Well, I just finished reading Trickster's Choice, and I have to say, it is
VERY good! I loved how they portrayed Aly! Anyway, I still like Anna and
Mikael. Their story will turn out interesting as well, I promise... *evil
grin*
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Eda Bell, known to most as the Shang Wildcat, trotted her mare down the road towards Pirate's Swoop. She had left Corus as quickly as possible in order to get there and test the boy. She knew that if any wind of what she was doing got to the higher ranks of the Shang, she would be in trouble. She knew how careful she would have to be; if the boy showed no promise, she would have to tell him to grow up and follow some other calling in life. He would have to do very well in her tests if he was to be the first member of Shang with the Gift. She looked up from her thoughts to see an approaching cloud of dust. From the looks of it, there were two riders coming her way.
When she got closer, she was surprised to recognize one of the riders. She smiled and urged her mare into a trot. "George, it's good to see you again." She looked at his companion, a small boy around the age of ten. "Is the boy whom I'm to test? How did you know that I would be coming this way now?"
George laughed. "This boy? This isn't Mikael." He waved his hand towards her and mimicked the royal announcer in Corus's palace. "May I introduce to you Anna, sister of Mikael, soon to be page in the kingdom of Tortall." The girl blushed, and he lovingly mussed up her hair with one large hand. "Following in her mothers footsteps, you see."
The girl looked at Eda curiously. "Daddy, who is this?"
George smiled. "I forgot, you've never met Eda before. This is Eda Bell, who holds the rank of the Shang Wildcat." He looked down at his small daughter. "She's the one who's going to see if your brother can try out to become a Shang.
Eda smiled at the girl. "Hello there little one. I apologize for mistaking you for a boy at first." She looked at George. "They're twins, aren't they?"
"Yep." George jerked a thumb at the girl, who was still looking at Eda. "They're each a spitting image of the other. About the only one who can tell them apart besides me and Alanna is Maude, their maid." He shook his head. "And when they act the same sometimes, not even her. Troublemakers, the both of them."
Eda grinned. "They will b an interesting pair to watch." She nodded gravely to the girl "Good luck to you, Anna. Say hello to my partner at the castle for me. He'll teach you some unarmed combat in your page training." With that, she said her farewells to George and again rode towards the Swoop.
Anna looked after the woman. "Dad, are you sure that she's a Shang master? She looks like somebody's grandmother..."
Her father laughed again. "Appearances are deceiving. You and Mikael can't be told apart, so you're often mistaken for a boy. Your mother looks nothing like most people think she does from the ballads. And Eda... she trained Liam Ironarm, one of the greatest Shang masters of this time." He smiled at her. "Always remember this: there's more to someone than their appearance."
She smiled. "Like you don't look like you once were King of the Rogue's and chopped of people's ears."
He coughed embarrassedly. "Well, that too. Now let's get going. If we're lucky we won't have to sleep outside tonight."
Later that night, Anna sat by the heath at an inn they had come across towards sunset. Her dad had met someone he knew, and the two were having a private talk up in his room. She sighed as she looked at the grape juice in front of her. She was bored, a thought that would send anyone who knew her running out of the inn.
A man sat down across the table from her. Ignoring her glare, he said, "Well little one, you seem to be awful young to be sitting here in here alone." He winked at her as he waved over a passing maid. "I'll take ale and some more juice for my little friend here." The maid scurried off to the kitchen.
Anna looked over her glass at the man. He seemed honest enough, but she hadn't forgotten her father's earlier lesson. He had dirty blond hair, in a fashion that allowed his bangs to frame his face. Over one eyebrow was a white scar, and his blue eyes twinkled with intelligence. He wore a flowing shirt and pair of breeches, which concealed any evidence of a concealed weapon. However, through the folds in his shirt she saw at least two dagger pommels, and another in his left boot. "Don't you have better things to do then talk with me?"
He chuckled. "Good day to you too lad." She realized that he thought she was a boy. "Aren't you scared about being alone here? You never know when a thief could be watching you." He flipped a coin towards the maid who had brought their drinks and slid the grape juice to her.
