Happy Valentine's Day. Here is my gift for you: A new chapter! Tomorrow is my birthday and I would love to get some reviews then. ^_~

Sorry this chapter took so long. I had a lot of work to do for school AND I've started another fanfic. It's called 'The Message' and is a completely new and different story and the first part of my new series (new, hmphf, it's my first) that is called 'Four Elements'. It will consist of four parts in total, if everything works the way I plan.

It's about the squire Tiuri who gets the duty to bring a letter to King Jonathan. Tiuri lives in Maren and was about to be knighted, but he had to leave, because of the letter, the night he should have entered the Chamber of Ordeal. There are enemies who want the letter and who are willing to kill him to get it. But of course he will get some help ….. girl power of course.

This story will turn out to be much more complex than it seems at the beginning. An old enemy has left something that will cause much trouble for Tortall.

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Chapter 32:                                           Duncan, the Lady-killer

Sam was sitting on the table, waiting for her friends to join her for breakfast. Her head was buried in her hands and she groaned from time to time. 'The whole night without sleep. I won't survive this day. Maybe I should have accepted Adrian's offer to knock me unconscious to pretend I had a fight. But I would have been punished. I don't want to meet Master Oaksbridge as often as last year.' She shuddered lightly. 'Oh damn that idiot! Of course he had to kidnap me at such an ungodly hour. Couldn't he have kidnapped me after I got my sleep? But no, mister I'm-an-important-clan-leader had to do it NOW, when he felt like it. I feel the urge to kill something ….. or somebody.'

She looked up and glared around.  'I didn't train with the others this morning. I have to think of how to explain this to them. I hope they didn't look into my room. Well, I'll have to wait and see what they say. I hope they don't pester me that much about it. Well, on the other hand ….. it would give me a pleasant excuse for killing someone.' She smirked.

More and more pages filled the room. Some looked strangely at Sam. It wasn't normal to see her alone. The other pages had always wondered how so many people could always surround somebody who was so cold. Sam and her friends were a close group of friends and held together. It didn't mean that they didn't have contact or friendships with people outside of the group, but the strongest bonds were between the group-members themselves. Some of the other pages were a bit jealous and felt shut out. Especially at Sam, who seemed to be able to cause loyalty in the most different sorts of people. Of course it seemed normal that her cousins, Cori and Feli felt that kind of loyalty for her cousin, being her relatives. But Nathan of Malven had never been a person who wanted close contact to others, but when it came to her he acted completely different. Since she was here he had changed for the better. And Lee seemed to be a quite shy and sensible kind of person, but still she seemed to become a very close friend to Sam.

Sam had closed her eyes again and sighed heavily. Suddenly she felt an eruption next to her, on her right side. Then another on her left side, and she felt somebody taking a place in front of her. She slowly opened one eye and groaned at the sight. "What's the matter?"

The triplets grinned at her annoyed voice. It was much too easy to get on her nerves. She was a really tempting victim ….. if she didn't have the tendency to pay them back because of everything they did to her.

Danny sighed and started. "Today is the day. Phase one is starting. Remember now?"

Sam needed some time to comprehend what she had just heard. It was like having a split personality, like living two lives, which couldn't be more different. "Yes, I remember. I hope you remember as well what we've spoken about. If you make a mistake, we are doomed. The punishment will be more than any of us has ever received. If the King decides to join us for dinner and you make a mistake ….. we are doomed."

Aaron groaned. "We know that. You've told us so many times already. There won't be any mistakes. We've practised, you know. We are prepared. You forced us to wait so long, but now it has been long enough. By the way, you look horrible. Where were you this morning?"

Sam narrowed her eyes and glared at him, tempted to bite his head of. 'I must keep myself under control, otherwise I will do something I might regret later.'

Aaron stared, irritated at her. He didn't know the reason why she didn't answer him, but he felt more than uncomfortable under her gaze. She seemed to wonder at the moment which way to kill him. 'Oh, someone is moody today. I will stay the hell away from her. Maybe she's having ….. woman's problems. Danny and Ria are this way when they get it. Not to mention mum.' He shuddered lightly. 'Dad told me to avoid any conflict or discussion when they are at that state. I guess I'll follow his advice. He said, no matter how right I might be, I will never win a debate. Girls are really difficult.'

~ HEY! ~

'Oops.'

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Ria studied Lord Padraig's face and tried not to grin. She had to serve him during dinner tonight. Oh and how she would serve him. He didn't know it yet, but this would be the last glass of wine for him for a long, LONG time.

