Part 10, at your service! Thanks to those who reviewed, I really appreciate it and hope that you'll keep reviewing from now on. This is going to be another long chapter, so sit back and make yourself comfortable as crosseyedbutterfly presents Part 10~
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Sarah rose an hour before dawn, long before she would normally make herself get up, and went out to the barn to saddle three horses. Onua was already up, brewing three mugs of black coffee and frying some bacon and eggs as she did.
'Thump!' A loud groan came from John's room, and Sarah could hear Onua tease him for denting the floor from the barn. It was spring, and a week later the Procession would be leaving Corus to begin its trip around Tortal.
"Hurry up, guys," called Sarah from the barn, having finished her job, "Or the horses and I might leave without you."
"Yes, ma'am," called John sarcastically as he walked out the door, breakfast in one hand and his coffee in the other with saddle bags slung over his shoulder. Sarah's and Onua's were already on their mounts, and all they had to do now was close up the shack they lived in.
Onua brought out all the food they would need and strapped it to her saddle quickly, only taking the time to hide the key to the door of the barn up in the loft for some neighbors before she swung herself up into her saddle and started off. Sarah and John followed quickly, taking one last look back before they did.
"So where exactly are we going?" asked John as they settled into a brisk trot, not wanting to wear the horses out too fast.
"To the border of Tortal and Galla," explained Onua, glad to feel the breeze on her face. "I have a seller there who always saves a good twenty mounts or so for me of the best quality, and I pay him very well in return."
"Cool," said Sarah, letting her mind wander for a moment. She was thrown back to reality when her horse suddenly stopped. "What the..."
A hand motion from Onua caused her to fall silent and she peered up at the road ahead, wandering what made the horses shift so nervously beneath her. Pure silence surrounded them, the animals of the forest having simply vanished from sight or sound.
A foul stench came upon the winds, and the swish of wings made the trio look up at the sky. A few Stormwings were passing overhead, the bones in their hairs rattling eerily and steel feathered wings glinting brightly. Their human parts looked to be about adolescent aged, and three of them even younger than that.
"What were those?" asked John when they were finally passed and the forest returned to normal.
"Stormwings," replied Onua softly. "They had nesting ground in some cliffs near here, and the villagers occasionally see them fly by. They won't attack though, any who do are sentenced to die the moment they are found."
"Why do they smell so bad?" inquired Sarah as they began to move again. "I almost lost what little I've eaten back there."
"They feed on dead things, humans included," replied Onua, picking up the pace a little. "They smell of what they feed on."
"Great," muttered John as they went on. "What next, killer unicorns or apes with wings?"
"You never know," replied Onua, keeping an eye on the woods around them, "You really never know..."
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Jennifer was cooking at a good pace, keeping the three soups and bread coming that the shop sold for lunch. She had yet to forget about a dish or let the bread get burnt, and for that Roberto was grateful.
"Announcing their majesties, King Jonathan and Queen Thayet!" cried a herald at the door, causing her to almost drop a pan in surprise, what were they doing here?
"Your Highness!" she heard Roberto say, "To what do I owe this great honor of you visiting my humble restaurant?"
"We wish to speak to your helper, the one you called 'Jenny' last time you came and cooked for us," said the King. Jennifer could hear some chairs scraping back, and she assumed they were taking seats as she wiped of her and hands and removed her apron. Taking one last look around to make sure nothing was burning, she walked out to stand beside Roberto and curtsied slightly.
"There you are," said Roberto, knowing by the look in her eyes that she had heard what had been said. "I was about to go get you."
"I'll be quite frank with you, Jennifer," said the King, motioning for her to take a seat. "The Yamanis ate the food that was cooked by you the night this place catered for us, and you were that one the cooked their food. We would like you to come along with us on the Procession as Head Chef of the outdoor kitchens near their living quarters and cook any private meals they might have."
"Me?" gasped Jennifer, looking rather confused. "Wouldn't you rather have Roberto...?"
"No, lass," cut in Roberto, eyes dancing, "You are a much better cook than I, though I'd never admit it if they hadn't said anything."
"Then you'll let her go?" asked the Queen, looking very hopeful.
"I'll let her go if she wishes to, but won't make her if she doesn't want to," replied Roberto, getting up and bowing to the King and Queen. "She's her own person, and a valued friend to my family. I wouldn't stand in her way for all the gold of Tortal." He then left, leaving a very uncomfortable Jennifer with the rulers of Tortal.
"Well, Jennifer," said the Queen softly. "Do you want to go? It would only be for a year and half or so."
"A YEAR AND A HALF??!!" cried Jennifer, rising to her feet. "I don't know if I could stay away from this place for that long!"
"I know it would be hard for you, Jennifer," replied the Queen, giving her husband a silent command to remain quiet and let her handle it. "But we really need you to do this for us. The pay would be good, and the Crown would supply anything that you need during the trip. The only thing you have to do is cook and ride in a supply truck when we move. If you want, we can give you a horse instead and you could ride that and not in the wagon. Any time you aren't cooking you can do as you please, and if you need any thing just come see the King or I."
"Will I be allowed to talk to people?" asked Jennifer, thinking they may treat her as a servant.
"Who ever you wish, just don't pester the more uppity nobles or they might try to get you into trouble," said Thayet, giving the girl a smile. "So will you do it for us?"
"I guess so," said Jennifer, breaking out into a
smile of her own. "After all, one can rarely say that they were Head Chef for
the Procession of Prince Roald and his betrothed Princess."
"No, they certainly cannot,"
replied Thayet with an amused smile. "That will be your honor alone."
