A/N: Continuation of the sudden inspiration. I'm at a loss as to what should happen next. Everything has been fixed between the real Hayden and me. I feel much better when he's talking to me. As much as I told myself it didn't matter, I find that it really did.

Very long! Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I own the characters but Tortall and it's surrounding areas are owned by Tamora Pierce.

Lady Ribyyn of Hadic

Chapter 12 - Search and Rescue

"We're gonna die," Hayden whispered to himself. "We're so gonna die."

Ribyyn rolled her eyes and pinched her friend, ignoring him when he swore at her. The two thieves sat at the wall that separated the city and the temple district, on their way to the summer palace where Darin had been taken to. Wrapped up in two sweaters and a cloak, Ribyyn felt practically immobile. She envied Hayden, who was able to wander around in the dead of winter in only a thin shirt and never get sick.

"So what's the plan from here?" he asked her, disturbing her thoughts.

"Well," she explained, "if you'd stay silent for more than five seconds I'd be able to think of something."

"You mean there's no plan?"

"Not so far."

"I was right. We're gonna die."

~*~

"Mithros," Roank groaned, "You'd think they'd arrested half the court the way these folk carry on."

Slyde and Roank meandered through Market Street on their way back to the Alexzander home. It hadn't taken much to calm the nerves of the upset thieves. The knowledge that Dasher had been arrested was enough to reassure them.

Slyde sighed deeply. "I wish the second name would hurry up and get released, though something tells me that as soon as it is, I'll regret ever wanting to hear it."

Roank smiled at his companion, "It's just nerves." He sneezed and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Come on man, let's get t' yer house. It's cold as a bitch's heart out here."

Slyde smiled back. "Interesting simile Roank. You're becoming downright intellectual. I'd best watch out for you, else someone'll ship ye off to th' university."

Roank laughed as the Alexzander home came into view. The two men walked up to the door and knocked. Slyde, who was expecting Ribyyn to open the door, was surprised to see his mother answer it.

"Where is she?" his mother demanded as she let the two men into the house. Slyde froze and Roank glanced at his friend, confused.

"Where is who?" Roank asked.

"Ribyyn," Glynice explained. "She's gone. Slyde, I told you not to let her out of the house."

"You speak of her as if she's a dog, Mother," Slyde said bitterly. "And I didn't 'let her out of the house.' She must have gone out by herself. Though it surprises me because I told her to stay inside."

"Was Hayden home?" she asked her son.

"No," Slyde answered shortly and then continued. "Why? He's not home either?" His mother shook her head.

Slyde was quiet for a moment. "What about Darin?" he asked suddenly.

Glynice looked askance at her oldest child. "He's not here either. Why would you worry about him?"

Slyde swore, and his train of thought became suddenly clear to Roank. "They've gone after him haven't they?" Slyde nodded.

"Gone after who? Slyde, what is going on?"

"There was an arrest at the market a few hours ago, Mother. I'll bet it was Darin and I don't know how, but Hayden must know it. Two coppers says he came rushing home to tell Ribyyn the news."

"He probably intended to make her cry," Roank interrupted his friend. "Except, that's illogical. She may be a girl, but she's certainly not a baby."

"It doesn't matter what he intended to make her do," Slyde explained. "The point is he told her and they went out after him."

"Why would they do something stupid like that?" Glynice cried in frustration.

"Because Hayden cares about Ribyyn, Mother. And Ribyyn's not about to let Darin go a second time." Slyde looked down at his feet, shamefaced. "I shouldn't have left her home alone."

"Well," Glynice said, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at her son when she realized he was not making any attempts to leave. "Aren't you going after them?"

"Mother, as much as I'd like to go and stop them, that would be just as stupid. This was hours ago and we've no idea when they left. By now they could be in the palace, and that place is more of a rat trap than the lower city is."

~*~

"Ribyyn, wait." Hayden said. "Let's go back. It's not too late."

Ribyyn looked at her friend as if he'd gone mad. "You must be joking me. Of course it's too late, Hayden. We've already snuck past at least eight guards."

"So, I'll bet you there's more than eight guards ahead of us."

"Hayden," she begged. "Please. I know you don't like Darin but-"

"Who said I didn't like Darin?" Ribyyn didn't bother answering his question. Rather, she settled for giving him an incredulous look. "Alright, fine, I don't like the man that much, but only because I don't really know his motives."

Ribyyn smiled as she poked her head out of the alcove they hid in to see if the coast was clear. "As if your motives were any better."

"They wouldn't hurt you."

