At last! HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!! I promise you, I will try to write as much as
possible during this holiday. Here's a sample.
Chapter Four- Presents
Alanna watched as her daughter left the feast at nine. She wasn't the only one. Prince Jonathan saw her leave and sighed. He hadn't got a chance to properly talk to her, let alone dance. George watched him sigh after his daughter. Like father like son. He went over to Alanna, Jon and Thayet to inform them on what he had learned.
"You two have children just like you." He directed the comment to Alanna and Jon.
"What do you mean?" questioned Alanna.
"I mean our Prince has fallen for Liz. Hard. Just like you two did."
Jon glanced at his son, who was talking to Roald. "You've got to be joking. He can't be in love with her. She's impossible to live with."
"It's no joke. Like mother like daughter, like father like son. The only problem is I don't think she feels the same. Or she just doesn't know the way he feel."
Alanna grinned evilly. "Then we just need to find a way to tell her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning Liz woke before dawn. Changing into a white shirt and brown breeches, she left her room to go to the practise courts. It just happened that the court she was in was the one in which Keladry had trained as a page. The special targets for arrows stood, bobbing up and down with every slight puff of wind. Liz grinned; she had seen much harder targets than these.
With a wave of a hand a bow appeared. She strung it expertly and picking up three arrows that were lying by her feet, she positioned all three of them along the string. Without even a glance at the target she let the arrows loose. They soared through the air and landed clustered together in the middle of the target.
She spun round as she heard an applause. Thayet, Kel, Buri Shinko and three other females she had never met were clapping, a look of awe on all of their faces. Liz blushed. She had not expected an audience.
"What are you all doing up this early?"
Thayet grinned. "Every other morning we have a glaive session. It's a Yamani weapon."
"I know what a glaive is. I'm not that ignorant." She eyed the three unfamiliar women. Thayet got the message.
"I don't think you've been introduced. Liz, this is Ilane of Mindelan, Lady Yuki and Lady Haname. You may not have."
A stream of sparrows that flew down and fluttered around Kel, chirping, interrupted her. Kel stared, seeing if she could understand a word of what was going on.
Liz decided to translate. "There are saying a dog called Jump has got himself stuck somewhere and Lalasa is not there to free him. They want you to go and help." She smiled as Kel stared. "I have Wild Magic, like Daine."
Kel nodded her thanks and ran down towards the palace. Liz sighed,
"I still haven't been properly introduced to her." "You probably will soon," said Buri. "Let's see if you're as good with a glaive as you are with every other weapon in this realm." She beamed at Liz.
Liz glared at her and accepted the glaive that was held out by Shinko.
"Give me your best." She smiled evilly, with a look in her eyes.
"Our best just ran of with a group of sparrows so we will give you are second best, Lady Ilane." Lady Ilane stepped forward, bowing to Liz, the Yamani way. Liz bowed back.
"On guard. Ready, set, go!" shouted Thayet, appointing herself as judge.
Ilane made the first move. She lunged forward, thinking it was all new to Liz. Liz made a quick sidestep and swept the glaive down low. A quick dodge from Ilane kept her from falling flat on her face. She looked at Liz while keeping up her defence. Liz was no newcomer to the weapon in her hand. She was well experienced. Liz used her slight lack of attention to her advantage. Another quick swoop made Lady Ilane fall flat on her back. Liz smiled warmly and held out a hand. Ilane took it and slowly got up.
Liz grinned at the amazed Lady, "You are lucky I have no ill notions in my head or I could have sent you flying, don't be so trustworthy." Ilane nodded her thanks while thinking, I'm glad she had no ill notions, otherwise I would be in the Black Gods hands by now. She is more experienced than she looks.
For the second time that morning Liz turned round at the sound of clapping. A group of people had come to watch. It was mostly servant, pages and Riders who were up early. It still consisted of a few knights. One of them being Wyldon of Cavall. When he saw Liz's eyes rest on him he blushed and then turned and made his way up to the castle. Liz nodded to the onlookers and Ilane and then ran to catch up with him.
