed there. The royal Parijian castle overlooked Leaina, Parija's biggest city. Cat turned her head at the sight as they rode through the crowded streets. She knew where she was headed: Mythos Skoni, the local pub. Cat knew that it was the largest building in Parija apart from the castle. She also knew the bartender, Rinaldi, as her father had taken her to the pub since she was little. Back when she was considered alive, she and Rinaldi had been pals. He also had great influence over the rest of the town. Cat intended to use this in her favor. She tied Shadowdancer to the back hitching post and summoned Harlem to follow her. As she stepped into the dark, crowded, noisy pub, nostalgia overcame her. She re-adjusted the hood covering her face and walked up to the bar. "Rinaldi," she said gruffly, lowering her voice. He looked up at her. "Yeah?" he asked, in his usual dealing-with-strangers manner. Cat grinned, glad her hood covered her expression. "Two Queen Mary's, on the rocks," she said, using the secret code Rinaldi used for 'secret trading in private'. He gave her a queer look and put his rag down. "Carter," he said to a young man near him that Cat recognized as Frankie Carter. He was a year older than her, and would show her around while King Elijah talked with Rinaldi. She remembered the last time she had seen her old friend, he had teased relentlessly about her dress and face- paint. She had always had a crush on him, even when she was a tiny child. Rinaldi motioned for her to follow him into his secret trade room in the back of the pub, shaking her from her thoughts. When they arrived, he locked the door behind them and leaned against a barrel of mead. "What d'ya got?" he asked. Cat moved to lean against the door. "Rinaldi," she said, lowering her voice again. "No matter what I say, promise me you won't raise your voice above a whisper." She said. Rinaldi gave her another strange look. He nodded. "And whatever you do, keep yourself under control." She said. Once again he nodded. Cat looked at her left, where Harlem was sitting. She sighed, wondering if she should just pull the hood off or tell him first. "Rinaldi," Cat began, dropping her deep voice. "What would you say if I told you one of the princesses survived? That she was alive right this minute, and needed your help?" Cat asked. Rinaldi gave Cat a very strange look indeed. "That can't be," he said gruffly. "The Graspiran soldiers killed 'em all. But if Kathryn or Kira happened to be alive and needed help, I'd be the first in line to." He said slowly. "Why do you ask such a far-fetched question?" Cat pulled off her hood, and Renaldi jumped back in horror. "No! You're. you're. dead! They said they'd killed you all!" he was shaking slightly. Cat growled. "They lied. I got away, Renaldi. I saved Dimitri too." She explained. He reached out and touched her cheek gingerly. "It's you," he said, still shaking in disbelief. She grinned as tears began to form in his eyes. "I mean. when I'd heard you was all killed, I didn't know what to do. Princess Kathryn, I will do anything you ask of me. I am at your service." At this, Renaldi bowed to her and then stood, embracing her in a hug. "How are you doing?" he asked kindly. Cat wiped suddenly teary eyes. "I was alright before I got back here," she said, and then broke into the long story of what had happened that night and what she did after, and her plan to take back Parija. Right as she neared the end, she was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Frankie. "Renaldi? You okay in there?" he asked. Renaldi gave Cat a questioning look and she nodded before pulling on her hood. "Fine. Frankie, come in here for a moment," Renaldi said, unlocking the door to let Frankie in. Once the dark haired young man with the bright and intense eyes had let himself into the trading room and locked the door behind him, Renaldi spoke. "Bow to your Queen, Frankie," he said quietly. Frankie's eyes shifted from Renaldi to Cat. She pulled the hood off her face, and he gasped in surprise. He rushed at her, paused and bowed, and then flung his arms around her. Cat giggled, so glad to be with her old childhood friend again. He picked her up and swirled her around, and then set her down. He grinned at her as she wiped tears from her eyes. "Sorry," she apologized with a smile. "It's just been so long," Cat sat down and Frankie sat with her, hanging his arm lazily around her shoulders. Renaldi gave him a look. "Frankie," he warned. "Remember, she's Queen now." He reminded him. Cat shook her head. "I haven't been a Princess, let alone a Queen, for over a year. I'm. different now." She said. Renaldi smiled down at her like an uncle would. "You have changed since I last saw you. What do you need our help with?" he asked. Cat took a deep breath. "I want to take back Parija. I've been training for the last three months; I'm a warrior now. I want you two to help me rally the people. We need to rebel against the Graspir, just take back the island. I plan on attacking by next month. I have 2 mages and part of the Carthak army coming to help me. We need to build an army and train them before next month, and we have to make sure the Graspir don't suspect a thing. They can't know I'm alive, they can't know I'm here. They have to be clueless of our attacks." Cat finished, looking hopefully at her two old friends. Renaldi wrinkled up his nose thoughtfully. He looked at Frankie. "The dungeon." he said. Frankie nodded enthusiastically. Cat cocked her head at them. "Dungeon?" she asked. Renaldi nodded. "This place has had a dungeon since it was built. Place to hide runaways, something odd like that. It's huge, we could meet and train your army down there." He suggested. Cat nodded quickly. "Perfect. We can't waste any time, so Renaldi, I'm going to ask you to gather the people of Leaina in the pub. Just tell them. I'm alive and I want to rebel against the Graspir. I need an army as fast as I can get one. Any man, woman, or child that wants can help. Send messengers to other parts of the island to spread the word. Any person who doesn't need to leave and get weapons or deliver the news can wait in the pub." Cat thought a minute. " Pick two especially loyal, trustworthy men out. I need one to ride to Pirate's Swoop and deliver a message from me to Master Numair Salmalin and Daine Sarrasri. I'll give that to you after you have told everyone. Send the other to Emperor Kaddar of Carthak. Frankie, you show me the dungeon and help me set up the training camp." She instructed. Both men nodded, and then Renaldi smiled at her. "You remind me so much of your father," he said before leaving the trading room. Cat smiled sadly before looking up at Frankie. "So," she said briskly. "Where's this dungeon?"