"Neither will his. Hayden," she explained, "he's known me since I was little. If anybody's motives were ever crystal clear, it's his. I can read Darin like a book." She grinned to herself as they exited their hidey-hole. "Besides, I hear you've a new love interest."

"She's not a love interest, Ribyyn. She's my friend."

"Mmm-hmm."

"I'm serious."

"I believe you."

"No you don't," Hayden said, glaring at the back of her head. She just chuckled and continue down the hallway. The palace was dark, even though it was only just past sunset. There were no windows except at the ends of the hall and all the rooms that opened up into the passageway were closed. They were having a hard time finding the staircase with the little light they had. Hayden sighed, mumbling to himself about obstinate girls. Ribyyn took a right, then a left, then another right, and finally found some stairs that led down.

"Do you know where we are?" Hayden asked her as they walked down the dark stairway and exited into an even darker corridor, if that were possible. He reached out and grabbed a nearby torch; the first lit one that they'd actually seen.

"No idea," she said shortly, though the smell told her differently. The stench was horrible; a mix of rotting flesh and rotting food. Wherever they were, it certainly wasn't aired out often, or even cleaned. A good scrubbing would probably do the place good. "I'm just hoping we end up in the right place."

"Ribyyn?" came a quiet call. The girl froze. "Ribyyn," the voice said again. "Rib, it's me!"

"Darin?" she whispered, though it seemed louder in the quiet of the dungeon. "Where are you?"

"Over here!" he said softly, and she saw a shadow wave itself down the hall a bit. She and Hayden tiptoed quietly over to the cell that contained the King of Thieves. "What are you two doing here?" the man hissed at them.

"Rescuing you," Ribyyn hissed back as Hayden pulled the lock picks out of his pocket and began to unlock the cell.

"You two shouldn't be here!" Darin snapped at them. "Hayden stop! Leave, both of you! Go home!"

Hayden just stared at the man, surprised at his resistance. "I would," he answered, "but Ribyyn might bite me. And then I might get a disease. I'd rather just deal with the wrath of The Guard if it's all the same to you." He smirked and waited for Darin's response. The Rogue's lips didn't even twitch.

Darin turned to Ribyyn. "Please, Rib," he begged. "You don't know how dangerous it is down here."

"No more dangerous than the lower city," she replied. "Hayden, have you got it?"

"Almost," he said. He heard a click and the door of the cell swung open. He grinned and looked up at Ribyyn. "I am a genius."

"Mmm," she said as she entered the cell, pulling out her own lock picks. She kneeled down next to Darin and began working on the locks on his ankles and wrists.

"Ribyyn, stop," Darin continued to plead. "Lock the door up again and leave. You can do it still. It's not too late. I'll pretend I never saw you."

Ribyyn looked up at him, shock and hurt filled her eyes. "Do you really want me to do that?" she asked. "Do you really want me to turn around and pretend I don't care? To act as if you don't matter?" Darin looked down and shook his head, though the movement was almost unnoticeable. "That's what I thought," she said with a smile as she unlocked the final cuff on his wrist. "Now give me a quick kiss and let's get out of here."

Despite her request, the kiss was nowhere near quick. She could tell by the way Darin hugged her close that he'd truly thought he was dead. Hayden harrumphed to get their attention.

"Might we get moving? This place is foul." Hayden turned around and stalked towards where he and Ribyyn had entered the dungeon. Ribyyn followed and Darin went after her.

Ribyyn's wrist was suddenly grabbed and she was pulled down next to another cell. "Ribyyn," said a husky voice. "You have to get me out of here too."

It was Dasher. As Ribyyn sat up she pulled herself out of his tight grip. "Please," he begged. "You can't leave me here! I'll die!"

"Why should we care?" Hayden scoffed. "You've only ever been nasty to us."

"I'll change," Dasher exclaimed. "I swear to Mithros I will. Just let me out."

Ribyyn bit her lip. The renegade thief was absolutely right. Her morals would not let her leave him there to die. She sighed deeply and rubbed her forehead. "We let you out, and you turn over a new leaf," she offered. "No more attacking innocent children, no more stealing from innocent children, no more fighting The Court. Do we have a deal?"

Dasher nodded emphatically and Ribyyn set herself to work on opening the lock. She had it open in moments and was soon working on the chains on his wrists and ankles. He was out after only a few minutes. Together, he and Ribyyn left the cell.

Walking quietly down the hall, they reached the stairway. It took all of their control not to run up them. The whole scenario was almost dreamlike. It was so simple.

