Author's Note: I'm SO sorry. I know you guys REALLY REALLY wanted to read the next chapter, but even though I finally found my copy of Alanna, I'm still having MAJOR writer's block on tbe next chapter. I'm afraid it might be a while until I get it up. So, here's my offering. Please don't hurt me when you're done reading it. ::winces unhappily at probable reader's reactions:: I'm sorry, I know I'm terrible!
Chapter 13: Fatalism
Alanna bit her lip. She might make light of the Ysandir's abilities, but they still were formidable. Mocking conversation had bought them some time, but she was no closer to a solution. Attired in a ridiculous ball gown, the only familiar thing that brought her comfort was the weight of Lightning sheathed at her side.
Jonathan shifted beside her. "Alanna, I don't know how to defeat magic like this." He spoke in a low voice, close to her ear, so that only Alanna could hear him. "I need your help. Have you learned anything from your time in the desert that could help us stop them? Anything at all?"
Alanna closed her eyes. She had no idea what to do. The Bazhir were big on their Balance. They accepted things like this. She never had. Umar Komm once told her that she was a tool of the gods—one who changed the Balance. If she was, she was about to change the Balance for the worse, because Alanna and Jonathan were about to die.
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Yes, that's it. I'm really sorry! Really, really, really sorry! My muse (irritating, fickle, ABSENT thing) robbed me of all my ideas and high-tailed it off to Mexico. It sent me a post card (the CHEEK of that muse) saying it was really nice in Cancun, and I should go hang out there some time. It also refuses to answer my calls and tell me when it's coming back.
And I was going to do all of my reviewer replies, but I really have too much homework right now, so I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the next chapter. I'll catch up on them then, I promise! Well, review, just don't verbally burn me at the stake, I already feel bad enough about it.