In the Flames I Shall Go
PLEASE READ EVERY AUTHOR'S NOTE BECAUSE THEY ARE IMPORTANT!!!
Author's Note: this story begins after the third book, the Emperor Mage, of the Immortals Quartet. Also, as the story reveals itself, Daine has already learnt shape change, mind- take, control animals and use the copper fire. She still has not recognised her love for Numair. (And in this story she probably never will)
Chapter 2
The trip to the capital of Tortall wasn't at all a problem. The pair had to stop off at Pirates Swoop to pick up Kit and Zek. Both unique animals had enjoyed their time immensely. But, consequently, the road was filled with hazardous and dangerous immortals. These included spidrens, stormwings and hurroks. Daine had Numair no difficulty, though. Numair used his powerful Gift to ward them against any impending danger. Daine had her copper-fire to protect them. (a.n: don't ask me how!)
Peacefully, Daine and Numair came along the road, with the royal palace coming into view.
It looks so magnificent and pleasant. I wish I lived in something so stunning. Daine thought wistfully. Only high born nobles get such luxury.
'Daine,' Numair caught her attention. 'Would you like to visit the Riding Group or travel straight to Jon, Thayet and Alanna?'
Smiling, for Daine new that Numair really wanted to speak with his old friends, she let him decide. 'I'm sure you would like to set off straight to the palace, and I wouldn't mind either- I feel like a roasted duck.'
So Daine, Numair, Zek and Kit made their way down to the King's Palace. To their utter astonishment, Jon, Thayet and Alanna were all waiting for them. To have such important people expecting and welcoming your arrival was an honour, indeed.
'What- how...why?' Numair was for once speechless.
'But we.we never sent word that.that we would be coming!' Daine managed to splutter.
'My husband is some what.skilled.in informing us important information, ahead of schedule.' Alanna said with amusement written all over her face. 'Numair, really, that isn't a good look on that handsome face of yours. This comment spread feminine grins to Thayet and Daine's faces. Even Jon had to hide his smirk. (a.n: NO, Jon isn't turning into Draco Malfoy)
'Welcome to Corus, Master Numair, Daine of Snowdale.' It looked like Jon was trying very hard to keep is face grave. 'It is damn good to see the two of you!' Jon immediately stepped out of his kingship and became the friend both of them loved. (a.n: not that kind of love!) Jon shook hands warmly with Numair, each exchanging friendly greetings. 'Do come inside, both of you.'
Cloud and the other horse were both lead away by stable boys when the group of nobles started towards the stairs of the castle.
***
'Now, Daine and Numair, please give us the pleasure of telling us why you have come back to Corus.' Jonathan sat himself down on one of the sofa's surrounding an oak based table.
'To be straightforward, Jon, Emperor Kaddar has issued an invitation for Daine to visit him, and has extended it to "the King's peace delegation" if you have your thoughts on sending one.' Numair said with anticipation in his voice.
A servant arrived with a tray of refreshments. He set it down on the oak table, bowed and murmured 'Your Majesty's' and left.
'Delicious,' Alanna helped herself to some scrumptious looking cakes. 'I can never get enough of the cook's food. I guess that's a plus in being a noble.' Alanna grinned with her mouth full of cake.
'Can we stick to the topic?' Thayet snapped, but failed to look angry, as she too helped herself to some of the cake. 'I think it is sensible to send a peace delegation to Carthak. Emperor Kaddar will already think us as an ally, but there seems to be a rebellion rising against our relationship with Carthak- which is understandable. Thayet said the last few words while looking directly at Daine.
'I agree with Thayet,' the King approved. 'We need to stop the rebellion rising in Carthak and here. It was after all, our fault- stop looking at me Daine, I'm stating the facts.'
'It's settled then,' Alanna had finally finished her cake. 'All we need to do is decide who goes. Daine must go, Gary's already gone once and has enough adventure, none of the military commanders can go; there is the rebellion- that leaves Lord Martin and Gareth the Younger; let's hope they'll agree to going again. We need a sufficient number of officials and clerks their.'