Since her feet were silent on the ground, Lord Wyldon only new she was there when he felt a sharp tap on his back. He twisted to see the fiery depths of Liz's violet eyes. With red cheeks he bowed down to her. She waited till he had straightened and then said,
"I'm going to be straight with you, Lord Wyldon. I know you don't like my mother or me and I can live with that. The only thing I don't want you to do is hold that against my brother. He is a good boy and deserves to be treated fairly. I know you plan on telling him off for having a chat with me last night and I'm sorry but I can't permit that. It was I who asked him to come in the first place. You can ask Page Lacheran if you don't believe me. I told him to tell Thom he couldn't leave with out saying hello." She stopped for air and watched Lord Wyldon. Amazement filled her. He actually looked like he was thinking about what she had just said. Wow, she thought, I can even get through to the stiffest of men.
After a while Lord Wyldon nodded. "You are right, my Lady." Liz flinched at the title. "I was going to give Page Thom a telling off but I won't. I try not to let my personally feeling to get in the way of my work. I learnt my lesson with Lady Keladry. The only thing I ask in return is you don't spoil him so much." He carried on quickly before she could reply. "With all the present he gets he gives himself airs. Whatever he wants, someone will get him. He needs to learn he can't have every thing his way."
Liz thought over his offer and nodded. "I agree. I want to give him one more gift, because I've already got it, and then he won't get any more unless he deserves it. I expect you to keep your end of the bargain, though."
"Of course I will. I don't break promises." The palace bell tolled, a sign that breakfast was to be served. After a quick nod to Wyldon she walked to the Rider barracks to begin her first day as an archery teacher.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As she entered the Riders mess hall a loud cheer and whistles greeted her. Many people started the whisper about the rumours that had spread about the mysterious lady. On boy wasn't bothers about that, though.
The boy whistled at Liz and said, "What I would pay to get a kiss from her. She is the most gorgeous being in Tortall."
Unfortunately for him, Liz did not consider that as a complement. In a second she had his arm-twisted behind his back.
"You don't what I would pay to have permission break this arm and everything else it's attached to." He whimpered.
The teachers quickly took heed of the situation.
"Liz, will you be as kind as to let go of Trainee Alex's arm. He needs it if he is to learn how to use a bow." Buri glared a warning at Liz. After giving his arm a tight wrench she let go and stepped in front of him.
"I'm sorry. I thought he said he would pay to get his arm twisted by me. I decide I would be chivalrous and do it for free." She walked up to the table they were sitting on, but not without 'accidentally' kicking him on the shin first. She ignored the loud yelp that came from him.
Buri glowered at her and then turned to the gaping Trainees.
"As you may know Archery teacher Master Smith has left and so are temporary stand in is none other than Lady Elizabeth. I believe you have a few things to say to the trainees."
Liz nodded and stepped in front of the table.
"First things first. My name is not Lady, Sir, Master or anything else posh. It's just plain Liz or, if you have to be formal, Elizabeth. I also must make it clear that this is a TEMPORARY arrangement. If Buri and Sarge have a problem to find someone I know a few Shangs who wouldn't mind. I have a particular Shang Centaur in mind. Trust me, if you think I'm harsh you have a lot to learn. The Centaur can hit a moving target blindfolded."
Buri snorted. "Like you couldn't."
Liz smiled. "I probably could, but I have the advantage of being able to change my ears to have the capability of a bats hearing. On that note, like Daine, I have Wild Magic. If I hear a single complaint from any animal you don't want to know how aggressive I can get, though, I tend to be a bit biased on the animals' side of things."
Murmurs went through the crowds of trainees, discussing methods of bribery for their animals, due to their fiery natures. They believed in Liz's threats and did not want to be on the receiving end of her wrath.
"My teaching methods may vary to that of your former teacher and I expect you to adjust immediately. All those of you whose bows do not reach my standards, I will give you a new one. Do not believe soldiers should carry inferior quality weapons."
She nodded to the crowd and then sat back down. The trainees were dismissed and after putting away they're dishes they went for they're first lesson with Liz.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To her surprise, Liz quite enjoyed the lesson that took place. She found that the trainees were much better than she had thought. They spent the whole morning in the fields, until the bell rang for lunch. Liz ate with the trainees and then left to get her room sorted out.
The pages were still in lessons when she went to seek out her brother to give him his gift. She knocked on the door the mathematics class he was in and waited till it was opened. A Mithran priest greeted her.
"Sorry to interrupt your lesson but may I please see Page Thom."
The priest eyed her and said, "I'm sorry but Page Thom is in the middle of a lesson. Can what you need to say wait until he has a free moment."