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Amanda threw her saddlebags over Moonshadow, her horse as Elizabeth's things were put in place by a holster for her. "Let's go, Liz," called Amanda as she swiftly mounted her mare and settled her self in place. "We've got two days of traveling ahead of us!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" called back Elizabeth, coming out with riding skirts and a durable blouse on Black Mystic, her mare, waited for her patiently as Elizabeth levitated herself up into the saddle and settled there for the long ride ahead.
She hadn't seen Lynx mountain yet, and Amanda wanted to go see the new lands the King had granted them as an apology over Mid-Winter. They were only going to spend a week there, and then ride back to join the Procession and see all the other noble's lands. The main group would leave in two days, and they were glad to get out before the traffic got any worse than it already was.
"What's the guy's name that's been running the fief for us called again?" asked Elizabeth when they had been traveling for about an hour, getting bored of the passing scenery.
"His name is Archibald Regalia's, but everyone calls him Grandfather," replied Amanda, smiling as she remembered the old man. He was in his mid-sixties with five children and numerous grandchildren as well. He was bald on top with a bit of white hair on each side of his head and some in the back; with bushy eyebrows and mustache that were white. His eyes, though lined with wrinkles around them, still twinkled and sparkled as if he were young again, and he had a commanding presence around him that he wore like a cloak.
"How old are his kids?" asked Elizabeth, leaning forward in her saddle slightly with interest.
"The older four are married with kids of their own, the youngest is about 21 or so I think, and he said his name was...hang on and I'll think of it...Levi."
"Can I..."
"No," cut in Amanda, knowing exactly what she was going to ask. "You may not. He'll be the guy running this place when we're not around after his father retires, and I'd prefer that he doesn't have a grudge against us."
Elizabeth grumbled something about not being fair under her breath, but didn't say anything else about it for a while. It didn't last very long though. "But what if..."
"No," interrupted Amanda, turning to face her. "You can't break this guy's heart. If he falls for you, set him straight and let it be. We need him to be our friend."
"Oh, alright..."
[Now that's a first] thought Amanda to herself as they continued on their way. [Elizabeth giving up without a fight. Definitely weird....]
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Mouse, Allie, Vixen, Joe, and few others were up early and getting ready for the day. The Procession was leaving Corus in a few hours, and they planned to be ready!
"Are those at the beginning of the route ready to pick the pockets of any on foot?" asked Vixen as Allie put on a few extra daggers and her vest lined with deep pockets.
"Yep," replied Allie as she went out the door, going to go supervise them. "I'll take care of any young nobles, trust me."
"Are those dressed as servants for the King ready and waiting to do their job?" Vixen asked Mouse as she did a final check for everything.
"Yeah," replied Mouse, straightening her own servant uniform. "We'll clean out the trunks and any guards won't be a problem with me around."
"Are the main snatchers ready to go in and grab some purses?" Vixen asked Joe, everything finally ready.
"You bet," replied Joe, "Me and Alleycat'll follow your lead, Vixen."
"Good," said Vixen, grinning slyly. "Let's go."
Putting on a cloak spelled for invisibility, she walked outside and sat in a corner of an alley, waiting for the first few nobles to pass. Allie and Mouse would already be busy at work, and Joe and Alleycat were up on the roof with bows and arrows incase she was caught and needed a diversion to get away.
The first few horses finally came down the road, clip-clopping their way along as they master's guided them. She glided silently over to them, walking among the horses and nobles completely unnoticed as she took first one's purse, then another. She was careful not to get run into, and made sure no one saw what she did. She even lifted the King's purse, every so carefully, before moving on to the next in line.
An hour later, her vest was full and she could see many of her followers returning to the Dancing Dove. When she saw Mouse and Allie return, she slipped back through the crowd and walked into the Inn, taking off her cloak as she returned to her seat and getting odd looks as she did.
"So, how'd you do?" asked Joe as he came in off the roof, having used a spelled glass to tell where she was. In reply Vixen began to remove purses from her vest, about forty or so in all filled to the brim with gold nobles and such.
"How'd you two do?" Vixen asked Mouse and Allie, leaving Joe to gape at the pile in amazement.
"Pretty good," replied Mouse with a grin, hoisting three sacks of loot onto the table, all full of jewelry and other valuables. Allie just smiled and pulled another sack up, showing it was full of smaller noble's purses and coins she had taken at random.
"I say we cleaned up out there today," commented Allie as she took the bags up stairs to lock them away for safety. The goods would be split up tomorrow, and everyone given their fair share.
"Oh, definitely," replied Vixen with a grin, "Definitely indeed."
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Alyse rode on a bay mare sidesaddle, taking in the scene around her. They were just now leaving Corus, and had gotten her first real tour of the city since she had arrived.
"Pining away over your lover?" asked Lady Haname with a straight face when she had to wave her fan over the girl's eyes to get her attention.
"No," said Alyse, blushing slightly. "I've just never seen any of this before."
"That's what they all say, dear," replied Lady Haname, eyes dancing with mischief as Alyse unfurled her fan to hide her flushed face. "Why don't you go ask Yuki where she was during dinner last night," she said at last, trying to get the Lady off her tail.
"Yes, where were you?" Lady Haname asked Yuki, turning to the younger girl on her other side. "You didn't get in until late and nobody knew where you were the whole afternoon."
"Visiting some friends...."
"Especially one named Neal," added Alyse, watching as now Yuki unfurled her fan to hide her face.
"Both of you need to be careful," said Lady Haname calmly, "We can't have two fragile ladies like you getting hurt by some men."
"I wouldn't worry about these two," said Shinko from her mount on the other side of Yuki. "Those of Warrior class and take care of themselves. Alyse bowed her head slightly, trying to keep her blush from returning.
