Tamora Pierce owns the entire universe of this story, all the characters,
the world they live on and the very air they use to sustain life. Only the
vague plot and dialog I have attributed to TP's characters in this tale
belongs to me. I freely give my permission for Tamora Pierce to use any or
all of the plot/story/dialog/concept if she so desires in any way she
desires.
Anyone has my permission to use anything from this and my other story in any way they want. So have at it, expand, add, enhance, just think if you can write a fan fiction based on a story that has a copyright why not a fan fiction based on a fan fiction. So tale spinners, spin on.
Blame all lousy spelling and grammar on the California Education System. Thank the Lord for spell checkers.
Remember, when you read this I am using the same spell as Tamora, I'm writing in Imperial and the magic spell is enabling you to read in your native tongue. So some of you are seeing miles, feet and inches and some are seeing Kilometers, meters and centimeters. And moon cycles are translated into years, months, weeks, days, etc. Also the numbering system is translated from the logical base 12 system to the count on the fingers and toes stupid base 10. You're going to have to go to your math teachers to find out how to do it because I don't know. (Evil laugh)
Chapter 19
The carriage with Briar, Tris and Daja arrived at the Citadel just as the last of the fog burned off. Coming to the north gate everything seemed normal until they got inside the gate, a squad of guards in the black and silver of imperial royal livery was just inside and stopped them, "May I ask you reason for coming here today?"
"The Duke sent for us." Briar replied.
One of the Duke's guards spoke up, "These are Countess Sandrilene's best friends. They are frequent visitors to the Citadel."
The imperials waved them through.
Briar drove to the Citadel stables and a groom took the carriage in hand to remove the harness from the horse and care for it.
"Thank you, Francis." Briar said as they started toward the Citadel entrance carrying the Green Acres account books."
Sandry met them at the door.
"Come in, uncle wants to talk to you."
As they walked down the hall they found posted along the walls of the hall large powerful men in imperial livery. When they reached the office they could see two men at the base of the stairs and two at the top. A man in the black and silver was carrying a tray up the stairs.
"Looks like you have been invaded." Tris commented.
"Don't laugh, it is a type of invasion."
Leading them into the office she told them, "The Empress brought twenty ships full of troops, her guard compliment, her servants, accountants, investigators, her own cook even her own food and spices, and the Slayer."
"Slayer!"
"Are the rumors true?" asked Tris.
"How would I know, the gossip line is running full blast."
The Duke was sitting back and listing with a smile on his face.
"She wears black without the silver, about five foot seven or eight, long blonde hair, slender and attractive I guess. Her name is Buffee and she is Slayer for the Empress."
"Gossip says that she is the only living Ambient Battle Mage with magically enhanced strength and self-healing."
"Also the gossip line says that she has died twice and twice returned from the Realm of the Gods, and that she has slain vast numbers of unnatural creatures and beings at the behest of the Empress."
"The rumors go on to say that the Gods will allow only one Slayer at a time, it two existed and they got on opposing sides in a war it could destroy the world."
Laying the book he was carrying on the Dukes desk, Briar commented, "I'm not sure I want to meet her."
Tris and Daja quietly nodded agreement.
"Is that the accounts for Green Acres?"
"Yes, My Lord." Answered Briar.
"Where are the reports?"
"We incorporated them into the account books." Tris told him.
She placed the book she was carrying on the desk and opened it to the first page.
The title page was labeled HOUSEHOLD.
Turning the page she explained, "The first page is a log of where we were working and what was done. The opposite page records the people doing the work, the supplies used to accomplish the task, along with wages and expenditures."
"As the personnel moved around the estate from job to job the move is recorded in the books."
"My book is the living quarters, guards, retainers, cooks and serving personal."
"Daja's book covers the stables, forge, storage, animals and their caretakers."
"Briar's book covers the agriculture of the estate and farms."
"These three books have a complete history of the restoration of the estate and its cost in time, labor and supplies to the present time."
The Duke laughed, "These will be a change from the normal account books for the Imperial accountants."
"My Lord, can you give us some idea of what to expect?"