Liz smiled at him sweetly, too sweetly. "I wish it could but I need to go somewhere this evening and will not have a spare moment. Please can you spare him?"
Thom grinned. He knew a lie when he saw one, though it was very hard to tell when his sister was concerned.
The priest frowned. "How long will you be needing him?"
"Probably till the end of the lesson, though I'll try to make it as quick as possible."
Thom nearly jumped for joy. He hated mathematics and Liz knew it.
The priest's frown deepened but at last he barked, "Page Thom. You may go but you must be back as soon as you are done." Thom got up bowed to the teacher and then left the room.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the room Thom gave his sister a massive hug. She smiled at him and led him to her new room. He walked inside and flopped down in a chair.
"Thanks, sis. I was practically falling asleep in there. He keeps on going on about the most boring things. It makes absolutely no sense at all. I don't know how people can stand it." He sighed.
"You can rattle on about Mathematics or I can tell you the real reason I wanted to talk to you. I promise you'll like it." She beamed at the smaller figure's pleasure. Before leaving the party last night she had had a little chat with Alanna and George.
"You got a sword?" He looked overjoyed.
"Not exactly." She watched his face fall. "I actually thought you would like to pick one from my private collection." His face lit up again.
"You have a private collection of swords?" asked the excited Thom.
"I do have a private collection of sword but it also happens to be a secret, there for you can tell no-one about it, understood." He brother nodded meekly.
"As long as that is clear, I'll show you the way." She put a hand by the base of her neck and, with a small purple flash, a necklace appeared. Hanging on the necklace was an array of tiny key, jewels and other magical looking objects. She tugged on a small key and it fell into her palm.
Walking to a bare wall, using the key, she sketched a rough looking door. After muttering a few words there was a bright flash and instinctively Thom raised his arm to protect his eyes. When he removed his arm a steel door had appeared.
Liz beckoned. Using the key she had removed from the necklace she fit it in the lock and opened the door. The door opened to passage that was lit with torches. A countless number of doors filled the sides of the passage. Liz opened a door about halfway down the passage to reveal a room, also filled with doors. She opened the door to her right and walked in, indicating to Thom to follow. He gasped.
Chapter Four- Presents
Alanna watched as her daughter left the feast at nine. She wasn't the only one. Prince Jonathan saw her leave and sighed. He hadn't got a chance to properly talk to her, let alone dance. George watched him sigh after his daughter. Like father like son. He went over to Alanna, Jon and Thayet to inform them on what he had learned.
"You two have children just like you." He directed the comment to Alanna and Jon.
"What do you mean?" questioned Alanna.
"I mean our Prince has fallen for Liz. Hard. Just like you two did."
Jon glanced at his son, who was talking to Roald. "You've got to be joking. He can't be in love with her. She's impossible to live with."
"It's no joke. Like mother like daughter, like father like son. The only problem is I don't think she feels the same. Or she just doesn't know the way he feel."
Alanna grinned evilly. "Then we just need to find a way to tell her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning Liz woke before dawn. Changing into a white shirt and brown breeches, she left her room to go to the practise courts. It just happened that the court she was in was the one in which Keladry had trained as a page. The special targets for arrows stood, bobbing up and down with every slight puff of wind. Liz grinned; she had seen much harder targets than these.
With a wave of a hand a bow appeared. She strung it expertly and picking up three arrows that were lying by her feet, she positioned all three of them along the string. Without even a glance at the target she let the arrows loose. They soared through the air and landed clustered together in the middle of the target.
She spun round as she heard an applause. Thayet, Kel, Buri Shinko and three other females she had never met were clapping, a look of awe on all of their faces. Liz blushed. She had not expected an audience.
"What are you all doing up this early?"
Thayet grinned. "Every other morning we have a glaive session. It's a Yamani weapon."
"I know what a glaive is. I'm not that ignorant." She eyed the three unfamiliar women. Thayet got the message.
"I don't think you've been introduced. Liz, this is Ilane of Mindelan, Lady Yuki and Lady Haname. You may not have."
A stream of sparrows that flew down and fluttered around Kel, chirping, interrupted her. Kel stared, seeing if she could understand a word of what was going on.
