To:
Ladyluck: Oops! You're right, I did make a mistake! I'll change it....when I have a chance!! And this chapter (for once!!) wasn't a quick update cuz I was STUCK!!!!!
Ti-ti: I knew from the very start that Alanna had a brother. The "Only-child" thing is a way of getting your attention. (It worked, didn't it??) Besides, she DID grow up being an only child, so there!!
Lady Tarillyn: George is in this chapter. I don't know about 'action' though, since what exactly qualifies as 'more action??' I have yet to do an actual fight scene, since Alanna isn't ready for that yet. And she never thought of the fact that she might have a sibling cuz she's so thoroughly and completely accepted the fact that she's an only child.
Skyblazer: About the Elijah thing--like I said, I haven't read the SOTL series in a long time (3 yrs), so it WAS a coincidence. But maybe I can use that helpful coincidence to my advantage.......anyway, thanks for the heads-up. And I'll read Elixer of the Spiritwitch (way cool title, BTW!) as soon as I have free time (by the looks of it....that's bordering on "never" with all this #%@*&!! U.S. Hist hw!!)
Galdariel Greenleaf: What a cool pen name! I was disappointed that you didn't have any LOTR stories, since your pen name gives that impression. (LOTR is my latest ff.net obsession).
Elspeth: Mean.
Nanook992: That wasn't rude! In fact, it cheered me up much!!
Dragon Girl: I don't know, I kinda liked the whole butcher's knife thing.
Mistress Sock: (what a....uh....unique name!) Like I said, right now this story is an A/?? as in BIG FAT QUESTION MARK.
White-wolf: Yeah, you and everyone else (just read the reviews as proof!!) Right now, I'm trying to decide--should I go with the OBVIOUS...or shock everyone????
And one more thing--write a new chapter!!
KeladryLadyKnight: Yeah, the whole point I wrote this was cuz I was sick of how everyone's plotlines were too similar. And since I'm not original enough, I just thought, "why not make her an only child??"
Lady Katherine, anonymous, Lady of the Red Oak Forest, and everyone else: Thank you guys SOOO much for the reviews!!
ANOTHER AUTHOR'S NOTE::::: I re-read PART of Alanna: The First Adventure, so I got some new ideas....as well as realized a TON of mistakes that I made!!! See, this is why writers should do research before they plunge into a story!! So, I might be going back and changing a few things. Nothing major, though, so no need to reread, okay??
Chapter ten--
Maude accompanied her back to Corus. This time, Alanna viewed the city in wonderment, especially eyeing the Temple District and the guard's weaponry. Her jaw hung open the entire time, trying to imagine how she could've missed all of this on her first trip to the nation's capital. The sheer magnitude of the people was overwhelming!!
Meganne was the first to embrace her, bawling. Embarrassed, Alanna patted her a few times. Lara and Nelly hung back, relieved expressions on their faces.
"We were so worried about you!" Meganne cried.
"I'm so sorry dear, for your loss!" Lara exclaimed. "Why, I can't imagine ever losing MY father!" Alanna shrugged.
"This is Maude. She'll be staying with me for a while."
"We told the First Daughter what had happened as soon as we got your note and--"
"What??" Alanna interruppted Nelly icily. Frowning, Nelly continued.
"Well, Meganne found your note, and we sent a letter to the First Daughter of the Convent, of course. She has a letter for you, for when you returned." Nelly handed her a folded letter uncermoniously. Alanna sighed. All the letters she'd received so far hadn't exactly brought her good news.
She skimmed through the neat handwriting. It simply offered condolences and reminded Alanna of her purpose in Corus--to find a husband.
"As if I could forget," she muttered under her breath.
"Well, it's expecially important for YOU to find a husband, and quickly, too," Meganne said, composing herself. "After all, you are the first lady in years to be sent to court at the age of eighteen, a--"
"A disgrace, I know," Alanna snapped. She didn't need to be reminded of the fact that while all the other girls began searching for husbands at fifteen or sixteen, SHE had been sent to Corus at the humiliating age of eighteen. The First Daughter reminded her enough.