They reached the top and Dasher rushed up to the front of the small group. "Thanks folks," he said with a sly grin. "See ya!" And with that final farewell he ran down the hallway at top speed. The three thieves did not go after him.

"Stupid," Hayden muttered. "I hope he gets caught again."

"Perhaps we should leave," Darin suggested. "We are still three thieves in the royal palace after all."

"Let's go this way," Ribyyn said, and walked off to the right.

"What do you mean, 'let's go this way'?" Darin asked concerned. "Does that mean you don't know where we are?"

"Yes," Hayden said with a sigh. "Slyde always said this place was a rat trap."

The three wandered through the halls aimlessly, without any clue as to where they were or what direction they were heading. Turning down passages on a whim they soon found that the halls were getting more crowded and they were frequently hiding behind curtains and in dark corners.

Together, they turned down another passage only to find themselves in front of two very grand, very large, very heavy, and very expensive looking gilt doors. Behind the doors they could hear the lilting sounds of violins and violas and cellos playing to the tune of "Manchin's Springtime," a popular dance among the nobles. The deep voices of the lords and the light laughs of their ladies filtered through the doors as well. Ribyyn knew immediately what that meant.

"They're having a ball," she groaned.

~*~

Luther walked briskly down the hallway trying to straighten his gold and red page's uniform. He was late to the banquet, and knew he would get a mouthful from Master Oberlin.

He turned the corner just in time to see the heavy door start to swing closed. Running faster, he caught it and slipped into the room un-noticed, heading towards the kitchen.

~*~

"That was close," Hayden muttered from where he, Ribyyn, and Darin crouched behind three large suits of armor. They were mostly hidden, but not very well. If someone looked hard, they would surely be found. He looked over to Ribyyn, who, if Hayden knew her as well as he thought he did, was probably formulating a plan as they sat there. Instead, she was staring with a blank look on her face at the scene before her. "What is it?"

"It's worse than a ball," she whispered. "It's a banquet."

"Well now what?" Darin asked. Hayden realized that, for perhaps the first time, the Thief King was more nervous than he was.

Ribyyn was deep in thought. Suddenly her eyes lit up and the two men knew she had thought up a plan. "Darin," she turned to him, "Do you remember when we were young, how Lady Sienna would hold the feasts?" Darin nodded slowly. "And do you remember how she forced Kalvin and me to go, even though Father said we didn't have to?"

The Rogue nodded again. "Where is this going?" he asked with suspicion.

"Well, we always would escape from them in the middle, remember?" This time Darin gave no response and simply waited for her to continue. "We couldn't just get up from the table and walk out, we had to leave without Lady Sienna catching us." She paused, waiting for one of them to ask how they had done it. Hayden looked at her blankly. Darin's face was skeptical.

Darin finally broke the silence. "Fine. I don't think it'll work, but it's better than going back the way we came."

"Wait," Hayden said, confused. "What's the plan?"

"We crawl underneath all the tables until we reach the kitchens," Ribyyn explained. "The kitchens always have a door leading outside, or at least a stairway leading down to the outside."

"And you know this, how?"

"I am a noble, remember. Now shut up and follow my lead."

"Yes, Your Highness," Hayden muttered to himself, as he followed his two companions.

~*~

Jessalyn of Goldenlake sat at the head table, with her younger brother on her left and her soon-to-be stepmother on her right.

It wasn't that Jessa didn't like Lady Bryttany, it was just that the lady was not her mother. Ever since her mother's death when Karoline was born, Lord Alden's life had revolved around his three children. Now life would be so different, and Jessa hated change. She glanced over at her brother and sister sitting beside her. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Orlando could care less about getting a new mother; he was still Alden's oldest and only son. Karo was thrilled; she'd never experienced having a mother. It seemed to Jessa that she was the only one in a sour mood.

"Jessalyn," Lady Bryttany said sweetly. Jessa winced at the use of her given name. "You're awfully quiet tonight. Is something bothering you?" Jessa looked over at her father's betrothed. She desperately needed somebody to talk to, and usually that person would be her father. He was, however, deep in conversation with King Jonathan. (A/N King Jonathan I that is)

Jessa made a decision. "Lady Bryttany," she began, but the lady interrupted her.

"Please, love. Bryttany will do just fine," the woman said.

Jessa relaxed and smiled. "I have this problem." Bryttany smiled encouragingly. "It has to do with the arrest this afternoon."

Bryttany raised her brows in surprise. "I understand how your sister was involved in that, but I thought it was all settled."