"And I would hardly call any of you fragile," said Queen Thayet from her own horse a few over. "I have yet to actually beat one of you with a glaive."
"That has little to do with the heart," said Lady Haname rather dryly.
The stifled giggles that followed even made her smile slightly, the young lady urging her mount slightly ahead of everyone else's. [Who knows] thought Alyse as she fought to keep from smiling so openly. [Maybe there will be some matters of the heart very soon...]
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Kyle stood in Baron Emery's coop for his hunting birds, going around and looking them over carefully. He liked holding them, and watching then soar in the sky above. He could even hear their thoughts if he tried hard enough.
'The water's getting stale' he heard one voice say. 'I wish they'd have the sense to change it every few days or so.' He immediately went and emptied it, filling it to the brim and placing it on the shelf where it was kept. 'That's better.'
He went around and continued to look at them and do what he could to make them happy. [Why can I understand what he's saying?] thought Kyle as he let a hawk perch on his arm and tell him about the draft coming through his cage. [I could never do this on Earth]
The next hawk was one of the Baron's favorites, and she chattered on about some male across the coop that wouldn't leave her alone. With him as a mediator, they got it straightened out and he left when he heard someone calling for him.
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Lyssa sat with Danielle in the sitting room of Coram's fief, talking about the Procession. "I have to leave in a few days to go meet the King and Queen and to show the world the I'm not some idiot he felt sorry for," said Lyssa glumly, not wanting to leave the beautiful fief.
"Lucky," sighed Danielle, resting her head on her arm. "You get to go see all the handsome men and dance with them after you beat them in the rings."
"True," replied Lyssa with a shrug, "But some them are real air heads, if those Coram had at his last party are anything to go by."
Danielle shuddered, remembering some of the sons of the fiefs near by. "I'd have to agree with you there," she murmured, shaking her head as she did. "Still, I'll miss not being able to run over here and talk to you when ever it gets to unbearable back home."
"Eric'll still be here," said Lyssa, looking up to see him walk in the door. "Speak of the devil."
"Talking about me, ladies?" he said formally as he flopped down on the couch across from them.
"If your dad sees you..." warned Lyssa, giving him an odd look.
"Pa's on a trip and won't return until later tonight, ok?" said Eric lazily. "Now what was that about me? I heard my name as I walked in."
"I was just saying that you'll be here for her to talk to when I'm gone," said Lyssa, giving him the look that meant he better not refuse.
"But my da'll kill me!" objected Eric as he sat up quickly. "He already threatens to beat me for hanging out with you, and you're as good as a guy."
"Ever think it's because of that fact that he doesn't like me?" said Lyssa slowly.
"Ohh..."
"Don't tell me his pa is one of those guys who thinks women should be mothers and that's all," groaned Danielle, making a face as she did.
"He is."
"Those morons will never get it."
"Tell me about it."
Lyssa leaned back as they began yet another gripe session about over-masculine men who tried to put women on a pedestal. Life was good.
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Kyle helped the servants pack his things, telling them what things besides his clothes and personal effects he was taking. They were leaving in a few hours and he wanted to make sure things like his falconer's glove and leash weren't staying behind.
"Are you ready to go, boy?" asked Baron Emery as he came in Kyle's room.
"Yes sir, just as soon as all this gets down stairs we can leave," he replied, grabbing a bag himself. A short while later they were on the road towards the Procession and Kyle's first introduction to the court of Tortal.
"So, why exactly do I need to come?" asked Kyle when they were going pretty good and felt it was a good time to ask.
"To find a suitable wife, of course," replied the Baron gruffly, pulling out a sheet of paper from his jacket and handing it to his steward to sat across from them. They were in a large carriage since the Baron didn't care to ride and Kyle hadn't learned yet. "It is necessary for me to be sure that you are settled well before my death, and I wish to see my grand-children as well." He made a motion with his hand and the steward unfolded the paper, handing it to Kyle silently. On it was a list of twenty eligible women about his age who were going to be there.
"What do you want me to do with this list?" asked Kyle, still being slightly confused.
"Check out those who are on there when we get there and see if you think they're marryable or not," explained the Baron, leaning back to puff on his pipe. "I've been watching them for awhile, and I think they're going to be the best choices among those there. I'll bet that I may've missed a few, but its the best I could do."
"Um, thanks, I guess..." mumbled Kyle, reading over the list. This was going to be a very long carriage ride.
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Libby and Artman looked sadly back at the group of friends they were leaving behind as they rode with the King's Own back to Corus. Sunset Dragon Tribe had been very kind to them, and they were going to miss all the wonderful people they had met there.
"Are you alright?" Kel asked Libby, looking at her sideways from her horse.
"Yeah," sighed Libby. "I'll be fine."
"Cheer up, Lib," said Artman kindly. "We'll be seeing some others we know real soon."
"Is that why you're coming with us to Corus?" asked Kel.
"Yep, I guess," replied Libby, trying smile.
"Who do you know in Corus?"
"Some old friends," replied Libby lightly, remembering what Trystan had said about not telling any body about it.
"That'll be fun."
"Oh yeah," muttered Artman to himself. "It'll be barrels of fun trying to track down a group of people that we have no idea where they are and can't ask for help in finding."
"Did you say something, Artman?" asked Libby as they galloped along.
"Nothing," he replied quickly. "Nothing at all..."
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Sarah and Jon sat back and watched as Onua haggled with dealers for lead ropes and another set of saddlebags. "She's good," murmured Jon as they watched. "Everyone has given her the first price she asked for."