"I wasn't going to say that," Meganne said, frowning.
"What's the news?" Alanna asked Nelly tiredly. She slumped onto the couch and ignored the disapproving glances of Lara and Meganne. Maude seated herself on a bench nearby.
"Prince Jonathan decided that it woud be better if only a few people went. So, he sent Sir Raould of Goldenlake and Sir Gareth the Younger of Naxen to the Great Southern Desert first. As messengers, I think. Then he and Sir Myles of Olau followed."
Alanna nodded slowly. It made sense, to travel there with less people. It would make them seem less threatening. However, they would also have more trouble defending themselves. She frowned at this seemingly foolhardy error.
"Lady Delia traveled with twelve ladies-in-waiting and seven trunks of clothing," Meganne threw in. Alanna chewed on her lip.
"What about Alex?"
"Who?" Nelly asked, confused. Alanna racked her mind for his correct name, but couldn't recall Gary ever mentioning it.
"She means Sir Alexander of Tirragen," Lara said knowingly. She and Meganne shared a knowing glance, which Alanna was suspicious of.
"Oh, him!" Nelly coughed delicately. " Sir Alexander of Tirragen convinced his highness to allow him to remain behind."
The three of them giggled. Blowing her hair out of her face, Alanna glared at them.
"What's so funny?"
"Well," Lara said slowly. "Sir Alexander has been...calling on you." There was more suppressed laughter.
"Call on me?"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Alanna!" Meganne burst. "He's been here every day since you left, asking about you!"
Alanna raised an eyebrow. WHAT would Alex want with her? The only thing she could think of was that he might pass on an apology from Gary. At this, she smiled, feeling better.
The three ladies misinterpreted her smile, however and laughed outright.
"Oh, Alanna, why did you not tell us?" Meganne crowed.
"He IS rather handsome," Lara admitted. Alanna gaped in horror.
"Oh, but we'll keep your secret," Nelly added quickly. "Oh, the two of you together would--"
"There's nothing between us," Alanna said flatly. "We just have a mutual friend, that's all." From their expressions, Alanna could tell that they didn't believe her, so she gave up. Let them believe whatever they wanted to believe; she didn't care.
"Now, I think that it's a pity that Prince Jonathan already proposed," Meganne sighed. "He's SO brave! Oh, the Tusaine wars, he was such a brilliant fighter--did you hear the stories? How he--"
As was her habit, Alanna stopped listening and merely smiled, nodding her head at times. She wasn't thinking of anything, simply sitting there, basking in the sunlight. Subconsciously, she toyed with the dark pendant hung around her neck.
--------------------------------------------------
"Lady Alanna!" a voice called. Sighing, she stood still, allowing the crowds to pass around her, occasionally shoving her, but otherwise leaving her alone.
"What do you want?" Alanna asked irritably as Alex reached her.
"Lady Meganne told me you might be here," he said as he caught his breath.
"If you haven't anything else to say, leave me alone. Can't you see I'm busy?"
Alex frowned for a moment. Kerchief over her bright hair, wearing a plain overlarge gown, she could ALMOST pass for a commoner. She swung a basket around.
"Going to market?"
"Why else am I here?" she snapped brushing past him.
"Gary asked me to look after you," he explained, following her. She glared at him.
"I don't need a caretaker. I already have one, thank you."
"Then let me be your escort."
"I don't need one of those either."
"Then let me accompany you as a friend," Alex persisted. Alanna was silent. She fllipped through glasware. He repeated his statement.
"I don't need any friends," she told him coldly. She didn't need Gary, Alanna decided at that moment. After all, she'd been fine before she met him.
"Of course you do, Lady Alanna," Alex said politely.
"You and him, you're really grinding on my nerves, you know that? D'you think you're better than everyone, just 'cause you're friends with Jon? I've lived my entire life without friends, and I don't need any now."
