A/N: Thanks for pointing out a few things Ann.  I guess the 'stand bearer' part must have been a typo but thanks again for pointing it out.  Also, the flag the standard bearer is carrying is the emblem of the King's Own.  Alanna would be carrying her own emblem on her shield but the standard bearer carries the King's Own's emblem.  You can check this out in Wild Magic chapt 2.  Thanks for reading!! 

Disclaimer: yada yada yada… you know it

Onto chapter 3

Chapter 3: Answers

Rae squinted as sunlight shone into her eyes.  Moving to cover her eyes, she found she couldn't.  Her eyes snapped opened as she immediately awakened.  She was tied securely in a chair and gagged.  "What mess have I gotten myself into?" she mumbled, trying to speak through the gag.  Twisting and turning in the chair, she tried to find out where she was.  Four white walls surrounded her.  There was nothing in the room except for the chair she was bound to.  Hearing chirping, she tried to swivel her head.  Behind her was a window.  She could see the branches of a leafy tree.  'I must be on one of the upper floors.  If I can just get my hands free then I could climb out the window and escape.'  She struggled against the coarse ropes around her wrists, but only twisted them tighter.  Trembling she sank back into the chair.  For once, she was trapped.

~§~

(In the kitchens Alanna and George talk about the previous night's events…)

"Well, we've caught her.  But what should we do with her?"

"We could try getting some answers out of her." Suggest Alanna, "I've never seen anyone like her.  She looks a but Yamani, but she isn't"

"She's also taller than most Yamani people, probably around 5ft 4" and she looks fairly young."

"Dad," called Thom, "she's awake, maybe we should bring her something to eat." Added the young red head.  Thom was already 9 and would be training to be a page the following year.

"Alright, let us greet our captive then."

"I didn't need any help at all, I still think I could have handled her.  Your really shouldn't have interfered in my fight." Insisted Alanna

"What? With the point of your swords at each others throats? Shouldn't you be on your knees thanking me?"

"No of course not.  I'd like to keep my pride"

~§~

With her head hung in defeat, Rae heard the door creak open.  She peered up and saw three figures in the doorway.  It was the Baron, the odd knight, and the young boy.

The baron came forward with a tray of food.

"We've brought you something to eat…"

"But we'd like a few answers first."  Finished the knight.

Rae saw the Baron glare at the knight.  The two seemed to be close friends.  Eyeing the food on the tray, she quickly made her decision and nodded.  The knight undid her gag and stood in front of her. 

"First things first.  What are your motives being here and all?"

Rae gracefully raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

"I mean, are you a thief? A spy? Who do you work for?  If you are a thief then why did you only steal a few gold nobles when there was a chest full of loot?"  As Alanna fired questions, George casually stuck his hand in a pouch of eyebright deep in his pocket.

"I admit I am a thief.  But I only take what I need to survive.  My aim isn't to rob you blind.  I take what I need and no more."

"Really, is that so…."

George slightly nodded to her, indicating she told the truth.

"Have you any home?  Do you live in Tortall?"

Shaking her head, Rae spoke, "No, I'm a vagrant.  I travel from place to place and have been for the past three years.  I live on my own and I intend to keep it that way."

"Well then, this interrogation has lasted long enough.  We'll leave you to your food then.  If we untie you, can we trust you not to harm us?"

Rae quickly nodded her consent and her bonds were untied.  She stretched her arms, shaking out all the knots and cramps in her arms.  Satisfied, she sat down and ate her fill.  Having finished her food.  They tied her up again and left. But they hadn't tied her so carefully.  As they closed the door, Rae shrunk her hands in the loose knots and freed her hands.

A/N:  I know that was short.  But I've got the whole plot.  Don't worry!! More to come soon!! Don't forget to r+r then I can get your feedback!!  I want 15 review in total before I write the next chapter!! I know it's demanding… but 15!!  Don't worry… I'll wait…

~Lilue