Twisted Tortallian Tale

by crosseyedbutterfly

Me and some pals get sucked into Tortal, but why?? *Chapters 1-11 reloaded with errors fixed. Others will be shortly!*

31.

Hm, already have a few requests for the questions coming in. A reminder: questions are sent to you through the email address that you leave me in your review if you request them and you MUST send them back to me in an email or I won't accept your answers. Thank you. Now: Enjoy the chapter!

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Lyssa shouted another order as the Scanrans charged their wall again, two of the four metal monsters that had come with them still up and creating havoc in her ranks. She'd personally gut the man who made them if they ever came across her path, just to make up for the lives that were lost fighting them!

"Commander, we've lost Gattlen's squad outside the walls!" cried a Captain, running to her along the ledge as arrows whistled over head. "They're sending the monsters back for another go, what should we do?"

"Get me Eric and a crossbow," she said quickly, running for the wall the thing was headed to first. "Archers! Keep your heads down and return fire when you can! I want three squads including mine suited up and ready to go NOW!!"

"Commander," said Eric, meeting her halfway to the wall. "What do you want?"

"To stop that thing," she said quite simply, handing him the crossbow and the bolts. "Shoot it in the cap, now."

"Yes ma'am..." Eric aimed and shot, punching through the metal dome with ease. He turned and was about to ask Lyssa what he should do now when he realize she wasn't standing next to him anymore... "Commander Lyssa!!" Eric watched in horror as Lyssa jumped on the thing from behind and yanked out the bolt, releasing the spirit that had been trapped inside. "Mithros be with her..."

"Shoot the other, you ingrate!" cried a Captain from behind him as Lyssa scrambled away from the second machine. "Before it rips her to ribbons!!"

Lyssa panted as she dodged the huge claws swinging at her. That thing was faster than it looked, not to mention fairly terrorizing for a hunk of metal....a hunk of metal with blades for fingers and toes....and some very sharp looking teeth...

Eric took aim and fired, the bolt punching through the metal skull as before but this time Lyssa wasn't behind it to reach and yank it out like before. She right in front of it and trapped in the corner as well.

"This can't be good," whispered Lyssa, backing up some more and reaching for something she could use to defend herself, anything... Her rapier was too light, dagger too small, the pole arm was with the horse and the battle axe in her room...crap.

"Milady!!"

The metal creature turned away from her as it was attacked by a barrage of stones from a sling, a boy flying at her from the side and knocking both of them over the edge of the ledge away from the creature.

*THUD*

"Ow..."

"Are you ok, Commander?" asked the Rider who had knocked her down dazedly, staring up at the sky since he hadn't moved.

*grunt* "I will be....once you get off me..."

"Oh!"

Lyssa glanced up in time to see Unta jump onto the thing's back and grab the bolt, yanking it out before jumping free of the thing entirely.

"Commander," said Eric, coming to her side and helping her to her feet in a second. "They're on the run, what now?"

"Stay here and patch things up," replied Lyssa grimly. "How many did we lose?"

"Gattlen's Squad and part of Gean's," replied Eric slowly. "17 dead in all, including two archers shot down on the wall. At least 30 are wounded, and some may die from their wounds before the day is through."

"Get the wounded to the infirmary, and all our men back inside the walls," ordered Lyssa quietly. "Get our dead inside and to the cisterns, we'll hold a prayer for them later. Leave the Scanrans for the Stormwings, they'll handle them for us. A double guard for the walls until tomorrow morning, as well, to make sure they don't try a second attack."

"And the metal things?"

"To the smithies," said Lyssa quite simply. "I'm thinking some new weapons might be nice, as well as bolts for crossbows..."

"Yes, Commander."

Lyssa looked out at the bustling men and women, their faces mourning those who were lost but continuing in their duty as they knew they must. The prices we pay in war are far greater than the mind can conceive...

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Kyle stood before the target with the bow in his hand, a confused look on his face as he held an arrow in the other. "Uh, guys? How do I use this thing?" he asked, looking as lost as ever.

"You've never learned to shoot a bow?" asked Joe. Kyle shook his head.

"Ever?" asked Levi in amazement. Kyle shook his head again. "You poor, deprived child..."

"Everyone should know how to shoot a bow," said Joe quite simply. He suddenly remembered why Kyle was so different from them in the first place and amended what he had said accordingly. "Well, at least in this world anyways. Your adopted Pa never required you to learn how to shoot?"

"I think he meant to," replied Kyle absently. "But since I picked up fencing so well, he didn't bother to."

"Not that you're so great at that, either," Joe reminded him with a smirk. They had fenced before his last outing and Joe had easily beaten him hands down.

"Eh, I'm a noble. We're not required to fight like you commoners are," said Kyle, trying to act aloof and such for a moment. It didn't last long.

"Notions like that will only send you in the path of Amanda's wrath," Levi reminded him smugly. "She fights better than anyone here. I beat her once, but only cuz she didn't use her gift when she fought I'm sure."

"You'd be dead if she had," added Joe softly. "She scares me, sometimes. I think she scares Vixen too, when she sees her fight, but it'd be like pulling teeth to get her to admit it."

"Anyways, back to archery," said Levi, grinning boyishly. "Look, you hold the bow like this in your left hand and the arrow like this with your right. Now stand facing the fief but turn your head towards the target, yeah, like that."

"Now draw back the string," said Joe, holding his own bow to Kyle could watch him and mimic his movements. "Back to about here, your cheek or your jaw. Aim the arrow...and let it go!"

Joe's flew true and landed in the outer ring of the target. Kyle's got caught in the bow some how and didn't fly at all.

"Ow..." Levi took Kyle's arm and inspected the nice red welt that was forming itself there.

"Nice one," he said with a smile. "Just let it alone and it'll stop stinging soon. You just let the arrow get away from you is all."

"It happens sometimes," added Joe with a shrug.

"Oh, ok," said Kyle, ignoring the pain and picking up another arrow. "Hm...stand like this...and hold it like this..." He let the arrow go, seeing it fall to the ground in front of him as the string whacked his arm again.

*fwump*

"OW!!"

Levi slapped his forehead as Joe groaned. "You're hopeless..."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Vixen sharpened her daggers as everyone else ate, having finished her meal awhile ago. Toa sat with her and her kin, talking of what he had assessed about their group and the assignments they would be given.

"Your people are as soft-footed as thieves, and light fingered as pick pockets," he explained slowly. "I mean no offense by saying this..."

"None taken," said Vixen quickly with a wink around the table, followed by several low chuckles. "Go on."

"You are best suited for scouting missions," he concluded with shrug. "Your archers can target quickly and accurately at short distances, a few can outshoot my snipers at long ones. They can throw daggers and darts better than my best."

"They were taught to do these things," explained Vixen honestly.

"And they were taught well," added Toa with a grin. "They can slip through shadows with amazing speed. At times I can't even tell they are there, and with the forest clothes on they would be practically invisible."

"And we would be doing things of use?" asked Joe, knowing this was what Vixen longed to ask the most.

"Things more useful than the guards and such are doing," replied Toa, spreading his hands out before him. "You will be similar to the riding guard, but will all be on foot or moving through the trees as I have seen some of your people do. I will give you areas to scout through, and you will eliminate in the quietest way possible all Scanran forces you find there."

"Then we're talking about some pretty risky business here, right?" asked Mouse in concern. "As much as we promised to protect this fief, our first concern is putting our people in as little danger as possible..."

"Being in the riding guard has the same risks," explained Toa. "They have horses and more people, but they are out in the open and can't hide from the enemy as they go. They meet in open battle, and risk falling in traps and such. This way, with your scouting, you will be the ones setting the traps. You will be fewer in number, yes, and will be on foot, but you will be in control and it will be nearly impossible for them to see you before they see you."

"How?" asked Vixen suspiciously.

"These." Toa pulled out ten charms. "These are the only ones we have, they make you blend into your background in such a way that you're nearly invisible, even when your on the move."

"Then they will make us more like ghosts than real people to the human eye."

"Exactly."

"It would give us a change of pace," Joe reminded her quietly, seeing her eyes flicker as they usually did when she was considering something.

"And they could use something to do," said Mouse carefully. "Our...friends...are getting a little edgy here..."

"A chance for some sly killing...it would distract them for awhile," added Allie in a low voice so Toa couldn't hear.

Vixen considered it for a moment long, checking the edge on the blade as Toa studied her from his seat. Seeing the dagger shift in her hand suddenly, he tensed up and was surprised when the dagger didn't come at him but instead plunged straight into the table to the hilt.

"Good edge," she said to herself, tugging it out again as she did. "We accept, Captain Toa. Just tell us when and where, and we will be there."

"Good," said Toa in relief. He had been afraid they might resist his suggestion of doing other work. "Those who are not on the mission will have guard duty as usual."

Vixen shrugged, just glad for the possible change of pace. "Fine."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Alyse directed people to the storage rooms that had been converted into bunk houses, the last few from the farms and small settlements around finally straggling in. Those who had held out until now had usually had a raid or fight with the Scanrans that had caused them to change their mind. Freedom was not worth an almost guaranteed death, not in this way at least. Here they could fight and earn their keep until they could return home once more.

Ronnie ran around and yipped at the animals while never straying far from her feet. They seemed to respond in their own language to him, either scolding or playing along with the dog. He was getting along in his years for a dog, but still acted like the puppy that Alyse had gotten so long ago.

"How many left?" she asked a man who had been transporting his large families things in in trips.

"People?" he asked back.

"Yes."