Jon suddenly stood up, walked over to Daine and sat down next to her. 'Daine, you've probably realized that many people, high or low born, depend on you for your support. Thayet and I have decided to grant you the barony of Olua, as Alanna kindly bequeathed it back to the throne. So, do you accept Daine of Snowdale?' Jon smiled gently as he looked at the trembling adolescent.
'But.me? I'm common born and bred. I have no place at court. I know no manners and.and.and i could come up with thousands of reasons to refuse.' Daine was swiftly losing control of her composure.
'Daine,' Alanna said reasonably. 'I could come up with as many reasons why you should accept as you could to decline. Now, accept!'
Daine looked past the King, to Numair. 'Daine, please accept.' was all Numair said.
Trembling and sighing at the same time, Daine accepted with goodwill. 'Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous and most kindly gift, I accept it.'
Jon smiled at his new baroness and offered her the official deed. 'We will arrange a boat to transfer our new baroness, Lord Martin and Gareth the Younger to Carthak safely.'
***
'Take care of yourself, Magelet.' Numair said softly. 'I'll come when I can. Give Kaddar my greetings. Good bye- for now.' Before turning away, Numair gave Daine a friendly embrace goodbye.
'I guess this is goodbye, for a few weeks.' Daine was close to tears. She didn't want this departure to be ruined by her own selfish emotions.
***
'Congratulations, baroness,' Lord Martin grinned. 'I knew it would only be a matter of weeks till the King would show his real gratitude. Without you, we'd be stuck.'
'Indeed, my lady,' Gareth said this with mock respect. 'Now you're of nobility and need not articulate "Your Grace or My Lord" to us. To us, we're your friends, not Lords.'
The Baroness Daine seemed amazed at the treatment she had been recently getting. 'Thank you Gareth, Martin. I'll need friends around Carthak.' At that particular thought, Daine shivered involuntary.
'There, there, lass, I know your be fine. Everyone knows that you have Emperor Kaddar's utter most favour. Even I know you saved his life. If anyone so much as threatens you, the Emperor will have him in custody.' The effect Lord Martin had on Daine wasn't the one he and Gareth the Young expected. Daine trembled so violently, she nearly fell of the boat.
Kaddar has that much power? Daine thought to herself. What if he becomes another Ozourne- all because of me? What was that saying? Power corrupts all- Mithros' bless, I hope that doesn't affect Kaddar.
'Daine! DAINE!?' She mentally shook herself to find that Gareth shouting to get her attention. 'Sweet Goddess, Daine! Listen here, there's Carthak coming into site! And it looks like we have company waiting for us on the wharf.'
Daine saw that he spoke the truth. There were numerous coloured banners with different symbols one it. The sun shone on courtiers' jewels, momentarily blinding the Tortall delegation. Soldiers surrounded and guarded the wharf. As they sailed closer, Daine began to recognize some of the courtiers symbols- there was a Griffin, a Cat, a Tiger and many animals Daine had never seen before.
A sudden notion occurred to Daine. She wondered what Kaddar would dress like. Was he going to look like Ozourne; a man decked out like an idol in gold and gems or the man she had last saw; boots, a white shirt, maroon breaches? But, subsequently, the first time Daine had seen Kaddar was in countless jewels and rich fabrics. It then occurred to Daine, that even though he might be dressed in jewels, it would only be for the ceremonial protocol.
Suddenly Daine felt bad- she herself was wearing luxurious fabric. She was arranged in a gown of cream silk over a forget-me-not blue brocade, with a belt of broad silver platelets beneath her breasts. The seamstress had stitched a collar of white coney in a V which plunged to the waist of the gown. Her hair was pinned up with a selection of exquisite white, lustrous pearls. Her neck showed off a beautiful array of sapphires and diamonds stringed to a necklace.
Lord Martin noticed her anxiety and leaned over towards her. 'Daine, stop fretting, you look stunning.' That comment gave Daine the courage to face all the foreign courtiers as their boat docked in.