"Lady Alanna--"
"And if you really want to be friend, you could start by not calling me 'Lady Alanna!'" she shouted.
"Alright. Not Lady Alanna. Friends should give each other nicknames," Alex said slowly. He pointed to a painted glass bauble. "That one's nice."
"It looks like a mutilated dog's head," Alanna said, snorting. She picked up the bauble next to it.
"Like that one doesn't?"
"No, it doesn't," Alanna snapped. Having learned more about her, Alex decided not to press it.
"So, why're you at market?" he asked for sake of conversation. Alanna shrugged, but didn't say anything. He sighed and tried to keep from growing frustrated. How could Gary put up with....with her.....CONCEITED attitude every day??
"Ander," Alanna muttered.
"Come again?"
"Alexander. Alex. Lex. Xander. Ander. Anybody ever call you 'Ander?'" Alanna asked casually.
"No," he answered, confused.
"Then that's what I'll call you," she replied in a very satisfied tone.
"So I guess that this means we're friends?" Alex asked her cautiously. Her smile disappeared as if it had been cut off.
"Just because I give you a nickname doesn't mean we're friends."
"Alright, Firetop," he joked. She froze, her violet eyes like ice.
"Sorry, Alanna," Alex said quickly. Luckily, a stranger saved him.
A large hand tapped Alanna's shoulder. She looked up into the hazel eyes of the man she had met at market months ago.
"So, it's the noble lady with the purple eyes," the man said pleasantly. "I was wonderin' if you'd fallin' into a well." His voice was rough and uneducated, but he spoke carefully. To Alanna, it seemed as if he thought of every word before saying it. She glared at him. Somehow, this meeting didn't suprise her.
"I've been busy," she snapped.
"Who's your friend?" Alex asked, looking at Alanna's aquaintance suspiciously.
"Allow me to introduce myself, young master." The man bowed. "I'm George Cooper. Of the Lower City. Would you take a cool drink with me? As my guests, of course."
Alanna glared at him further, pondering. She didn't trust him, didn't like him one bit. Nevertheless, one small part of her, her curiosity or something else, tugged at her. At last, Alanna sighed.
"Thank you," she said slowly. "We accept."
George took them to the little inn called "The Dancing Dove." It wasn't the same as the other one she's seen, the one called by "Dancing Dove Inn." She shook her head at her mix-up. Corus was truly a puzzling place.
The old man who ran it greeted him like a good friend, hurrying to bring ale for George and lemonade for the nobles. As the drinks came, Alanna examined George as she gulped her lemonade. George said he was twenty-five, though he seemed older. His nose was too big for good looks, but when he smiled, he appeared handsome. He wore his brown hair cut short, like other commoners. Alanna felt something powerful about him, something almost royal. Against her will, she began to feel a liking for him.
"You shouldn't be surprised at my lookin' you up," he told Alanna. "Truth to tell, I like your looks. You don't see many with eyes like yours, you being from the country. You don't look it as much now, but you did then. I thought you'd like to be known as someone in the city."
"Do always make friends on such short notice?" Alanna asked shortly. George looked at her a moment.
"I trust my instincts, miss. In my line of work, you learn quick to trust your instincts."
"What is it you do?" Alex wanted to know. George winked at him.
"I...buy, and I sell."
"You're a thief," Alanna said flatly.
"'Thief' is a harsh word, Lady Alanna." He looked closely at her. "Why would you be thinkin' that I am? You still got your purse and what's in it. Or you better."
Alanna checked and admitted, "I still have my purse, but why do you want to make friends with us? If you think we'll help you in the palace, you're wrong."