"I suppose you would know about thieves better than most, wouldn't you?" She smiled sweetly at the man. "And my father is only in his room; his Sight will tell him if anything happens to me. Keep that in mind Master... I don't believe you've shared your name yet, have you?"
The man stared at her, and then started to laugh. "You're a smart one laddy, that you are. My name's Alex, and you're right to be cautious of someone you don't know." He smiled. "However, as long as you're in my company no thief shall touch you."
She looked at him carefully. Only a few men could make that claim; only one would come to speak to a child alone at a table in an inn like this one. "That is a hard claim to make. Only the King of Rogues would say that." She made her face an innocent child's mask. "Would that happen to be you?"
Alex looked at her shocked, then chuckled and tweaked her nose. "Maybe I am lad. But I like your attitude. If you ever find yourself in Corus, go to the Dancing Dove. I'll make sure that you get a warm reception."
She smiled inwardly. The Dancing Dove was the home of the Court of the Rogue, according to her father when he had held that title. "I'm sure that I will, when I get the chance." She stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be going to my rooms now." She walked around the table, but a hand snagged her wrist as she passed a shadowy booth.
The man there, obviously drunk, smiled up at her. "Now there lad, aren't you a bit youn' to be in here alone?" He grinned and belched. "Now why might a fella' like you be doing here?" He started to laugh, but was cut short by a dagger blade at his throat.
She smiled. "Let go of me kind sir, and I won't be forced to hurt you." When he let go, she withdrew the dagger. "Thank y-" She was cut off when he jumped at her with a roar. She fell back from his push and looked up to see him standing there with a wicked looking dagger in his hand.
Suddenly, he was on the floor in front of her, Alex's hand on his neck. "Now there," Alex hissed, "I don't like it when people threaten little boys that I take a liking to." He twisted the man's hand until he dropped the dagger. "Maybe you should go to your room sir, and stay there for a while." He stood up and watched the drunk stagger to his feet. With a glare, he walked over to the stairway and walked upstairs, muttering.
She smiled and bowed to Alex. "Thank you Alex. Now I will truly take my leave." She turned to follow the man upstairs, but Alex's chuckle stopped her.
"You're quite unusual lady." He gave her a crooked grin. "I look forward to seeing you again."
Anna looked up to see George come down stairs. His eyes found her in the room, and he called out, "Anna, we are traveling tomorrow. It's time that you got to bed."
She bowed mockingly to the shocked man in front of her. "Now I must go." She laughed as she walked towards her father. "My name is Anna, Alex. I look forward to seeing you in Corus."
The thief looked at her until she disappeared up the stairs. "The daughter of George Cooper... my predecessor..." With a laugh, he toasted to the girl he had mistaken for a boy. "I look forward to seeing you there to, Anna..."
-
Mikael stood in the practice yard at Pirate's Swoop with his mother, awaiting the arrival of the Wildcat. His sister had sent him a message magically that morning, telling him that they had passed her on the road yesterday and she should show up around noon. He looked around nervously.
Alanna saw his discomfort and smiled at him. "Mikael, don't be nervous. Eda is a good friend of mine, and she'll do whatever she can to get you into the Shang." She patted him on the shoulder. "You could not find someone who was better to test you if you tried."
A horn blast from a sentry cut his reply off, and the gates swung open. A woman rode a chestnut mare inside, and quickly dismounted. He looked at her curiously. This was Eda Bell, the Wildcat? With her gray hair and weathered face, she looked more like a grandmother!
Not knowing her son's thoughts, Alanna smiled and stepped forward to give her a hug. "Mikael, may I introduce you to Eda, my close friend, and the Shang Wildcat." She smiled sadly. "She also taught Liam Ironarm, who was a close friend of mine..."
Eda patted her on the shoulder. "I miss him as well, Alanna. Now to the matter at hand..." She turned to look at the boy standing there. "You father was right, you look exactly the same as your sister." Her eyes ran over him, calculating. "You are more accustomed to hard work than most boys your age. Do you have any weapons training?"
He nodded. "Momma taught me how to use a sword and dagger, as well as a bow and staff. Daddy taught me some unarmed techniques." He thought for a second. "My best weapon is probably the dagger right now. Swords are a bit to heavy."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Can you lift this?" She drew a sword from her saddle and handed it to the boy. He waved it around easily, and moved it through some simple passes. She smiled. He was very advanced for his age. Most boys at fifteen years could not appear to be as natural with such a large weapon. He flipped it around, catching the blade between his thumb and forefinger, and then handed it back to her jilt first.
"You taught him well Alanna." Eda smiled at her friend. "He's a natural with a sword."
She nodded. "I know." She shook her head ruefully. "I never was; I had to practice a lot longer than he has to get as good as he is already." She smiled at her son. "He's quicker than most boys as well."
"Is that so?" Eda said. She turned back to the boy. "Show me what you know of hand-to-hand combat." When he wavered, she guessed his thoughts. "Go on, try to strike me. I might not look like much, but I do know a few tricks."
Mikael nodded and assumed his ready stance. He quickly evaluated her defense and saw she was right; she kept her arms in a position that would make it hard for him to get past and actually hit her. This woman was good. He quickly stepped in and darted his hand forward in a punch his mother had taught him. She quickly caught his hand, nodded, and jumped back.
He entered a mode that he always did when he fought. His mind didn't think; his body moved on its own, evaluating her defense and testing her reactions. For about ten minutes he held back, testing her, and being easily blocked.
Eda watched the child who circled her with respect. He was as quick as Alanna claimed, and his body moved fluidly with little training. He was almost unnaturally good. However, she saw that he was not attacking her with everything. "Go on boy. You want to be a part of Shang? Start acting like it."
Mikael nodded, sweat dripping from his hair. He feinted at her, then darted around behind her and jumped, his foot flying at her shoulder. She quickly turned and blocked it with one hand, then grabbed his ankle with the other. He brought his other foot down, then sprang into the air, still in her grasp. He hooked his left hand over his caught led to attack, but she caught it. She now had his left hand and right leg trapped.
Grinning, he twisted in her grasp and swung his other leg so it came down towards her unprotected head. She quickly brought up her arms, intercrossed and still holding onto him, to block the kick. He quickly swung up with his right fist at her unprotected midriff. Her arms couldn't move, or else his leg would hit her.
Eda was amazed at this boy's skill. She arched her body back so his fist missed and instead hit his own leg. She did a backwards flip, releasing him at the right moment to send him flying across the courtyard. By the time she looked at him, he was on his feet again in a fighting stance. "Enough." She went to him and patted him on the head. "You're amazing; that attack pattern was amazingly complex."
Alanna ran over and hugged her son tightly. She then checked him over quickly for injuries. "Mikael, I had no idea you could fight that well!"
He shrugged. "I just practice a lot. My body moves on its own."
Alanna looked up at the Wildcat. "So...?"
Eda smiled. "I think you'll have no trouble becoming a Shang warrior," she said to the boy. "In fact, it won't surprise me if you surpass me one day." She put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you ready to begin some real training now?"
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That was a fun chapter. Thanks to all my reviewers!!! ~ ~ Liveandletlive: Update soon! This is good!
-Thank you! I'm off school for a week, so I'll write as much as I can!
MaliciousIndignance: And why would I do something like that?!
this chapter was good, too. I like the way the plot's developing. It's really interesting. yet again, even though I haven't read the series.
but you describe enough background that I sorta have a bit figured out. hmm.
good job, buddy.
-claire
-Then Read the books, friend of mine. You'll be a lot less confused.
Megan (Sk8erchica2007@cs.com): Michael that was great! i like it a lot...now megan is going to go and read ch. 2!
-Good for you.
FlamingKnight (amethystknight@optonline.net): when is Trickster's Queen coming out? I wanna get it, like, now. lol.
~*FlamingKnight*~
-Later this year. I think it is September 27th, but I'm not sure, so don't quote me on that. It's way too long to wait!! *sobs* ~ ~ Ah well, keep reviewing!!!
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Eda Bell, known to most as the Shang Wildcat, trotted her mare down the road towards Pirate's Swoop. She had left Corus as quickly as possible in order to get there and test the boy. She knew that if any wind of what she was doing got to the higher ranks of the Shang, she would be in trouble. She knew how careful she would have to be; if the boy showed no promise, she would have to tell him to grow up and follow some other calling in life. He would have to do very well in her tests if he was to be the first member of Shang with the Gift. She looked up from her thoughts to see an approaching cloud of dust. From the looks of it, there were two riders coming her way.
When she got closer, she was surprised to recognize one of the riders. She smiled and urged her mare into a trot. "George, it's good to see you again." She looked at his companion, a small boy around the age of ten. "Is the boy whom I'm to test? How did you know that I would be coming this way now?"
George laughed. "This boy? This isn't Mikael." He waved his hand towards her and mimicked the royal announcer in Corus's palace. "May I introduce to you Anna, sister of Mikael, soon to be page in the kingdom of Tortall." The girl blushed, and he lovingly mussed up her hair with one large hand. "Following in her mothers footsteps, you see."
The girl looked at Eda curiously. "Daddy, who is this?"
George smiled. "I forgot, you've never met Eda before. This is Eda Bell, who holds the rank of the Shang Wildcat." He looked down at his small daughter. "She's the one who's going to see if your brother can try out to become a Shang.
Eda smiled at the girl. "Hello there little one. I apologize for mistaking you for a boy at first." She looked at George. "They're twins, aren't they?"
"Yep." George jerked a thumb at the girl, who was still looking at Eda. "They're each a spitting image of the other. About the only one who can tell them apart besides me and Alanna is Maude, their maid." He shook his head. "And when they act the same sometimes, not even her. Troublemakers, the both of them."
Eda grinned. "They will b an interesting pair to watch." She nodded gravely to the girl "Good luck to you, Anna. Say hello to my partner at the castle for me. He'll teach you some unarmed combat in your page training." With that, she said her farewells to George and again rode towards the Swoop.
Anna looked after the woman. "Dad, are you sure that she's a Shang master? She looks like somebody's grandmother..."
Her father laughed again. "Appearances are deceiving. You and Mikael can't be told apart, so you're often mistaken for a boy. Your mother looks nothing like most people think she does from the ballads. And Eda... she trained Liam Ironarm, one of the greatest Shang masters of this time." He smiled at her. "Always remember this: there's more to someone than their appearance."
She smiled. "Like you don't look like you once were King of the Rogue's and chopped of people's ears."
He coughed embarrassedly. "Well, that too. Now let's get going. If we're lucky we won't have to sleep outside tonight."
Later that night, Anna sat by the heath at an inn they had come across towards sunset. Her dad had met someone he knew, and the two were having a private talk up in his room. She sighed as she looked at the grape juice in front of her. She was bored, a thought that would send anyone who knew her running out of the inn.
A man sat down across the table from her. Ignoring her glare, he said, "Well little one, you seem to be awful young to be sitting here in here alone." He winked at her as he waved over a passing maid. "I'll take ale and some more juice for my little friend here." The maid scurried off to the kitchen.
Anna looked over her glass at the man. He seemed honest enough, but she hadn't forgotten her father's earlier lesson. He had dirty blond hair, in a fashion that allowed his bangs to frame his face. Over one eyebrow was a white scar, and his blue eyes twinkled with intelligence. He wore a flowing shirt and pair of breeches, which concealed any evidence of a concealed weapon. However, through the folds in his shirt she saw at least two dagger pommels, and another in his left boot. "Don't you have better things to do then talk with me?"
He chuckled. "Good day to you too lad." She realized that he thought she was a boy. "Aren't you scared about being alone here? You never know when a thief could be watching you." He flipped a coin towards the maid who had brought their drinks and slid the grape juice to her.
"I suppose you would know about thieves better than most, wouldn't you?" She smiled sweetly at the man. "And my father is only in his room; his Sight will tell him if anything happens to me. Keep that in mind Master... I don't believe you've shared your name yet, have you?"
The man stared at her, and then started to laugh. "You're a smart one laddy, that you are. My name's Alex, and you're right to be cautious of someone you don't know." He smiled. "However, as long as you're in my company no thief shall touch you."
She looked at him carefully. Only a few men could make that claim; only one would come to speak to a child alone at a table in an inn like this one. "That is a hard claim to make. Only the King of Rogues would say that." She made her face an innocent child's mask. "Would that happen to be you?"
Alex looked at her shocked, then chuckled and tweaked her nose. "Maybe I am lad. But I like your attitude. If you ever find yourself in Corus, go to the Dancing Dove. I'll make sure that you get a warm reception."
She smiled inwardly. The Dancing Dove was the home of the Court of the Rogue, according to her father when he had held that title. "I'm sure that I will, when I get the chance." She stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be going to my rooms now." She walked around the table, but a hand snagged her wrist as she passed a shadowy booth.
The man there, obviously drunk, smiled up at her. "Now there lad, aren't you a bit youn' to be in here alone?" He grinned and belched. "Now why might a fella' like you be doing here?" He started to laugh, but was cut short by a dagger blade at his throat.
She smiled. "Let go of me kind sir, and I won't be forced to hurt you." When he let go, she withdrew the dagger. "Thank y-" She was cut off when he jumped at her with a roar. She fell back from his push and looked up to see him standing there with a wicked looking dagger in his hand.
Suddenly, he was on the floor in front of her, Alex's hand on his neck. "Now there," Alex hissed, "I don't like it when people threaten little boys that I take a liking to." He twisted the man's hand until he dropped the dagger. "Maybe you should go to your room sir, and stay there for a while." He stood up and watched the drunk stagger to his feet. With a glare, he walked over to the stairway and walked upstairs, muttering.
She smiled and bowed to Alex. "Thank you Alex. Now I will truly take my leave." She turned to follow the man upstairs, but Alex's chuckle stopped her.
"You're quite unusual lady." He gave her a crooked grin. "I look forward to seeing you again."
Anna looked up to see George come down stairs. His eyes found her in the room, and he called out, "Anna, we are traveling tomorrow. It's time that you got to bed."
She bowed mockingly to the shocked man in front of her. "Now I must go." She laughed as she walked towards her father. "My name is Anna, Alex. I look forward to seeing you in Corus."
The thief looked at her until she disappeared up the stairs. "The daughter of George Cooper... my predecessor..." With a laugh, he toasted to the girl he had mistaken for a boy. "I look forward to seeing you there to, Anna..."
-
Mikael stood in the practice yard at Pirate's Swoop with his mother, awaiting the arrival of the Wildcat. His sister had sent him a message magically that morning, telling him that they had passed her on the road yesterday and she should show up around noon. He looked around nervously.
Alanna saw his discomfort and smiled at him. "Mikael, don't be nervous. Eda is a good friend of mine, and she'll do whatever she can to get you into the Shang." She patted him on the shoulder. "You could not find someone who was better to test you if you tried."
A horn blast from a sentry cut his reply off, and the gates swung open. A woman rode a chestnut mare inside, and quickly dismounted. He looked at her curiously. This was Eda Bell, the Wildcat? With her gray hair and weathered face, she looked more like a grandmother!
Not knowing her son's thoughts, Alanna smiled and stepped forward to give her a hug. "Mikael, may I introduce you to Eda, my close friend, and the Shang Wildcat." She smiled sadly. "She also taught Liam Ironarm, who was a close friend of mine..."
Eda patted her on the shoulder. "I miss him as well, Alanna. Now to the matter at hand..." She turned to look at the boy standing there. "You father was right, you look exactly the same as your sister." Her eyes ran over him, calculating. "You are more accustomed to hard work than most boys your age. Do you have any weapons training?"
He nodded. "Momma taught me how to use a sword and dagger, as well as a bow and staff. Daddy taught me some unarmed techniques." He thought for a second. "My best weapon is probably the dagger right now. Swords are a bit to heavy."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Can you lift this?" She drew a sword from her saddle and handed it to the boy. He waved it around easily, and moved it through some simple passes. She smiled. He was very advanced for his age. Most boys at fifteen years could not appear to be as natural with such a large weapon. He flipped it around, catching the blade between his thumb and forefinger, and then handed it back to her jilt first.
"You taught him well Alanna." Eda smiled at her friend. "He's a natural with a sword."
She nodded. "I know." She shook her head ruefully. "I never was; I had to practice a lot longer than he has to get as good as he is already." She smiled at her son. "He's quicker than most boys as well."
"Is that so?" Eda said. She turned back to the boy. "Show me what you know of hand-to-hand combat." When he wavered, she guessed his thoughts. "Go on, try to strike me. I might not look like much, but I do know a few tricks."
Mikael nodded and assumed his ready stance. He quickly evaluated her defense and saw she was right; she kept her arms in a position that would make it hard for him to get past and actually hit her. This woman was good. He quickly stepped in and darted his hand forward in a punch his mother had taught him. She quickly caught his hand, nodded, and jumped back.
He entered a mode that he always did when he fought. His mind didn't think; his body moved on its own, evaluating her defense and testing her reactions. For about ten minutes he held back, testing her, and being easily blocked.
Eda watched the child who circled her with respect. He was as quick as Alanna claimed, and his body moved fluidly with little training. He was almost unnaturally good. However, she saw that he was not attacking her with everything. "Go on boy. You want to be a part of Shang? Start acting like it."
Mikael nodded, sweat dripping from his hair. He feinted at her, then darted around behind her and jumped, his foot flying at her shoulder. She quickly turned and blocked it with one hand, then grabbed his ankle with the other. He brought his other foot down, then sprang into the air, still in her grasp. He hooked his left hand over his caught led to attack, but she caught it. She now had his left hand and right leg trapped.
Grinning, he twisted in her grasp and swung his other leg so it came down towards her unprotected head. She quickly brought up her arms, intercrossed and still holding onto him, to block the kick. He quickly swung up with his right fist at her unprotected midriff. Her arms couldn't move, or else his leg would hit her.
Eda was amazed at this boy's skill. She arched her body back so his fist missed and instead hit his own leg. She did a backwards flip, releasing him at the right moment to send him flying across the courtyard. By the time she looked at him, he was on his feet again in a fighting stance. "Enough." She went to him and patted him on the head. "You're amazing; that attack pattern was amazingly complex."
Alanna ran over and hugged her son tightly. She then checked him over quickly for injuries. "Mikael, I had no idea you could fight that well!"
He shrugged. "I just practice a lot. My body moves on its own."
Alanna looked up at the Wildcat. "So...?"
Eda smiled. "I think you'll have no trouble becoming a Shang warrior," she said to the boy. "In fact, it won't surprise me if you surpass me one day." She put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you ready to begin some real training now?"
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That was a fun chapter. Thanks to all my reviewers!!! ~ ~ Liveandletlive: Update soon! This is good!
-Thank you! I'm off school for a week, so I'll write as much as I can!
MaliciousIndignance: And why would I do something like that?!
this chapter was good, too. I like the way the plot's developing. It's really interesting. yet again, even though I haven't read the series.
but you describe enough background that I sorta have a bit figured out. hmm.
good job, buddy.
-claire
-Then Read the books, friend of mine. You'll be a lot less confused.
Megan (Sk8erchica2007@cs.com): Michael that was great! i like it a lot...now megan is going to go and read ch. 2!
-Good for you.
FlamingKnight (amethystknight@optonline.net): when is Trickster's Queen coming out? I wanna get it, like, now. lol.
~*FlamingKnight*~
-Later this year. I think it is September 27th, but I'm not sure, so don't quote me on that. It's way too long to wait!! *sobs* ~ ~ Ah well, keep reviewing!!!