As the delegation stepped forward, the Carthak herald began. 'May I present His most serene and imperial Majesty, Kaddar Fazia Tasikhe, Emperor of Carthak.' (a.n: if you read 'Emperor Mage' you'll find that Ozourne's last name was Tasikhe and Kaddar's mother was Princess Fazia) Daine stopped listening after that. All she needed to know was that Kaddar was the Emperor of Carthak.
Daine, as Baroness of Olau, was standing in front of the line, with Gareth the Younger and Lord Martin beside her, to receive Kaddar. The instant the herald had finished, a youth as old as Daine stood out among the many courtiers. As one, the three of them either bowed or curtsied before surveying the Emperor of Carthak.
Daine was pleased to see that Kaddar's eyes lite up when they fell upon her. She hoped she looked as good as Lord Martin had said she did because the way Kaddar dressed made her seem clumsy. He wore a calf-length robe of fine wool tinted a delicate aqua-marine, and a shoulder drape of white silk shot through with gold threads. He boasted three gold rings in his left ear, and a sapphire drop in the right. He wore a necklace of gold coated in rare blue gems of different types. Bracelets hung from both wrists and rings were sported on mostly every finger. Like her, the Emperor had chosen blue as his chief colour.
'The lady Baroness, Veralidaine Sarrasri, of Olau. She comes at the invitation of his Imperial Majesty. The lady Baroness is also to take part of hiis Imperial Majesty's peace conference.' As this was said, Daine curtsied perfectly towards Kaddar.
Kaddar smiled warmly at Daine. 'I great you with warm wishes that also extend to your dragon Skysong. I also congratulate you, for it is an honour to be chosen as Baroness of Olau. I know you deserved it.
'I thank you for your congratulations, your honour. The King of Tortall is a most generous man.' Their eyes locked. Daine could easily read Kaddar's. They read 'forgive me for this formality, it has to be done, I'll talk properly afterwards.' 'I hope the past year has been most successful, your Majesty.'
'I thank you for your support, my Lady. I wish you have a most pleasurable and credible time in Carthak.' which was a royal dismissal.
***
Was this chapter too long??? I guess I got a bit carried away..was it good? I know that I need to improve my writing technique - I need all the advice I can get!
Thanx heaps. izzy
PLEASE READ EVERY AUTHOR'S NOTE BECAUSE THEY ARE IMPORTANT!!!
Author's Note: this story begins after the third book, the Emperor Mage, of the Immortals Quartet. Also, as the story reveals itself, Daine has already learnt shape change, mind- take, control animals and use the copper fire. She still has not recognised her love for Numair. (And in this story she probably never will)
Chapter 2
The trip to the capital of Tortall wasn't at all a problem. The pair had to stop off at Pirates Swoop to pick up Kit and Zek. Both unique animals had enjoyed their time immensely. But, consequently, the road was filled with hazardous and dangerous immortals. These included spidrens, stormwings and hurroks. Daine had Numair no difficulty, though. Numair used his powerful Gift to ward them against any impending danger. Daine had her copper-fire to protect them. (a.n: don't ask me how!)
Peacefully, Daine and Numair came along the road, with the royal palace coming into view.
It looks so magnificent and pleasant. I wish I lived in something so stunning. Daine thought wistfully. Only high born nobles get such luxury.
'Daine,' Numair caught her attention. 'Would you like to visit the Riding Group or travel straight to Jon, Thayet and Alanna?'
Smiling, for Daine new that Numair really wanted to speak with his old friends, she let him decide. 'I'm sure you would like to set off straight to the palace, and I wouldn't mind either- I feel like a roasted duck.'
So Daine, Numair, Zek and Kit made their way down to the King's Palace. To their utter astonishment, Jon, Thayet and Alanna were all waiting for them. To have such important people expecting and welcoming your arrival was an honour, indeed.
'What- how...why?' Numair was for once speechless.
'But we.we never sent word that.that we would be coming!' Daine managed to splutter.
