Hi!
Thanks for the reviews! There a big help so keep 'em comin'!
Angel Street- Hey! Thank you so much for your reviews! Glad you like Jamara I wasn't sure if I had improved her or not. I'm rubbish at coming up with new names. I had to ask my friend to think of Jamara's name so with Stephanie I just called her the first thing that came in to my head. If you can think up a better name for her, review and tell me because I have an idea on how to change it. Thanks for telling me about the ooc's, I will try and make Niko less happy and make Daja warm up to Stephanie a bit. Hope you think this chapter is alright, review and tell me if I can improve it. I always make that mistake, I thought I had checked all the yours and made sure they were right but I must have missed one. Thanks!
Me- Wow that's a good idea! You have just solved my problem. I wasn't sure how to end this but now I am so thank you!
EclipseAzNGTX- Have I got your pen name right? Wow! Thank you! I'm looking forward to hearing from you again so review and tell me what you think of this chappie k? Thanks!
Fate of Destiny- Hiya! Guess what? It's the chapter you've been waiting for! Yeah! Thank you for the reviews! Hope you like this! (K, I no I sed Wednesday and technically it's Thursday but its close!)
Jamara opened her eyes and frowned. She raised her head, looked around and was surprised to find herself in an alley before she remembered how she had gotten there. Turning her head she saw she was leaning on Briar's shoulder while he rested his head on the brick wall behind them both. She sat up and the movement woke Briar.
"What-, oh yeah" he said as he realized where he was and why. "Why didn't Daja come and wake us?"
"I have no idea; maybe my father's men didn't leave"
Jamara stood and stretched flinching at the pain in her side.
"Why don't you go across and see if the men have left yet?"
"No need" Briar replied, indicating across towards the inn "Here comes Sandry"
Sandry crossed the road and greeted them.
"Have the soldiers gone?" asked Jamara
When Sandry nodded Briar burst out "Well why didn't you come and get us instead of letting us freeze out here?"
"They only left a little while ago and you both looked so peaceful that I couldn't disturb you"
Jamara snorted as Briar glared and the three of them walked back towards the inn. Once inside Niko spotted them and herded the whole group outside to practice for the upcoming parade.
While Daja tried to teach Sandry how to turn a cartwheel, Niko tried to teach Jamara.
"Come on Jamara it's only a handstand"
"Yeah but it's not easy when the only thing between you and a long drop to the floor is Briar"
"It's just the same as doing it on the floor only this time its Briar hands"
Jamara sighed and slowly tried to straighten her legs. She wobbled and squeezed her eyes shut.
"That's it!" shouted Briar
Jamara eyes flew back open as she realized that she was perfectly balanced. She grinned.
"Right now if you push off with your left hand you should turn as you drop and end up facing the front"
Taking a deep breath Jamara did as she was told and landed on Briar's foot.
"Owww!" he yelled yanking his foot back.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"I think it would be a better idea if you wore softer shoes when you practiced" sighed Niko "It's was probably what was wrong before when you couldn't balance"
Jamara nodded and went to take off her heavy boots, but not before she had tripped over the doorstep.
"I think she's nervous" muttered Briar as he rubbed his foot.
"She had better not be at the parade, we can't ruin our chance at capturing the mage because of Jamara" said Niko
Briar frowned and opened his mouth but was interrupted by the sound of Jamara slipping down the last few steps of the staircase and Stephanie's laughter.
Jamara scrambled up, rushed out of the inn's door and stalked over to where Niko and Briar were stood.
"Try again" commanded Niko
Jamara cast a glare over her shoulder at Stephanie before running at Briar and executing a perfect handstand. Pushing away she twisted and dropped neatly down in front of him.
"Didn't think I could do that" she muttered before looking at Niko for his opinion.
"Not bad but you need to smile more" was his only comment before he ordered them to practice that move and their summersaults and went to help Daja and Sandry.
"Would it kill him to cheer up?" demanded Jamara
"Probably"
"Well we had better practice if you're going to get that back flip right for the day after tomorrow"
"It is right!"
"Not when you land on your face it isn't"
"That was only once" he muttered
For the next two days Niko dragged the four mages through routine after routine. Finally he declared them ready for the parade.
"Just remember that you are going to be moving forward all the time so when you drop in to that roll Daja remember to roll to your feet"
"I will Niko"
"Right that's enough practice for the parade"
Briar grinned and even Daja looked relieved.
"Now we can start rehearsing for the talent show"
Sandry groaned and Jamara glared.