When she had fulfilled her duty she was allowed to go with her friends to eat herself. Her siblings eyed her attentively with a question shining in their eyes. She nodded and the three grinned evilly. ~ The powder is in his meal, mixed with the soup. He won't notice it. Well, not yet, anyway. ~ Her siblings snickered. The other pages started to eye them warily.

~ Sam's plan is great. We put some of this lovely powder in his meals, and it will show its effect on the following days. They can't accuse us of being the reason he can't drink wine anymore. The wine is just fine, and everybody else who tastes it won't think its bitter, or sour, or sharp, or whatever flavour it will develop. We're even doing him a favour. Alcohol isn't good for his health. ~

~ Yep. Phase one has started. Oh, I really would like to see his face when the effect starts to show. When do we start phase two? ~

~ Depends on how phase one is working. ~

The three grinned at each other triumphantly.

Suddenly Milan stopped eating and glared at the three. "OK. That's it. You tell me immediately what you three are planning. I know that face of yours. Every time you grin like that, we are in a hell of a lot of trouble. Spill it."

The three blinked innocently and chorused. "We? Planning something? Never!"

All the others frowned at them.

"If anything happens to me, you three will pay dearly!" Bery exclaimed.

Danny put her hands to her chest and pretended to be shocked. "Why would you think that of us? We would never ever play a trick on you."

Bery growled lightly. "I thought you would have learned your lesson after being the one who was tricked. I remember that you weren't very happy being the victim yourselves."

Aaron smirked at her words. "Believe me, Bery, we have learned. We have learned a lot."

Sam and Feli exchanged a knowing look.

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'I'm NEVER to be controlled. I'm free. I'm strong. They want to control me? COME HERE AND TRY IT! I'm a warrior! I'm a mage! My body and soul are sacred. It is my WILL that will form the future. It is only MY will that can stop the destiny from erasing us. They think they can tame me? They think they can tell me what to do?  I AM THEIR QUEEN, DAMN IT! How dare they! Under normal circumstances I might not have any power, but in this time, everything is completely different.'

She glared at the letters in her hands, her moss green eyes burning in anger.

'I am the queen, the leader of the Royal Clan. And the Priestess is trying to influence me in my judgement. She is trying to have influence in a region she was never meant to have influence in. I've made a decision and they all have to live with it. I won't repeat the mistakes of my ancestors. I won't leave my people to be killed, even if it requires the highest price, my life. I know that I'm the last of my line. I know that there is nobody else who can take my place. I know that when my family dies out the hope that my culture will survive is gone. But do we really have the right to put our lives and culture above the others, above the younger peoples? If we are determined to come to an end, we don't have to take the others with us.'

She felt another wave of anger rising within her.

'They can't really expect me to stand by, doing nothing. That's what we've done for centuries. Watching, observing, feeling pity, doing nothing, for centuries.'

She stared at a map next to her.
'Tortall ….. Unauwen. Two completely different countries. Both endangered because of his wish for power. His will to find the Holy Sword will lead him sooner or later to its keeper. Oh, what a cruel irony! The queen is just as strong as the keeper. My ancestors must be laughing at me. Never in the whole history has something like this happened. What a cruel joke.'

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Swords were buzzing in the first rays of the morning sun. The blond page and the older squire were fighting each other with all the skills they possessed. Nat really tried to find the weak points in Sam's defence, but wherever he tried to hit, there was always a blade blocking his own, while the other one came dangerously near to his own body.

'She is so damned fast. Sometimes her blade is only a blur, nearly invisible. I'm glad we agreed not to use any kicks or other Shang tricks. Otherwise, I would have already bit the dust.' His concentration was only down for some seconds, but it was enough for Sam to notice a hole in his defence and to use it. When he felt her blade touching his belly and noticed that she was out of reach of his own swords, he cursed heartily.

Sam smiled at his backdown and removed her blade. "You know that you still use the sword in your left hand like you would use a shield. But it isn't there just to block my hits; it is another weapon. Use it. That's what makes this way of fighting so special. The possibility to distract the opponent with the one sword, while hitting him with the other."

Nat glared at her and snorted. "I KNOW that. My problem is not the theory but the realisation."

Sam couldn't help but laugh lightly at seeing him that upset about the fight. It was so good to have him back. She looked up at his ice-blue eyes.

"Have you finished? I'm glad to be such a source of amusement. Could we please return to my problem?"

Sam grinned broadly at him and put her swords back in the sheaths, which were crossed behind her back. "Your problem is that you have to lighten up."
"Look who's talking …" he murmured, but stopped when she came near to him, rose to her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. He stared at her, blushing crimson, mouth open in surprise.