"Today they are adjusting to being back on dry land, tomorrow the accountants will start checking everything, that's why I asked you to bring the books."
"The Empress brought her own investigators and they will be reading the reports and the interview statements and probably spot checking some of them. After they report on that investigation I imagine that the Empress will want to talk to us."
Briar stood, "I'm going out and check the gardens."
"There is a small problem," said the Duke, "Because of the invasion of imperials your rooms have been taken over by the staff of the Empress. Could stay in Summersea with Keth? Evvy's is already staying there with him and Glaki."
"With Keth?" asked Tris.
"Did I forget to mention that Keth has bought a house in Summersea?" asked Sandry.
'Yes you did."
"He bought Rokat house on Harbor Street."
"Rokat? That sounds familiar." Said Daja
"You remember, while the three of you were out running around the world, here in Summersea,we had two killers using un-magic to wage a war on a commercial house selling spices."
"I remember."
"Jamar Rokat was the head of the Rokat family and was the first one of the family killed. Others of his family were killed before the assassins were caught. The fortunes of the Rokat family fell after the killings and about a month ago they put Jamar's house on the market. Because of the killings Keth got it at a very good price."
"I seem to remember that you were attacked in that house." Said Tris.
"Yes, and a friend, Wulfric Snaptrap a great provost's mage was killed in front of my eyes there." Sandry said with a sigh, "But you can't blame a house for the actions of assassins. It's a nice place with lots of space and Keth would like to see you all."
"Let me know when you are ready to go." Briar left the room.
Tris turned to the Duke, "He's a little worried about this investigation."
"Being at the focus of a Imperial investigation is never a comfortable pace to be."
"Now, you two tell us what's going on at Green Acres?"
"Mostly spring plowing. For the manor, the carpenters are building furniture to supplement what you sent us, surprisingly we found some antiques in the storage rooms that only needed a little refinishing and the manor does not need much more until the new owners are ready to take over."
Tris asked, "Any idea who that will be?"
"Not yet, but that decision will be made before to long."
"Oh," Tris slapped her forehead, "we had some new editions of some books for you but in the rush I forgot to bring them."
And they settled into a extended visit.
The next day while Tris, Daja and Briar stayed in town and worked at Circle Four the investigation started.
The accounts were studied, the reports of Baron Frantson's death were read, and witnesses were called to be interviewed under truth spell.
For three days the Citadel was disturbed by all the comings and goings.
On the fourth day invitations were issued (an offer that can not be refused) for the individuals that the Empress wanted to speak with to be in the ballroom the next morning.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A/N #1
I was going to bring in the new brew master at Green Acres, his name is Bud Wizer then you would meet the new wine maker for the winery at Green Acres, his name is Julo Galow.
I have eight pages of notes taken from the encyclopedia and howitworks.com on beer and wine making. I was going to treat you to a discussion on brewing beer and wine making, then slip into instructions on how to make moonshine, but I decided to omit them because I did not want to promote wild drunken parties.
I think I am doing the right thing.
Goddess of the Moon doesn't she supports wild drunken parties, as long as you use a designated driver.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A/N #2
One of my reviewers accused me of writing a parody, I'm not writing a parody, this delusion was caused by the fact that in the TammyVerse that the Circle Of Magic stories exist in there is a natural crossover of personality type and descriptions from the HumanVerse we exist in.
It is said that here in our reality everyone has a duplicate here on Earth. The problem is compounded by the magic spell that Tammy and I are using so we can write in Imperial and let you read it in English.
When you translate from one language to another subtle changes in meaning occur.
Also when you have multiple universes in multiple dimensions you have a greater possibility of crossover.
In the Circle Of Magic universe the existence of Magic has slowed the industrial revolution. That is why some inventions are just now coming into being.
Have you seen the movie "THE ONE."
By the way, just in case you are interested, if you look at the start of each chapter, in the hardback books, there is a Circle pattern around the chapter numbers, the translation spell is embedded in these circles. Rotate the pattern counterclockwise and spin it like a top at the same time. Do this fast enough and the spell will appear, but it is written in Imperial. Of course to do this in this reality you have to violate several natural laws. So you have to use magic to accomplish it. Good luck, Oh, if you do it wrong it turns into a curse and the book will dissolve like a vampire staked by Buffy.