"At least another dozen or so coming down the road right now." Alyse looked where he had pointed and nodded. Hopefully, this would be the last for the settlement people and such. They had only made room for sixty people or so, and already fifty some had showed up. They could make more bunks and such, but the area would be packed fairly tightly since they couldn't spare another storage hut for sheltering people.

The fields out to the left of the fief were being plowed and she watched from where she stood as the farmers went up and down the rows, crossbows at their sides and a guard always watching that way from the walls incase of an attack. Alyse was brought back to the present as something bumped into her roughly. She turned to see a young girl scrambling to gather the apples that had fallen from her basket as she stammered out a reply in her panic.

"Milady! I...uh, my 'pologies ma'am....I....I didn't....I mean....sorry, I...clumsy fool! I beg ye forgiveness....milady.."

"Hush," said Alyse, rolling her eyes as she usually did when this happened. "Come on, I'll help you pick it up."

"But...milady!!"

"It's alright," said Alyse, allowing a small smile to come to her face. "Accidents happen, and it's more my fault then yours for standing in the way like that. Come along now and show me where you're staying, I'll help you carry this there."

The girl looked fearful for a moment. "Are you sure, milady? I can handle it..."

"I'm helping you, it's a very large basket for such a small person," insisted Alyse. "I'm not making note to punish you later, alright?"

The girl regarded her for a moment. "Promise?"

Alyse sighed. "I promise..."

"Alright." Alyse and the girl stood on each side and lugged it to the storage units up ahead. Commoners could be so impractical sometimes...

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Amanda stood in the forge with a satisfied look on her face, holding the partially formed hunk of steel before her carefully.

"What are you doing here?" asked Brent in surprise when he walked in the door, seeing her standing there with a fire started up and garbed in her leather apron and gloves. "No offense meant, milady!" he added quickly, bowing his head when he saw her turn towards him with a half-hearted glare.

"Drop the milady for the millionth time," she growled lightly. "What does it look like I'm doing, Brent? I'm smithing a weapon."

"Well I can see that much," he snorted, reverting back to his usual demeanor. A panicked look appeared in his eyes until he saw Amanda smile and realized formality was left behind when she was in the forge. "What I mean to say is, what you be making there and why?"

"It's a rather large spear," she explained carefully. "For me, of course. I don't have any pole arms I really like, so I thought I'd make my own."

"You really are off in the head, aren't ye?" asked Brent, figuring he might as well let it all out, beating or not.

"A noble ought to punish idiots who can't see things for themselves," sighed Amanda to herself. Brent cringed. "But I'm not your regular noble."

"Well, if that ain't obvious, I dun know what is," said Brent lightly. "I guess then you're fixing to use that weapon in battle."

Amanda gave him a toothy grin. "Of course."

"What kind of handle be you usin'?"

"Teak," she said with a shrug. "It's light but tough, which is what I want it to be."

"And the edges of the blade?"

"Beaten, not ground."

"Very good." Brent shook his head in admiration. "You have learned this trade well, at least for making weapons, haven't you?"

"I do my best," said Amanda, shoving the cherry-red metal into the water and pulling her head back as it erupted into a cloud of steam. She pulled it back out, letting him examine the head before it was shoved into the coals once more. "I like the shape, and if I shod the end of the staff right, it'll be fairly well balanced."

"Eh, it'll be fine," said Brent with a shrug, going off to his usual work of repairing broken tools. "Though, were I you, I'd leave before Master Levi gets here. He's been looking for you again." The servants had taken to calling Levi that, seeing as how he was treated like family by the sisters and not as a servant.

"Let him look all he wants," snorted Amanda, "I'll be right here when he wishes to find me."

Brent laughed and fired up his forge, getting his hammers and anvil ready to be used. "As you wish, milady."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Sarah and Jon watched as the two urchins faced each other again, fists up and chins jutted out in determination. "Keep it steady," said Jon loudly enough for them to both hear. "Dar, attack, Cor, block. No flying into brawl mode this time, or you'll both be facing me rather than each other."

"Right."

"Ok."

"Interesting that they agree to behave only when threatened with fighting you," observed Sarah, watching them circle each other and feinting right and left in hopes the other would lose their nerve and attack.

"Oh, I dunno," replied Jon with an easy grin. "Maybe because they know I'm bigger, stronger, and faster than the two of them combined?"

Sarah smirked. "I thought it had more to do with fighting dirty..."

"Oh, hush. I hate you all."

"No you don't!" piped up Dar, leaving himself wide open for the punch Cor landed on his stomach. "Oof-....why you little-"

"Enough," said Sarah, catching the back of Dar's shirt and holding him there as he glared angrily at his twin. "That was a good shot, Cor, but try not to do it when you know he's doing something else."

"Yes, ma'am," replied Cor, smiling proudly. "Ha, nearly knocked out your teeth, Bro."

"I'm gonna knock your head off completely, you..."

"Shut up and fight," snapped Jon, his patience growing extremely thin. "That's the last time I'm telling you too!"

The boys exchanged glances. *gulp* "Alright..."

"Yessir."

Jon glared as they paused warily. "Go!"

Sarah clamped her hand over her mouth to keep her from laughing aloud as the boys began to swing and dodge each other's moves as best they could. Jon could be very convincing at times when he wanted to be...

"Keep your guard up!" he called to Dar, watching as the boy barely missed being socked in the jaw. "Cor, not so hard, you're not trying to kill him you know!"

"Heh, that's what you think."

"Hey! So much for brotherly love..."

Jon held his head in his hands as they began to argue one more. "KNOCK IT OFF AND FIGHT!!!"

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Jennifer tasted the stew as it continued to boil over the fire and grimaced slightly. Still too bitter from the herb she'd put in there, but nothing she couldn't fix with a dried spice or two. The book Libby had given her lay spread out before her, giving her a view of all the herbs she had before her in lists with all the traits they possessed as well.

"Hm...liverwort...." murmured Jennifer to herself, tracing her finger down the long rows until she reached the name. "Very bitter...yeah, I know that much....hm, can be countered with.....fresh mint or oregano." Jennifer decided on the latter, seeing as it had a tendency to boost your strength and would go nicely with the stew.

Amanda slipped in behind her and tasted the soup when she thought Jenny wasn't looking with a spoon on the counter. *smack* "Ow!!!" Amanda rubbed the back of her hand where a well placed ladle strike had caused her to drop the spoon on the counter again.

"Don't touch that!" scolded Jenny, bustling her towards the door with a teasing grin. "I have work to do, and you are not welcome here."

"Hey! I happen to own this place, if you remember correctly," said Amanda mock-angrily.

"And you happened to give me control of the kitchens," replied Jenny, waving her ladle under Amanda's nose. "This is my territory now. Out."

"Pushy, aren't we?" grinned Amanda.

"Absolutely."

Amanda sniffed sadly as her stomach growled. "But I'm hungry, and it smells good..."

"Tough. Out!" Jennifer stood there determinedly, hoping her soup wasn't boiling over.

"But I-"

"Dinner will be served soon in the main hall. Out!"

"But that stew is going to the soldiers..."

"I'll send a bowl just for you. Out! NOW!!"

Amanda sighed and left with her hands in the air. "Alright, alright..."

"Fear me and my ladle!" cried Jennifer after her mockingly as she struck a pose before scurrying back to soup to keep and eye on it.

The soldiers and Vixen's crew were served their meal in the Mess Hall as always, and Jennifer hung around in the kitchens there to see how it went over. The line of men and women getting their dinner stretched around the room, and Jennifer was beginning to wonder why there were so many people when she realized that it was just everyone coming back for thirds and fourths of the stew!

The two huge caldrons she'd made were emptied completely down to the last scrapings at the bottom. "Looks like you'll have to write that one out so we can make it ourselves," commented one of the cooks that generally did the meals for the guards. "To bother you so, when you have the main house to bake for, is not very kind of us..."

"It's alright," Jennifer assured them, going back over what she'd done in her mind to the stew so she could write it down later and hoping lightly that Amanda wouldn't be too mad for not getting any at all. "My work there is slow, quite often, with half of them gone doing this or that and no elegant dinners to prepare for huge parties with the war going on."

"Then they had a simple meal tonight?"

"Cold cuts and fresh bread, fruit, and some chopped vegetables cooked in herbs and oil," rattled off Jennifer.

The young woman looked surprise. "That little?"

"The Lady does not care of fancy things at times like this," said Jennifer with a smirk, knowing Amanda hated to be called that.

The woman smiled back. "We all know that well enough. It works nicely for you, though."

"Yes it does. I will have that recipe for you tomorrow if you want to come by for it."

"Alright, thank you."

"You're welcome."

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Libby watched in horror as the light began to fade from the girl's eyes, sweat pouring down her brow as she poured her gift into the broke body before her. The young Rider could be no more than her friend's ages, and she reminded the mage of them in several ways.

The Rider had taken an arrow through the chest that morning, and Libby hadn't gotten to her until later in the day when it began to fester and swell so the blood turned black and oozed from under the bandage. The head had cut deep, and Libby had spent much time repairing the damaged lungs and severed arteries the girl suffered from. Such a wound, it would be a close one if she did make it, but Libby was determined to save her.

Artman came and went, tapping her on the shoulder occasionally to signal for her to rest and give her another boost of his gift (which hadn't been needed since the fighting was over when they arrived) or something to eat her to keep her strength up. She knew what her limits and bounds here, and knew she was pushing it even now as she rocked back on her heals and sipped the thick broth he'd set before her only moments ago. Her gift felt small and fragile....but somehow she didn't want to stop...

Libby woke with a start, feeling the person beside her shaking violently in their cot. It took her a moment to orient herself, and was sure for a moment that the Scanrans had finally caught up with them and where the violent cough from just above her threw her back into the reality of where she was. The girl had been sleeping peacefully when she'd finally dozed off on the floor beside her...apparently that hadn't lasted long, though...

