Chapter 2:
Company
They broke down their campsite in a matter of minutes. As they mounted their horses, Daine asked "Tell me again: Why are we going to Fief Burmshire?"
"Burmshire has been having problems with sphinxes," Numair replied.
"And why didn't King Jonathon send his troops to deal with these immortals? Or the Queen's Riders? Why us?"
"Because sphinxes ask questions and riddles. These particular immortals are only vicious when you fail to answer them correctly. Otherwise, they're quite placid."
"And the king wanted to send someone who was clever and intelligent, and who can work under pressure. That's definitely why he sent me, but I can't imagine him asking you for the same reason." Daine ducked when Numair threw a rag at her, and urged Cloud to start moving. "Just kidding, Numair. My, aren't we touchy today?"
Spots caught up to Cloud and Daine, so that they all rode side by side. Daine looked at Kitten, who was sitting on the big gelding behind Numair and smiled at her.
As she looked at Kitten, one of Numair's saddlebags began to squirm. "What in the name of the Goddess-," Daine stopped when a furry head and a dark, inky head popped out.
"Zek? Gold-Streak? What are you two doing here?" she demanded of the marmoset and the darking.
We wanted to come too, said Zek. The darking nodded in agreement. "Want excitement," it squeaked.
Numair and Daine laughed, and their horses soon picked up a faster pace. Zek leapt from Spots to Daine's shoulder, startling Cloud a bit.
Don't do that again, the pony warned Zek, or I'll step on you. Zek chattered an apology.
"How far are we from Fief Burmshire?" Daine wanted to know.
Numair considered this for a few moments. "I would assume, from our previous campsite, three days and a half's ride. But after this morning's events," he smiled warmly at Daine, "four days."
"Oh." She was thoughtful for a minute, then said "What if we can't answer one of the sphinxes' questions, and it attacks? Or we meet other dangers?"
"Daine, sometimes you underestimate me, and yourself. Do you think I would plunge into a hazardous situation thoughtlessly, thereby putting both myself AND you in danger?"
"Yes."
"I'm ignoring that. My Gift will be able to subdue them, should they attack. Not to mention your wild magic. Sphinxes are half lion."
"Yes, but I really can't do anything with immortals. I can't read their thoughts, like I could a normal animal, and they don't listen to me. The most I can do is mind-speak with them."
"But you can communicate with them, possibly befriend them. Persuade them to leave, and go back to the Divine Realms."
"Maybe."
"And if all else fails, the regiment of the King's Own that is meeting us in Burmshire can rescue us. Alanna is leading them."
"Alanna? Good. I feel better about this mission now." Knowing that her friend the Lioness would be there put Daine's mind at ease.
Numair smiled. "I'm glad. Now, to other matters. When do you want our wedding to be?"
Daine was surprised. "W-wedding? You mean, I have to plan the wedding? Me? Ugh, what have I gotten myself into?"
Laughing, Numair said, "Ask Queen Thayet and Alanna for help. They'd be glad to offer advice, especially Thayet. She's been itching to host a big event for some time now. A wedding could be just the thing. And I won't leave you all alone on this. I'll help, too."
"All right. Um, how about on…uh…can I get back to you on the date? I couldn't even begin to imagine how long it takes to prepare a wedding."
"That's fine, darling. Just try not to dry up my treasury with all your plans. It's vast, but not it's without its limits. And we will require some assets to live on."
"Are you still planning to support us with juggling?" Daine frowned at this.
"I am a very good juggler. And we wouldn't have to go on anymore dangerous excursions."
"But your magical talents would go to waste, and we'd both get bored."
Numair sighed. "I suppose you're right." He looked sad, and then he brightened. "Could I still juggle for fun?"
"Of course!" Daine giggled. "I wouldn't even try to stop you."
After they had been riding for an hour and a half they halted for lunch, and to give the horses a break. Daine carefully rubbed Cloud down and Spots got similar treatment from Numair. As the mage prepared a quick meal, Daine gave the horses each a carrot and some water. "You are such good horses," she told them, stroking their noses.
Of course we are, said Cloud, ever saucy. Spots just whinnied in delight.
Daine handed Zek a small cluster of grapes, which he bit into immediately with delight. Gold-Streak received a wedge of cheese. "Thanks," it said. The darking swarmed over the cheese and voiced it's pleasure. "Mm, yummy."
She sat down next to Numair. "You know what?" she said. "I love these journeys. Just you and me, together. It's been one of my favorite things ever since I moved to Tortall. Even before I knew the way you felt. Now, I like them even more."
Numair put his arm around her. "I know just what you mean. Now, eat. We'll need strength." He pushed a loaf of bread and some cheese into her hands and set a skin of water between their feet. She broke off some and gave it to Kitten.
Hmph. You'll need strength? What about me'n Spots over here? said Cloud. We're the ones who have to carry you and stork-man the whole way.
"Cloud, that's enough," Daine scolded. "You have all the grass you can eat around here! And you're always saying that you aren't some frail pony that needs to be coddled. Why start now?"
"What is she saying?" inquired Numair. Sometimes Daine forgot that other two-leggers couldn't understand one half of the conversation when she spoke to animals.
"Nothing much. She's just complaining about something or other." Cloud stamped her hind foot and munched scornfully on some grass.
They ate their meal in a comfortable silence. When they were finished, Daine helped Numair pack up the remnants and then she dashed to the creek that ran through the forest they were traveling in. Bending down, she scrubbed her face and hands in the chilly water. Wiping her face, she opened up her magical awareness and listened to the sounds of the forest. Right away she felt the presence of a close animal, one that felt very familiar. She could also sense the animal's curiosity at something he'd found.
Daine walked over to greet the animal, a little gray squirrel… "Flicker!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" She scooped the furry little animal up and stroked him. "It's so good to see you again!"
Daine! Wow, haven't seen you in a while. Do you have any raisins? said the little squirrel.
The girl giggled and dug in her pockets for some. She produced a few and set them and Flicker down on the ground. "You're awfully far from home, aren't you?"
No, not really. Home is right over there. Flicker gestured with a small paw.
"Fief Dunlath is that close? Mithros, we almost went right past it, and I never would have known! How is Maura? Is her guardian nice?" inquired Daine.
Maura is just fine, assured the squirrel. And the man the king sent over to help is very nice. They get along just fine.
"Well, that's good. Maybe after our mission, Numair and I can stop by and visit with her later, and I can say hello to the wolf pack." She was silent for a moment. "Flicker, what were you looking at, before I came over?"
Oh, that. I found a glittery thing over there, under the tree. I thought it was food. No food. Flicker looked glum, so Daine gave him some more raisins.
Daine got up and looked under the tree. Sure enough, there was a glittery thing there. A bottle, to be precise. A very ornate bottle, set with precious gems. Even through the layer of dirt, Daine could see that the object was beautiful and one-of-a-kind. She had never before seen anything quite like it.
Under the grime, there was what appeared to an engraving. Thinking perhaps it would reveal what exactly the bottle's purpose was, Daine pulled out a handkerchief and walked back over the creek, where she wet a corner and gently rubbed the inscription.
A thick, sparkly, purple smoke flowed from the bottle and clouded the air. Daine coughed and choked on it, eyes watering. She just barely managed to hold on to the bottle. When the smoke cleared and she was able to see and breathe properly again, Daine looked at the bottle in wonder. "Guess I won't be trying to clean you again anytime soon," she muttered.
She suddenly felt as though someone was watching her. She looked up. Before Daine stood a strange young woman. Golden blonde hair was pulled back into a high ponytail at the back of her head. Her heavily lidded, bright blue eyes were the only part of her face that was visible. A veil concealed the rest. The woman was scantily clothed. Her shirt had no sleeves, and left her stomach quite exposed. At her waist, far below the belly button, pants started. But they weren't exactly pants, because they ballooned out and looked like a skirt. Her feet were clad in pointy slippers. All of the material that did cover the slender body was a pale shade of pink. Many bangles, rings and necklaces adorned the woman.
Daine took all of this in with her mouth hanging wide open. The other woman stared at her calmly, sapphire eyes intent on gray-blue ones.
"Daine?" Numair's voice broke the silence. "Daine, where are you? Is everything ok?" Daine shook her head, to clear it. "Over here, Numair!" she called. "In the forest!"
Numair appeared by the creek. He saw Daine, and then noticed the newcomer. As he approached, he asked, "And who is this?"
"I'm not sure. I think she came out of this." Daine handed Numair the bottle.
"Ah, I see," said Numair, in the voice of one who suddenly understands. He looked at the strange young woman. "You, I believe, are a genie."
"That I am, sir," said the genie in a soft, musical voice. She spoke with the hint of a foreign accent, one that Daine could not place.
"A genie?" said Daine incredulously. "Out here? In Tortall?" She stopped. "Wait- what's a genie?"
"A genie is another type of immortal." explained the mage. "They grant wishes to whomever frees them from their prisons." he indicated the bottle. "And by the looks of it, you're her new master, Daine."
"I'm her master? No way," Daine protested. "We don't keep slaves in Tortall!"
"You rubbed the bottle, so by right I am yours to command," the genie said, bowing slightly in Daine's direction.
"Having a magical servant could come in handy, Daine," whispered Numair.
But Daine was not convinced. She asked the genie, "Is there anyway to free you of my ownership? I really don't need someone waiting on me, magic or not."
"No," replied the genie. "I do not choose who my masters are. And they cannot choose to keep or release me. The bottle does." She took it from Numair's hand, stroking the long neck fondly. "The bottle chooses. Until it decides that the time has come for us to part, I stay. The bottle found you. You are meant to have me, for the time being. And the bottle is never wrong." She handed the bottle back to Daine. "I am called Anya."
Daine sighed. "Well, if you're sure." She looked at the jeweled item in her hands. "The bottle chooses where you go, huh? Doesn't that get a little tiresome? Having to serve others, as well as this?"
"No," said Anya with a smile. "I am never tired of my life. It had been a most interesting one."
Numair took the bottle. His scholar face came up as he inspected it carefully. "Quite remarkable craftsmanship," he praised. "A genie. Even after all we've come upon, I never thought I'd ever meet such a being. I'm Numair," he said the genie, holding out a hand for her to shake. She took it with a strong grip. "And this is Daine," he said, introducing his fiancée. Anya bowed low to the girl.
"There are a few rules that come with having a genie," said the immortal. "Number one: I cannot make people fall in love. I am no matchmaker."
"That's fine," Daine said. She took Numair's hand. "Love is definitely something that we don't need to wish for."
Anya nodded. "Good. Number two: I am unable to bring harm to anyone. Nor can I kill. Number 3: I cannot create life, or bring anyone back from the Realms of the Dead. An immortal I may be, but a god I am not."
"Well, I doubt that we will be needing any of those things," said Numair thoughtfully.
"And just to clarify, I can only grant wishes to Lady Daine. No one else," Anya said. "Only to the person who released me."
Daine cringed at the title. "Please, Anya, just Daine. None of that 'lady' stuff."
Anya looked at her, faintly stern. "I am sorry, Lady, but I am required to use the title. All genies must use titles with their masters, even if the masters, or mistresses, prefer otherwise. All servants must."
"Oh, fine. Whatever," Daine snapped. "We have to get back on the road. Those sphinxes won't just stop attacking by themselves." She stomped angrily off, furious at the fact that she now had to put up with a slave, and be called "lady". Neither appealed to her much. In fact, not at all.
Numair and Anya watched her go. Numair repressed a sigh, then said, "She's right, even if she was rather rude about it. Don't worry," he assured Anya, "she'll warm up soon. Daine's just a little stubborn."
Anya nodded. "Yes, some people do not accept this right away. I have encountered it a few times. They all grow to like it, eventually."
"Let's GO! Move it, Numair!" Daine's irritated voice made both Numair and Anya flinch. They both shared a look, then went to join the enraged girl and be on their way.
A/N: Ooh, a genie! Didn't see that coming, did ya? Hmm…I wonder if Daine and Numair will ever make it to Fief Burmshire! Who else is going to show up? Tune in next time to find out! (When that next time will be, one can never tell…not even me!) Please read and review. Lavish praise upon me, or I'll never continue!
Disclaimer- The characters (except for Anya), places (but not Burmshire), and ideas in this story all belong to Tamora Pierce. I am not creative enough to think up such wonders as she does!