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Renaldi was right; the dungeon was huge. The entire thing was under not only the pub, but also several houses surrounding the pub. It was the perfect secret place to train her rebel army. After setting up, Cat wrote her notes to Daine and Numair and Kaddar, explaining to them when she estimated she would begin the rebellion and (for Daine and Numair, at least) if there was anything they could start doing now, she was in their debt if they could do it. Later, Renaldi came down with two men following him. He reported on everything that was happening so far. "Every being in Leaina is working for your rebellion, Queen Kathryn. Messengers have been sent to all corners of the isle, and they shall be arriving with recruits by tomorrow night. The blacksmiths are working hard on forging as much armor and weaponry as they can. Women are making more food to contribute to the army. I'd say that by tomorrow night at the least, we can begin the training. There two men were chosen by me to deliver your messages. Princess Kathryn, this is Joseph Cuore and Andre deLamer." At this, Joseph knelt at Cat's feet and took her hand, kissing it respectfully. He had tears in his eyes. "Your Highness, I am under your will. I will do what you ask and remain loyal and trustworthy. What is my task?" Cat handed him the note for Daine and Numair. "This goes to Pirate's Swoop in Tortall, to a mage called Numair Salmalin and a wildmage called Daine Sarrasri. Once in Pirate's Swoop, find the local blacksmith and ask him for directions. He will lead you to their home. Thank you, sir." She finished, smiling down at him. He wiped a tear away. "Your Highness, the people of Parija are ecstatic to have their royal Princess back. We will do whatever you ask of us." Cat smiled at him. "It's good to be home," she joked lightly. Joseph smiled. Now cat turned to Andre. He was a smaller man than Joseph and seemed nervous. "Sir, you will be taking this to Emperor Kaddar of Carthak." She explained. He nodded nervously, taking the message and shakily kissing her hand. "Thank you, Your Highness." He mumbled. Both men bowed before heading off on their long journeys. "Good luck!" she called after them. As soon as they were gone, Renaldi turned to her. "Kathryn, we have enough men but who will train them?" he sounded slightly worried. Cat shrugged. "I will. With the help of Frankie, of course. I haven't been training for over 2 months for nothing, have I?" she asked. Renaldi gasped. "Queen Kathryn, I'm afraid that is out of the question. You cannot train an entire army of men!" he said, appalled. Cat looked at Frankie, "Draw your sword," she said. Frankie gave her a look that said no way. "I'm not fighting you," he said. Cat looked at him haughtily. "Do you dare disobey your Queen? Draw your sword, Frankie Carter." She grinned, for once loving her authoritative power. Frankie scowled and drew his sword. Before he knew what was happening, Cat lunged at him and just at the last second, he pulled up his sword and blocked her blow. Frankie had always been a talented swordsman, not to mention one of the few commoners who wielded a sword. He had that certain something in sword- fighting that few trained knights had. Cat had no problem fighting and beating him, though, because she had been trained by the Lioness herself. Once they had finished, she turned to Renaldi. "I'll be training them," she said coolly. He scowled and walked back to the main room of the pub. Cat sighed and flopped down next to Frankie on a hay bale. "How's it feel to be beat by a Princess?" she teased lightly. He grinned. "Queen," he corrected. "And it feels great. Who taught you how to handle a sword like that?" he asked. "The Lioness. You know, Alanna the Tortallan King's Champion. She also taught me hand-to-hand combat without any weapons. Daine Sarrasri the wildmage taught me how to use a bow." She strung an imaginary bow. "I'd show you, but I'm too tired right now." She leaned against Frankie. "It's strange to be home," she said quietly. "Mixed feelings, huh?" he asked understandingly. Cat nodded and then yawned. "Know a place I can sleep?" she asked. Frankie thought for a moment. "There's a room behind the bar that Renaldi used to let me sleep in. You can probably stay there." He stood up and looked at her. "You have no idea how strange it is seeing you again after. after you'd died. I'm glad to have you back. We need someone to overthrow these Graspir, they're getting unbearable." With that, he turned to leave the room but Cat stopped him. She stood up and pulled him into a hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she said truthfully. Frankie laughed but hugged her back. "I doubt that. You could always handle anything they threw at you." "Still. It's good to have friends." Cat said. Frankie grabbed Cat's neck in a headlock. She giggled, realizing she hadn't done that in awhile. She knew that if she wanted to she could escape his grasp, but it brought back old memories of when she was younger. Before they left the room he let her go and draped his arm over her shoulder. As they headed towards Cat's new room, she remembered something. "Shadowdancer! I've got to go get her settled into the barn." She said, running for the back of the pub, which led to the tiny barn behind it. It was only made for 3 horses maximum, and one of the stalls was already occupied by Renaldi's huge palomino draft, Sunny. She knew that Renaldi would be fine with keeping Shadowdancer next to his horse as she had done it so many times before. She quickly cleaned out the stall, filled the trough with hay and led Shadowdancer into it. She un-tacked and groomed her, then headed for the well to give her a bucket of water. By the time she had finished and patted each horse on the nose, she was exhausted. She stumbled into the back of the pub to see Frankie. "Where's m'room?" she mumbled. Frankie looked concerned. "Over here. Kathryn, do you need some help?" Frankie asked. Cat shook her head. "No, I've got it. I just need some sleep." With that, Cat let herself into her room, fell onto the bed, and fell asleep.