Liz decided to translate. "There are saying a dog called Jump has got himself stuck somewhere and Lalasa is not there to free him. They want you to go and help." She smiled as Kel stared. "I have Wild Magic, like Daine."
Kel nodded her thanks and ran down towards the palace. Liz sighed,
"I still haven't been properly introduced to her." "You probably will soon," said Buri. "Let's see if you're as good with a glaive as you are with every other weapon in this realm." She beamed at Liz.
Liz glared at her and accepted the glaive that was held out by Shinko.
"Give me your best." She smiled evilly, with a look in her eyes.
"Our best just ran of with a group of sparrows so we will give you are second best, Lady Ilane." Lady Ilane stepped forward, bowing to Liz, the Yamani way. Liz bowed back.
"On guard. Ready, set, go!" shouted Thayet, appointing herself as judge.
Ilane made the first move. She lunged forward, thinking it was all new to Liz. Liz made a quick sidestep and swept the glaive down low. A quick dodge from Ilane kept her from falling flat on her face. She looked at Liz while keeping up her defence. Liz was no newcomer to the weapon in her hand. She was well experienced. Liz used her slight lack of attention to her advantage. Another quick swoop made Lady Ilane fall flat on her back. Liz smiled warmly and held out a hand. Ilane took it and slowly got up.
Liz grinned at the amazed Lady, "You are lucky I have no ill notions in my head or I could have sent you flying, don't be so trustworthy." Ilane nodded her thanks while thinking, I'm glad she had no ill notions, otherwise I would be in the Black Gods hands by now. She is more experienced than she looks.
For the second time that morning Liz turned round at the sound of clapping. A group of people had come to watch. It was mostly servant, pages and Riders who were up early. It still consisted of a few knights. One of them being Wyldon of Cavall. When he saw Liz's eyes rest on him he blushed and then turned and made his way up to the castle. Liz nodded to the onlookers and Ilane and then ran to catch up with him.
Since her feet were silent on the ground, Lord Wyldon only new she was there when he felt a sharp tap on his back. He twisted to see the fiery depths of Liz's violet eyes. With red cheeks he bowed down to her. She waited till he had straightened and then said,
"I'm going to be straight with you, Lord Wyldon. I know you don't like my mother or me and I can live with that. The only thing I don't want you to do is hold that against my brother. He is a good boy and deserves to be treated fairly. I know you plan on telling him off for having a chat with me last night and I'm sorry but I can't permit that. It was I who asked him to come in the first place. You can ask Page Lacheran if you don't believe me. I told him to tell Thom he couldn't leave with out saying hello." She stopped for air and watched Lord Wyldon. Amazement filled her. He actually looked like he was thinking about what she had just said. Wow, she thought, I can even get through to the stiffest of men.
After a while Lord Wyldon nodded. "You are right, my Lady." Liz flinched at the title. "I was going to give Page Thom a telling off but I won't. I try not to let my personally feeling to get in the way of my work. I learnt my lesson with Lady Keladry. The only thing I ask in return is you don't spoil him so much." He carried on quickly before she could reply. "With all the present he gets he gives himself airs. Whatever he wants, someone will get him. He needs to learn he can't have every thing his way."
Liz thought over his offer and nodded. "I agree. I want to give him one more gift, because I've already got it, and then he won't get any more unless he deserves it. I expect you to keep your end of the bargain, though."
"Of course I will. I don't break promises." The palace bell tolled, a sign that breakfast was to be served. After a quick nod to Wyldon she walked to the Rider barracks to begin her first day as an archery teacher.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As she entered the Riders mess hall a loud cheer and whistles greeted her. Many people started the whisper about the rumours that had spread about the mysterious lady. On boy wasn't bothers about that, though.
The boy whistled at Liz and said, "What I would pay to get a kiss from her. She is the most gorgeous being in Tortall."
Unfortunately for him, Liz did not consider that as a complement. In a second she had his arm-twisted behind his back.
"You don't what I would pay to have permission break this arm and everything else it's attached to." He whimpered.
The teachers quickly took heed of the situation.
"Liz, will you be as kind as to let go of Trainee Alex's arm. He needs it if he is to learn how to use a bow." Buri glared a warning at Liz. After giving his arm a tight wrench she let go and stepped in front of him.
"I'm sorry. I thought he said he would pay to get his arm twisted by me. I decide I would be chivalrous and do it for free." She walked up to the table they were sitting on, but not without 'accidentally' kicking him on the shin first. She ignored the loud yelp that came from him.