"After finding out she's as unmovable as a boulder and they aren't going to be able to fool her," added Sarah, walking towards her as she finished her shopping and motioned for them to help her carry everything.
They had twenty-three in their herd, ten geldings and thirteen mares, waiting for them in a pen near by with Onua's dog Tahoi. "Down, boy!" ordered Jon when the dog tried to knock him over by jumping on him. "Dumb dog, I said down!"
Tahoi growled and snapped at his toes, making Jon feel like kicking him. A result that would only get him bit, though. He didn't feel like losing any more blood today after getting nipped by several nosy mares.
"Are you two ready to go home?" asked Onua after they finished putting leads on the horses and were ready to go.
"Yeah," replied Jon. "I want to sleep in a bed again."
"I agree," added Sarah.
"So I do," replied Onua with a smile. "Let's go."
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Jennifer felt a little lost in the swarms of people all around her, but did her best to listen to the man who was explaining to her how the kitchens worked. "You only cook what's on the menu unless you get a special order from a noble or a Yamanis, ok?" he said quickly. "Most cooks will also cook special favor meals for their pals, that's up to you. It's not against the rules, but you have to clean up any mess they make and if it causes any sort of a ruckus you can't do it anymore, understand?"
"I think so," said Jennifer softly, smoothing the edges of her apron. "Can I get to work now?"
"Yeah, people should start coming by soon, and you'll get a list everyday of what the meals will be. Right now it's beef stew with rolls and a salad so I suggest you get going." With that, the man vanished into the crowd leaving Jennifer feeling very alone for the first time in awhile.
"Are the new cook?" asked a young girl who was behind the counter when she got around it.
"Yeah," replied Jennifer. "Who are you?"
"I'm your helper for today," said the girl, curtsying slightly. "My names Annalisa, but everyone calls Annie."
"Alright then Annie," said Jennifer briskly. "Can you make a salad for me while I get the rest of the food ready?" The girl nodded and disappeared behind the wall hid the supplies from view. [Maybe this won't be so bad] thought Jennifer as she got everything that she needed out. [Maybe it won't after all...]
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Amanda and Elizabeth had been at their fief for two days and were planning to leave the next day, having accomplished everything they had set out to do. Amanda had surveyed the lands and found them to be exactly what she needed. Half she sold to farmers to expand their lands and half she left as woods to house the many lynx and bears that roamed the mountain she lived on.
Elizabeth had completely explored their large house and found it to be very much to her liking, full of little nooks and crannies. Her room was across the hall from Amanda's; and both had their own bathroom, sitting room, and changing room within it.
At the end of that hall was a large study that had a desk with shelves of books and couches around the fireplace at one end. Amanda was walking noiselessly down the hall, her ankle-high boots like cat paws on the thick rugs that were scattered over the floors. The study she used as her private office and at the moment she was heading for it so she could find a book on agriculture.
About halfway she heard a noise coming from it. Peeking around the door showed a tall youth who looked to be about 19 or 20 lounged on one of her couches stuffing his face with fruit from a bowl on her table and slurping juice from a pitcher beside it. Unsheathing her sword, she bottled up her anger and snuck up behind him, not letting him know she was there until her sword's point was at his throat.
"Who are you?" she growled softly, watching with self-satisfaction as his eyes got as wide as baseballs and his jaw dropped almost to the floor. "You'd better have a heck of an excuse-"
"I see you've met my son, Lady Amanda," cut in Grandfather from the door, leaning against it with a small smile hidden from view.
"Your son?" said Amanda, still slightly suspicious. She put up her sword and back off, going to walk over to Grandfather. "When did he get in?"
"Just a few minutes ago. I've been looking for you so you could meet him, apparently you already did," replied Grandfather, doing his best not to laugh. Amanda looked less than happy and Levi like he had just seen a ghost.
"You should learn better manners boy," said Amanda coldly, "It's not polite to eat and drink someone else's meal without asking."
"My apologizes, Lady Amanda," he said meekly, bowing low to her. "I accept the fact that I was in the wrong and ask for your forgiveness." He was once more shocked when she smiled and began to laugh. Another voice joined hers, and he looked up to see her sister, Lady Elizabeth, standing next to her.
"That was rather amusing," admitted Elizabeth when she could speak once more, going and sitting on Amanda's desk. Amanda went and sat behind it, looking Levi over critically to see how he would do as the ruler of her fief in her absence.
He was about 5' 10" or 11" with black hair and dark skin, dark eyes that glimmered with intelligence and mischief, and a thin, lanky body that gave him a very relaxed look. He was obviously strong, having broad shoulders and firm stance, and his over all appearance was one of power and authority. That is, when he wasn't flustered or caught doing something he shouldn't be doing.
"I take it I'm forgiven?" he asked confusedly, looking rather lost.
"Like it never happened," sighed Amanda, leaning back and putting her feet on her desk. She motioned for him and his father to take a seat before she went on. "I guess you'll do as a steward, we'll have to work on you manners, of course..."
"I take it I won't ever hear the end of that either, huh?" he asked, grinning ruefully.
"It'll teach you not to do things you shouldn't around Amanda," replied Elizabeth, grinning a rather toothy grin.
"Stop scaring the boy, Liz," Amanda rebuked her gently when she saw him shuddered slightly. "I don't need him to die of fright at the moment." Elizabeth pretended to be hurt, but punched Amanda in the shoulder anyway.
"Lady Amanda..."
"The names Amanda," she interrupted him. "You will address me as such unless there is important company here who would consider it rude, understand?"
"Yes Amanda," replied Levi, looking a little confused. "When will you two be back here again?"
"After the Procession," replied Amanda, turning away to look out the window. "I want to spend next summer and fall here, then winter at the palace to take care of any 'royal duties' I may have."