"That part was settled," Jessa told her. "But they said that the first man accused of attacking Karo is still under arrest. He's the King of the thieves."

"How does this concern you, dear?" the older woman asked curiously, taking a sip of her wine.

"He's," Jessa paused. "He's a friend of a friend."

Lady Bryttany raised her brow in disbelief. "You're friends with thieves? Does your father know this?"

"I'm pretty sure," Jessa said with a small smile on her face. "There isn't much I can get past him."

"So your friend is in trouble?"

"Yes, ma'am," Jessa answered politely. "I know there isn't anything we can do though. Not since he's a wanted criminal."

"I'm sorry, Jess." Lady Bryttany sighed and gave the girl a small hug around the shoulders.

Meanwhile, the three thieves were busy sneaking across the grand ballroom. Crawling under tables was very slow. They were always making sure that they were not placing their hands on any feet, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to avoid swinging legs. People were getting restless as they sat at the banquet.

Finally, after what felt like hours, they reached the kitchen doors. "We'll have to make a dash for it," Ribyyn whispered back to her friends. "On three, ready?" They nodded. "One, two, three!" She rushed out from under the table and practically threw herself at the kitchen doors, dropping to her knees and crawling under the counter as soon as she entered. Her two companions followed.

"Now, let's get to that door as fast as possible," she said, and together the three of them set out on their hands and knees to the door.

Suddenly a pair of sturdy feet stepped out in front of her. "And just where do ye three think y'er goin'?" asked a husky, feminine voice. Ribyyn looked up, only to see the intense stare that the head kitchen lady was giving her. "There's work t' be done! Get yer sorry little arses movin'!"

Ribyyn could only stare in amazement at the woman. She thought they were servants. This could either turn out very good or very bad.

Unfortunately, it seemed that the situation was going to be the latter. The woman reached down and grabbed Ribyyn by the ear, tossing her lightly towards the counter and a tray. "I said, get movin' girl! Surely ye know we're short on hands tonight, what with the King here and all. That tray goes t' his table. Make sure yer neither seen nor heard. I want no complaints! Now go!" The old woman turned to the boys. "You," she screamed and pointed at Darin. "In an apron, now! I want those trays to sparkle!"

"And you," she snapped at Hayden. "Take that tray with the bowl to the table in the corner. The ladies need to clean their hands again. Get a move on!"

Ribyyn shot Hayden and Darin a desperate look. Darin only shrugged and put on his apron, while Hayden picked up his tray and walked out the door. Sadly, Ribyyn picked up her tray and followed.

~*~

This is just perfect, Hayden thought to himself. Just peachy. That's the last time I ever listen to one of Ribyyn's ideas. It took all his willpower not to stomp over to his assigned table.

Keeping his head down, so that he wouldn't make eye contact with any of the ladies, he was surprised when he heard one of them say his name.

"Hayden," came a surprised voice.

He looked up to meet the eyes of Min, and immediately lost his voice. Min was here! Why was Min here?

"Hayden, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?"

"I was invited."

"Invited?" Hayden was having trouble controlling the level of his voice. "Why would you be invited to a noble's party?"

"Because my uncle is one."

"You're uncle? But that would make you-"

"A noble as well, yes."

"But your accent-"

"Is fake."

"Your clothes-"

"My brother's hand-me-downs."

"You lied to me!" he hissed.

"No, you assumed things. You should get moving, the other ladies are getting curious." And with that she picked up her glass of wine and guzzled quite a bit of it down.

Min is a noble? Hayden asked himself as he finished letting the remaining ladies clean their hands. A noble. Another noble! Great, just what I needed! The gods must see my life as some wonderful joke. I bet they're laughing at me right now.

~*~

Ribyyn walked nervously to the head table. She, a wanted criminal, had to meet the King. She had to serve the King his food. She was almost positive that Hayden had some form of clairvoyance; they were all going to die. Very soon.

She swallowed and walked up to the King, making sure that she kept her head bowed so that he could not see her face. "Your Majesty," she said softly, dipping a small curtsey and holding the tray out to him.

"Thank you, child," the King said. "Just put it down." The King turned back to the man he'd been speaking to. "Alden, has your daughter met my niece, Mindalyn of King's Reach?" (A/N: This is a real name. I found it on a website.)

A familiar voice answered him. "No, I don't believe so. Jessa, sweet, come here."

The shock that hit Ribyyn made her drop the tray in surprise. Stunned to see the mess she had made and terrified at what she had done she dropped to her knees and lowered her head, babbling an apology.