Buri glowered at her and then turned to the gaping Trainees.
"As you may know Archery teacher Master Smith has left and so are temporary stand in is none other than Lady Elizabeth. I believe you have a few things to say to the trainees."
Liz nodded and stepped in front of the table.
"First things first. My name is not Lady, Sir, Master or anything else posh. It's just plain Liz or, if you have to be formal, Elizabeth. I also must make it clear that this is a TEMPORARY arrangement. If Buri and Sarge have a problem to find someone I know a few Shangs who wouldn't mind. I have a particular Shang Centaur in mind. Trust me, if you think I'm harsh you have a lot to learn. The Centaur can hit a moving target blindfolded."
Buri snorted. "Like you couldn't."
Liz smiled. "I probably could, but I have the advantage of being able to change my ears to have the capability of a bats hearing. On that note, like Daine, I have Wild Magic. If I hear a single complaint from any animal you don't want to know how aggressive I can get, though, I tend to be a bit biased on the animals' side of things."
Murmurs went through the crowds of trainees, discussing methods of bribery for their animals, due to their fiery natures. They believed in Liz's threats and did not want to be on the receiving end of her wrath.
"My teaching methods may vary to that of your former teacher and I expect you to adjust immediately. All those of you whose bows do not reach my standards, I will give you a new one. Do not believe soldiers should carry inferior quality weapons."
She nodded to the crowd and then sat back down. The trainees were dismissed and after putting away they're dishes they went for they're first lesson with Liz.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To her surprise, Liz quite enjoyed the lesson that took place. She found that the trainees were much better than she had thought. They spent the whole morning in the fields, until the bell rang for lunch. Liz ate with the trainees and then left to get her room sorted out.
The pages were still in lessons when she went to seek out her brother to give him his gift. She knocked on the door the mathematics class he was in and waited till it was opened. A Mithran priest greeted her.
"Sorry to interrupt your lesson but may I please see Page Thom."
The priest eyed her and said, "I'm sorry but Page Thom is in the middle of a lesson. Can what you need to say wait until he has a free moment."
Liz smiled at him sweetly, too sweetly. "I wish it could but I need to go somewhere this evening and will not have a spare moment. Please can you spare him?"
Thom grinned. He knew a lie when he saw one, though it was very hard to tell when his sister was concerned.
The priest frowned. "How long will you be needing him?"
"Probably till the end of the lesson, though I'll try to make it as quick as possible."
Thom nearly jumped for joy. He hated mathematics and Liz knew it.
The priest's frown deepened but at last he barked, "Page Thom. You may go but you must be back as soon as you are done." Thom got up bowed to the teacher and then left the room.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the room Thom gave his sister a massive hug. She smiled at him and led him to her new room. He walked inside and flopped down in a chair.
"Thanks, sis. I was practically falling asleep in there. He keeps on going on about the most boring things. It makes absolutely no sense at all. I don't know how people can stand it." He sighed.
"You can rattle on about Mathematics or I can tell you the real reason I wanted to talk to you. I promise you'll like it." She beamed at the smaller figure's pleasure. Before leaving the party last night she had had a little chat with Alanna and George.
"You got a sword?" He looked overjoyed.
"Not exactly." She watched his face fall. "I actually thought you would like to pick one from my private collection." His face lit up again.
"You have a private collection of swords?" asked the excited Thom.
"I do have a private collection of sword but it also happens to be a secret, there for you can tell no-one about it, understood." He brother nodded meekly.
"As long as that is clear, I'll show you the way." She put a hand by the base of her neck and, with a small purple flash, a necklace appeared. Hanging on the necklace was an array of tiny key, jewels and other magical looking objects. She tugged on a small key and it fell into her palm.
Walking to a bare wall, using the key, she sketched a rough looking door. After muttering a few words there was a bright flash and instinctively Thom raised his arm to protect his eyes. When he removed his arm a steel door had appeared.
Liz beckoned. Using the key she had removed from the necklace she fit it in the lock and opened the door. The door opened to passage that was lit with torches. A countless number of doors filled the sides of the passage. Liz opened a door about halfway down the passage to reveal a room, also filled with doors. She opened the door to her right and walked in, indicating to Thom to follow. He gasped.