"Royal duties?" asked Grandfather, looking rather confused.
"Going to balls, trying to catch a husband, etc, etc..." Amanda's bored tone caused Elizabeth and Grandfather to burst out laughing as Levi tried not to. "Well I'm glad someone thinks it's funny..."
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Vixen, Mouse, and Allie stood outside Madame Cooper's shop, talking quietly. "I'm going in," said Vixen at last. "George said she was trustworthy, and I believe him."
"You'd believe him if he said the moon was made of cheese," grumbled Allie, being less trusting of this women. They walking inside and ran the bell at the counter, waiting patiently for who ever it was who was here. A tall, thin woman with brown hair and only a streak of white to show here age, came out from a back room and greeted them warmly.
"Hello," she said with a smile. "I'm Madame Cooper, what can I do for you?"
"We're friends of your son's, George," said Vixen, coming forward a little. "We need a charm of sorts, if you have any."
"I have many kinds of charms," replied Madame Cooper, "Come on back to my work room and we'll see what I find for you. How exactly do you know my son?"
"I'm the Queen of the Rouge," said Vixen softly, looking her in the eye.
"Oh, come on then," she said, turning quickly. "George had a feeling you might be coming by eventually, and he left instructions that you were to be given this." She pulled a small bag and handed it to Vixen, bidding her to open it.
Vixen did, and inside was a small charm, in the shape of an eye, made of copper on a silver chain. She slipped it on and looked around, surprised at what she saw. A few of the shelves had items that weren't there before that glowed slightly, and she could see a hole in the wall, something in it that glowed as well.
"What's wrong?" Mouse asked Allie. Vixen turned to see her looking very nervous, shifting back and forth from one foot to another.
"I'm just tired, that's all," said Allie. Vixen suddenly saw her flash red and said, "You're lying to me."
"What all does that charm do?" Mouse asked Madame Cooper as the other argued about whether or not she Allie telling the truth or not.
"It tells one if someone it telling the truth or not, counter acts simple invisibility spells and cloaks, protects one from mild poisons, and gives the wearer a boost of energy in tough spots," explained the healer, listing everything off on her fingers.
"Can we have two more?" asked Mouse, pulling out her purse. "Me and Allie should have one too."
Madame Cooper pulled out two more bags and handed them to her, smiling slightly. "George got one for you two too. Yours has the same charm, and Allie's is slightly altered to also work as a pregnancy charm."
"A what charm?" asked Allie, forgetting about her argument with Vixen for a moment.
"A pregnancy charm," explained Madame Cooper. "It keeps you from having babies."
"Sweet," said Allie, slipping it over her head with a grin.
"How much do we owe you?" asked Vixen, reaching for a pouch inside her vest.
"Nothing," said Madame Cooper, smiling warmly. "George paid for them because he wants you three to run his Rouge, says you'll take care of them all for him."
"Tell him we'll do our best!" said Vixen over her shoulder as she walked out the door.
"I'll be sure to, missy," replied Madame Cooper sincerely. "I'll be sure to."
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Alyse walked around the bustling camp with Yuki, Neal, Owen, and Merric beside her. They passed an outdoor kitchen and went on, the tents getting less and less crowed as they got to the edge of the camp. At last they were completely free of the camp, walking among the trees beside a small pond.
"I must say, that kimono looks lovely on you today," said Owen to Yuki, hoping to score some points with her. "You look as fragile and perfect as a glass swan."
"Yet I am not," replied Yuki, her face a mask from emotions.
"What do you mean 'Yet you're not'?" asked Neal in surprise. "You're very lovely indeed."
"That may be," replied Yuki, hiding a small smile. "But I am certainly not fragile."
"I never meant to imply that you weak," apologized Owen, bowing slightly. "But your appearance does make you look that way."
"Looks can be deceiving," said Alyse, drawing out a fan and slashing towards a tree. A stream of green energy came from the fan, slicing the tree neatly in half. "That was certainly not weak."
"Very true," said Neal in awe, trying not too look surprised, "Very true indeed."
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Lyssa had been in the saddle for the better part of three days now, trying to catch up to the Procession with Ripshka, Coram, and a steward named Hank at her side.
"We're almost there," said Coram as they stopped at the top of a hill, over looking a huge encampment the size of the town it was stopped at.
"Oh, goody," said Lyssa sarcastically, being tired and sore from the traveling. "Can I sleep when we get there?"
"No, you have to go meet the King and Queen and then go explore the camp so you don't get lost," said Coram, trying not to smile as she glared at him.
"Let's go and get this over with," she sighed, galloping down ahead of them all on the bay gelding that Coram had given her a month ago.
About a half an hour later, they had tents in the camp, and were meeting the monarchs of Tortal at the fief's manor near by.
"Your majesty," said Coram politely, "I wish to present Commander Lyssa, head of the Trebond garrison."
"You highness," said Lyssa, bowing gravely.
"It is good to meet the Commander whom many have spoken about," said the King, bowing in return. "I understand you have worked wonders up there, Commander."
"I did my best, King Jonathan," replied Lyssa, standing as tall as her 5'3" frame would let her.
"And your best has done much better than most thought it would be," said the King kindly. "I look forward to seeing your men drill and maybe seeing you compete in the rings, Commander Lyssa."
"Yes, your highness," she replied, following Coram out as he dismissed them.
"See, that wasn't so bad," said Coram when they were far away. Lyssa's stomach growled just then, loud enough that Coram heard it from beside her. "What say we go get some food, hm?"
"Sure," replied Lyssa, seeing an outdoor kitchen near by. "That place right there looks good." They walked in and found it to be fairly empty, it being between meals and all.
"What can I do for you?" asked a redheaded young woman who was working behind the counter, having pale skin and freckles and a warm smile to boot.
"Two of whatever it is you're serving," said Coram, taking a seat at the counter. Lyssa sat next to him, accepting a cup of water from the cook before she disappeared to the back part of the kitchen.
"That was fast," she observed when the cook returned just a few moments later with two dishes full of noodles and some sauce put over them.
"Thanks," said the cook, ducking her head slightly. "Anything else?"
"Nope, thanks," replied Coram, digging into his food.
"What's your name?" asked Lyssa as she started to eat, needing someone to talk to.
"Jennifer," replied the cook, taking a pie out from an oven as she did.
"This food is great, Jennifer," said Lyssa. "I'm Lyssa."
"It's nice to meet you, Lyssa," she replied, putting the pie to the side to cool and putting another in its place in the oven. "Did you just get here?"
"Yeah, I'll be sure to make this my favorite stop to eat if the food's always this good," said Lyssa, finishing her meal about the same time Coram did. "This big lug is my boss, Sir Coram of Trebond."
"Call me Coram," he said, eyeing the pie hungrily. "Are those up to be eaten?"
"You can have some, if you like," said Jennifer, cutting him a slice and putting it on his plate."
"Mm, thanks."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Artman and Libby spent a few weeks at the empty palace with the King's Own, resting and getting used to their new surroundings as they did. The pair made good friends with Kel, Dom, and Raoul as they waited, having little else to do than talk, practice with their gift, and explore the palace grounds.
At last they went, after having had Court messenger come and tell them to hurry up or else. Right now they were on a rise over the city of Whitehorn where the Procession was just passing through.
The Royal courier who had twittered at Raoul's elbow all the way from Corus said, "My lord Knight Commander, who do we hesitate? The King was quite firm-"
"So you've said. Often," Raoul growled, black eyes smoldering. He raised his voice, "My dears, there's no help for it. Let us join in the panoply." He urged Amberfire into a careful walk. Libby snickered quietly as Artman tried not to smile at his obvious dislike of the whole thing.
Lerant handed the spyglass to Kel and hoisted the Knight Commander's banner, setting his mount forward. Flyndan joined him, his doughy face as gloomy as Raoul's.
"Not too fast," called Raoul. "Let's not scare anyone."
"His majesty said with all deliberate speed!" chirped the courier. He flinched under Lerant's gaze.
"That's how we're doing it," Raoul told him. "Deliberately."
Kel hid a smile as she glanced at their two tag-along mages. She had told those two about how Raoul had argued that one company of the King's Own was enough, but had been overruled and here they were. They merged with the progress, Third Company behind ranks of nobles as Raoul, attended by Kel and followed by Libby and Artman, caught up with the Monarchs.
The King glanced at Raoul. In a less exalted man his expression may've been called a scowl. Prince Eirato let Raoul take his place. The King and Raoul talked quietly for a few moments, both men's faces and the hand motions they made obvious that they were disagreeing over something. Kel was struggling to keep her face straight, and Libby guessed that what ever was going on she found to be quiet amusing.
At last they were done and Raoul said, "King Jonathan, two Shaman's came from the Brazir tribes with us and they are here now."
The King looked over there and noted that they were still dressed as Brazir and were riding the small mares that most Brazir possessed. "What are your names?" he asked, his mood lightening considerably.
"She's Libby and I'm Artman," replied Artman. "We wished to travel some and see the rest of the world."
"I see," said the King lightly, looking them over one more time. "Have them give you a tent near Lord Raoul's. Come see me later when the camp is set up. And Raoul? I expect you to be on time for social events!"
"Sire," Raoul said, bowing deeply in his saddle. Libby and Artman followed suit before following Kel and Raoul out of the main parade.
They found Lord Senechal who about had a heart attack when he found he had to find places for the Knight Commander, his Squire, and their two Mage guests. He squawked out some orders and went on to his next orders, telling a man near by to take them to their spot in the camp.
The man he had summoned gave a few more commands and led them to their designated spot, telling them about the privies and the outdoor kitchens that were sporadically placed around the camp. By the time he finished talking, they reached two large tents set up with a smaller one connected to the first one for Kel.
"And they said a stolen Griffin's unlucky," Raoul told they smugly as they went in their tents.
"That was certainly interesting," commented Artman as they began to unpack their things and set up for the night.
"Yeah it was," replied Libby as she took out the scrolls Trystan had given her. "I wonder what will happen next."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle and his father had finally arrived at the Procession, riding into the camp as the carriage made it's way to the quarters at the fief that had been prepared for them. Being a prominent noble, Baron Emery had arranged for rooms to be set-aside for them at every stop on the Procession.
"Would you like to go see their majesties first, or go get settled in?" asked the Baron as the carriage stopped and they climbed stiffly out into the open.
"Let's go see theses rulers of Tortal and get it over with," said Kyle, stretching his legs and straightening his tunic. Running a hand through his dark brown hair, he followed the Baron to a huge, decorated tent where the monarchs where staying.
"Presenting Baron Emery of Crescent Hollow!" called the herald as they entered the tent, getting the attention of the few people who were in there.
"Your majesties," said the Baron, bowing to a tall, black haired, blue eyed man with a silver crown and a black haired, bright eyed woman beside him.
"Baron Emery," said the King brightly, bowing in turn. "It's good to see you again. I hope your trip was an easy one?"
"As easy as can be expected," replied the Baron, eyes glinting mischeviously. "May I present my adopted son, Kyle, who will be inheriting the fief of mine in a few years?" Kyle bowed as the rulers looked him over, trying not to show his nervousness as he did.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," said the Queen, eyes dancing as she noticed a few of her ladies in waiting looking over the young man with appreciation. "I hope you have enjoyed your time with the Baron?"
"Yes," said Kyle politely, trying not to stare at the Queen. She wasn't know as the Peerless for nothing, and he wasn't sure he could ever stop looking at her. "The Baron has been very kind in taking me in."
"I'm sure he has," said the King, smiling kindly. "It was very nice to meet you, Kyle. But I'm afraid I have some business to attend to and must leave now."
"We need to go get settled in anyways," said the Baron, practically dragging the drooling Kyle out the door. "We will be seeing you later, then?"
"Of course," replied the King. "Until then."
"Until then."
"Oh my gosh she's hot," sighed Kyle when he had snapped out of it.
"No kidding," said the Baron, grinning foolishly. "If I were a younger man..."
"Which you certainly aren't," snorted Kyle, getting a glare from the Baron.
"Watch your tongue, boy."
"Is that possible?" asked Kyle as he tried to see his tongue and talk at the same time.
"You know what I mean, boy..."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Sarah and John stood on the hill that over looked Corus, eyes wide with wonder, it was like nothing they had ever seen. "Come on, you two!" called Onua from farther ahead. "I want to get home!"
"Coming!" called John back, dragging Sarah with him. They went through the partially empty streets until they reached the palace, looking fairly empty with the absence of the monarchs and their nobles and servants. A few people were about, but not many at all.
"We'll take the horses around the back," explained Onua as she led them through a side gate. "This is the fastest way to the pen where they'll stay." They did as she said and soon were taking a tour of the Rider facilities, liking what they saw.
"You'll both have a bunk in the dorms," said Penny, their guide, as she helped them carry their things to the girls and boys dorm. "And if you want to change you'll have to talk to Onua or Sarge."
"I think we'll be fine," replied Sarah, quickly claiming a bed for herself as John did the same in the other room. "Where can we get something to eat?"
"Mess hall's this way," said Penny, leading the way as soon as they were ready, "I think lunch is sandwiches and some other stuff." She showed them how to go through the line, get a tray and get it full of food as she went. They sat near the back with a few others, talking about random things as they did.
"What do you think of this place?" asked one of the Riders, being here to help with the trainees.
"It's pretty nice," replied John between shoveling food down his throat and gulping his tankard of juice. "I almost wish we could stay here instead of the barn a ways from here."
"Don't talk with your mouth full," chastised Sarah, nudging him in the ribs. "It's not polite.
"Yeah, well neither is elbowing me..." grumbled John, shoveling the food down even faster.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Vixen stood in the back courtyard of the Dancing Dove, Joe and three other young ones with them. "So, you want us to teach you how to fight?" she said to the oldest one, a boy of 9 or so, as she tried to keep a straight face.
"Yeah," replied the boy, "We can't keep ourselves safe if we can't. When do we start?"
"Right now," said Joe, taking off his boots and vest. "How much do you three know?"
"Enough," replied one of his pals, trying to act tough. Vixen took a knife and threw it just so it would miss his head and hit the pole behind him.
"Obviously not," she sighed, watching him just stand there in shock. "You have to know how to get out of the way when you can't block it."
They spent the next three hours going over simple kicks, punches, blocks, and rolls until the Queen and her friends felt they were more prepared than they were before.
"Now, if I hear that you used what you've learned to bully others..." warned Vixen, tossing a knife around with one hand.
"We won't!" chorused the three, running off to get home before it was too late. "We promise!"
"As if their word's any good," murmured Joe as he pulled his boot back on. "They're thieves." Vixen just laughed, happy to be where she was.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse sat beside Princess Shinko as she served her, Yuki, Lady Haname, and Kel green tea as they played with Jump and the Sparrows. Finally, Shinko stood and asked, "Anyone for a game of fan toss?"
"I haven't played in years," Kel demurred, but she followed them outside anyways.
Alyse watched Shinko produce a fan and offer it to Kel. The shukusen was as heavy as she remembered, cherry-red silk on thin, elegantly pierced steel ribs that were dull at the base and sharp on the ends. Kel opened the, closed her eyes for a moment, and tossed it up, giving it a spin to flip it over. She caught it, the base thunking neatly into her palm.
"See?" asked Yuki. "Your body remembers."
"My body also remembers days in the saddle in the rain," said Kel, straight-faced. "That doesn't mean I like it." Alyse hid smiles with the other three, they liked Kel's sense of humor.
The five young women formed a circle on the grass outside Shinko's tent. They started by throwing the fan low. Kel missed the proper flip twice, sending the open fan edge-first into the ground. She retrieved and cleaned it, hiding embarrassment as the ladies hid smiles.
On they played, throwing the fan a little higher each time it completed a circuit of the group. It looked like a scarlet butterfly as it turned and spun in the air. The Yamani ladies were as graceful as dancers, Shinkokami in a pink Kimono for the afternoon, Yuki in pale blue, Lady Haname in cream with bamboo printed in green, and Alyse in light green with fans printed in yellow. Kel didn't try to be as graceful. She stood well braced, her eyes on that whirling crimson silk. At last she found the rhythm and was catching it one-handed herself.
Alyse hid her laughter as the afternoon sun shone pleasantly about them, life was good.
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Jennifer stood in her kitchen, watching a scarlet fan from over the tents every time one of the Yamani threw it in the air. A small crowd was gathering, so she couldn't see the throwers themselves, but the fan was beautiful, and she would've dropped everything just to watch it if she hadn't been working.