Jessa, who was standing next to her father, leaned over the mess to see the small, frightened, child. She paled when she recognized the dark curls that fell around the serving girls shoulders.

Alden saw his daughter's face lose it's color and new immediately that there was something wrong. "Child," he said kindly to the girl, "there is no need to apologize. It was simply an accident." He stood up and walked around the table. "Here, get up. Take the tray back to the kitchens and bring us a new one. It's as simple as that." The girl nodded keeping her head down. He cupped his hand under the girl's chin and gasped softly when he saw her blue eyes. It was Jessa's thief friend.

He knew that he shouldn't have been surprised. After all, the girl's friend had been arrested earlier that day. It was only logical that she was in the summer palace (which was, ironically perhaps, being used for a winter betrothal party). However, how she had gotten stuck serving at the banquet was quite beyond his comprehension.

Lord Alden looked over at his daughter, confusion clearly written on his face. "But father," Jessa said, coming to her friend's rescue. "If you send her back, they're sure to punish her."

Seeing that Jessa was trying to get her friend out of a spot, he smiled at his daughter. "You're absolutely right, Jessa. Come with me, lass, we'll explain." He placed a hand on her back and felt her breathe a sigh, perhaps of relief. Together, the two walked towards the kitchen.

Alden noticed that a boy with dark hair was staring at them, his eyes practically bulging from his head. He was serving the ladies at the table where the king's niece sat.

Hayden turned to Min and the other ladies. "I apologize m'lady, but I must get back to the kitchens."

"But we have not been served," protested one of them.

"I know," he said, "and I am sorry, but I must go." He looked a Min desperately and she nodded. Hayden smiled at her and rushed back to the kitchens.

~*~

Ribyyn was unsure of whether she was more nervous before when she thought she was going to be discovered, or now after everything had happened. Alden accompanied her to the kitchens and the moment they entered the door he'd taken her over to a corner. He was currently kneeling in front of her, looking her straight in the eye.

"I believe you have a bit of explaining to do, miss," he said sternly, though not unkindly.

Ribyyn took a deep breath and let out the story of everything that had happened that day. She wasn't quite sure as to why she was telling this man everything. He was, after all, the head of the Royal Guard in Port Caynn, not to mention on good terms with the King of Tortall. But she felt it necessary that he know everything in order to get her out of this horrible spot she'd gotten herself into.

"And now Hayden and I are stuck serving and Darin's washing dishes and we'll never get out of here! Not with Darin, he's too recognizable. At least, we won't get out without help. Could you help us?"

"Ribyyn," he said. It did not surprise her that he knew exactly who she was. "I hate to say this, but there is nothing I can do about your situation-"

She interrupted him. "You don't need to do anything about Darin though! All we need is to get out of the palace. Surely you can do that!"

Alden gave her a skeptical look. It was at that moment that Hayden burst through the doors.

Hayden didn't even take a moment to analyze the situation. He immediately rushed over to the corner in which Alden and Ribyyn stood and put himself between the two of them. "If you so much as touch her," he began, but stopped when Ribyyn placed a hand over his mouth.

"Hayden," she said calmly. "That does not help. He wasn't going to do anything to me, leave be and continue serving." She shoved him towards the door and he exited sadly, as if he were a scolded puppy. Ribyyn could hear Darin laughing over by the sinks.

"Look," Alden said, "stay in here. Go help Darin clean the dishes. Do not, under any circumstances, attract attention to yourself. Keep a low profile. I will be back to get the three of you when the banquet is over."

"But who's going to serve your table?"

"I will ask for someone else. I'll tell the kitchen lady that the King made you nervous. That won't be too much of a lie, will it?" He smiled at her and stood up. Walking over the old woman, he spoke softly with her. She nodded and grimaced, her eyes shooting daggers at Ribyyn all the while. After a small argument Alden turned, winked at Ribyyn, and left.

The old woman walked up to the girl. "Stop staring, girl. Get an apron and clean those dishes! MARTHA," she cried, "I need a new server for the King's table!"

Ribyyn sighed and did as she was told. Joining Darin at the sink, she saw that he was shaking from withheld laughter. "What is it?" she snapped at him.

"Nothing," he said, trying to hide his smirk. It did no good; he let it all out and just laughed.

Ribyyn rolled her eyes and picked up a dirtied dish to wash.

A/N: Well, this is definitely my best chapter yet. I knew Lady Bryttany would come in handy. That was a long chapter too. I didn't know how to end it. The next chapter will start while they are still at the banquet I suppose, because Hayden still needs to find out about Min. R&R!