'My husband is some what.skilled.in informing us important information, ahead of schedule.' Alanna said with amusement written all over her face. 'Numair, really, that isn't a good look on that handsome face of yours. This comment spread feminine grins to Thayet and Daine's faces. Even Jon had to hide his smirk. (a.n: NO, Jon isn't turning into Draco Malfoy)
'Welcome to Corus, Master Numair, Daine of Snowdale.' It looked like Jon was trying very hard to keep is face grave. 'It is damn good to see the two of you!' Jon immediately stepped out of his kingship and became the friend both of them loved. (a.n: not that kind of love!) Jon shook hands warmly with Numair, each exchanging friendly greetings. 'Do come inside, both of you.'
Cloud and the other horse were both lead away by stable boys when the group of nobles started towards the stairs of the castle.
***
'Now, Daine and Numair, please give us the pleasure of telling us why you have come back to Corus.' Jonathan sat himself down on one of the sofa's surrounding an oak based table.
'To be straightforward, Jon, Emperor Kaddar has issued an invitation for Daine to visit him, and has extended it to "the King's peace delegation" if you have your thoughts on sending one.' Numair said with anticipation in his voice.
A servant arrived with a tray of refreshments. He set it down on the oak table, bowed and murmured 'Your Majesty's' and left.
'Delicious,' Alanna helped herself to some scrumptious looking cakes. 'I can never get enough of the cook's food. I guess that's a plus in being a noble.' Alanna grinned with her mouth full of cake.
'Can we stick to the topic?' Thayet snapped, but failed to look angry, as she too helped herself to some of the cake. 'I think it is sensible to send a peace delegation to Carthak. Emperor Kaddar will already think us as an ally, but there seems to be a rebellion rising against our relationship with Carthak- which is understandable. Thayet said the last few words while looking directly at Daine.
'I agree with Thayet,' the King approved. 'We need to stop the rebellion rising in Carthak and here. It was after all, our fault- stop looking at me Daine, I'm stating the facts.'
'It's settled then,' Alanna had finally finished her cake. 'All we need to do is decide who goes. Daine must go, Gary's already gone once and has enough adventure, none of the military commanders can go; there is the rebellion- that leaves Lord Martin and Gareth the Younger; let's hope they'll agree to going again. We need a sufficient number of officials and clerks their.'
Jon suddenly stood up, walked over to Daine and sat down next to her. 'Daine, you've probably realized that many people, high or low born, depend on you for your support. Thayet and I have decided to grant you the barony of Olua, as Alanna kindly bequeathed it back to the throne. So, do you accept Daine of Snowdale?' Jon smiled gently as he looked at the trembling adolescent.
'But.me? I'm common born and bred. I have no place at court. I know no manners and.and.and i could come up with thousands of reasons to refuse.' Daine was swiftly losing control of her composure.
'Daine,' Alanna said reasonably. 'I could come up with as many reasons why you should accept as you could to decline. Now, accept!'
Daine looked past the King, to Numair. 'Daine, please accept.' was all Numair said.
Trembling and sighing at the same time, Daine accepted with goodwill. 'Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous and most kindly gift, I accept it.'
Jon smiled at his new baroness and offered her the official deed. 'We will arrange a boat to transfer our new baroness, Lord Martin and Gareth the Younger to Carthak safely.'
***
'Take care of yourself, Magelet.' Numair said softly. 'I'll come when I can. Give Kaddar my greetings. Good bye- for now.' Before turning away, Numair gave Daine a friendly embrace goodbye.
'I guess this is goodbye, for a few weeks.' Daine was close to tears. She didn't want this departure to be ruined by her own selfish emotions.
***
'Congratulations, baroness,' Lord Martin grinned. 'I knew it would only be a matter of weeks till the King would show his real gratitude. Without you, we'd be stuck.'
'Indeed, my lady,' Gareth said this with mock respect. 'Now you're of nobility and need not articulate "Your Grace or My Lord" to us. To us, we're your friends, not Lords.'
The Baroness Daine seemed amazed at the treatment she had been recently getting. 'Thank you Gareth, Martin. I'll need friends around Carthak.' At that particular thought, Daine shivered involuntary.
'There, there, lass, I know your be fine. Everyone knows that you have Emperor Kaddar's utter most favour. Even I know you saved his life. If anyone so much as threatens you, the Emperor will have him in custody.' The effect Lord Martin had on Daine wasn't the one he and Gareth the Young expected. Daine trembled so violently, she nearly fell of the boat.