Anyone has my permission to use anything from this and my other story in any way they want. So have at it, expand, add, enhance, just think if you can write a fan fiction based on a story that has a copyright why not a fan fiction based on a fan fiction. So tale spinners, spin on.
Blame all lousy spelling and grammar on the California Education System. Thank the Lord for spell checkers.
Remember, when you read this I am using the same spell as Tamora, I'm writing in Imperial and the magic spell is enabling you to read in your native tongue. So some of you are seeing miles, feet and inches and some are seeing Kilometers, meters and centimeters. And moon cycles are translated into years, months, weeks, days, etc. Also the numbering system is translated from the logical base 12 system to the count on the fingers and toes stupid base 10. You're going to have to go to your math teachers to find out how to do it because I don't know. (Evil laugh)
Chapter 19
The carriage with Briar, Tris and Daja arrived at the Citadel just as the last of the fog burned off. Coming to the north gate everything seemed normal until they got inside the gate, a squad of guards in the black and silver of imperial royal livery was just inside and stopped them, "May I ask you reason for coming here today?"
"The Duke sent for us." Briar replied.
One of the Duke's guards spoke up, "These are Countess Sandrilene's best friends. They are frequent visitors to the Citadel."
The imperials waved them through.
Briar drove to the Citadel stables and a groom took the carriage in hand to remove the harness from the horse and care for it.
"Thank you, Francis." Briar said as they started toward the Citadel entrance carrying the Green Acres account books."
Sandry met them at the door.
"Come in, uncle wants to talk to you."
As they walked down the hall they found posted along the walls of the hall large powerful men in imperial livery. When they reached the office they could see two men at the base of the stairs and two at the top. A man in the black and silver was carrying a tray up the stairs.
"Looks like you have been invaded." Tris commented.
"Don't laugh, it is a type of invasion."
Leading them into the office she told them, "The Empress brought twenty ships full of troops, her guard compliment, her servants, accountants, investigators, her own cook even her own food and spices, and the Slayer."
"Slayer!"
"Are the rumors true?" asked Tris.
"How would I know, the gossip line is running full blast."
The Duke was sitting back and listing with a smile on his face.
"She wears black without the silver, about five foot seven or eight, long blonde hair, slender and attractive I guess. Her name is Buffee and she is Slayer for the Empress."
"Gossip says that she is the only living Ambient Battle Mage with magically enhanced strength and self-healing."
"Also the gossip line says that she has died twice and twice returned from the Realm of the Gods, and that she has slain vast numbers of unnatural creatures and beings at the behest of the Empress."
"The rumors go on to say that the Gods will allow only one Slayer at a time, it two existed and they got on opposing sides in a war it could destroy the world."
Laying the book he was carrying on the Dukes desk, Briar commented, "I'm not sure I want to meet her."
Tris and Daja quietly nodded agreement.
"Is that the accounts for Green Acres?"
"Yes, My Lord." Answered Briar.
"Where are the reports?"
"We incorporated them into the account books." Tris told him.
She placed the book she was carrying on the desk and opened it to the first page.
The title page was labeled HOUSEHOLD.
Turning the page she explained, "The first page is a log of where we were working and what was done. The opposite page records the people doing the work, the supplies used to accomplish the task, along with wages and expenditures."
"As the personnel moved around the estate from job to job the move is recorded in the books."
"My book is the living quarters, guards, retainers, cooks and serving personal."
"Daja's book covers the stables, forge, storage, animals and their caretakers."
"Briar's book covers the agriculture of the estate and farms."
"These three books have a complete history of the restoration of the estate and its cost in time, labor and supplies to the present time."
The Duke laughed, "These will be a change from the normal account books for the Imperial accountants."
"My Lord, can you give us some idea of what to expect?"
"Today they are adjusting to being back on dry land, tomorrow the accountants will start checking everything, that's why I asked you to bring the books."