"Don't you know who I am?" Geoge met Alanna's eyes and in them saw a great intelligence. One could sense that she had made enemies with a sharp mind and sharper tongue. George read some of this and then relaxed. "I know well that you're Lady Alanna of Trebond, the strong-willed and disobedient whose father just passed away. I didn't look you up for professional reasons. Truth to tell, I don't know why I put myself in your way. We're not fond of nobles here." His smile twisted. "But I've the Gift. It helps me see more clearly than most. I knew I must meet this Lady Alanna. In fact, I've kept a close eye on you these past months. I don't ignore my Gift when it calls me."
Alanna hid a shiver and glared at him. Alex shrugged. "I don't know much about magic, but that makes sense. Still, what can Firetop do for you? After all, from what I can see, she hardly likes you. And unless I miss my guess, you're the man the Lord Provost would most love to get his hands on."
George nodded respectfully. "You're quick, Master Alex. Alright, then. I'm what they call the King of the Thieves. The Master of the Court of the Rogue. The Court of the Rogue," he explained to them, "is all of us who make our livin' by our wits. It's ruled by a king. Me, right now. Sometimes he's just called the Rogue, but mastery don't last very long here. Who knows when some young buck will do for me what I did for the king before me, almost eight years back. I'll need friends when that comes." He shrugged. "Still, it won't happen soon. 'Til then, why look a gift thief in the mouth? I can be a good friend to those who keep faith with me." Alex looked him over, then nodded.
"I like you, for all you're a thief." George laughed.
"And I like you, Alex, for all you're a noble. Friends, then?"
"Friends," Alex said firmly. They shook hands across the table.
"And you, Lady Alanna?" George asked. Alanna had been watching them, thinking. None of her thoughts had been clear on her face. With his magic, what would George know about her? She remembered what Maude had taught her. Having the Gift automatically shielded you from the magic vision of someone else with the Gift. But then, how had he known her name? Suddenly, she remembered that he was a thief, and probably had many spies. Perhaps that had been just a way of scaring her. She hated her own gullibility.
"I'd like some more lemonade," she said, pouring her tankard full and avoiding his question. "The Gift must be pretty useful to you."
"It's gotten me out of more than one tight place," George admitted. "It helps me keep tabs on my rogue so maybe I'll last longer than the king before me." He drained his own tankard and set it down. "You need never worry about your pockets, or those of the friends you bring here. But, be careful who you bring. One word from them and my Lord Provost gets my head for certain."
"I'll be careful," Alex promised. He glanced at Alanna. "And I'm pretty sure that Firetop will keep her mouth shut. She doesn't talk much, anyway." After receiving a kick from Alanna under the table, he grimaced. "I mean, she's good and loyal, and true."
George grinned. "As I can see. Few people, even ones sealed to the Rogue, could listen to all this and say nothing. Well, you'd best be getting back. If you need anything, send word through Stefan. He works in the palace stables. You'll find me here most of the time, and if not, ask old Solom." He jerked a thumb at the innkeeper. "He'll fetch me quick enough."
Alanna rose. Alex shook hands again with his new friend. "You'll be seeing us then," he promised. "Good day to you."
The two of them strolled out into the street. The King of the Thieves watched them go, smiling.
-------------------------------------------------
Well, there we go!! Not much action, sorry, but at least you met George.
Did anybody notice that I stole the second scene? Most of it was the same as the book, but i had to change parts of it accordingly because Alanna's personality is SOO different. And Alex's too. Anybody notice? Huh? Huh? I know what you're wondering--is he EVIL or not?? Just wait and see.
Coming up: More pondering about George on Alanna's part, and a meeting the Shang Wolf (if you check The Woman Who Rides Like A Man, there is one, apparently, who taught Jon at around the same time!!)
PS--couldja tell that she's slipping back into "Insane Alanna" mode again?
AHHHH!!!!!! LOTR!!!!!! I'm SOO addicted, it's all I can think about!!!! Day in and day out! Anybody else just DYING for the Two Towers to come out?? It's unfortunate that none of my friends like it, so I'll have to watch it by myself. *Puppy dog face* I wanna get the extended version of all 3 movies on DVD. I read the fanfics every day. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ladyluck: Oops! You're right, I did make a mistake! I'll change it....when I have a chance!! And this chapter (for once!!) wasn't a quick update cuz I was STUCK!!!!!
