(A/n: to clarify: Kastriel (not the horse) was a legend of a man who protects people in need, known only to the Bazhir. Most don't believe in him, but some, (Like Warren's mom) do. As it turned out, he was real, and had been helping warren. Now r/r!)

Alanna and Warren soon drifted into the schedule of the Bloody Hawk. They would ride and hunt with the young men, and practice sorcery and talk with the headman. Warren really liked desert life. He got on well with all of the Bazhir: Old and young, man and woman. Though some were wary of the young boy who would become their Voice, they were courteous all the same.

(A/n: I know, I'm rushing it)

About one month later, Jonathan and Myles came south. Alanna was out riding with Warren when she saw the cloud of dust that indicated visitors. Assuming it was Jon, she signaled Warren to follow her. They soon caught up with Jon and Myles.

"Jon! Myles!" yelled Alanna as she got close to her friends.

They smiled and called back. The group rode the rest of the way to the village, where some of the boys cared for their horses. As soon as he had dismounted, Myles hugged his daughter. They exchanged news as Jon and Warren talked. Finally, Myles announced that he needed to wash up.

For a moment Jon looked her over. In one step he had swept her off her feet and twirled her around. When her finally let her down, they also exchanged news, and talked of Warren's education. As the sun set, they went off to their OWN tents.

One week into Jon's stay, another visitor showed up. This time it was George. Alanna was delighted and put-out at the same time to see him. Although she loved him, he had the nasty habit of turning-up at all the wrong moments.

Immediately upon seeing her George leapt off his horse and kissed Alanna. They talked for a long time and sat by each other during the meal. When night came, they settled down next to each other.

"Alanna?" George whispered.

"Hm?"

"Will you come back to the Swoop with me tomorrow? I have that surprise, as promised."

Alanna frowned. "George, I had wanted to stay here for the Ordeal. Jon and Warren need my support."

George pulled her towards him. "So do I, Alanna. Didn't you notice that we're never together anymore?"

She sighed resignedly. "Alright, George. I'll come home, I guess." Inside she was thinking: I told him before we were betrothed that I wouldn't stop roaming. Now he wants me to miss this important event for Warren and Jon?

The next morning Jon was very unhappy to learn that Alanna would be leaving. So was Warren. Both of them wore frowns as they saw Alanna and George off.

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The couple traveled for three days to get to Pirates Swoop. Anxiously George noted the frown she wore, hoping he could make her smile. As the days passed, she began to talk less and brood more. By the time they reached the Swoop, she had made it clear that her thoughts were elsewhere.

"Just close your eyes," George insisted as he led her inside. She obeyed reluctantly. She had never liked surprises.

Once inside, George removed his hand from her eyes and bowed with a flourish. Five musicians stood waiting, and a table had been set up, light with candles, and set with elegant dining ware and wonderful food.

"May I have this dance?" George murmured, offering his arm.

The musicians struck-up a waltz, and George and Alanna danced. They danced for several songs before sitting down to eat. By the end of the night, Alanna was exhausted. She thanked George for the "wonderful" surprise and went to bed. George, of course, followed.

The Knight fell asleep immediately. She tossed and turned in her blankets, moaning, living through terrible dreams. Finally she sat up with a bolt having awakened herself with the cry of "JON!"

This went on for several nights. Eventually, George was awakened by her screaming about Jon.

"Alanna!" He was shaking her, but she didn't respond. "ALANNA!"

She turned to him, pale. "Jon? I need to see Jon."

George looked away dejectedly. "What is it, Lass? What did I do wrong?"

"Oh, no, George! It's not you! It's just…Oh Goddess! Now I remember! Curse it, how could we have forgotten?!"

"We?" George asked meekly.

"Yes, Me and Jon. How could I forget? I'm sorry, George, I have to go."

George watched her quickly leave, wide-eyed, and completely confused.

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She rode as hard and fast as she could. By the time she reached the outskirts of the desert, then sun was about to sink. It was a full moon that night. Warren would become the Voice that night.

Then what about Jon? she asked herself. You remember Ali Mukhtab! HE DIED after the ordeal. What will become of Jon? "He's not sick, though," said Alanna out loud." She knew it was hopeless. If she didn't reach them in time, Jon would die.

The sun was going down very quickly when she reached the village. As fast as she could, she raced to the peak where the Ordeal had been performed the last time. It was getting dark.

Suddenly she heard Jon's voice boom: "United with the desert and the people…"

She ran faster. Her leg muscles began to scream in protest. As she passed the Bazhir crowded around, Halef caught her arm.

"What are you doing?" he hissed.

She gasped for breath, straining to where Jon was performing the Rite.

"After--the Ordeal, Jon will…die," said Alanna through gritted teeth.

Halef Seif turned white.

As Jon chanted the last words and Warren repeated, the blue fire blazed over their heads. Jon had already slashed both of their forearms…the switching of the Voice was about to occur…

Using all of her power, Alanna used it to throw Jon into a faint, hoping to help him escape from the magic. By the time the blaze went down, Warren stood tall by the embers. As one, all of the Bazhir knelt and rumbled : "The Voice."

Alanna rushed to Jon and sat next to his still body. After several drawn-out moments, he stirred and moaned. Alanna leaned down and kissed his cheek. He opened and eye and smiled wearily.

"I'm the first Voice to live through the transition, and that's all I get?"

She chuckled wetly and kissed him. After helping him up, they turned towards Warren. The new voice stood with his hands extending into the air. In a bright flash, a ball of silver was shot into the sky and illuminated the whole village, giving enough light for the feast t begin.

(A/n: That's it! Hope you guys liked it, though I do admit, I don't think I did a very good job on the last chapter. C ya)