"The Empress brought her own investigators and they will be reading the reports and the interview statements and probably spot checking some of them. After they report on that investigation I imagine that the Empress will want to talk to us."
Briar stood, "I'm going out and check the gardens."
"There is a small problem," said the Duke, "Because of the invasion of imperials your rooms have been taken over by the staff of the Empress. Could stay in Summersea with Keth? Evvy's is already staying there with him and Glaki."
"With Keth?" asked Tris.
"Did I forget to mention that Keth has bought a house in Summersea?" asked Sandry.
'Yes you did."
"He bought Rokat house on Harbor Street."
"Rokat? That sounds familiar." Said Daja
"You remember, while the three of you were out running around the world, here in Summersea,we had two killers using un-magic to wage a war on a commercial house selling spices."
"I remember."
"Jamar Rokat was the head of the Rokat family and was the first one of the family killed. Others of his family were killed before the assassins were caught. The fortunes of the Rokat family fell after the killings and about a month ago they put Jamar's house on the market. Because of the killings Keth got it at a very good price."
"I seem to remember that you were attacked in that house." Said Tris.
"Yes, and a friend, Wulfric Snaptrap a great provost's mage was killed in front of my eyes there." Sandry said with a sigh, "But you can't blame a house for the actions of assassins. It's a nice place with lots of space and Keth would like to see you all."
"Let me know when you are ready to go." Briar left the room.
Tris turned to the Duke, "He's a little worried about this investigation."
"Being at the focus of a Imperial investigation is never a comfortable pace to be."
"Now, you two tell us what's going on at Green Acres?"
"Mostly spring plowing. For the manor, the carpenters are building furniture to supplement what you sent us, surprisingly we found some antiques in the storage rooms that only needed a little refinishing and the manor does not need much more until the new owners are ready to take over."
Tris asked, "Any idea who that will be?"
"Not yet, but that decision will be made before to long."
"Oh," Tris slapped her forehead, "we had some new editions of some books for you but in the rush I forgot to bring them."
And they settled into a extended visit.
The next day while Tris, Daja and Briar stayed in town and worked at Circle Four the investigation started.
The accounts were studied, the reports of Baron Frantson's death were read, and witnesses were called to be interviewed under truth spell.
For three days the Citadel was disturbed by all the comings and goings.
On the fourth day invitations were issued (an offer that can not be refused) for the individuals that the Empress wanted to speak with to be in the ballroom the next morning.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A/N #1
I was going to bring in the new brew master at Green Acres, his name is Bud Wizer then you would meet the new wine maker for the winery at Green Acres, his name is Julo Galow.
I have eight pages of notes taken from the encyclopedia and howitworks.com on beer and wine making. I was going to treat you to a discussion on brewing beer and wine making, then slip into instructions on how to make moonshine, but I decided to omit them because I did not want to promote wild drunken parties.
I think I am doing the right thing.
Goddess of the Moon doesn't she supports wild drunken parties, as long as you use a designated driver.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A/N #2
One of my reviewers accused me of writing a parody, I'm not writing a parody, this delusion was caused by the fact that in the TammyVerse that the Circle Of Magic stories exist in there is a natural crossover of personality type and descriptions from the HumanVerse we exist in.
It is said that here in our reality everyone has a duplicate here on Earth. The problem is compounded by the magic spell that Tammy and I are using so we can write in Imperial and let you read it in English.
When you translate from one language to another subtle changes in meaning occur.
Also when you have multiple universes in multiple dimensions you have a greater possibility of crossover.
In the Circle Of Magic universe the existence of Magic has slowed the industrial revolution. That is why some inventions are just now coming into being.
Have you seen the movie "THE ONE."
By the way, just in case you are interested, if you look at the start of each chapter, in the hardback books, there is a Circle pattern around the chapter numbers, the translation spell is embedded in these circles. Rotate the pattern counterclockwise and spin it like a top at the same time. Do this fast enough and the spell will appear, but it is written in Imperial. Of course to do this in this reality you have to violate several natural laws. So you have to use magic to accomplish it. Good luck, Oh, if you do it wrong it turns into a curse and the book will dissolve like a vampire staked by Buffy.