"You enjoyed doing that didn't you?"
"Of course not" Niko replied "You need to work out your performance quickly"
"But what could we perform?" asked Jamara
"Couldn't we just do the same routine as in the parade?" questioned Daja
"No it's not permitted"
"Let's ask Stephanie, she should be able to help" said Daja, attracting Stephanie's attention and motioning for her to come over.
"What are you doing in the talent show?" asked Daja when she had reached them.
"I can't tell you" she replied
"Why not?"
"In case you copy me" she answered looking like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Jamara rolled her eyes and looked like she was about to snap at the girl.
"We're not going to copy you" said Daja, patiently
"You might"
"We won't" Daja assured her, soothingly
Stephanie looked skeptical but eventually admitted that she was dancing.
"Well I don't think we'll be dancing, Stephanie" said Daja, looking at Briar.
"Why are you looking at me?" he demanded "It's not as if you're fantastic at dancing either"
"What other talents do people usually perform at the show?"
"Dancing, singing, acrobatics, that's about it"
"We don't want you to stand out" commented Niko "So I think it would be best if you did dance or sing"
"Can anyone here do either?"
"I was taught some dances" said Sandry "But I don't know whether I can remember all of them"
"I know some and I'm sure that Tris could find a book to help" said Niko looking at Tris. Tris nodded and went to start her search.
"We can start by teaching you a simple dance"
"Hey!" shouted Stephanie "You said you wouldn't copy me!"
"Aren't you doing a solo dance?"
"Yes"
"Well then we aren't copying you because we are dancing together"
"You can help me and Niko teach if you like" compromised Sandry seeing that Stephanie wasn't happy
"Sure" she replied, brightening "What dance are you going to do?"
"We will just go through the Zmal" answered Niko
"But that's really easy" she protested
"Yes I know but.."he indicated Briar's, Daja's and Jamara's blank looks
"Don't you need two boys and two girls for that dance?"
"I'll be a boy!" called Jamara "It's probably the easier part" she added after Briar had given her a funny look
"I think it would be better if Daja was a boy, she's taller" said Stephanie grinning at Jamara as the acro-mage glared.
"I agree" said Niko "Sandry why don't you and Stephanie start teaching Jamara, Briar and Daja while I go and help Tris. You probably know that dance better than me"
"I'll help Briar!" called Stephanie dragging the boy away
"Jamara, you can partner Briar so I can teach Daja" said Sandry
"What? You can't leave me with her and Briar" Jamara hissed back
"Why not?" Sandry asked, puzzled
"You just can't" she pleaded
"Sorry I think Stephanie would be a better teacher for you" Sandry replied walking away
Jamara sighed and walked over to Stephanie and Briar.
"Sandry says I have to be Briar's partner"
"Oh" said Stephanie
For the rest of the afternoon Briar and Jamara struggled their way through the Zmal.
"No Briar! Just let Jamara turn under your arm. You don't turn as well!" cried Stephanie, exasperatedly "Try again and just stand there don't do anything"
Jamara spun and Briar did as he was told and stood still.
"Gre-"started Stephanie but was cut off by Jamara tripping over Briar's foot and falling backwards.
"You're not nervous are you?' asked Briar
"No! It's you putting your feet in the way!"
As Jamara struggled up Sandry walked over.
"How are you doing" she asked
"They're awful!" wailed Stephanie
"Daja isn't doing that well either but I think she is better that you" said Sandry "Why don't you show me and then I can see if I can help you"
"I don't want to do this" muttered Jamara to Briar as they bowed and curtsied to each other.
"I thought princesses had to know how to dance" commented Briar as they moved through the first few steps of the dance.
"Yeah well I should but I never really did anything princesses are supposed to do"
"So the only reason your father wants you is because you have the Gift?"
"Yeah pretty much"
"That's horrible"
"Not really he needs me to make sure of peace in our country"
"Oh so who's the guy you were going to marry?"
"The prince of a small country between my country and one of our enemies"
"So why's this country so important?"
"It makes most of our weapons, if I married the prince his country would be loyal to us and we wouldn't have to worry about our supply of weapons being cut off"
"This country makes your enemies weapons as well?"
"Some of them yes"
"Then why aren't they trying to make this weapon country loyal to them?"
"The king doesn't have any daughters or many relatives of the right age"
"So you're pretty special?" Briar asked as they finished the dance.
Jamara smiled and turned to see Stephanie with her mouth open and Sandry looking confused.