She threw back the covers that lay on the Rider and covered her mouth with her hand when she realized what was going on. Fresh blood poured from the chest wound, and a quick check proved that all the reconstruction she had done had been torn apart again.

"No..." murmured Libby, gritting her teach as she let wave after wave of her gift pour into the girl's body. "No...you're too young to die....younger than even me! ....no...!!!"

A nurse finally came and pulled the weeping mage's hands loose from the girl's limp arms where the healing would respond no more. "She's dead, honey," said the woman kindly. "You knew, as a mage, there was little you could do for her..."

"I didn't do enough," sighed Libby, wiping her tears on her side and rising to her feet slowly. "To die like that...no one should have to fight like this..."

"Peace is something that doesn't last long at times," said the woman slowly, covering the Rider in the bed with a fresh sheet from head to toe.

"I know," said Libby, thinking of her home country's past wars. "I had hoped...to save any is always good..."

The nurse sighed, looking away at the other patients in the low tent that lined the walls. "But you can never save them all."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Eric looked around himself nervously, wishing that they hadn't split off. Lyssa had insisted that he needed to learn to command a patrol on his own, so she's gone off with five or six of the group do scout on their own nearby while he was to lead the main party around. Like he knew what he was doing. He'd give anything to be back at the fort right now and not stranded here out in the-

*whiz*

*thunk*

Eric jerked back as his hat was shot from his head to a tree nearby and several Scanran Raiders ran from the undergrowth around them. [Stupid Scanrans] he thought to himself, mentally cursing himself for not being more watchful at the same time. [Can never choose a convenient time to attack...] Eric wryly amended this thought as he realized how stupid it sounded. [ Then again....it would be too easy if they did... Stupid Scanrans, why do they have to attack AT ALL?!]

He shouted out orders and rallied everyone as best he could into the fray, soon finding himself too busy keeping the Scanrans from pulling him from his mount to care much about what those around him were doing. One of his men fell from an archer in the trees, and a woman from a spear through her stomach. Eric was about to lose it himself when he heard horses galloping nearby and saw Lyssa and her small group burst into the fight.

Those who hadn't showed their trust in him quickly followed Lyssa's lead, hacking her way to the middle and breaking the worst of it out before the Scanrans fled back into the trees.

"Idiot," sighed Lyssa when she got to him, running one of the Scanrans that had been harassing him through the middle. "We knew they were coming and hoped you'd be watching for them."

"I guess that means I won't be leading them anymore," said Eric a tad hopefully, kicking one of the enemy away.

"Oh, not at all," said Lyssa with a wicked grin. "You will do this until you get it right. Hopefully, next time, no one will die in the process though." She added the last part grimly, her face setting into a deep frown.

Eric gulped guiltily. "Uh...yeah..."

"Everyone, back to the fort," said Lyssa when they were sure all the Scanrans had cleared out for now, tying those who were dead on their horse's backs and those who were wounded binding themselves so they would be able to ride back on their own.

"You alright, Sid?" asked Lyssa, looking at an older fellow with his left leg dripping blood.

"Fine, Commander," he said through a clenched jaw, smiling tightly. His skin was white and sweat beaded on his brow despite the cold. "I...just took an unlucky hit...is all..."

"We'll get you patched up back at camp," said Lyssa reassuringly, keeping an eye on him incase he dropped from loss of blood. "Just hang in there, alright?"

Sid swayed unsteadily in his saddle as his friend kept him upright from the side. "Yes...Commander..."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Kyle sighed as he stretched his back, leaning on the pitchfork for a minute before going back to his fief duties as a stableman. He methodically worked his way down the line of stalls, mucking each one out by turn and putting fresh straw in the stall and fresh hay in the mangers for them to eat. The straw that was used he baled up and put in the compost heap the gardeners used, knowing they would enjoy the extra fertilizer with more plantings coming up soon. The hay for the mangers he pulled from bales in the loft as he worked down the row, almost falling several times as he came down the ladder with a bale on his back.

The horses who's stalls he was cleaning were transported to ones he wasn't using at the time and kept there until it was ready to be used again. With each one he gave an apple or a carrot for behaving so well for him, and they each in turn lipped his hand kindly or nuzzled his shoulder gently in thanks for the treat.

After an hour or so he had finished with the stalls and made one last round to make sure everything was alright before he moved on. Taking some tack from the wall, he got a cloth from the bin and began to rub it vigorously, wiping all traces of being used earlier from it before taking a tin of tallow and rubbing in into the leather as well. All the metal parts were cleaned with a separate rag and some oil, and were rubbed until Kyle could see his reflection in each and every piece so it shone like the sun.

By the time he was finished with that, the sun was setting and the dinner bell would soon be rung. He stood and stretched before looking himself over, picking off bits of hay and grass from his outfit. They weren't that dirty at all, and he prided himself for being so careful as he sauntered his way out of the barn.

A squirrel raced in front of him suddenly just as he reached the door and Kyle tripped over his own feet as he tried not to hit it in the process. He lost his balance and fell...face forward....into a pile of horse dung.

*splat*

"Eww..." Kyle looked up to see one of the servants rolling on the ground laughing with his sister standing nearby looking rather green. His face and tunic were covered in the fresh poop, and he grimaced at the feel of it on his lips. The smell was almost nauseating, seeing as how it was stuck up his nose.

"Good grief..."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Mouse slipped through the forest silently with her ten following her lightly on foot, all of them dressed in the dull green that helped them blend into the trees and the pendants hanging from their necks. Some carried bows and others darts or daggers, but each was armed with at least one hand-to-hand weapon and a long range as well.

Mouse signaled for one of the thieves to scout around them and he drifted ahead like a ghost, making not a single sound as he walked. She almost envied him for the ease with which he did it, but knew that she was doing well herself and concentrated on the mission ahead.

The man came back and signaled to her with his hands. 'Straight ahead. No guards. Scout group.'

Mouse nodded and he got back in formation, all of them silent shadows that slipped in and around the Scanrans that were sitting around a smokeless fire in a clearing. A Scanran mage sat among them, and Mouse sighted him first along the small crossbow she carried, the bolt already in place.

As she dropped her right hand six bows and three daggers flew silently towards their targets, each hitting them and most killing on the spot. One went down with a dagger through his head, another an arrow punched through his neck to the fletching, and another a crossbow bolt in the eye. Those who hadn't fired charged silently into the small camp and killed those who were left, only the slowest one failing to kill his target with one strike and getting himself hurt before his Scanran went down.

"Good," said Mouse as she dropped from her tree to the ground. The trees swished overhead quietly, and she immediately sent four Scouts in each direction to make sure they were still alone. Each quickly rifled through the contents of the dead Scanran's pockets, taking anything they might want and giving to Mouse anything they found of importance.

Each scout returned with a sign that it was all clear, and Mouse immediately turned and headed back for the fief once more, a few documents and some mage toys in her pouch for Amanda to see. The Scanrans were rolled in the bushes and their weapons brought with the thieves, most destined to be reformed into weapons of use, but a dagger or two also finding their way into a thief's sash or belt somehow. Not that anyone minded, though...

Everyone made it back to the woods outside the fief and the man who got hurt in the charge had his wound bound, grinning at the thought of another scar on his already scar-covered body. Mouse had guards posted incase they had been followed and waited patiently while another tended the wound, making sure everything was safe before they went on.

The gate that they were to use was open as always when she tried it, and the eleven of them slipped in and removed the charms before handing them to Mouse and heading for the garrison where they would change into their usual clothes.

"A succesful run?" asked Toa, appearing at her side as usual.

"Here's what we got, and all who were there are dead," said Mouse calmly, handing him the pouch with the Scanran's things and another with the charms in it.

"And the one who got hurt?"

"His own fault, he moved too slow." Mouse walked away with that, her arms full of weapons to drop at the smith's before heading to the garrison herself.

Toa raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Right..."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Alyse looked at the message she'd received from the courier oddly. It was sealed in green wax with a crest she'd never seen before, a sprig of holly surrounded by a rising fief on one side and a soaring eagle on the other. It was addressed to her, Amanda, and Elizabeth; and seeing s she was the only one present at the time being it looked like she was going to get to open it. (Elizabeth had disappeared into her rooms awhile ago with Kyle and Amanda was still working in the forge right then on her weapon despite Levi's protests and such.)

She broke the seal after puzzling over who it might be after a few moments and pulled out a folded piece of parchment covered in a small, scrolled writing she recognized vaguely. Alyse paused, wondering if she should give it to Amanda first or go on and read it herself. Curiosity won out in the end and she began to read it, a smile forming on her lips as she did.

'Ladies Amanda, Elizabeth, and Alyse of Lynx Mountain,

Greetings, as always, from myself, Lady Hope, and those with me here at the newly named Hollies Burrow fief. I hope the seal and wax have not thrown you too much, and that you like it better than our old one. We agreed to change it after the fief was rebuilt, and my husband has always had a thing for holly bushes so we renamed the fief and everything.

Justin has been doing well, as Amanda would like to know I'm sure, and grows bigger and stronger by the day. Even now, he remembers her as the Aunt who took care of him for so long and asks for her frequently. He does miss her terribly, and I hope it would not trouble you too much if you could stop by sometime and see him again, for it would mean a lot to him and me if you would do so.

The fief walls are stronger than ever since we rebuilt it, and we are grateful daily for the extra men and supplies you gave us to help us last through the winter until this spring. The Scanrans will never be able to take the fief back from us, and we will defend it to the last from now until the day we die. Already we have resisted many attacks and continue to stand firm. We have been lucky to not face the legendary metal machines, though, and hopefully our luck will continue to run for awhile yet.