Ti-ti: I knew from the very start that Alanna had a brother. The "Only-child" thing is a way of getting your attention. (It worked, didn't it??) Besides, she DID grow up being an only child, so there!!
Lady Tarillyn: George is in this chapter. I don't know about 'action' though, since what exactly qualifies as 'more action??' I have yet to do an actual fight scene, since Alanna isn't ready for that yet. And she never thought of the fact that she might have a sibling cuz she's so thoroughly and completely accepted the fact that she's an only child.
Skyblazer: About the Elijah thing--like I said, I haven't read the SOTL series in a long time (3 yrs), so it WAS a coincidence. But maybe I can use that helpful coincidence to my advantage.......anyway, thanks for the heads-up. And I'll read Elixer of the Spiritwitch (way cool title, BTW!) as soon as I have free time (by the looks of it....that's bordering on "never" with all this #%@*&!! U.S. Hist hw!!)
Galdariel Greenleaf: What a cool pen name! I was disappointed that you didn't have any LOTR stories, since your pen name gives that impression. (LOTR is my latest ff.net obsession).
Elspeth: Mean.
Nanook992: That wasn't rude! In fact, it cheered me up much!!
Dragon Girl: I don't know, I kinda liked the whole butcher's knife thing.
Mistress Sock: (what a....uh....unique name!) Like I said, right now this story is an A/?? as in BIG FAT QUESTION MARK.
White-wolf: Yeah, you and everyone else (just read the reviews as proof!!) Right now, I'm trying to decide--should I go with the OBVIOUS...or shock everyone????
And one more thing--write a new chapter!!
KeladryLadyKnight: Yeah, the whole point I wrote this was cuz I was sick of how everyone's plotlines were too similar. And since I'm not original enough, I just thought, "why not make her an only child??"
Lady Katherine, anonymous, Lady of the Red Oak Forest, and everyone else: Thank you guys SOOO much for the reviews!!
ANOTHER AUTHOR'S NOTE::::: I re-read PART of Alanna: The First Adventure, so I got some new ideas....as well as realized a TON of mistakes that I made!!! See, this is why writers should do research before they plunge into a story!! So, I might be going back and changing a few things. Nothing major, though, so no need to reread, okay??
Chapter ten--
Maude accompanied her back to Corus. This time, Alanna viewed the city in wonderment, especially eyeing the Temple District and the guard's weaponry. Her jaw hung open the entire time, trying to imagine how she could've missed all of this on her first trip to the nation's capital. The sheer magnitude of the people was overwhelming!!
Meganne was the first to embrace her, bawling. Embarrassed, Alanna patted her a few times. Lara and Nelly hung back, relieved expressions on their faces.
"We were so worried about you!" Meganne cried.
"I'm so sorry dear, for your loss!" Lara exclaimed. "Why, I can't imagine ever losing MY father!" Alanna shrugged.
"This is Maude. She'll be staying with me for a while."
"We told the First Daughter what had happened as soon as we got your note and--"
"What??" Alanna interruppted Nelly icily. Frowning, Nelly continued.
"Well, Meganne found your note, and we sent a letter to the First Daughter of the Convent, of course. She has a letter for you, for when you returned." Nelly handed her a folded letter uncermoniously. Alanna sighed. All the letters she'd received so far hadn't exactly brought her good news.
She skimmed through the neat handwriting. It simply offered condolences and reminded Alanna of her purpose in Corus--to find a husband.
"As if I could forget," she muttered under her breath.
"Well, it's expecially important for YOU to find a husband, and quickly, too," Meganne said, composing herself. "After all, you are the first lady in years to be sent to court at the age of eighteen, a--"
"A disgrace, I know," Alanna snapped. She didn't need to be reminded of the fact that while all the other girls began searching for husbands at fifteen or sixteen, SHE had been sent to Corus at the humiliating age of eighteen. The First Daughter reminded her enough.
"I wasn't going to say that," Meganne said, frowning.
"What's the news?" Alanna asked Nelly tiredly. She slumped onto the couch and ignored the disapproving glances of Lara and Meganne. Maude seated herself on a bench nearby.
"Prince Jonathan decided that it woud be better if only a few people went. So, he sent Sir Raould of Goldenlake and Sir Gareth the Younger of Naxen to the Great Southern Desert first. As messengers, I think. Then he and Sir Myles of Olau followed."
Alanna nodded slowly. It made sense, to travel there with less people. It would make them seem less threatening. However, they would also have more trouble defending themselves. She frowned at this seemingly foolhardy error.
"Lady Delia traveled with twelve ladies-in-waiting and seven trunks of clothing," Meganne threw in. Alanna chewed on her lip.
"What about Alex?"
"Who?" Nelly asked, confused. Alanna racked her mind for his correct name, but couldn't recall Gary ever mentioning it.
"She means Sir Alexander of Tirragen," Lara said knowingly. She and Meganne shared a knowing glance, which Alanna was suspicious of.
"Oh, him!" Nelly coughed delicately. " Sir Alexander of Tirragen convinced his highness to allow him to remain behind."
The three of them giggled. Blowing her hair out of her face, Alanna glared at them.
"What's so funny?"
"Well," Lara said slowly. "Sir Alexander has been...calling on you." There was more suppressed laughter.
"Call on me?"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Alanna!" Meganne burst. "He's been here every day since you left, asking about you!"
Alanna raised an eyebrow. WHAT would Alex want with her? The only thing she could think of was that he might pass on an apology from Gary. At this, she smiled, feeling better.
The three ladies misinterpreted her smile, however and laughed outright.
"Oh, Alanna, why did you not tell us?" Meganne crowed.
"He IS rather handsome," Lara admitted. Alanna gaped in horror.
"Oh, but we'll keep your secret," Nelly added quickly. "Oh, the two of you together would--"
"There's nothing between us," Alanna said flatly. "We just have a mutual friend, that's all." From their expressions, Alanna could tell that they didn't believe her, so she gave up. Let them believe whatever they wanted to believe; she didn't care.
"Now, I think that it's a pity that Prince Jonathan already proposed," Meganne sighed. "He's SO brave! Oh, the Tusaine wars, he was such a brilliant fighter--did you hear the stories? How he--"
As was her habit, Alanna stopped listening and merely smiled, nodding her head at times. She wasn't thinking of anything, simply sitting there, basking in the sunlight. Subconsciously, she toyed with the dark pendant hung around her neck.
--------------------------------------------------
"Lady Alanna!" a voice called. Sighing, she stood still, allowing the crowds to pass around her, occasionally shoving her, but otherwise leaving her alone.
"What do you want?" Alanna asked irritably as Alex reached her.
"Lady Meganne told me you might be here," he said as he caught his breath.
"If you haven't anything else to say, leave me alone. Can't you see I'm busy?"
Alex frowned for a moment. Kerchief over her bright hair, wearing a plain overlarge gown, she could ALMOST pass for a commoner. She swung a basket around.
"Going to market?"
"Why else am I here?" she snapped brushing past him.
"Gary asked me to look after you," he explained, following her. She glared at him.
"I don't need a caretaker. I already have one, thank you."
"Then let me be your escort."
"I don't need one of those either."
"Then let me accompany you as a friend," Alex persisted. Alanna was silent. She fllipped through glasware. He repeated his statement.
"I don't need any friends," she told him coldly. She didn't need Gary, Alanna decided at that moment. After all, she'd been fine before she met him.
"Of course you do, Lady Alanna," Alex said politely.
"You and him, you're really grinding on my nerves, you know that? D'you think you're better than everyone, just 'cause you're friends with Jon? I've lived my entire life without friends, and I don't need any now."
"Lady Alanna--"
"And if you really want to be friend, you could start by not calling me 'Lady Alanna!'" she shouted.
"Alright. Not Lady Alanna. Friends should give each other nicknames," Alex said slowly. He pointed to a painted glass bauble. "That one's nice."
"It looks like a mutilated dog's head," Alanna said, snorting. She picked up the bauble next to it.
"Like that one doesn't?"
"No, it doesn't," Alanna snapped. Having learned more about her, Alex decided not to press it.
"So, why're you at market?" he asked for sake of conversation. Alanna shrugged, but didn't say anything. He sighed and tried to keep from growing frustrated. How could Gary put up with....with her.....CONCEITED attitude every day??
"Ander," Alanna muttered.
"Come again?"
"Alexander. Alex. Lex. Xander. Ander. Anybody ever call you 'Ander?'" Alanna asked casually.
"No," he answered, confused.
"Then that's what I'll call you," she replied in a very satisfied tone.
"So I guess that this means we're friends?" Alex asked her cautiously. Her smile disappeared as if it had been cut off.
"Just because I give you a nickname doesn't mean we're friends."
"Alright, Firetop," he joked. She froze, her violet eyes like ice.
"Sorry, Alanna," Alex said quickly. Luckily, a stranger saved him.
A large hand tapped Alanna's shoulder. She looked up into the hazel eyes of the man she had met at market months ago.
"So, it's the noble lady with the purple eyes," the man said pleasantly. "I was wonderin' if you'd fallin' into a well." His voice was rough and uneducated, but he spoke carefully. To Alanna, it seemed as if he thought of every word before saying it. She glared at him. Somehow, this meeting didn't suprise her.
"I've been busy," she snapped.
"Who's your friend?" Alex asked, looking at Alanna's aquaintance suspiciously.
"Allow me to introduce myself, young master." The man bowed. "I'm George Cooper. Of the Lower City. Would you take a cool drink with me? As my guests, of course."
Alanna glared at him further, pondering. She didn't trust him, didn't like him one bit. Nevertheless, one small part of her, her curiosity or something else, tugged at her. At last, Alanna sighed.
"Thank you," she said slowly. "We accept."
George took them to the little inn called "The Dancing Dove." It wasn't the same as the other one she's seen, the one called by "Dancing Dove Inn." She shook her head at her mix-up. Corus was truly a puzzling place.
The old man who ran it greeted him like a good friend, hurrying to bring ale for George and lemonade for the nobles. As the drinks came, Alanna examined George as she gulped her lemonade. George said he was twenty-five, though he seemed older. His nose was too big for good looks, but when he smiled, he appeared handsome. He wore his brown hair cut short, like other commoners. Alanna felt something powerful about him, something almost royal. Against her will, she began to feel a liking for him.
"You shouldn't be surprised at my lookin' you up," he told Alanna. "Truth to tell, I like your looks. You don't see many with eyes like yours, you being from the country. You don't look it as much now, but you did then. I thought you'd like to be known as someone in the city."
"Do always make friends on such short notice?" Alanna asked shortly. George looked at her a moment.
"I trust my instincts, miss. In my line of work, you learn quick to trust your instincts."
"What is it you do?" Alex wanted to know. George winked at him.
"I...buy, and I sell."
"You're a thief," Alanna said flatly.
"'Thief' is a harsh word, Lady Alanna." He looked closely at her. "Why would you be thinkin' that I am? You still got your purse and what's in it. Or you better."
Alanna checked and admitted, "I still have my purse, but why do you want to make friends with us? If you think we'll help you in the palace, you're wrong."
"Don't you know who I am?" Geoge met Alanna's eyes and in them saw a great intelligence. One could sense that she had made enemies with a sharp mind and sharper tongue. George read some of this and then relaxed. "I know well that you're Lady Alanna of Trebond, the strong-willed and disobedient whose father just passed away. I didn't look you up for professional reasons. Truth to tell, I don't know why I put myself in your way. We're not fond of nobles here." His smile twisted. "But I've the Gift. It helps me see more clearly than most. I knew I must meet this Lady Alanna. In fact, I've kept a close eye on you these past months. I don't ignore my Gift when it calls me."
Alanna hid a shiver and glared at him. Alex shrugged. "I don't know much about magic, but that makes sense. Still, what can Firetop do for you? After all, from what I can see, she hardly likes you. And unless I miss my guess, you're the man the Lord Provost would most love to get his hands on."
George nodded respectfully. "You're quick, Master Alex. Alright, then. I'm what they call the King of the Thieves. The Master of the Court of the Rogue. The Court of the Rogue," he explained to them, "is all of us who make our livin' by our wits. It's ruled by a king. Me, right now. Sometimes he's just called the Rogue, but mastery don't last very long here. Who knows when some young buck will do for me what I did for the king before me, almost eight years back. I'll need friends when that comes." He shrugged. "Still, it won't happen soon. 'Til then, why look a gift thief in the mouth? I can be a good friend to those who keep faith with me." Alex looked him over, then nodded.
"I like you, for all you're a thief." George laughed.
"And I like you, Alex, for all you're a noble. Friends, then?"
"Friends," Alex said firmly. They shook hands across the table.
"And you, Lady Alanna?" George asked. Alanna had been watching them, thinking. None of her thoughts had been clear on her face. With his magic, what would George know about her? She remembered what Maude had taught her. Having the Gift automatically shielded you from the magic vision of someone else with the Gift. But then, how had he known her name? Suddenly, she remembered that he was a thief, and probably had many spies. Perhaps that had been just a way of scaring her. She hated her own gullibility.
"I'd like some more lemonade," she said, pouring her tankard full and avoiding his question. "The Gift must be pretty useful to you."
"It's gotten me out of more than one tight place," George admitted. "It helps me keep tabs on my rogue so maybe I'll last longer than the king before me." He drained his own tankard and set it down. "You need never worry about your pockets, or those of the friends you bring here. But, be careful who you bring. One word from them and my Lord Provost gets my head for certain."
"I'll be careful," Alex promised. He glanced at Alanna. "And I'm pretty sure that Firetop will keep her mouth shut. She doesn't talk much, anyway." After receiving a kick from Alanna under the table, he grimaced. "I mean, she's good and loyal, and true."
George grinned. "As I can see. Few people, even ones sealed to the Rogue, could listen to all this and say nothing. Well, you'd best be getting back. If you need anything, send word through Stefan. He works in the palace stables. You'll find me here most of the time, and if not, ask old Solom." He jerked a thumb at the innkeeper. "He'll fetch me quick enough."
Alanna rose. Alex shook hands again with his new friend. "You'll be seeing us then," he promised. "Good day to you."
The two of them strolled out into the street. The King of the Thieves watched them go, smiling.
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Well, there we go!! Not much action, sorry, but at least you met George.
Did anybody notice that I stole the second scene? Most of it was the same as the book, but i had to change parts of it accordingly because Alanna's personality is SOO different. And Alex's too. Anybody notice? Huh? Huh? I know what you're wondering--is he EVIL or not?? Just wait and see.
Coming up: More pondering about George on Alanna's part, and a meeting the Shang Wolf (if you check The Woman Who Rides Like A Man, there is one, apparently, who taught Jon at around the same time!!)
PS--couldja tell that she's slipping back into "Insane Alanna" mode again?
AHHHH!!!!!! LOTR!!!!!! I'm SOO addicted, it's all I can think about!!!! Day in and day out! Anybody else just DYING for the Two Towers to come out?? It's unfortunate that none of my friends like it, so I'll have to watch it by myself. *Puppy dog face* I wanna get the extended version of all 3 movies on DVD. I read the fanfics every day. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!