"You will learn it. I know it." She said with tenderness in her eyes, smiling softly at him.

He couldn't help but smile back at her. "What? Fighting or lightening up?"

"Do I disturb you two lovebirds?"

Both turned their heads to face the intruder. Sam eyed the man in front of her warily. He had black hair and a thin moustache. He looked like the typical lady-killer, his clothes chosen carefully to impress the other sex. Mostly black or brown, matching his hair and eyes, consisting of the finest material for sale, covered with excellent embroidery. Sam noticed a playful glitter in the man's dark brown eyes. He smiled openly at her. He couldn't be more than thirty.

The man came towards her and bowed playfully, taking her hand to place a soft kiss on its backside. "May I introduce myself, my fair lady. I'm Sir Duncan of Snowshill. Your most obedient servant."

Sam raised an eyebrow sceptically and removed her hand from his grasp carefully. 'Now I know why he didn't tell me much about his knightmaster. A playboy.'

Nat seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable. 'Oh, can't he just hold back in front of her? Oh my gods, I'll never hear the end of it when he goes on like this. She'll make me pay.'

When she didn't answer Sir Duncan continued. "You must be the famous Samira of Pinehollow. I've heard a lot about you."

"Is that so?" Sam threw a look at Nat, who shifted uncomfortably.

Sir Duncan laughed, amused at this display. "My squire doesn't talk a lot, but when he does, it's mostly about you. When we arrived here he couldn't wait to see you. And now he comes here at such an ungodly hour, every morning, to train with you. I have to admit that I became curious. A very interesting technique you use, my dear. I've never seen such a thing. Would you mind giving me a try? I would really like to know how I could hold myself against two swords by using only one."

A smile crept on Sam's face. "Of course. I would feel honoured, Sir."

Sir Duncan didn't seem to notice the dangerous glitter in her eyes. He smiled happily and started to remove some of his clothes, which would disturb him while fighting.

Nat stared at Sam who made some stretches, and then at his knightmaster, who seemed oblivious to the difficulties he had brought upon himself. When Duncan started his own stretches Nat stood next to him, worried. "Uhmm. Sir?"

"What is it, Nat. Just spill it." Duncan smiled friendly at him.

"Sir, I don't think that it is a good idea to use only one sword against her."

"Do you think I will loose?" Duncan looked attentively at him.

Nat hesitated a moment. "Maybe, if you don't pay enough attention, sir."

Duncan sighed. "It's possible. I haven't ever fought against someone who used two swords, but there might come a day when I will face someone like her on a battlefield. Now I have to chance to get used to this technique. If your friend agrees, we could train more often. I don't intend to become a blinded, selfcomplacent fool who thinks that he has already learned everything there is to learn about the art of fighting. I don't want to end up dead because I was too proud to learn when I had the chance to do so."

Nat stared, astonished at him. He sometimes didn't understand that man. On the one side, he seemed to be such a superficial player, whose weakest point was beautiful women, and lots of them. On the other side, he was always friendly and fair towards Nat, and a great fighter and trainer. He looked at Sam, who had heard everything thanks to her excellent hearing. She had a strange expression on her face, unreadable, even for him. Nat shook his head and offered his sword to the knight, who accepted it thankfully. "Good luck, sir. You'll need it."

"Thank you, boy. Now let's get started." He took a fighting stance in the middle of the court and waited for Sam to do the same.

She frowned and studied him intently. "Any rules?"

He shrugged. "No dirty tricks. That's all I think."

She frowned and eyed him again. "I think we shouldn't use any kicks and stuff like that. Only our swords."

Duncan smiled and nodded. "Perfectly fine with me."

Sam sighed, took her swords and began to circle around her opponent. Immediately her facial expression changed and she concentrated only on the fight.

Both opponents studied each other's movements, searching for a gap, a weakness, and a chance to hit.

Duncan waited for Sam to make the first move and was surprised at the girl's self-control. 'She isn't stupid. She waits for me to make the first move. I have to be careful. She knows what she's doing. Just like the boy. They are quite similar to each other. I wonder how close they really are. Well, let's see how fast the girl can react.'

All of the sudden he pushed his sword forward, which was easily blocked by Sam's right blade. Using this distraction she quickly tried to get the tip of her second sword close to a vulnerable part of his body, to force him to give up. He jumped quickly out of her reach and faced a number of quick attacks with equally quick blocks. He had a hard time concentrating on both her blades, which moved in fast and flowing movements, harmonically and perfectly coordinated.