I have more news for you, and I think you will find it interesting and entertaining as well. I'm pregnant again as of this past winter, and hoping for a little girl this time so Justin can have a sister. Our son will grow to be like his father, an honest man to run the fief with reason and justice when his father has passed on. But I would like to have a little lady too just so I can dress her up and such. She will be a lovely lady after her years at the covenant if it is a girl, and do us proud with her charm and grace I'm sure. Such are the whims of a frivolous mother such as I, but I'm sure you'll just laugh at me for it and I shan't begrudge you for it since laughs are probably so few these days.

There's not much else to say, so I shall leave you with a few blessings and tidings of luck and hope for the future in this war. Bless you three sisters, and may Mithros be kind when your time comes. I wish you well in the battles ahead, and whatever life you may have when it is done.

Love and peace,

Lady Hope'

"Long letter you got there," commented Amanda when she saw Alyse walk in the door of the forge. "Who's it from?"

"Lady Hope."

"Really? Anything wrong?"

"Nope, just giving us an update and such." Alyse smiled broadly. "She's pregnant again."

Amanda's eyebrows shot up. "Really?! Again? She wants a girl, doesn't she?"

"Yep, and she has a message for you about Justin, I'll leave it on your desk so you can read it."

"Alright, thanks. Later."

Alyse waved and walked back out into the courtyard away from the broiling heat of the forge. "Bye."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Amanda walked around the fief with Vixen right behind her, gathering whatever last minute things the might need for the ride ahead of them. "You aren't even taking a guard?!" demanded Levi as he met up with her in the hall. "You said you'd be well protected!!"

"That's why I'm taking her," said Amanda, jerking a thumb at Vixen with a grin. "She'll do well enough."

"One person??!!" Levi looked like he wanted to tear his hair out. "You'll be murdered on the road!"

"Hey, we can take care of ourselves," snapped Vixen, glaring at him slightly. Levi glared back, unmoved by her gaze.

"Glares don't work when I've dealt with her for so long," he retorted angrily.

Vixen drew her daggers in a wink. "Will blades do instead?"

"Put those away," ordered Amanda instantly, getting them two all-weather cloaks from the supplies. "Now. Levi, she's coming with me. Vixen, you cannot emasculate him with those blades, I don't care if they're not dull."

"Aw...come on..." Vixen gave her the puppy eyes to her back.

"No." Amanda shook her head and pushed Levi to the side as she continued to dig for supplies. "Levi, deal with it. I'll be fine; no heroics, I promise. We're going by Jon and Sarah's, then swinging by Lady Hope's fief so we can check in on Justin and then coming right back home. Three days at the least, a week at the most."

"A lot can happen in a week!" argued Levi.

"A lot can happen anytime," said Vixen, giving him a smug look. "Deal with it, she's going and I'm going with her."

Levi rolled his eyes. "Gee, that makes me feel so much better..."

**twenty minutes later**

Amanda and Vixen sat on their mounts, Amanda's skittering around nervously as she tried to keep it under control. "You see?!" she growled, "This is why I have to go find myself a good horse! None of these suit me, and none have since Moonshadow died."

"Whatever," sighed Levi, having given up entirely for the time being. "Just come back in one piece and alive. Alive being the biggest thing, maybe I'll forgive you if you're missing an arm or a hand, but not if you're dead."

"Thanks," muttered Amanda, rolling her eyes. "Alright, Alyse, you're in charge while I'm gone."

"Ok."

"Elizabeth, try not to get into trouble."

*Teehee* "Yes ma'am!"

"Levi, you're under Alyse. In a fight, I want Levi leading and you have to stay at the wall when you're not on other duties, ok? No offense, Alyse, but he does have more battle experience than you."

"Alright."

"None taken, it's ok."

"Toa, you take your orders from Levi. No making trouble, alright?"

"Yes, milady."

"Mouse, Joe, keep Allie out of trouble."

"Alright."

"Only if you keep Vixie safe for me too!"

"Will do. Jennifer, have a chocolate cake waiting when I get back, will you?"

"Sure thing."

"Alright, you ready Vixen?"

"As always."

"Then let's go."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Jon counted the mounts and made sure the two sides were equal before the two soldiers rode off with fresh string of geldings and mares behind him. He looked at the five that he'd exchanged them for and sighed. They were going to have their work cut out for them.

One mare had lost an eye, another had been slashed in several places, one had been lamed in both back legs, and two suffered from arrow wounds in their flanks. "Boys!" called Jon, the twins coming from the barn at a run. "Get these five in stalls and ready to be patched up in five minutes, I'm going to get the bandages, water, and salves to heal them with."

The boys nodded as one. "Yessir."

"Good, go."

Jon gathered the supplies he needed and headed back to the barn moments later, seeing everything had been as he'd asked and each horse had been placed in a large stall where he'd have room to work. He sat beside the first one on a stall and removed the bandage from it's flank gently. The arrow had gone deep, and the mare had lost a lot of blood, but it had been well cleaned and would heal eventually. The muscle damage didn't look too bad, and if it healed well the mare would be able to go into battle once more.

Jon moved onto the gelding in the next stall when he was done, checking the work the boys had done in making the twice-lamed horse comfortable in his stall. The cuts were cleaned and salved over, and if the horse didn't move much it would heal up with time. He'd be pastured somewhere and maybe used to drop foals in some breeders ring, but that would be it.

The mare with the slashed eye wasn't doing so well, and Jon carefully fed her some narcotics Daine had given him to her before taking the bandage off and inspecting the would. Already it had gotten infected, and oozed through the slit that had destroyed the eye. Jon cleaned away what he could with the mare drugged on the floor and then cut away the dead parts, knowing the horse would never heal in that eye from the amount of damaged tissue. Other than that, she was still could and might be used as a wagon puller or something if she healed up well enough.

"How goes it with the other two?" asked Jon when he'd finished his work there, wiping his hands on a clean rag.

"This un will be fine," said Dar from where he was putting the finishing touches on an arrow wound. The horse would heal with time, and be out and able to battle once more.

"And the other?"

"Lost lots of blood, might just die altogether," said Cor regretfully, still sewing up the deepest of the slashes on the gelding. "He's hanging in there, poor fellow, but it's going to be close..."

"Here," said Jon, taking a bucket and rag to wipe the blood away. "I'll help. Dar, run and get Sarah to make some hot mash for these five, they look like they need it. That and some blankets, I don't think I'll be leaving the barn tonight."

"Alright."

Jon sighed as he got back to work, it was going to be a long night...

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Tigress stayed by Jennifer's side as her siblings and brother in law cavorted around the hall with the children of the servants and horse grooms, jumping and leaping for the treats the young urchins had brought them.

"You could go join them, you know," Jennifer commented to her sulking companion. "I'm perfectly capable of preparing this meal without your ever watchful eye on me the whole time."

Tigress glared at her slightly as if to say, 'Oh really?'

"Yes, I could," retorted Jennifer with a grin. "What? I know you love catnip, go have some! I won't get mad or anything."

Tigress just sat there and swished her tail impatiently.

"Oh, I see," said Jennifer in her 'all understanding' voice. "You're to proud to lower yourself to that level for treats?"

Tigress nodded her head pertly.

"Your siblings seem to think differently than you."

Tigress shrugged and yawned.

"Fine, Queen Tigress," said Jennifer teasingly. "Would it trouble her majesty too much to at least move so I can get around without tripping over you?"

Tigress seemed to plant her rump on the ground more firmly, then begrudgingly moved out of the way and over to her usual chair instead.

"Aw...poor kitty had to move," said Jennifer, wrinkling her nose. "Don't act like I've just insulted you."

Tigress just sat there and sulked, refusing her face her at all.

Jennifer sighed. "Cats. To high and mighty for their own good, if I do say so myself."

Tigress growled as if so say she shouldn't speak at all.

"You know," commented Jennifer in an offhand manner. "Your siblings and brother in law are a whole lot nicer than you at times."

Tigress just sat up and ignore her completely, cleaning her paws carefully.

"Can't take a simple observation?" asked Jennifer, giving the cat a slight glare. "You seem to think pretty highly of yourself, little missy. Let's not forget who feeds you, shall we?"

Tigress stuck her tongue out of her, seeming to make a comment that it wasn't Jennifer who fed her at all. Rather, it was her employer who was feeding all of them as always.

"Oh, hush you."

"Jennifer, you're arguing with a cat," said one of the young boys who was scratching Snickers behind the ears.

"So, you're playing with one," replied Jennifer lightly. "What's the difference?"

"Right..."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

"Oh crap..." whispered Artman, seeing how big the metal monster was up close and personal for the first time. Why? Why had he been chosen to fight? Why had he agreed to do this at all? Why him? He was so poor and defenseless and addlebrained, how in the world could he ever hope to live through this at all? Then all his 'friends' would laugh and dance over his grave, and the bunnies would poop on it... Oh, woe was him who was about to face this monstrosity and die as a metal claw came out of nowhere and began to descend upon him...

"Artman," hissed Libby, bringing him back to the present where the metal thing was still in the distance. "You wuss, get out there and fight that thing while the rest hold off the main force."

Artman began to whimper. "But why...?"

"I'll mallet you."

"At least I won't die!"

"I'll let Amanda kill you instead, then. And Brenna will get to help when they get back."

"Crap....fine..." Artman dismounted and started towards the thing at an uneasy trot, hoping his legs wouldn't give from under him as he went. The metal thing saw him and began to head for him quickly, swinging it's arms the whole way. "Oh no..."

Artman ducked the first swing that came close enough and threw a fireball at all, the claw turning cherry red as usual when metal gets hot. But it wasn't hot enough to melt it, and the thing couldn't feel pain so it continued to swing the red-hot claw at Artman by turns and singed his robes several times from close calls. "Oh shoot, oh shoot, oh shoot, oh shoot..."

He backed up and tripped over a rock, falling on his back as the metal thing pounced from over head. Only a quick spell and lots of fire kept Artman from being shredded into several minurature ribbons of skin and flesh, the entire contraption melting around him on both sides.

**fifteen minutes later**

"You found him?" asked Libby, seeing two soldiers bringing a mumbling Artman between them into the fort.

"Yeah," said one. "He was kneeling by the machine babbling something about monsters and fire....I didn't really catch much of it..."

Libby sighed and saw the crazed look in Artman's eyes grow. "Oi..." Taking out her mallet, she knocked him out cold and turned back to her work. "Leave him on a cot," she called over her shoulder. "He'll be fine in the morning."

The soldiers exchanged nervous glances and picked up the now limp form. "Yes ma'am..."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Lyssa looked up as a frantic Captain rushed in the door, a message from Wyldon arriving by courier unexpectedly. "Ma'am," he said shakily, saluting before handing her the sealed note. "The courier...he says Giantkiller has fallen."

"What?!" Lyssa snatched the note from his hands and tore open the seal, scanning it quickly with eyes wide with fear and surprise. "No...this can't be..."

"Then it is true?" asked the Captain weakly. "Did any, any at all, make it out? Does it say?"

Lyssa gulped sadly. "All were killed or taken prisoner," she whispered, letting the note fall from her hands unto the desk below. "Gather everyone in the common for a meeting, we have to tell everyone at once. Some had family there..."

"Yes, ma'am." The Captain left white-lipped with a hollow look to his face, eyes blinking back tears that threatened to fall. Lyssa had a feeling he was one of those who'd known someone there, but could do nothing to comfort him other than to let him carry out the order she had given him.

Everyone was gathered around the flagpole a few moments later, the news of the fort's fall having spread quickly and several showing their grief over lost family or friends already. "Friends, fellow soldiers," said Lyssa sadly as she stood upon the crate that was always left by the pole. "I have bad news, I fear, some that most of you have already heard and some do not believe. I am sorry to say it is true: Giantkiller has fallen to the Scanrans. All were killed or taken prisoner, and the forts nearby have been unable to find any trace of where they might have gone to over the boarder."

Murmurs and soft cries could be heard through the crowd as everyone sought to remember if they had known anyone there or where the rest of their family members in the army had been posted.

"I know this is a hard time for many of you, hearing news such as this," said Lyssa sadly. "I had friends there myself, some who had served in this fort before then had been moved there due to other needs and such. Today our flags will fly at half mast in honor of those who died protecting Tortall, and those who wish may say the prays of Mithros and the Black God at sunset as is custom. I understand if the guard post or whatever needs to be rearranged tonight due to others having lost family members, but remember what they died for and what you must continue to protect in their memory. Thank you."

"Well said, Commander," said Eric softly as he followed her from the platform back towards her quarters.

"Your cousin was serving at Giantkiller, wasn't he?" asked Lyssa gently, seeing a few stray tears run down her friend's face.

"Yes, he was," replied Eric roughly, wiping them away with his shirt sleeve, "As was his father and brother in law. Three in one hit, you might say."

Lyssa sighed and looked at the sun, still shining high in the sky. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing you could have done about it." Eric shrugged looking out over the fort. "That's just the way war goes, you know?"

"Yeah," whispered Lyssa as she watched him walk away. "I know."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Kyle stood there sleepily overlooking the west side of the fort, knowing he would have to move in a minute to go walk around the wall again and check to make sure none of the other guards had fallen asleep. It wasn't that he had just gotten warm or anything, for he was cold moving or not, or that he was too exhausted to it was just the fact that moving right then seemed very unappealing to him.

Finally he sighed and stretched the stiffness out of his legs, slowly making his way around the long wall that surrounded the fort and checking each guard and talking to them a bit to make sure they were still away. He got himself some hot coffee from a pot as he was passing by and took it back with him to the post where he had been assigned to stand for another thirty minutes and then their shift would be over completely and he could go to sleep.

Knowing that thinking about his warm, soft, cozy bed would get him nowhere, he instead let his mind wander over the last few days of Amanda and Brenna being gone from the fort. Without their Queen, the thieves had been a little out of control the last two nights and Joe had had to cuff several on the head before things were peaceful once more. It would pass soon enough, once the two got back, but he couldn't help feeling sorry for the two who had been left in charge of them.

Levi and Alyse were nervous as all heck, worried about Amanda and Brenna as well as the safety of the fief which was in their hands until her return. No attacks had happened for the last few days, and the Riding Patrol had only hit one or two small pockets of scouts in their rides since they had left; but still the two worried in their own separate ways. Levi it was easier to see with, as he often paced about and was always fidgeting with something while having nothing to do at all. Alyse hid it well, and if he hadn't spent so much time in court with the Yamanis Ladies he wouldn't see how she was snapping her fan shut more brusquely than normal and being slightly absent minded all the time as if she were preoccupied with something more important at that point. He just hoped it all would turn out for the best.

The two would make it back, he wasn't worried about them at all. Elizabeth had been right: they're both too stubborn to just lay down and die and could probably keep themselves alive on that kind of gumption alone. They were almost like weeds in a sense: no matter how many times you whacked or slashed or killed them, they just kept coming back for more and were impossible to get rid of at all it seemed.

He was more worried that there wouldn't be a fief for them to return to at all, at times. With Levi unable to stop fidgeting, and Alyse not concentrating most of hte time, in an attack they might be overrun before either could do a thing and then they'd all be screwed either in dying or by being taken prisoner and made slaves at some point or another. It wasn't very pleasant to think of really.

Someone tapped Kyle on the arm and he realized his shift was up. Heading for his rooms, he dropped the cup in the bin with the rest to be washed by the pot over the fire and went to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Amanda and Vixen galloped along the dirt paths towards Jon and Sarah's ranch with the twin helpers, their visit with Lady Hope and her family over at last. She'd insisted that they stay for at least two nights to recover from their long and grueling ride, and had fed them and entertained them well the whole time they had been there. The lady had scolded them for coming without a proper escort in such dangerous times, but after a demonstration of Amanda and Vixen's talent with their weapons with a few soldiers of hers she let them be and decided they would be fine after all.

Vixen smiled as she thought back to the little boy who had been with them most of the time, just reaching maybe his second or even his third birthday sometime soon. He tottered around on his chubby little legs and inspected everything he could get his hands onto, even Vixen's dagger. The sneaky little guy had gotten it out of her sheath before she'd even noticed and his mother had nearly had a fit!

Amanda had certainly enjoyed her time with him, though, and she'd gotten to finally hear about how she and the others had taken little Justin in after his parents had been captured and then had rescued them later on while helping Elizabeth escape. She'd never been told before for some reason, and Amanda couldn't think of why either at the time.

Vixen felt her mare shift under her as they slowed a little coming around a particularly sharp bend. She was enjoying being away from the fief, which had begun to feel more like a cage then anything else. To Amanda, it was her home and that was fine, but she and the others need the open streets of the city where they could hide in the shadows and escape into the night whenever they'd needed to. It would be over soon, though, she could feel it in her bones that they wouldn't be staying there much longer and was sure that meant they were going to go home.

Well, at least the Corus home they had at the Dancing Dove. Word had come from them a few days ago, that everything was fine and they need not worry about anything until their return. The inn was currently rather full with actual honest guests, and Vixen grinned thinking of the many new pockets there would be to pick once they left the north and headed south once more. They'd have to work to catch up on the income for the Dancing Dove anyways, and any new sources of cash they had would always come in handy.

Vixen wondered idly what the Ranch would look like as the trees and plains continued to whiz by, on guard for any odd movements around her despite her relaxed state of mind. They had said it had a wall around it, and a huge barn with another building beside it that they used to sleep in and all. She and Amanda would probably be on the floor by the hearth while they were there, but neither one minded that much. It would be hard and rough, but certainly warmer than the back rooms that close to the fire and they wouldn't put any of the others out of their usual beds.

Then there was the reason that they were there: a new horse for Amanda that she could call her own and not share with other guards as was needed. She was glad herself that she'd been allowed to bring her own and not share with others. Some of thieves shared among themselves, but that wasn't a real big deal. She'd ridden Allie and Mouse's horses before, but she still preferred her own over all, and she understood where Amanda was coming from when she got frustrated from the mounts not responding to her as a personal horse would.

Vixen sighed. Her back was sore, her knee throbbing slightly, but they'd be there soon and then she could relax by the fire and some of whatever was for dinner...she could stand it until then.

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Alyse sat across from Joe in what was usually Amanda's seat, putting her hand on the bishop before her for a moment and choosing to move a pawn instead. Levi sat across from her staring intently at the board, his elbows resting on the edge of the table and chin propped up on his laced hands.

"When do you think they'll be back?" he asked out of the blue, glancing up at Alyse who remained as impassive as usual.

"You mean Amanda and Vixen, right?" replied Alyse, keeping her eyes on the board as he made his move.

"Yeah, when do you think?"

Alyse considered his question for a moment. "Soon," she replied shortly, moving her bishop.

"Not soon enough," muttered Levi, leaning his head on one hand so the other could sweep over the pieces before him as if trying to find some magical power in them. "They've been gone for days..."

"It hasn't been a week yet," Alyse reminded Levi quickly. "You know it would take them awhile, and even longer with the side visit to see Lady Hope and her family at their fief..."

"I still don't see why she had to do that," cut in Kyle roughly. "I mean, it's a war time and she's out visiting with her friends!"

"You know it was for Justin," Alyse chastised him lightly, her eyes never meeting his face. "He was like her little brother. We don't know how much longer we have here, and I think she felt like she had to see him one more time just in case."

Levi paused. "In case of what?"

"You know," said Alyse, glancing up at him for the first time. "In case we leave before the war is over, go back home to Earth and the good old US of A and where ever we lived in there and such."

He sighed and moved his queen, rubbing his eyes with his free hand. "Check."

Alyse blinked. She hadn't seen that one coming...then she saw it. Smiling slightly, she picked up her knight and moved it to the side. "Check mate."

"Huh?!"

Alyse smiled smugly as Levi realized his mistake and smacked himself on the forehead. "Still," he said as they took the pieces back and started all over again. "I want them back here where I know if they're alright or not. For all we know..."

"They are fine," cut in Alyse a tad sharply. "Mithros, you worry more than me, Amanda, and Vixen combined on a regular basis! I'm surprised you're not dead from an ulcer by now!"

"Gee, thanks," said Levi sarcastically. "Well, sorry for caring!"

Alyse rubbed her temples slowly. "Levi, have some faith in them, will you? I know they're alright..."

"How?" challenged Levi nervously. "There's no way to find out until they return..."

"Send Kyle out with a scout," suggested Alyse tiredly. "He can tell you if they're alright or not, ok?"

"...ok," agreed Levi reluctantly.

"Just relax." Alyse selected a pawn and moved it forward. "You're going to go bald before you're 30 acting like that."

Levi looked at the fire behind her as Alyse made her first move. "I know."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Amanda sat at the table beside Vixen, a plate of stew in front of them and their hosts as they ate and drank away their weariness from the road. "Someone's hungry tonight," commented Jon, seeing Amanda go for her third bowl.

"You don't have much room to talk, seeing how you've already had four," Amanda reminded him with a smirk.

"Eh, but I still have room here to spare," he replied, patting his stomach as he went for a fifth bowl as well.

Amanda rolled her eyes. "Eesh...bottomless pit."

Jon smiled. "Yep."

"I dun get it," cut in Dar suddenly, a frown on his face.

"Don't get what?" asked Vixen, pausing with her spoon in the air. "She called him a bottomless pit, and he is."

"That's not what I mean," protested Dar. "What are you, a noble, doing here with common horse keepers, their helpers, and a thief as your companion?! Being here, for a mount, is understandable. But to put off looking for a day so you can poke about here and see the barn and all and catch up like you were friend...it just don't make sense."

"He has a point," added Cor, "You could be somewhere sippin' your soup outta some nice silver dishes with gold forks and knives, but you're here with us using common ware of wood and glazed pottery. Why?"

Just at that point Sarah's cat leapt from her place into Amanda's lap, purring loudly as Amanda let her settle there and scratched her behind the ears.

"Well," she started, seeing Vixen trying not to laugh out of the corner of her eye. "I guess you could say that everyone, including this cat, knows something that you don. That I may wear the crest of a noble, and live in the house of a noble but here." Amanda pointed her heart. "And here." She let her finger tap her temple lightly. "I am just as common as you and Jon and Vixen will ever be."

"Huh, sure you are," scoffed Dar, his mouth getting away from him again. "Just like pigs can fly and horses can learn to groom themselves. You probably have expensive hobbies and habits that no one could ever manage to afford being a commoner." He covered him mouth when he realized what he had said. "Uh...my apologies, milady...didn't mean nothing by it..."

"It's alright," said Amanda as everyone around her burst out laughing, much to the young man's chagrin. "Trust me, much worse has come my way than that. Isn't that right, Vixen?"

"Yep," replied Vixen with a grin. "Besides, she only has two hobbies. Fighting and chocolate."

"Chocolate is not a hobby," Amanda corrected her quickly with a gleam of humor in her eyes. "It is a way of life."

"Just like being a bottomless pit is Jon's way of life?" popped in Cor with a broad smile.

"Yeah, something like that," replied Amanda. Jon just turned an interesting shade of red and muttered something about little boys who couldn't keep their mouth shut. "But in all seriousness," she added calmly. "How big do you think my family is?"

"I dunno," said Cor with a shrug. "30, 40 people? Some are a lot larger than that, but usually not much smaller."

"I have three, including myself," said Amanda with a grin. "And I'm as much as related to them as I am to these three here."

Cor gave her a suspicious look. "You mean you're not really a noble?"

"Not in the least bit," replied Amanda firmly. "I have the power, the money, the crest, but that's it."

"That's all you need to make it convincing, though," added Jon with a smirk.

"I would say bite me," commented Amanda lightly. "But you might give me rabies..."

"Oh, hush."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Sarah walked along the fence with Amanda at her side, discussing the many different horse they had at the ranch, including those who were mending at the moment from wounds and sicknesses.

"There are some warhorses," she added to the many she'd already described. "You know what I mean, the huge ones that learn to flail their hooves and bite with their teeth at the enemy."

"Yeah, but I want something lighter than that," said Amanda, patting the horse who Sarah had called over on the head. Her left hand rested on the hilt of her sword comfortably. "He's beautiful and all, but a bit bulky. Not exactly suited for rocky paths or uneven fields."

"Very true," admitted Sarah, whistling sharply. "How's this little guy?" A small pinto trotted up, just barely big enough to hold someone Amanda's size with little or no baggage at all.

"Once again, a wonderful horse," said Amanda, inspecting her over the railing. "But still not what I'm looking for. Too small this time, in a long sprint one like this would do wonderfully. But in a battle, I need something with a little more weight to hold me, my weapons, and those who are trying to pull me from my mount."

"Ok..." said Sarah, considering the horses in the field. "Well...hm. There's several of the mountain horses the Rider's use if you want to look at those. They're sturdy enough for battle obviously, and well trained to their rider..."

"Alright," agreed Amanda, considering her options for a moment or two. "Lead the way."

They spent the rest of the afternoon going through the horses in the field, each one being put through their paces for Amanda's sake as well as for the chance for a good work out. The sun was setting as they both sat along the top of the fence, considering the few who were left that she hadn't tried as of yet.

"Sorry to be so much trouble," apologized Amanda. "But...I can't just choose in an instant. Moonshadow came with me, so it was like I had trained her myself. All these are already trained, and have cues that I would have to learn to ride with them."

"Well," said Sarah with a shrug. "I don't know what to say. It's not like-"

"Scanrans are coming!" cried Jon, running from the main house to the fields to round up the horses and get them in the barn as quickly as he could. "Everyone, hurry! Where's the boys?!"

"Outside, getting firewood!" yelled Sarah, realizing what kind of trouble the boys might be in. "Oh no...Amanda?!" Her friend vaulted over the fence and into the ring before them, jumping onto the back of an unsaddled light brown mare who she'd be told not to ride for some reason. Sarah was about to cry out in warning when the mare obeyed Amanda's commands and leapt the fence, riding towards the house to get the pole arm she'd brought with her from Brenna before heading out the gates after the boys.

"Oh no!" cried Jon, going and getting on offbeat before riding out the gate himself. "She's going to get herself killed!"

"I'm coming too!" cried Vixen, her own pole arm in hand and daggers in their sheathes as she rode out on her gelding. Sarah hurried into the house and got out the bandages as well as the salves and stuff she kept around in case someone got hurt. She was almost certain one of them wasn't coming back alive, and if they did it would be a bloody mess to deal with regardless.

Five. Ten. Fifteen minutes passed before she heard the sound of hooves approaching quickly. Picking up her bow and fitting an arrow to the string in case it wasn't a friend returning from battle, but rather a Scanran who had slipped through their guard...or killed them completely...

"Put down that arrow," said Vixen dourly as she helped Cor from her saddle onto solid ground. Other than being white as a sheet and a little thin cut on his forehead that just barely dribbles blood, he was safe and sound and that was all that really mattered. Jon came riding up with Amanda right behind him, Dar behind him on his horse and Amanda's weapons all dripping with fresh blood.

"That was refreshing," said Amanda with a grim smile as she plunged her sword and the sharp end of her pole arm into the ground to cleanse them of most of the blood. "I haven't had a good fight like that for awhile..."

"You're riding that thing and still not dead," said Jon in amazement as Mandie pranced happily under her new owner.

"What? Is she dangerous?" asked Amanda, settling her down by pulling back on the fist full of mane she'd used to guide the horse during the fight.

"Very," replied Jon flatly. "Has nearly killed me trying to break her to saddle at least twenty times!"

"You're not just special enough," said Amanda, giving him a smug look. "I won't use a saddle with her then, she does just fine without it. Vixen?"

"Yes Amanda?"

"I've made my choice, let's get our things and get on home."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Jennifer stood between Levi and the last slice of chocolate cake that she was saving for Amanda so she wouldn't have to make another one. It was a bit big for one person, so it was the perfect size for the chocolate-loving noblewoman.

"Come on," whined Levi softly. "You'll have time to make another, I promise..."

"She's due back tonight, or tomorrow morning," said Jennifer shortly. "Therefore, I won't unless I want to make it during my dinner break. Don't give me that look, Levi, because I'm not going to."

"She won't mind if you give it to me," wheedled Levi. "I've been working while she was gone, and she wouldn't begrudge a slice of cake to a friend..."

"If it weren't chocolate, maybe," replied Jennifer sarcastcially. "Levi, what you're asking could get us both killed."

"So? I'm hungry..."

"Dinner was an hour ago!!"

"I'm still hungry...I didn't get to eat dinner..."

"ARGH! Why didn't you come and eat with everyone else?!"

"I was busy..." Levi bowed his head under Jennifer's sharp look. "Alright alright....busy watching for them from the wall...I forgot what time it was!"

"You really are paranoid, you know that?" asked Jennifer in an offhand manner. "My answer is still now."

"Oh, come on!"

"No."

"For your old pal Levi?!"

"No!"

"...please??" Levi gave her his best puppy eyes and stood frozen like that until she sighed and threw her hands up in frustration.

"Fine, alright!" She cried. "I'm leaving the kitchen. Whatever happens to the slices of cake is no longer my problem. You know it's for Amanda, face the consequences yourself!"

"Yeah!"

**twenty minutes later**

Levi wiped the last of the crumbs from the plate with his tongue as Amanda walked in the kitchen, obviously looking for something.

"Hey," she said. "Where's the cake Jennifer said she left for me?"

Levi froze, a very guilty look crossing his face.

Amanda frowned. "Levi...you didn't eat my....did you?"

0.o;; "Uh...bye!" Levi dashed from the kitchen as fast as his legs could carry him.

Amanda stood there and counted to ten before racing after him down the hall. She wouldn't kill him now. No, not kill him...just maim him horribly...maybe with knives...or forks...or even dull spoons would work... "LEVI!!!!"

"....eep!!"

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Libby could see the fief in the distance as always, relief washing over her as she began to dream of the hot bath, drinks, and bed that would be waiting for her there. Even if Amanda weren't awake, someone would be and would take care of them like always. Warm food...hot bath...warm bed...she could feel the clean sheets against her skin already...

"Ho, there!" cried someone from the top of the walls. "Who be there? Friend or foe?"

"It's us, the Mages," Libby cried back, a familiar voice calling for them to open the gates and let them in. They led their weary mounts in before the heavy wooden doors shut behind them, keeping out any unwanted visitors that might arrive later on that night.

"Hey," said Mouse, meeting them at the bottom of the wall and helping Libby dismount from Veety. "You look bushed."

"I am, and have been for awhile," replied Libby, rubbing her eyes with her hands. "Did the other two ever get back, Bren and Amanda?"

"Yeah, and fine as always," replied Mouse quickly. "Come on, let's get you something to eat before you sleep."

"Don't you have guard duty?" asked Libby, seeing the spear Mouse had left leaning on the wall. Mouse cursed quietly and picked the spear back reluctantly. "Lou! Get a bath and food for the Mages, will you?"

"Of course, ma'am," he said, trotting off like a good servant. "They'll be ready shortly, as requested."

"Thank you." Mouse glanced over at Libby dubiously. "You think you can make it to your rooms on your own? I can get them to carry you up there if you're that exhausted, you know."

"I may be tired," replied Libby with a half smile. "But I'm not *that* tired. You look like you could use some sleep yourself, though. Mousey not sleepy at night from all her nocturnal activities?"

"Things are getting rough around here," admitted Mouse in a low voice. "More missions...and each one successful so far, of course; but still we have not gone untouched as far as our ranks go in this war."

"Have you lost any?"

"One or two in the skirmishes with the Scanrans," replied Mouse with a shrug. "Mainly we meet them in the woods in silent combat, but we rarely get hurt in those situations. Not to mention the fact that those who do know it's there fault for being too loud or two slow so we don't hear much complaining."

"And since they all die, they don't know how they were killed, either," added Libby. "They have no way to prepare for it next time."

"Exactly."

"Ma'am, Lou said to come escort you and the other fellow to your rooms," said a young girl, appearing before them silently.

"Lead the way," said Libby, waving her hand slightly. "I'll see you later, Mouse. Take care."

"Yeah, you too. Get some sleep."

"I will."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Lyssa looked up in surprise when one of the watchmen shouted out there were soldiers approaching, General Vanget and one of his squads by the look of the banner the standard bearer was holding. Or at least that's what the watchman said, and Lyssa made note to strangle whoever it was when they arrived if it wasn't Vanget because she was going to have to go change now to make appearances look good in the fort. Normally, she wore the same leather, metal studded jerkin over a fresh green shirt, with sturdy pants and worn out boots everyday. Now she was going to have to go and put her actual uniform on...it was some impractical for fighting it made her want to scream sometimes...at least at a Commander's level. Regular Riders and Captains of Riders got to wear what she usually wore, with the jerkin and worn out boots. But she was required to wear this scarlet dyed leather jerkin to identify her as Commander that she thought was just silly and useless for the most part. She couldn't blend into the woods, she couldn't get it dirty because she'd feel guilty, she couldn't even usefully use it other than for ceremonial occasions due to the fact that the Scanrans could attack at any moment, and she wasn't going to go and change before she went out there to fight!

"Commander!" said Eric quickly, spotting her coming out of her rooms with the scarlet jerkin on and new boots that she hadn't bothered to break in yet. "Should I form up an honor guard?"

"To be careful, yes," said Lyssa quickly. "Not half the camp, mind you. A squad or two will do, Captain."

"Yes, Commander."

"Watchman!" she called up to whoever was in the tower. "How much longer until they arrive?"

"Twenty minutes or so, Commander!" replied the man, realizing who it was by the scarlet leather. Lyssa sighed, it had some uses for sure. But those hardly outweighed it's annoyances at all.

"Good afternoon, General," said Lyssa, bowing respectfully as Vanget and his crew stopped and dismounted in her main area of the camp.

"Good afternoon, Commander," he replied as he bowed slightly and his Captains took their places behind him.

"What brings you here to our fort?" asked Lyssa, standing at an easy attention where she was still showing him respect without being uncomfortable. "News of other forts? We have already learned of Giantkiller's fall..."

"That is not it," he said. "Just a quick inspection to make sure things are up to par, and to get you anything should you need it."

"Ah." Lyssa nodded understandingly and waved over Eric and another Captain who were standing nearby. "General, this is Captain Eric, my second, and Captain Tom. They will be glad to show you anything you wish to see as I must go and attend to my duties elsewhere."

"Of course," said the General gravely. "Men, stay with your mounts and take a break. This shouldn't take long. Commander, if I may have a word when you when we're done...?"

"Of course," said Lyssa quickly. "They will know where to find me, General."

"Good."

Lyssa was talking with some Captains about the schedule changes in the watch and guards when Vanget walked up two hours later, Eric and Tom flanking him on either side. "Commander," he said formally, bowing to the Captains as a way to dismiss them as quickly as possible. They bowed in return and left, Eric and Tom drawing to the side a little ways away.

"Was our fort up to par, General?" asked Lyssa, bowing respectfully.

"Very much so," replied Vanget gravely. "Keep it up, Commander. As for your other news: Scanran activity is dying in the middle areas of our battle front, and we're not sure what this means. Our scouts, spies, and animal friends from Daine are doing what they can to keep us informed, but it's not much help. Be more careful: we don't know what they might be up to next."

"Will do, Sir," replied Lyssa. Vanget nodded and headed back off to his squad and horse at the gate of the fief.

"Food stuffs that you're low on and more weapons will arrive soon," said Vanget, mounting up quickly. "Take care, Commander. Everyone, let's go."

"You too," called Lyssa, waving briefly before heading to her rooms to change as quickly as possibly. "They're gone at last..."

"Hey, you didn't have to show him around," argued Eric. "You dumped that on me!"

Lyssa glared at him. "Shut up."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Kyle used the balcony in his room to get to the trellis that led to Elizabeth's, making sure his hand and footholds were secure before moving up some more. Last time, he'd been to hasting and broken through a rung in the framework, almost tumbling him a full two stories to the ground; but anyways...

Elizabeth would be in a good mood, he was fresh from the baths after having gotten back from his last trip back and couldn't wait to see her: perfect timing in his mind. Climbing in the window, he was about to call her name when he realized he heard three voices coming from the main room. Creeping up closer, he wondered who it could be and grinned when he saw it was Vixen and Allie. Some bout of girl talk, no doubt. Kyle grinned evilly, maybe he could learn something from this.

He crouched by her bedroom door that led to the main room and was almost motionless as he strained to hear what was being said. Especially about him, anything about him could be of use later on. Grinning broadly inside, he realized he could make himself sound psychic if he played his cards right. Who knew what this night might bring him...

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Vixen sat on the floor by the fire, whittling a piece of pine she'd found into a sort of ring she was going to use for something. What, she wasn't going to say, but it was too big for fingers and too small for wrists so they had no clue past that. Allie and Liz shared the couch, a tray of fine wine and glasses sitting between them all within easy reach should one feel parched all of a sudden.

"So, what's with you and Joe?" asked Elizabeth out of the blue, holding her wine glass poised, ready to take a sip any moment. "Sneaking off into his room at night...Kyle mentioning both of you coming from the same room in the morning...does Amanda know?"

"Not as of yet," replied Vixen quickly, suddenly realizing what she'd said and turning very, very red. "Erm...I mean...well..."

"Admit it already," said Allie in annoyance. "I've known for months, Eliz picked up on it the moment you two moved in here, and Mouse has been teasing Joe about it for I don't know how long. Jenny even knows, from listening to us talk about it!"

"Oh, great, just tell the whole world why don't you?!" cried Vixen in exasperation. "Is there anyone you HAVEN'T told yet?!"

Allie and Elizabeth exchanged glances. "Amanda."

"Obviously," replied Vixen, rolling her eyes. "I meant, as in other than her!"

"Oh...Sarah and Jon don't know," said Elizabeth calculatingly.

"Levi acts like he doesn't, but I think it's so he stays out of Amanda's war path. Did you see what she did to him over that chocolate cake? The welt on his arm from the flat of her blade is not going to go away for a few weeks at least, maybe more."

"He's lucky she didn't get him with the edge instead," replied Vixen with a knowing grin. "It was her slice of CHOCOLATE cake, he should've known better by now..." She saw something glitter in the dark from Elizabeth's room and grinned when she realized what it was. 'We have a spy,' she mouthed to Elizabeth, who sat up straighter as her eyes widened slightly.

'Who?' mouthed Elizabeth back.

'Kyle.'

Elizabeth grinned evilly, pointing towards the bedroom with a questioning look and Vixen winked and nodded. An idea came to mind as she wondered how she might play this to her favor. "So, dear friends," she said with a sly glint in her eyes. "Tell me, how are your men in bed?"

Vixen looked slightly alarmed and gave Elizabeth a half-glare half-pleading look as Allie plunged right into the details of her last night in the other garrison about a week ago and her 'adventures' there. "Yeah, and then this other guy...he's really creative, let me tell you, he-"

"Alright, that's enough!" said someone from Elizabeth's bedroom, a familiar form materializing beside Elizabeth and pulling her into a quick kiss. "I've been beat out of hiding, alright? Just don't do that to another guy again, alright? That's just cruel!"

"What, hearing it and not being able to act on it?" asked Elizabeth slyly.

Kyle glanced around innocently. "Perhaps..."

"That's it, I'm gone," said Vixen, rising to her feet and dragging Allie after her to the two love bird could be alone. "Night, Liz and Kyle."

"Night."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Alyse used another blast from her fan to alert the others silently of the approaching Scanrans. She was leading the Riding Guard that day, and soon they would meet with the enemy again in another small skirmish. They far outnumbered the small band that headed towards them by far, and since most of them were on foot an her men on horseback it shouldn't be a rough fight at all. Still, she did not like killing them so easily all the time, and often wished the war would end so she could put her blood-stained glaive away forever.

"When shall we move?" asked a Captain beside her.

"Soon," replied Alyse patiently, Fern standing almost completely still in the half-light of the trees.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Go," she said softly as they came into view, all of them charging after her into the fray with the Scanrans. Her weapons flashed silver against the sun, and those who were against them fell that day while those on her side enjoyed an easy and costless victory. None were killed, none were wounded, some didn't even have to fight. Those who were captured and forced to surrender begged for the mercy stroke and were granted such, so they had no prisoners as well. Alyse had them searched, their weapons taken, and all useful items brought back to the fief with them before dragging them under bushes for the wildlife to find later on.

"Lady Alyse," said one of the soldiers, coming to her side when everything was finished. "We are ready to head back."

"Then let's go," she replied, giving the hand signal and trotting forward at a good pace back towards the fief. She hated war, hated killing, but she hated more watching the innocent die for something that wasn't their fault, so she fought. And hated every minute of it.

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Amanda looked up when Levi came in, a tight look on his face. "What?" she asked sourly. "I've been good so far, what did I do now?! I came back alive AND in one piece, I've stayed away from the forge and have done all my noble duties without complaint. What did I do this time?"

"Nothing," he said, sitting in front of her desk stiffly. "It's just...some news came in while you were gone..."

"News?" asked Amanda, sitting up straighter. "You left all the notes on my desk, and I read them all already."

"I didn't leave this one there," he said, taking something from his pocket and putting it on the desk before her. "You might want to read that now...it's...um...fairly important."

"You're not making sense," said Amanda, frowning as she picked up the letter with the seal already cracked and spread it before her to read. "A notes' a note and news is news. What could possibly have-" She stopped short as she grasped what he had been trying to show her, sitting back in her chair as she closed her eyes and pressed her hand to her lips. "No..."

"I'm sorry," said Levi, getting up from his seat and starting to come around the desk. "I know you had friends there..."

"Friends?!" said Amanda half-hysterically. "I had more than friends there...the children I played with...some of their parents fought there..."

Levi came closer, trying to give her a hug. "I'm sorry that-"

"No," said Amanda, stopping him with her hand. "No, Levi....just go."

"Go? But...you..."

"Leave, now."

"Amanda! You just heard..."

"I need to be alone," said Amanda firmly, pointing towards the door shakily. "Just leave me alone, Levi. I want to be alone..." Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks, her eyes red and colored a bright green.

"Fine," he said, turning around and heading for the door. He felt his heart tear in two as he heard something else under the shutting door behind him. She was crying, and what hurt him most was he could do nothing about it...

Amanda sat by the fire after she's paced around the room a few times and wrapped herself up in the blanket while she cried quietly for awhile. Those poor children, and their families, to lose someone so close to them like that...

The door was locked and she ignored all attempts by others to get in, knowing she had the only key to the dead bolt on her belt and if someone tried to pick it there would be fire and brimstone to pay later on. Memories of fathers and daughters and sons who had been Riders and soldiers and members of the King's Own flashed before her eyes. They were all dead, every last one of them for it said in the note that none had escaped and had any been taken alive they might as well be dead since their destination would be to be sold into slavery.

Amanda didn't know all of them that personally, and some had only been in passing, but they had still played some roll in her life, and now she would never get to see them again. Their families had lost them, their roles that they had played in other's lives would be empty forever. And there was nothing anyone could do.

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

The kitten, who was growing into a fine cat who was an excellent mouser most of the time, crept out of Sarah's room into the kitchen. They had been making something that night and she hadn't been allowed to see it, but maybe if she was able to get up onto the counter somehow...

Using the chair as a halfway mark, the kitten scrabbled onto it before clawing her way from the chair to the table. Resting there wearily, and lapping up some drink that someone had left there, she took a running start and leapt over to the counter, barely catching onto the towel that lay there with her claws enough to pull her legs that were dangling over the edge onto solid ground.

Or solid counter, that was. She was at least three or four feet from the ground, and the small cat quavered slightly as she looked over the edge at how far down the ground really was. Best keep close to the wall side of the counter so she didn't fall off and break something.

Creeping along the counter, she came to a bowl that smelled rather good. Pushing aside the cloth that covered the bowl, she fussed with it a bit like she wouldn't be able to do when the two legger's were up before inspecting the contents of the bowl. Or at least trying to, anyways. The bowl was rather tall and she was rather small, which did present a problem of sorts...

She could reach the top of the bowl with her paws, but she couldn't see inside it or get enough of a jump to leap right it. Besides, it might just be one of the twin two leggers wormy collections for catching the silvery water-delvers they fed her and she didn't really want to land in that. Maybe if she could just tip it over enough towards her she could see...

*tip*

*SMASH*

**In Sarah's Room**

Sarah sat up and grabbed her pants, jamming them on before grabbing a heavy staff before running out to see what was going on.

**In Jon's Room**

Jon fell out of bed from the noise and made an equally loud on as he hit the floor, waking him up enough to get some clothes on and go see what was going on. Someone would pay if this was only a joke for waking him this late...

**In the Twins Room**

Dar sat up and threw the covers aside, smacking Cor in the face accidentally, which immediately started a brawl between the two and somehow they managed to roll along in the direction of the kitchen as they kicked and strangled each other with all their might.

Everyone stood looking at the broken bowl and the apologetic kitten on the floor beside it who was licking up the gravy as fast as she could before one of the two-leggers caught her and cleaned it up instead.

"Do not tell me all this happened because of that cat," said Jon, motioning to the boys fighting on the floor, the smashed bowl, and the disheveled state they were all in.

"It was," replied Sarah dourly, taking the cat back with her to her room. "Come on, time to sleep, little one. Boys, knock it off and clean that up."

"He started it!"

"Hey, you wouldn't-"

"SHE SAID CLEAN IT UP AND KNOCK IT OFF!!"

0.o

o.0

"...yes sir."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Jennifer brought Amanda a small meat pie with a glass of milk in her study, noting the lines under her friend's eyes and the weary expression on her face, but saying nothing none the less. Amanda was a big girl and could take care of herself.

"Oh, wait," said Jennifer as Amanda started to bite into the pie. "I have something for you." She stuck a candle in the pie and lit it, doing her own version of 'Happy Birthday' before she let Amanda blow out the candle and have her pie. "How old are you again?"

"Twenty one," replied Amanda roughly, eyeing her as she wolfed down the pie. "How did you know?"

"I just did," replied Jennifer. "That, and Levi told me to do something since you ordered him to let it just pass by this year."

"Argh, that rat. I'm going to have to talk to him about that..."

"Don't be too hard on him," said Jennifer quickly. "He just felt bad that you wouldn't have a party like the rest of us.

"Fine. Well, thanks. I think I like this better than a party anyways..."

Jennifer smiled brightly, it being so infectious that Amanda smiled as well. "You're welcome. Night."

"Night."

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

Libby gulped down the breakfast she'd been about to sit down to and grabbed her stuff from her rooms, Artman meeting her by the stables and the two of them setting off after the messenger who'd come to get them. The fort and the fiefs around it might be getting a little slow as far as action went, but the two mages were still called on often enough and both just wanted it to be over and done with already.

The war was around them, they couldn't stop it, and like the rest they felt trapped in a fate they couldn't control. It wasn't exactly something that comforted them, or made them feel brave. All wanted out, all needed out in some way or another, and all they could do was wait. Wait...and hope...

*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*~~~@~~~*

That's it, the end, la finis, etc, etc. Remember, contest is still running and if you haven't sent in for your questions yet do so quick b/c we have a few spots left on the list of winners! For official rules and such: look at the end of chapter 30, thanks!

Hm...no birthdays, not celebrations...no nothing. I guess then that this is a shorter edition of TTT! Later. : P

Crosseyedbutterfly