Thom was still unpacking when he heard a loud knock at the door. Sighing,
he reached up for the handle to see who else was going to bother him when
he realised it was only Coram.
"Lad, I've just been down to the palace tailors. They gave me some clothes for yer," he said as he handed Thom the pile of tunics and breeches he was carrying. "I'd better be heading off lad, but I want to see you bright and early in the morning, you have your first lessons tomorrow" said Coram, "...and you had best be there boy if you want to live to see your next birthday," he added, as Thom scowled at him.
After he had left, Thom quickly rummaged through the pile of clothes he had been given. There were 3 pairs of breeches, boots and even a glittering gold tunic. Ok, so maybe the clothes were a bit too big for him, but they were still rather nice.
As he changed into a pair of cotton breeches, he noticed that the sun was starting to disappear over the hills. It was time to visit the Library and meet with Jon. Was there really any point in going though? They would probably see right through him anyway. But while he was there he could try and find some books on magic. After all, he still wanted to become a Sorcerer. Deciding that this idea seemed all right, he picked himself up and started to stroll through the corridors, hoping to find someone to ask directions from.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Ten minutes later, he was in a corner of the library with his nose buried in a book labelled 'Teach yourself to fight - with Sorcery!' He was so deeply engaged in his reading that he didn't notice Jon sneak up behind him...
"Gotcha" Jon yelled as he slammed into Thom's back. Thom was so shocked that he cursed out loud and sent his book flying! By now everyone in the room was looking at them
"Thanks Jon" he muttered sarcastically, "next time warn me!"
"C'mon" Jon replied, ignoring Thom's tone and dragging him off to the centre of the library where three other boys were waiting for them.
They were all at least a year or two older than Thom and a fair bit taller. The first guy had soft, chestnut brown hair, which perfectly matched his eyes. The second guy was definitely the tallest of the bunch, yet just by looking at him you could tell that he was also the kindest and most sensitive. The third boy struck Thom's attention the most though. He was skinnier then the others and had rather dark hair, but something about him didn't seem quite right...
His daydream was over as Jon started to introduce him to them.
"Guys, this Thom of Trebond, he's the new page." Jon stated, "This is Raoul of Goldenlake, Gareth, the younger, of Naxen and Alex of Tirragen."
Thom then shook hands with the guys politely before sitting down opposite them.
"Oh no! I forgot, father wanted to see me... I'll see you all later. Bye!" Jonathan announced as he bolted off. Thom felt rather taken aback.
"A prince's duties Thom, he's always running off. You'll get used to it," sighed Gary.
"Er... Prince?"
"He didn't tell you? Typical of him, never tells anyone he rea..."
"So when did you arrive Thom?" interrupted Raoul, eager to get off the subject.
"Oh just a few hours ago actually"
"Really? So when did you leave Trebond?"
"Umm, I think I left about five days ago. I really didn't want to come though. I would much rather be learning sorcery in the City of Gods, where my two sisters are right now."
As he mentioned this, both Gary and Alex seemed to become more alert.
"You have sisters?" asked Gary innocently.
Thom grinned as he realised that he might be a bit more popular with them than he originally thought, before engaging himself back into their conversation...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Meanwhile, in the kitchen at the convent, Alanna and Dana were being surrounded by many hungry cats."Ouch! That one nipped me Alanna"
"Oh but Dana, it's so cute..."
"... and evil!"
"It's not evil! Oh no. I'm all out of food."
"Yeah me too, sorry little pussies" Dana crooned. "So what time is it"
"I'm not sure. I'd say just after midday."
"Oh no!" Dana cried, "We're late!"
"For what?"
"Dancing Lessons! We were going to learn Greensleeves today.. quick!" Dana said as she lifted her skirts and ran inside.
Sighing, Alanna stood up suddenly and forgetting that she was wearing a dress, she tripped on its hem and fell face down in the mud. Cursing loudly she made sure stood up properly and hobbled as fast as she could to catch up to Dana.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Inside the great hall, the Priestess Achenar was teaching the girls a dance to Green sleeves.
"...And one, and two, and cir-cle and stop!"
Georgina and Delia had been put together as dancing partners and were following all the moves perfectly. Many of the other pairs were not doing so well.
"Georgina, Delia, would you two like to come to the middle and show the other girls how it's done?" asked the Priestess sweetly.
Georgina couldn't help but grin broadly at this, she loved to dance and show off, and she was also pretty good at both. Delia obviously felt the same way. Once they were in the centre of the hall, the priestess started her counting again. As they were going through the dance she couldn't help but wonder where Alanna could be. She was almost half an hour late by now! She knew that Alanna hated the Convent and dancing but she wouldn't purposely turn up late. Would she?
Just at that moment her thoughts were interrupted, as Dana and Alanna came crashing through the doors.
She could only shake her head in disgust when she saw how filthy Alanna's face and clothes looked. Would she ever learn? Priestess Achenar was also clearly unimpressed.
"Oh Priestess, we're so sorry, we lost track off time..." started Dana
"I don't want to hear any of it! Georgina and Delia will show you all you missed, but I want to speak with you both after the lesson" she yelled before focusing her attention back onto the other girls.
"Now everyone else, go through those last steps I showed you again" As everyone else went back to their dancing, Georgina and Delia walked over to where Alanna and Dana were standing. Delia then took Dana off to the far corner of the hall, leaving Alanna and Georgina by the door.
"Oh Alanna, I thought you were going to try to make an effort for once!" she cried to her sister. "I'm sorry Gee, I honestly didn't mean for any of this to happen."
She could see that Alanna was telling the truth, for she was looking rather ashamed and embarressed for once.
"Ok, but try not to be so insolent next time." she teased.
"If you won't be so pig-headed," Alanna taunted back.
With that, they made up and Georgina set about the impossible task of teaching the steps to Alanna.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Thom had spent more then two hours talking to the guys in the library and was now considered as one of their gang. Jon had returned after half an hour, and they had continued talking about girls and magic. (Two subjects which Thom knew a lot about).
However they had then talked on about fencing and war, which didn't please Thom at all. He had been quite interested though, when they named a few knights, one whom by chance happened to live quite close to the City of the Gods. He dashed out of the library like lightning, barely stopping to say bye to the others, and up to his room to send a message to his sisters...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
The next morning, Alanna woke with a startlingly bad stomachache. After she had been late for her dancing lesson Priestess Achenar had punished her and Dana, making them scrub the kitchen floors for hours. She had then sent Alanna straight to her room with no supper for apparently 'swimming in puddles' as the priestess had said.
She groaned as she hopped out of bed and changed into a plain white, long dress with slits in the sides, which helped her to move around a lot easier. She had already received a "talking to" on the first day about the proper apparel for a "lady to be", so she thought it would be better to cope with wearing a dress for a while, rather than receive more punishments.
She was about to go down to the mess hall for breakfast when Georgina came charging in.
"Alanna, Alanna! Thom has sent us a note!" she sang with glee, waving a bit of scroll around in the air.
"What? But how could he have sent one so fast?"
"Magic duh! Read it, there's something in it that you'll be interested in" she hinted as she gave the note to Alanna. "Ooh I must go; Delia wants to do my hair. I'll see you later." she said excitedly, and skipped out joyously.
Alanna opened the piece of Scroll and started to read Thom's messy handwriting:
~*~*~ Dearest Alanna and Georgina, I know it has only been five days since we last saw each other but I am already missing you both terribly!
I have made a few friends though. Yes, I actually talked to someone! Their names are Raoul, Gary, Alex and Jonathan of Conté (yes, the prince!). All of them have been really nice to me, although there is something strange about Alex. I don't know what it is though.
Anyway, an hour ago they started talking about the Chamber of the Ordeal and knights who have just recently passed it. I happened to pick up on a few of the names, one of whom lives about a mile from the City of Gods. Yes, really! His name is Sir Antony and he is currently staying in the village of Carnolus. I heard that he is teaching the commoners and peasants there to fence! As soon as I heard this, I knew I had to tell you Alanna. Surely if he'll teach commoners, he'll teach a noble girl. I'm expecting something nice in return though for making your dreams come true! Joking!
I think that is enough for one night so for now, I bid you two adieu. Your Loving Brother Thom
P.S. My first lessons are tomorrow, wish me luck! ~*~*~
She had to read over the note three times before she could convince herself that what she was reading was true. A Knight was training people in the local village! She had to go down there! She just had to. But what if he didn't want to train a girl? Perhaps she could disguise herself as a boy? She had done so before. But when could she go! She couldn't go now because she had to have breakfast and then came her social classes. It looked like she would have to go tomorrow, in the afternoon.
Oh Thom! He had done so much for her; she just had to repay him. Perhaps she could send him some books on magic? That's what she would do!
She was so excited now that she could hardly keep still. She hugged herself tight and jumped for joy before rushing out the door to meet Dana for breakfast.
"Lad, I've just been down to the palace tailors. They gave me some clothes for yer," he said as he handed Thom the pile of tunics and breeches he was carrying. "I'd better be heading off lad, but I want to see you bright and early in the morning, you have your first lessons tomorrow" said Coram, "...and you had best be there boy if you want to live to see your next birthday," he added, as Thom scowled at him.
After he had left, Thom quickly rummaged through the pile of clothes he had been given. There were 3 pairs of breeches, boots and even a glittering gold tunic. Ok, so maybe the clothes were a bit too big for him, but they were still rather nice.
As he changed into a pair of cotton breeches, he noticed that the sun was starting to disappear over the hills. It was time to visit the Library and meet with Jon. Was there really any point in going though? They would probably see right through him anyway. But while he was there he could try and find some books on magic. After all, he still wanted to become a Sorcerer. Deciding that this idea seemed all right, he picked himself up and started to stroll through the corridors, hoping to find someone to ask directions from.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Ten minutes later, he was in a corner of the library with his nose buried in a book labelled 'Teach yourself to fight - with Sorcery!' He was so deeply engaged in his reading that he didn't notice Jon sneak up behind him...
"Gotcha" Jon yelled as he slammed into Thom's back. Thom was so shocked that he cursed out loud and sent his book flying! By now everyone in the room was looking at them
"Thanks Jon" he muttered sarcastically, "next time warn me!"
"C'mon" Jon replied, ignoring Thom's tone and dragging him off to the centre of the library where three other boys were waiting for them.
They were all at least a year or two older than Thom and a fair bit taller. The first guy had soft, chestnut brown hair, which perfectly matched his eyes. The second guy was definitely the tallest of the bunch, yet just by looking at him you could tell that he was also the kindest and most sensitive. The third boy struck Thom's attention the most though. He was skinnier then the others and had rather dark hair, but something about him didn't seem quite right...
His daydream was over as Jon started to introduce him to them.
"Guys, this Thom of Trebond, he's the new page." Jon stated, "This is Raoul of Goldenlake, Gareth, the younger, of Naxen and Alex of Tirragen."
Thom then shook hands with the guys politely before sitting down opposite them.
"Oh no! I forgot, father wanted to see me... I'll see you all later. Bye!" Jonathan announced as he bolted off. Thom felt rather taken aback.
"A prince's duties Thom, he's always running off. You'll get used to it," sighed Gary.
"Er... Prince?"
"He didn't tell you? Typical of him, never tells anyone he rea..."
"So when did you arrive Thom?" interrupted Raoul, eager to get off the subject.
"Oh just a few hours ago actually"
"Really? So when did you leave Trebond?"
"Umm, I think I left about five days ago. I really didn't want to come though. I would much rather be learning sorcery in the City of Gods, where my two sisters are right now."
As he mentioned this, both Gary and Alex seemed to become more alert.
"You have sisters?" asked Gary innocently.
Thom grinned as he realised that he might be a bit more popular with them than he originally thought, before engaging himself back into their conversation...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Meanwhile, in the kitchen at the convent, Alanna and Dana were being surrounded by many hungry cats."Ouch! That one nipped me Alanna"
"Oh but Dana, it's so cute..."
"... and evil!"
"It's not evil! Oh no. I'm all out of food."
"Yeah me too, sorry little pussies" Dana crooned. "So what time is it"
"I'm not sure. I'd say just after midday."
"Oh no!" Dana cried, "We're late!"
"For what?"
"Dancing Lessons! We were going to learn Greensleeves today.. quick!" Dana said as she lifted her skirts and ran inside.
Sighing, Alanna stood up suddenly and forgetting that she was wearing a dress, she tripped on its hem and fell face down in the mud. Cursing loudly she made sure stood up properly and hobbled as fast as she could to catch up to Dana.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Inside the great hall, the Priestess Achenar was teaching the girls a dance to Green sleeves.
"...And one, and two, and cir-cle and stop!"
Georgina and Delia had been put together as dancing partners and were following all the moves perfectly. Many of the other pairs were not doing so well.
"Georgina, Delia, would you two like to come to the middle and show the other girls how it's done?" asked the Priestess sweetly.
Georgina couldn't help but grin broadly at this, she loved to dance and show off, and she was also pretty good at both. Delia obviously felt the same way. Once they were in the centre of the hall, the priestess started her counting again. As they were going through the dance she couldn't help but wonder where Alanna could be. She was almost half an hour late by now! She knew that Alanna hated the Convent and dancing but she wouldn't purposely turn up late. Would she?
Just at that moment her thoughts were interrupted, as Dana and Alanna came crashing through the doors.
She could only shake her head in disgust when she saw how filthy Alanna's face and clothes looked. Would she ever learn? Priestess Achenar was also clearly unimpressed.
"Oh Priestess, we're so sorry, we lost track off time..." started Dana
"I don't want to hear any of it! Georgina and Delia will show you all you missed, but I want to speak with you both after the lesson" she yelled before focusing her attention back onto the other girls.
"Now everyone else, go through those last steps I showed you again" As everyone else went back to their dancing, Georgina and Delia walked over to where Alanna and Dana were standing. Delia then took Dana off to the far corner of the hall, leaving Alanna and Georgina by the door.
"Oh Alanna, I thought you were going to try to make an effort for once!" she cried to her sister. "I'm sorry Gee, I honestly didn't mean for any of this to happen."
She could see that Alanna was telling the truth, for she was looking rather ashamed and embarressed for once.
"Ok, but try not to be so insolent next time." she teased.
"If you won't be so pig-headed," Alanna taunted back.
With that, they made up and Georgina set about the impossible task of teaching the steps to Alanna.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Thom had spent more then two hours talking to the guys in the library and was now considered as one of their gang. Jon had returned after half an hour, and they had continued talking about girls and magic. (Two subjects which Thom knew a lot about).
However they had then talked on about fencing and war, which didn't please Thom at all. He had been quite interested though, when they named a few knights, one whom by chance happened to live quite close to the City of the Gods. He dashed out of the library like lightning, barely stopping to say bye to the others, and up to his room to send a message to his sisters...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
The next morning, Alanna woke with a startlingly bad stomachache. After she had been late for her dancing lesson Priestess Achenar had punished her and Dana, making them scrub the kitchen floors for hours. She had then sent Alanna straight to her room with no supper for apparently 'swimming in puddles' as the priestess had said.
She groaned as she hopped out of bed and changed into a plain white, long dress with slits in the sides, which helped her to move around a lot easier. She had already received a "talking to" on the first day about the proper apparel for a "lady to be", so she thought it would be better to cope with wearing a dress for a while, rather than receive more punishments.
She was about to go down to the mess hall for breakfast when Georgina came charging in.
"Alanna, Alanna! Thom has sent us a note!" she sang with glee, waving a bit of scroll around in the air.
"What? But how could he have sent one so fast?"
"Magic duh! Read it, there's something in it that you'll be interested in" she hinted as she gave the note to Alanna. "Ooh I must go; Delia wants to do my hair. I'll see you later." she said excitedly, and skipped out joyously.
Alanna opened the piece of Scroll and started to read Thom's messy handwriting:
~*~*~ Dearest Alanna and Georgina, I know it has only been five days since we last saw each other but I am already missing you both terribly!
I have made a few friends though. Yes, I actually talked to someone! Their names are Raoul, Gary, Alex and Jonathan of Conté (yes, the prince!). All of them have been really nice to me, although there is something strange about Alex. I don't know what it is though.
Anyway, an hour ago they started talking about the Chamber of the Ordeal and knights who have just recently passed it. I happened to pick up on a few of the names, one of whom lives about a mile from the City of Gods. Yes, really! His name is Sir Antony and he is currently staying in the village of Carnolus. I heard that he is teaching the commoners and peasants there to fence! As soon as I heard this, I knew I had to tell you Alanna. Surely if he'll teach commoners, he'll teach a noble girl. I'm expecting something nice in return though for making your dreams come true! Joking!
I think that is enough for one night so for now, I bid you two adieu. Your Loving Brother Thom
P.S. My first lessons are tomorrow, wish me luck! ~*~*~
She had to read over the note three times before she could convince herself that what she was reading was true. A Knight was training people in the local village! She had to go down there! She just had to. But what if he didn't want to train a girl? Perhaps she could disguise herself as a boy? She had done so before. But when could she go! She couldn't go now because she had to have breakfast and then came her social classes. It looked like she would have to go tomorrow, in the afternoon.
Oh Thom! He had done so much for her; she just had to repay him. Perhaps she could send him some books on magic? That's what she would do!
She was so excited now that she could hardly keep still. She hugged herself tight and jumped for joy before rushing out the door to meet Dana for breakfast.