"What?" she asked
"That was perfect" said Sandry "How did you do that?"
"I don't know" shrugged Briar "I wasn't paying attention"
He looked to Jamara who just raised her eye brows.
"Right next time you dance don't concentrate, just think of something else" Sandry told them
"I think we can manage that" said Jamara
"Come on we have to go" called Niko as her left the inn
"Where are we going?" queried Daja
"To pick up your costumes" he answered
"We have costumes?"
"Of course"
"What are they like?"
"You will see when we get there"
Niko, Daja, Briar, Jamara, Sandry, Stephanie and Jamara all entered a large shop in the centre of the city. Walking to a counter Niko spoke to the seamstress behind it.
"Good Afternoon, I have come to collect the order I made yesterday"
"Of course Sir, if you would just like to wait a moment"
"Could the young lady try the garment on to see if it fits?" he asked indicating Jamara
"Yes Sir, follow me please"
Jamara was led round in to a small back room and handed a costume. Putting it on she inspected it. Red trousers fitted tightly round her legs and on her feet she wore soft blue shoes. Her top was red and long sleeved with a blue strip across the front. Turning she stared at it critically.
"Hmmm" she muttered "I suppose it could be worse"
Changing quickly she told the seamstress it was fine and hurried back to the waiting group.
"What I don't understand is why Briar doesn't have to wear a tight one" Daja was demanding when she reached them
"Briar is not going to be doing any moves that mean he needs a tighter costume"
"Well why do I?" she asked calmly
"If it isn't fitted it will get in your way"
Sighing Daja gathered some of the many packages on the counter and walked out of the shop.
"I think they're nice" mumbled Stephanie taking one of the smaller packages and following
Back at the inn Niko decided that another practice was needed.
"Why don't you do them in costume? To test them?" suggested Stephanie smiling at Daja
"What a good idea" said Daja smiling back
Back outside the rehearsal went smoothly and Daja agreed that the costumes did need to be fitted and agreed to wear it.
"I didn't think you'd mind, Daja" Briar said as they walked back inside
"I know I'm being stupid but I'm not really that bothered I would just rather wear one like yours"
"You look fine Daja, just as good as- err I mean you look fine"
"Just as good as who Briar?'
"Um just as good as a professional acrobat" he replied flashing her a smile
"Right, thanks" she said giving him a funny smile
"What?" he asked
"Nothing" she said as she walked away from him and in to the inn
Briar shrugged and followed her.
The next day the group of mages rose early and dressed quickly, ready for the parade. Hurrying outside they met with the priest and priestesses who were to prepare Stephanie for the parade and offering. Seeing the group the head priestess frowned.
"You will have to wait outside while we prepare the queen" she said
"Would it be better if there was just one of us in the room with Stephanie?" asked Niko
"Why would we need one of you in the room?" she queried
"For her protection"
"From what?"
"A powerful mage"
The priestess looked skeptical
"You would not be allowed in the queen's bath chamber"
"I wasn't thinking of sending myself with Stephanie"
"Then who?"
Niko placed his hand on Jamara's shoulder and she stepped forward. The priestess looked her up and down.
"Her?"
"Yes"
"We do have guards"
"Jamara is better"
The priestess nodded and the whole group set off for the temple. Already all down the main street crowds were gathering and stalls were being set up by merchants. Further down the road one vendor was arguing with some guards.
"I will not be moved!"
"Your stall is blocking the parades route"
The vendor had set up a large stall full of meats. He also had pens full of live animals. Chickens squawked angrily against the bars of their cages. Pigs snuffled in a pen. The vendor had even set up a huge pen containing almost a dozen bulls and it was this pen that was blocking the road.
"The parade isn't for hours!" The merchant was screaming
"You will still have to move"
While all this was going on no one was watching the woman near the bull pen. Walking to each bull she fed them all a small green tablet before unlatching the gate and hurrying away.
No one noticed until the bulls escaped.
Rampaging through the crowd they caused mayhem as people ran from them. Jamara's head snapped up.
"They're heading for Stephanie" she cried as she heard them "They know who she is"
"What, how?' asked Niko
"I don't know. It's all they can think about, they can smell her"
"Stephanie give me your dress and shift" called Niko
"Why!?" Stephanie cried
"They have your smell on them, just put on Jamara's cloak and give me them"
In all the madness the bulls still had not located Stephanie; instead they had taken to trampling the stalls.
"They're getting frustrated, it'll get worse" warned Jamara as she shed her cloak and passed it to Stephanie.
Niko took the dress and shift as Stephanie passed them to him and handed one to Daja.
"Run" he said "I'll take the other, Tris, you and Sandry warn people and try and find someone to help control these bulls"
"What shall we do?" asked the priestess, looking terrified.
"Help Tris and Sandry" he commanded "Briar, you and Jamara take Stephanie and hide her somewhere safe"
As the number of people on the main road the bull found Stephanie's scent.
"Go!" Niko called as the bulls began to run.
The group split as Niko and Daja ran in opposite directions down the main street and the others sprinted down the alleys. Almost all the bulls followed either Niko or Daja but two headed after the fleeing queen.
Taking Stephanie's hand Jamara pulled her through a series of twisting passages with Briar close behind.
"Do you actually know where you're going?" gasped Stephanie
"No!" replied Jamara dragging her down another alley.
Behind them they could hear the thunderous clack of hooves. Suddenly one of the maddened bulls burst round a corner behind them. Stephanie screamed and Jamara looked round frantically. Seeing what she was looking for she dragged the wailing girl in the right direction. She grabbed Stephanie and boosted her quickly on to the low roof. Spinning she pulled metal pole from the pile of scraps by the wall and dove out of the way of the charging animal taking Briar with her.
"Get on that roof and wait for my signal" she cried to Briar before scrambling up and facing the raging bull.
As it ran at her she spun out of the way a brought the pole round on to the back of its head. Enraged, the animal scrabbled round and ran at her again and Jamara repeated the movement and the bull received another thump on the head.
Jamara ran and stood by the roof which held Briar and Stephanie.
"Ready?" she yelled at Briar.
"Yeah" he yelled back
The bull charged and Jamara jumped. Grabbing her hand from above, Briar yanked her off the ground and up on to the roof. Below the bull, unable to stop, had slammed in to the wall.
"Mirthos" muttered Jamara as the bull staggered before finally keeling over and lying still. "Do you think up here is safe enough?"
"We can probably make our way back to the main road by staying on the roof tops"
"Yeah" agreed Jamara and followed him to the edge of the roof they were currently on.
Running the final steps Briar leapt across the gap, landed on the roof opposite, turned and bowed. Jamara applauded as she reached the edge. Standing with her toes hanging off the border Jamara leant forward, pushed away with her toes and landed safely on the next roof before smirking and curtsying.
"I can't do that" came a voice as Briar clapped.
When neither of the mages turned round she repeated what she had said
"I can't do that" Stephanie called louder
Jamara and Briar faced her.
"Of course you can it isn't that far"
"Just take a long run up and reach for us"
"I can't!" she wined
Jamara sighed and held out her hand. Stephanie rose off the roof and floated gently across the gap and was dropped heavily on to the roof occupied by Briar and Jamara.
"Oh yeah, forgot you could do that" Briar said as he turned to face the next roof.
"Should have made her jump" Jamara muttered
Gradually the trio made their way back to the main street. Upon reaching it they groaned. The road was a mess, strewn with broken stalls and smashed goods.
"Do you think the parade can take another route?"
"I think it's going to have to"
"Let's go to the temple and find out"
Again the group jumped, or floated in Stephanie's case, towards the temple. Dropping down from the roof next to it they entered cautiously. Inside sat Niko, Sandry, Tris, Daja and the priests and priestesses. The three of them hurried over and Briar asked if anyone was hurt.
"No" Niko replied "We found help and the bulls were knocked out"
"One of the ones that followed us was but I don't know what happened to the other"
"We found eleven and there were only twelve so we must have gotten the other one that followed you" explained one of the priests
"What about the parade?"
"It isn't until sunset and we already have people helping to clear the road but if we don't finish in time we have an alternative route"
"Well why don't you go with Stephanie while she is prepare Jamara and the rest of us will go and help with the clear up"
Jamara nodded and followed Stephanie and the priestesses to the bath chamber.
"Come on we're going to go and work" instructed Niko and ked the rest of the group out of the temple door.
Well that's it for this chapter. Hope you think it's alright, sorry if you don't but it has taken me ages and I am tired now so that's my excuse. Thank you to everyone who has already reviewed, I would appreciate more!
Thanks for the reviews! There a big help so keep 'em comin'!
Angel Street- Hey! Thank you so much for your reviews! Glad you like Jamara I wasn't sure if I had improved her or not. I'm rubbish at coming up with new names. I had to ask my friend to think of Jamara's name so with Stephanie I just called her the first thing that came in to my head. If you can think up a better name for her, review and tell me because I have an idea on how to change it. Thanks for telling me about the ooc's, I will try and make Niko less happy and make Daja warm up to Stephanie a bit. Hope you think this chapter is alright, review and tell me if I can improve it. I always make that mistake, I thought I had checked all the yours and made sure they were right but I must have missed one. Thanks!
Me- Wow that's a good idea! You have just solved my problem. I wasn't sure how to end this but now I am so thank you!
EclipseAzNGTX- Have I got your pen name right? Wow! Thank you! I'm looking forward to hearing from you again so review and tell me what you think of this chappie k? Thanks!
Fate of Destiny- Hiya! Guess what? It's the chapter you've been waiting for! Yeah! Thank you for the reviews! Hope you like this! (K, I no I sed Wednesday and technically it's Thursday but its close!)
Jamara opened her eyes and frowned. She raised her head, looked around and was surprised to find herself in an alley before she remembered how she had gotten there. Turning her head she saw she was leaning on Briar's shoulder while he rested his head on the brick wall behind them both. She sat up and the movement woke Briar.
"What-, oh yeah" he said as he realized where he was and why. "Why didn't Daja come and wake us?"
"I have no idea; maybe my father's men didn't leave"
Jamara stood and stretched flinching at the pain in her side.
"Why don't you go across and see if the men have left yet?"
"No need" Briar replied, indicating across towards the inn "Here comes Sandry"
Sandry crossed the road and greeted them.
"Have the soldiers gone?" asked Jamara
When Sandry nodded Briar burst out "Well why didn't you come and get us instead of letting us freeze out here?"
"They only left a little while ago and you both looked so peaceful that I couldn't disturb you"
Jamara snorted as Briar glared and the three of them walked back towards the inn. Once inside Niko spotted them and herded the whole group outside to practice for the upcoming parade.
While Daja tried to teach Sandry how to turn a cartwheel, Niko tried to teach Jamara.
"Come on Jamara it's only a handstand"
"Yeah but it's not easy when the only thing between you and a long drop to the floor is Briar"
"It's just the same as doing it on the floor only this time its Briar hands"
Jamara sighed and slowly tried to straighten her legs. She wobbled and squeezed her eyes shut.
"That's it!" shouted Briar
Jamara eyes flew back open as she realized that she was perfectly balanced. She grinned.
"Right now if you push off with your left hand you should turn as you drop and end up facing the front"
Taking a deep breath Jamara did as she was told and landed on Briar's foot.
"Owww!" he yelled yanking his foot back.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"I think it would be a better idea if you wore softer shoes when you practiced" sighed Niko "It's was probably what was wrong before when you couldn't balance"
Jamara nodded and went to take off her heavy boots, but not before she had tripped over the doorstep.
"I think she's nervous" muttered Briar as he rubbed his foot.
"She had better not be at the parade, we can't ruin our chance at capturing the mage because of Jamara" said Niko
Briar frowned and opened his mouth but was interrupted by the sound of Jamara slipping down the last few steps of the staircase and Stephanie's laughter.
Jamara scrambled up, rushed out of the inn's door and stalked over to where Niko and Briar were stood.
"Try again" commanded Niko
Jamara cast a glare over her shoulder at Stephanie before running at Briar and executing a perfect handstand. Pushing away she twisted and dropped neatly down in front of him.
"Didn't think I could do that" she muttered before looking at Niko for his opinion.
"Not bad but you need to smile more" was his only comment before he ordered them to practice that move and their summersaults and went to help Daja and Sandry.
"Would it kill him to cheer up?" demanded Jamara
"Probably"
"Well we had better practice if you're going to get that back flip right for the day after tomorrow"
"It is right!"
"Not when you land on your face it isn't"
"That was only once" he muttered
For the next two days Niko dragged the four mages through routine after routine. Finally he declared them ready for the parade.
"Just remember that you are going to be moving forward all the time so when you drop in to that roll Daja remember to roll to your feet"
"I will Niko"
"Right that's enough practice for the parade"
Briar grinned and even Daja looked relieved.
"Now we can start rehearsing for the talent show"
Sandry groaned and Jamara glared.
"You enjoyed doing that didn't you?"
"Of course not" Niko replied "You need to work out your performance quickly"
"But what could we perform?" asked Jamara
"Couldn't we just do the same routine as in the parade?" questioned Daja
"No it's not permitted"
"Let's ask Stephanie, she should be able to help" said Daja, attracting Stephanie's attention and motioning for her to come over.
"What are you doing in the talent show?" asked Daja when she had reached them.
"I can't tell you" she replied
"Why not?"
"In case you copy me" she answered looking like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Jamara rolled her eyes and looked like she was about to snap at the girl.
"We're not going to copy you" said Daja, patiently
"You might"
"We won't" Daja assured her, soothingly
Stephanie looked skeptical but eventually admitted that she was dancing.
"Well I don't think we'll be dancing, Stephanie" said Daja, looking at Briar.
"Why are you looking at me?" he demanded "It's not as if you're fantastic at dancing either"
"What other talents do people usually perform at the show?"
"Dancing, singing, acrobatics, that's about it"
"We don't want you to stand out" commented Niko "So I think it would be best if you did dance or sing"
"Can anyone here do either?"
"I was taught some dances" said Sandry "But I don't know whether I can remember all of them"
"I know some and I'm sure that Tris could find a book to help" said Niko looking at Tris. Tris nodded and went to start her search.
"We can start by teaching you a simple dance"
"Hey!" shouted Stephanie "You said you wouldn't copy me!"
"Aren't you doing a solo dance?"
"Yes"
"Well then we aren't copying you because we are dancing together"
"You can help me and Niko teach if you like" compromised Sandry seeing that Stephanie wasn't happy
"Sure" she replied, brightening "What dance are you going to do?"
"We will just go through the Zmal" answered Niko
"But that's really easy" she protested
"Yes I know but.."he indicated Briar's, Daja's and Jamara's blank looks
"Don't you need two boys and two girls for that dance?"
"I'll be a boy!" called Jamara "It's probably the easier part" she added after Briar had given her a funny look
"I think it would be better if Daja was a boy, she's taller" said Stephanie grinning at Jamara as the acro-mage glared.
"I agree" said Niko "Sandry why don't you and Stephanie start teaching Jamara, Briar and Daja while I go and help Tris. You probably know that dance better than me"
"I'll help Briar!" called Stephanie dragging the boy away
"Jamara, you can partner Briar so I can teach Daja" said Sandry
"What? You can't leave me with her and Briar" Jamara hissed back
"Why not?" Sandry asked, puzzled
"You just can't" she pleaded
"Sorry I think Stephanie would be a better teacher for you" Sandry replied walking away
Jamara sighed and walked over to Stephanie and Briar.
"Sandry says I have to be Briar's partner"
"Oh" said Stephanie
For the rest of the afternoon Briar and Jamara struggled their way through the Zmal.
"No Briar! Just let Jamara turn under your arm. You don't turn as well!" cried Stephanie, exasperatedly "Try again and just stand there don't do anything"
Jamara spun and Briar did as he was told and stood still.
"Gre-"started Stephanie but was cut off by Jamara tripping over Briar's foot and falling backwards.
"You're not nervous are you?' asked Briar
"No! It's you putting your feet in the way!"
As Jamara struggled up Sandry walked over.
"How are you doing" she asked
"They're awful!" wailed Stephanie
"Daja isn't doing that well either but I think she is better that you" said Sandry "Why don't you show me and then I can see if I can help you"
"I don't want to do this" muttered Jamara to Briar as they bowed and curtsied to each other.
"I thought princesses had to know how to dance" commented Briar as they moved through the first few steps of the dance.
"Yeah well I should but I never really did anything princesses are supposed to do"
"So the only reason your father wants you is because you have the Gift?"
"Yeah pretty much"
"That's horrible"
"Not really he needs me to make sure of peace in our country"
"Oh so who's the guy you were going to marry?"
"The prince of a small country between my country and one of our enemies"
"So why's this country so important?"
"It makes most of our weapons, if I married the prince his country would be loyal to us and we wouldn't have to worry about our supply of weapons being cut off"
"This country makes your enemies weapons as well?"
"Some of them yes"
"Then why aren't they trying to make this weapon country loyal to them?"
"The king doesn't have any daughters or many relatives of the right age"
"So you're pretty special?" Briar asked as they finished the dance.
Jamara smiled and turned to see Stephanie with her mouth open and Sandry looking confused.
"What?" she asked
"That was perfect" said Sandry "How did you do that?"
"I don't know" shrugged Briar "I wasn't paying attention"
He looked to Jamara who just raised her eye brows.
"Right next time you dance don't concentrate, just think of something else" