Chapter 5
A half an hour later, the group rode into the courtyard at the Bancanor
House. Dismounting, Daja walked up to the house and knocked on the door.
As she did that, Kel look around. Never before had she seen so many
colors! The houses were also made of wood, which, to Kel's mind, was a big
mistake.
"Hello," said a servant. "Would you like to come in?"
The servant led them to a parlor and left, telling them that the family
would be with them in as soon as possible. The party plopped down on the
chairs. A minute or two later, the doors swung open, admitting a couple,
trailed by a pair of twins. Frostpine and Daja leapt to their feet.
"Frost pine, Daja, is that you?" asked the woman.
"None other than," replied Frostpine with a grin. Turning to the rest of
the group, he added, "This is Kol and Matazi Bancanor, along with their
twin daughters Niamara, or Nia for short, and Jorality, or Jory. Nia is a
carpenter mage, and Jory is a cook mage."
"Welcome," said Kol, studying the group. "It is wonderful to see you.
But, if I may ask, why are you hear?"
Daja glanced at Kel. "We are looking for a woman called Urala
Geothermalno. She is an earth mage, right?"
Following Daja's glance, Kol's eyes fell on the trio from Tortall, and
widened. "Who are they?"
Kel jumped to her feet. "I am Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan. This is
King Jonathan of Conté, King of Tortall, and Sir Alanna of Pirate's Swoop
and Olau."
Kol just stared.
"Are two of them mages?" asked Jory abruptly.
"Yes. Why?" asked Briar.
"I can see a blue grow around the man, and a violet glow around the woman
with red hair."
"Anyways," said Niko, glaring at everyone in the party, "we were wondering
if we could stay here until we find what we need."
"Sure," answered Kol
"Okay. We should get some rest, because tomorrow we will find Urala
Geothermalno."