"That fan is so lovely," sighed Annie, watching it wistfully.
"Go closer and take a look," offered Jennifer kindly. "I'll stay here and take care of things for awhile by myself."
"I can go?" asked Annie excitedly, taking off her apron and washing her hands in the basin by the door. "Thanks Jenny!"
She ran off, leaving Jennifer to serve the camp people and make the food herself. [Oh well] she thought as she mixed another batch of piecrust. [It is quite stunning from here anyways and I'm just glad to have gotten to see it.]
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Lyssa saw the fan over the tops of the tents, stopping for a moment before she kept on walking towards the outdoor kitchen Jennifer was at. [Man, I wish I could go and watch that] she thought to herself as she turned to watch it every once in awhile. [But I promised Jennifer I'd go and help her out today for awhile...] She sighed in regret and kept walking. Oh well, maybe they'd do it again later and she'd get to see it.
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Libby and Artman sat under a tree near by the Yamani Ladies as they threw the scarlet fan around their group. "Isn't it pretty?" asked Libby as she watched them in fascination.
"Yeah, I guess so," replied Artman as he closed his eyes and began to doze off in the sun. The lady with a green kimono printed with yellow fans had her back to them, but they could tell by the way she handled the fan she knew exactly what she was doing. Probably more than any other person playing.
"Do you think they'd teach me to do that?" Libby asked Artman.
"..zzzzz...."
"Artman?"
"..zzzzz..." Libby sighed and leaned against him, wishing he hadn't fallen asleep, but then began to feel drowsy herself and napped with him in the sun.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Amanda and Elizabeth galloped down the road, slowing down only when they were close to the camp of the Procession. Amanda was looking over things as Elizabeth batted her eyes at some cute nobles she had never seen before near by.
"Hey, look at that!" said Amanda, getting Elizabeth's attention. From where they were, they could see a brilliantly colored fan flying up in graceful curves. "I'm going to go take a look at that!"
"No you don't!" cried Elizabeth, grabbing onto the reins of Amanda's horse. "We have to go report to their majesties and then get our stuff put up. Let's go before we miss the banquet tonight!"
"But Liz!"
"No! I don't care if you don't want to go to the banquet, we were invited and we're here so we're going, now let's go!"
"Oh alright..." grumbled Amanda, turning her horse and riding to the stables before they found their tents and went to give their greetings to King Jonathan and Queen Thayet before it got too late.
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Kyle was looking out the window of his new rooms, seeing the fan as it was tossed higher and higher around a small group of ladies he could see as well. A crowd was gathering, and soon they would be blocked completely from view.
He sighed and picked up the list he had been ordered to choose a date from, looking over the names and reading a few aloud to himself. "Myra of Queenscove, Wilma of Oakbridge, Theodora of Malories Peak, Gretchen of Goldenlake...why can't any of these girls have normal names?"
He glanced up again and saw that the fan was still being thrown around. "Hey Dad?" he called to the Baron who was in the other room. "Can I-"
"If it involves leaving this room, no," replied the Baron. "I want you to meet all those lovely ladies tonight when you're all dressed up. The less they think you're just some normal guy, the more desirable you become."
"Great," sighed Kyle, throwing himself onto his huge bed with a 'thump!'
"Trust me, Kyle," called the Baron. "I'm doing this for you."
"Sure," sighed Kyle as he looked over the list again, "That's what they all say."
*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*
Alyse and the other ladies where still going. "This is the prettiest thing I've ever seen," she heard Neal remark. "May I play?" He stepped among them so catch the fan. There was no time to stop him. The women gasped as Alyse sent out a spurt of magic-- and Neal caught the fan base down. He nearly dropped it, not expecting the weight of steel.
"What is this thing?" he demanded, staring the fan with wide green eyes.
Yuki walked over to him. "There is a saying in the Islands," she told him stiffly, "Beware the women of the warrior class, for all they touch is both deadly and decorative." Taking the fan, she went to a pile of tent poles and picked one up. She carried back to Neal, unfurled the fan with a snap and slashed the open edge across the pole. A piece of wood dropped to the ground. She folded the fan with another snap and entered the princess's tent.
Shinkokami, Lady Haname and Alyse followed her, bowing politely to Neal as they passed, their eyes crinkled with hidden laughter. Neal had still not recovered from the sight of a fan slicing the pole like sausage.
Yuki was seated in the corner, trying to calm down as Alyse sat next to her. "Are you alright?" asked Alyse, her eyes worried without showing too much emotion.
"He scared the living daylights out of me," admitted Yuki with a frown. "I swear, if he ever does that again..."
"I'll strangle him for you, ok?" said Alyse as she took out her own shukusen and flipped it back and forth from hand to hand lightly. "He should know not to grab things that aren't his."
"Hopefully this cured him of it," growled Yuki, struggling to put her mask back in place. "This is embarrassing, I shouldn't be this upset about it."
"Maybe," replied Alyse, remembering that Yuki got together with Neal in the end. "Maybe not."
"What do you mean, 'Maybe not'?" asked Yuki suspiciously as she grabbed the fan from Alyse's hand.
"Forget about it," replied Alyse, shrugging nonchalantly. "I'm just the fool with amnesia, remember?"
"You're not a fool," said Yuki softly. "I am."
"That maybe so," said Alyse, getting what would be counted as a glare from Yuki. "Hey! I'm just kidding. You ok, though?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Yuki, rising to her feet. "Thanks."
"No problem," said Alyse as she got her fan back and began to flip it around again. "No problem at all."
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There you go, part 10. Hope you like it, please review because it's the kind thing to do. Thank you for reading and hope you keep coming back for more!
~crosseyedbutterfly~