Chapter 2: Scattered

Warm rays of dawnlight filtered through the wide windows of the king's private study as his yawning advisors settled themselves into chairs set around the room.

The king stood quietly for a moment before calling the meeting to order, and from her seat between Numair and the Lioness, Daine looked him over with concern. The fine lines underneath Jonathan's piercing blue eyes suggested he had enjoyed little sleep the night before, and as he looked gravely at the assemblage, the room fell silent.

We live in times of great precariousness, he began. Every day new dangers are finding their way into our borders, and it has become necessary to take new steps in protecting Tortall's citizens. Jon spread a map of Tortall across his desk and continued, In the past three days, nine cities have been attacked by an unidentified strain of raiders. As Master Samalin can tell you, we have not be able to make any magical contact with any of these fiefs. Communication has only been available through messengers on horseback, and the news they bring is very serious. I fear for the safety of our people against these enemies, and the Queen and I are dispatching groups of the Own and of the Riders to deal with this new threat. I will require all of your assistance in the field as well.

Queen Thayet moved to stand next to her husband and lay a supportive hand on his forearm and address the room. There are terrible reports of the brutality of these raiders. We have no idea of who they are or what they're after. They do seem to possess some sort of power, though we are unable to identify it as the Gift or something else altogether.

Are there immortals involved?, asked Sir Raoul of Goldenlake, Commander of the King's Own. Could that account for the confusion with the magics?

responded Numair from his seat by the window. But that is part of what makes these attacks so strange. I've been testing and testing, and it's almost as if a barrier has been put between these raiders and any magics that could identify them. If immortals are involved, it is conceivable that these humans are using the immortals' magic to fuel their barrier.

What about Emper- er, what of Ozorne? asked Evin Larse, the towheaded Commander of Rider groups twelve and four, and Daine's longtime friend. He's out on the loose and it's no secret he harbors a special grudge against Tortall.

We know next to nothing about this situation, Evin. Jonathan said simply. That's why all teams must depart today. Rider groups four, eight, and twelve will ride for the south. Try and discover the fate of groups two and ten, they were sent out two days ago to defend Fief Caryn and Rarlith's Pass. Evin nodded once and took his leave to prepare his soldiers.

Alanna, you will accompany the third division of the Own to Buzzard Rocks. The first attack took place there, and the village has since sent two requests for aid.

Raoul, take the first and second divisions of the Own and make a sweep through the area surrounding Dunlath and Aili.

Rider group five will begin patrols on the roads out of Malven, and Buri, I need you to lead groups seven and one into the city itself. Buriram Tourakom, Commander of the Queen's Riders, stood and exited with Alanna and Raoul to go ready their mounts.

Alois is in desperate need of aid, Rider group six will accompany the fourth division of the Own to the north. Eldorne is also under attack; Gary, lead the seventh division of the Own there and bring enough supplies to expand their infirmary. Casualties have been heavy in Eldorne.

As Duke Gareth the Younger left the study, Jonathan turned to those who remained. Numair, Port Legann is a strong keep and very capable of withstanding its present siege. However, I am sending you there to find out who these enemies are. Until the reasons for these attacks are discovered, they will assuredly continue. Be safe, he added, you will be traveling alone.

Numair's eyes briefly flickered to the dark haired girl beside him. In the three years since Daine had become his student they had spent barely a few days apart. He had carried out many missions for the Crown on his own before, but for some reason the prospect of going to Legann without Daine settled heavily in his stomach.

New forces are going to be necessary if these attacks do not cease right away. Onua, can those horses you brought in yesterday be ready for duty any time soon?

If need be, we can put Riders on them in a matter of weeks. she answered.

Good. Onua, Daine and Sarge, I need you to work with Thayet to get at least four new rider groups ready for work as soon as possible. The trainees have been sent for and should arrive by daybreak tomorrow.

Jon smiled grimly, I will need you three to stay in Corus to protect the Capital as well. We haven't received any direct threats, but we cannot afford to ignore the possibility.

With that, they left the king and queen to talk alone and went out to the stables to assist the soldiers with their packs and steeds.


*******


Daine stood alone on the balcony of her bedchamber. Looking out over the palace grounds, she watched the various groups of soldiers depart in different directions for the many roads leading out of Corus.

She didn't turn around when she heard a knock on her door.

Numair entered quietly and came to stand next to her. He paused for a long moment, digesting the sobering sight of so many loved ones scattering off to war. I suppose I'll be taking my leave, then. he said awkwardly.

A strange heat crept up Daine's body to settle in her cheeks. Looking anywhere but in Numair's eyes, and praying he wouldn't notice her struggle for self control, she whispered, I wish I were going with you. She coughed and tried to steady her voice. I mean, who wants to stay at the silly palace anyway?

Numair's breath caught in his throat as he watched the young woman's eyes slowly brighten with unshed tears. Goddess, he thought. When did she become such a necessary part of my life?

He reached out and gently pulled her into the circle of his arms. Resting his cheek against her hair, he breathed slowly, confused by the sudden rush of emotion that accompanied her closeness. Daine buried her face in his shirt like a child and tried to calm the thundering of her heart.

Odd's bobs! the scolded herself, He's done more dangerous work that this before! He's a mage- he'll be fine.

Pulling away regretfully, Numair held her gaze with his own and tried to smile. Take care, my magelet. he said. If I come home to find you've done something stupid like getting yourself killed, I'll be very cross.

She chuckled and shook her head. You're fair ridiculous, do you know that? She impulsively kissed his warm cheek and stared seriously into his dark eyes. Watch your back. Goddess bless.


*******


Daine stayed out on the balcony to watch the tall form of her friend ride out of the palace gates and out of her sight. As she stood there in the chill of the autumn afternoon she had the sinking feeling that she was losing something she had never really known she'd possessed.