Company
They broke down their campsite in a matter of minutes. As they mounted their horses, Daine asked "Tell me again: Why are we going to Fief Burmshire?"
"Burmshire has been having problems with sphinxes," Numair replied.
"And why didn't King Jonathon send his troops to deal with these immortals? Or the Queen's Riders? Why us?"
"Because sphinxes ask questions and riddles. These particular immortals are only vicious when you fail to answer them correctly. Otherwise, they're quite placid."
"And the king wanted to send someone who was clever and intelligent, and who can work under pressure. That's definitely why he sent me, but I can't imagine him asking you for the same reason." Daine ducked when Numair threw a rag at her, and urged Cloud to start moving. "Just kidding, Numair. My, aren't we touchy today?"
Spots caught up to Cloud and Daine, so that they all rode side by side. Daine looked at Kitten, who was sitting on the big gelding behind Numair and smiled at her.
As she looked at Kitten, one of Numair's saddlebags began to squirm. "What in the name of the Goddess-," Daine stopped when a furry head and a dark, inky head popped out.
"Zek? Gold-Streak? What are you two doing here?" she demanded of the marmoset and the darking.
We wanted to come too, said Zek. The darking nodded in agreement. "Want excitement," it squeaked.
Numair and Daine laughed, and their horses soon picked up a faster pace. Zek leapt from Spots to Daine's shoulder, startling Cloud a bit.
Don't do that again, the pony warned Zek, or I'll step on you. Zek chattered an apology.
"How far are we from Fief Burmshire?" Daine wanted to know.
Numair considered this for a few moments. "I would assume, from our previous campsite, three days and a half's ride. But after this morning's events," he smiled warmly at Daine, "four days."
"Oh." She was thoughtful for a minute, then said "What if we can't answer one of the sphinxes' questions, and it attacks? Or we meet other dangers?"
"Daine, sometimes you underestimate me, and yourself. Do you think I would plunge into a hazardous situation thoughtlessly, thereby putting both myself AND you in danger?"
"Yes."
"I'm ignoring that. My Gift will be able to subdue them, should they attack. Not to mention your wild magic. Sphinxes are half lion."
"Yes, but I really can't do anything with immortals. I can't read their thoughts, like I could a normal animal, and they don't listen to me. The most I can do is mind-speak with them."
"But you can communicate with them, possibly befriend them. Persuade them to leave, and go back to the Divine Realms."
"Maybe."
"And if all else fails, the regiment of the King's Own that is meeting us in Burmshire can rescue us. Alanna is leading them."
"Alanna? Good. I feel better about this mission now." Knowing that her friend the Lioness would be there put Daine's mind at ease.
Numair smiled. "I'm glad. Now, to other matters. When do you want our wedding to be?"
Daine was surprised. "W-wedding? You mean, I have to plan the wedding? Me? Ugh, what have I gotten myself into?"
Laughing, Numair said, "Ask Queen Thayet and Alanna for help. They'd be glad to offer advice, especially Thayet. She's been itching to host a big event for some time now. A wedding could be just the thing. And I won't leave you all alone on this. I'll help, too."
"All right. Um, how about on…uh…can I get back to you on the date? I couldn't even begin to imagine how long it takes to prepare a wedding."
"That's fine, darling. Just try not to dry up my treasury with all your plans. It's vast, but not it's without its limits. And we will require some assets to live on."
"Are you still planning to support us with juggling?" Daine frowned at this.
"I am a very good juggler. And we wouldn't have to go on anymore dangerous excursions."
"But your magical talents would go to waste, and we'd both get bored."
Numair sighed. "I suppose you're right." He looked sad, and then he brightened. "Could I still juggle for fun?"
"Of course!" Daine giggled. "I wouldn't even try to stop you."
After they had been riding for an hour and a half they halted for lunch, and to give the horses a break. Daine carefully rubbed Cloud down and Spots got similar treatment from Numair. As the mage prepared a quick meal, Daine gave the horses each a carrot and some water. "You are such good horses," she told them, stroking their noses.
Of course we are, said Cloud, ever saucy. Spots just whinnied in delight.