Kaddar has that much power? Daine thought to herself. What if he becomes another Ozourne- all because of me? What was that saying? Power corrupts all- Mithros' bless, I hope that doesn't affect Kaddar.
'Daine! DAINE!?' She mentally shook herself to find that Gareth shouting to get her attention. 'Sweet Goddess, Daine! Listen here, there's Carthak coming into site! And it looks like we have company waiting for us on the wharf.'
Daine saw that he spoke the truth. There were numerous coloured banners with different symbols one it. The sun shone on courtiers' jewels, momentarily blinding the Tortall delegation. Soldiers surrounded and guarded the wharf. As they sailed closer, Daine began to recognize some of the courtiers symbols- there was a Griffin, a Cat, a Tiger and many animals Daine had never seen before.
A sudden notion occurred to Daine. She wondered what Kaddar would dress like. Was he going to look like Ozourne; a man decked out like an idol in gold and gems or the man she had last saw; boots, a white shirt, maroon breaches? But, subsequently, the first time Daine had seen Kaddar was in countless jewels and rich fabrics. It then occurred to Daine, that even though he might be dressed in jewels, it would only be for the ceremonial protocol.
Suddenly Daine felt bad- she herself was wearing luxurious fabric. She was arranged in a gown of cream silk over a forget-me-not blue brocade, with a belt of broad silver platelets beneath her breasts. The seamstress had stitched a collar of white coney in a V which plunged to the waist of the gown. Her hair was pinned up with a selection of exquisite white, lustrous pearls. Her neck showed off a beautiful array of sapphires and diamonds stringed to a necklace.
Lord Martin noticed her anxiety and leaned over towards her. 'Daine, stop fretting, you look stunning.' That comment gave Daine the courage to face all the foreign courtiers as their boat docked in.
As the delegation stepped forward, the Carthak herald began. 'May I present His most serene and imperial Majesty, Kaddar Fazia Tasikhe, Emperor of Carthak.' (a.n: if you read 'Emperor Mage' you'll find that Ozourne's last name was Tasikhe and Kaddar's mother was Princess Fazia) Daine stopped listening after that. All she needed to know was that Kaddar was the Emperor of Carthak.
Daine, as Baroness of Olau, was standing in front of the line, with Gareth the Younger and Lord Martin beside her, to receive Kaddar. The instant the herald had finished, a youth as old as Daine stood out among the many courtiers. As one, the three of them either bowed or curtsied before surveying the Emperor of Carthak.
Daine was pleased to see that Kaddar's eyes lite up when they fell upon her. She hoped she looked as good as Lord Martin had said she did because the way Kaddar dressed made her seem clumsy. He wore a calf-length robe of fine wool tinted a delicate aqua-marine, and a shoulder drape of white silk shot through with gold threads. He boasted three gold rings in his left ear, and a sapphire drop in the right. He wore a necklace of gold coated in rare blue gems of different types. Bracelets hung from both wrists and rings were sported on mostly every finger. Like her, the Emperor had chosen blue as his chief colour.
'The lady Baroness, Veralidaine Sarrasri, of Olau. She comes at the invitation of his Imperial Majesty. The lady Baroness is also to take part of hiis Imperial Majesty's peace conference.' As this was said, Daine curtsied perfectly towards Kaddar.
Kaddar smiled warmly at Daine. 'I great you with warm wishes that also extend to your dragon Skysong. I also congratulate you, for it is an honour to be chosen as Baroness of Olau. I know you deserved it.
'I thank you for your congratulations, your honour. The King of Tortall is a most generous man.' Their eyes locked. Daine could easily read Kaddar's. They read 'forgive me for this formality, it has to be done, I'll talk properly afterwards.' 'I hope the past year has been most successful, your Majesty.'
'I thank you for your support, my Lady. I wish you have a most pleasurable and credible time in Carthak.' which was a royal dismissal.
***
Was this chapter too long??? I guess I got a bit carried away..was it good? I know that I need to improve my writing technique - I need all the advice I can get!
Thanx heaps. izzy