After some minutes both came to a halt, breathing fast.

'She's fast, but there is not enough strength behind her attacks. Well, she's only thirteen years old and hasn't developed enough muscle mass yet. But for someone at her age she's very strong. Hell, I need to be careful.' He noticed the smirk that had crept on Sam's face. 'What ….. ?' Before he could finish his thought he had to block the blade coming towards him. The only thing he could do for some time was to block the quick combinations of attacks directed towards him. And all of a sudden his sword-arm was pushed aside and he felt the tip of a blade at his throat. He scanned his position. The girl had used his distraction, caused of her quick attacks, to bind his sword with her left one, to keep it aside, while her right sword quickly found its target. Now that he knew the move, he wouldn't fall for it a second time. And she knew it as well.

He breathed a sigh of relief when she removed her blade from his throat. A scar there would have looked bad. Well, on the other hand, maybe he would have looked even more dashing with it. "Thank you for the fight, Samira. It was very educating. If it doesn't bother you, I would really like to join both of you at these morning exercises."

Sam looked into his eyes and smirked. "If you wish so we would feel honoured for you to join us. But we won't be the only ones training here in the morning. Our friends join us usually. They already finished today. If you don't mind them to join us as well, you are welcome."

Duncan smiled at her. "I'd love to."

'Sure you are.' Sam nodded. "I'm sorry, but I have to go now. It's nearly time for breakfast and Lord Padraigh is strict when it comes to punctuality." She nodded to Nat and went away.

Duncan looked after her until she was out of sight. He eyed Nat and grinned. "Did I interrupt you two at something?"

Nat blinked surprised and stared confused at him. "Huh?"

Duncan rolled his eyes and put an arm around the boy's shoulders. "If you need any advice, come to me. Believe me, I would be more than glad to give some of my experience to you young lad."

Nat's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No! It's not like that. We are friends. She is my best friend. We are not like that."

Duncan just grinned and said. "Maybe not now, but believe me, you two will grow older and your feelings towards the other sex will change. Have I ever told you about my first ….." Duncan started to tell the more than unwilling Nat the story of his first love, detailed and in a very flowery way.

Nat groaned inwardly. 'Oh, please gods, not again. How many first loves does this man have?'

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Sam entered the dining hall just in time for breakfast. Before she could walk towards her friends' table, Lord Padraigh called her. She came to his table, wondering what he could want from her.

"Samira, come to me after dinner. We have to talk about something."

"Yes, my lord." She walked to the others, a confused expression on her face.

The triplets watched her worriedly when she sat down next to them.

"What did he want?" Ria whispered to her.

"He wanted me to come to him after dinner."

The three looked shocked. "Do you think he knows ….."

"I don't know. We'll see in time. Now don't draw too much attention towards us."

Sam gulped and knocked on the door. She heard Lord Padraig call out and entered the room.

He sat there, a glass of whine on his table and letter in his hand, watching her seriously. "Please sit down. Well, Samira, I've just received a letter from your uncle that says that you have some relatives who have just moved into a village close to the palace, in the Royal Forest. He asks me to let you visit them from time to time."

Sam nodded surprised. She didn't know what to say.

Lord Padraig eyed her, expecting some kind of answer. "According to the letter, they are related to you from your father's side. Isn't it strange for nobles to live in a village in a forest?" He took a sip of his wine and nearly choked.
Sam tried to keep her face even and answered. "They prefer living in isolation and in peace. They never really liked the life at court and prefer to live in a more simple way. They don't like crowds, so the city is out of the question. And the countryside has shown to be good for their health, they aren't young anymore."

Lord Padraig nodded, distracted, and smelled his wine. He tried another sip and nearly gagged. He stared shocked at his glass, which contained one of his favourite vintages.

Sam clenched her jaw, trying not to laugh at the sight.

After coming over the first shock Lord Padraig noticed the girl staring at him. "You are allowed to visit your relatives next Sunday. You are dismissed."

Sam got up and bowed respectfully before leaving the room. She had to tell the triplets, Nat and Lee. Phase one had been successful.

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OK. I think I have some disclaimers to add. The name Unauwen isn't my idea. It's out of a book of Tonke Dragt, a Dutch author who has written some great books. I don't know if she's known in the USA or in GB, but she has written two great books, which take place during the days of knights, but not with authentic people and places, and regrettably without any magic in it.

Silver Spell:         I love cliffhangers. So many lovely reviews. ^_^

Buri:      Good so far?