Daine handed Zek a small cluster of grapes, which he bit into immediately with delight. Gold-Streak received a wedge of cheese. "Thanks," it said. The darking swarmed over the cheese and voiced it's pleasure. "Mm, yummy."
She sat down next to Numair. "You know what?" she said. "I love these journeys. Just you and me, together. It's been one of my favorite things ever since I moved to Tortall. Even before I knew the way you felt. Now, I like them even more."
Numair put his arm around her. "I know just what you mean. Now, eat. We'll need strength." He pushed a loaf of bread and some cheese into her hands and set a skin of water between their feet. She broke off some and gave it to Kitten.
Hmph. You'll need strength? What about me'n Spots over here? said Cloud. We're the ones who have to carry you and stork-man the whole way.
"Cloud, that's enough," Daine scolded. "You have all the grass you can eat around here! And you're always saying that you aren't some frail pony that needs to be coddled. Why start now?"
"What is she saying?" inquired Numair. Sometimes Daine forgot that other two-leggers couldn't understand one half of the conversation when she spoke to animals.
"Nothing much. She's just complaining about something or other." Cloud stamped her hind foot and munched scornfully on some grass.
They ate their meal in a comfortable silence. When they were finished, Daine helped Numair pack up the remnants and then she dashed to the creek that ran through the forest they were traveling in. Bending down, she scrubbed her face and hands in the chilly water. Wiping her face, she opened up her magical awareness and listened to the sounds of the forest. Right away she felt the presence of a close animal, one that felt very familiar. She could also sense the animal's curiosity at something he'd found.
Daine walked over to greet the animal, a little gray squirrel… "Flicker!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" She scooped the furry little animal up and stroked him. "It's so good to see you again!"
Daine! Wow, haven't seen you in a while. Do you have any raisins? said the little squirrel.
The girl giggled and dug in her pockets for some. She produced a few and set them and Flicker down on the ground. "You're awfully far from home, aren't you?"
No, not really. Home is right over there. Flicker gestured with a small paw.
"Fief Dunlath is that close? Mithros, we almost went right past it, and I never would have known! How is Maura? Is her guardian nice?" inquired Daine.
Maura is just fine, assured the squirrel. And the man the king sent over to help is very nice. They get along just fine.
"Well, that's good. Maybe after our mission, Numair and I can stop by and visit with her later, and I can say hello to the wolf pack." She was silent for a moment. "Flicker, what were you looking at, before I came over?"
Oh, that. I found a glittery thing over there, under the tree. I thought it was food. No food. Flicker looked glum, so Daine gave him some more raisins.
Daine got up and looked under the tree. Sure enough, there was a glittery thing there. A bottle, to be precise. A very ornate bottle, set with precious gems. Even through the layer of dirt, Daine could see that the object was beautiful and one-of-a-kind. She had never before seen anything quite like it.
Under the grime, there was what appeared to an engraving. Thinking perhaps it would reveal what exactly the bottle's purpose was, Daine pulled out a handkerchief and walked back over the creek, where she wet a corner and gently rubbed the inscription.
A thick, sparkly, purple smoke flowed from the bottle and clouded the air. Daine coughed and choked on it, eyes watering. She just barely managed to hold on to the bottle. When the smoke cleared and she was able to see and breathe properly again, Daine looked at the bottle in wonder. "Guess I won't be trying to clean you again anytime soon," she muttered.
She suddenly felt as though someone was watching her. She looked up. Before Daine stood a strange young woman. Golden blonde hair was pulled back into a high ponytail at the back of her head. Her heavily lidded, bright blue eyes were the only part of her face that was visible. A veil concealed the rest. The woman was scantily clothed. Her shirt had no sleeves, and left her stomach quite exposed. At her waist, far below the belly button, pants started. But they weren't exactly pants, because they ballooned out and looked like a skirt. Her feet were clad in pointy slippers. All of the material that did cover the slender body was a pale shade of pink. Many bangles, rings and necklaces adorned the woman.
Daine took all of this in with her mouth hanging wide open. The other woman stared at her calmly, sapphire eyes intent on gray-blue ones.
"Daine?" Numair's voice broke the silence. "Daine, where are you? Is everything ok?" Daine shook her head, to clear it. "Over here, Numair!" she called. "In the forest!"
Numair appeared by the creek. He saw Daine, and then noticed the newcomer. As he approached, he asked, "And who is this?"
"I'm not sure. I think she came out of this." Daine handed Numair the bottle.
"Ah, I see," said Numair, in the voice of one who suddenly understands. He looked at the strange young woman. "You, I believe, are a genie."
"That I am, sir," said the genie in a soft, musical voice. She spoke with the hint of a foreign accent, one that Daine could not place.
"A genie?" said Daine incredulously. "Out here? In Tortall?" She stopped. "Wait- what's a genie?"
"A genie is another type of immortal." explained the mage. "They grant wishes to whomever frees them from their prisons." he indicated the bottle. "And by the looks of it, you're her new master, Daine."
"I'm her master? No way," Daine protested. "We don't keep slaves in Tortall!"
"You rubbed the bottle, so by right I am yours to command," the genie said, bowing slightly in Daine's direction.
"Having a magical servant could come in handy, Daine," whispered Numair.
But Daine was not convinced. She asked the genie, "Is there anyway to free you of my ownership? I really don't need someone waiting on me, magic or not."
"No," replied the genie. "I do not choose who my masters are. And they cannot choose to keep or release me. The bottle does." She took it from Numair's hand, stroking the long neck fondly. "The bottle chooses. Until it decides that the time has come for us to part, I stay. The bottle found you. You are meant to have me, for the time being. And the bottle is never wrong." She handed the bottle back to Daine. "I am called Anya."
Daine sighed. "Well, if you're sure." She looked at the jeweled item in her hands. "The bottle chooses where you go, huh? Doesn't that get a little tiresome? Having to serve others, as well as this?"
"No," said Anya with a smile. "I am never tired of my life. It had been a most interesting one."
Numair took the bottle. His scholar face came up as he inspected it carefully. "Quite remarkable craftsmanship," he praised. "A genie. Even after all we've come upon, I never thought I'd ever meet such a being. I'm Numair," he said the genie, holding out a hand for her to shake. She took it with a strong grip. "And this is Daine," he said, introducing his fiancée. Anya bowed low to the girl.
"There are a few rules that come with having a genie," said the immortal. "Number one: I cannot make people fall in love. I am no matchmaker."
"That's fine," Daine said. She took Numair's hand. "Love is definitely something that we don't need to wish for."
Anya nodded. "Good. Number two: I am unable to bring harm to anyone. Nor can I kill. Number 3: I cannot create life, or bring anyone back from the Realms of the Dead. An immortal I may be, but a god I am not."
"Well, I doubt that we will be needing any of those things," said Numair thoughtfully.
"And just to clarify, I can only grant wishes to Lady Daine. No one else," Anya said. "Only to the person who released me."
Daine cringed at the title. "Please, Anya, just Daine. None of that 'lady' stuff."
Anya looked at her, faintly stern. "I am sorry, Lady, but I am required to use the title. All genies must use titles with their masters, even if the masters, or mistresses, prefer otherwise. All servants must."
"Oh, fine. Whatever," Daine snapped. "We have to get back on the road. Those sphinxes won't just stop attacking by themselves." She stomped angrily off, furious at the fact that she now had to put up with a slave, and be called "lady". Neither appealed to her much. In fact, not at all.
Numair and Anya watched her go. Numair repressed a sigh, then said, "She's right, even if she was rather rude about it. Don't worry," he assured Anya, "she'll warm up soon. Daine's just a little stubborn."
Anya nodded. "Yes, some people do not accept this right away. I have encountered it a few times. They all grow to like it, eventually."
"Let's GO! Move it, Numair!" Daine's irritated voice made both Numair and Anya flinch. They both shared a look, then went to join the enraged girl and be on their way.
A/N: Ooh, a genie! Didn't see that coming, did ya? Hmm…I wonder if Daine and Numair will ever make it to Fief Burmshire! Who else is going to show up? Tune in next time to find out! (When that next time will be, one can never tell…not even me!) Please read and review. Lavish praise upon me, or I'll never continue!
Disclaimer- The characters (except for Anya), places (but not Burmshire), and ideas in this story all belong to Tamora Pierce. I am not creative enough to think up such wonders as she does!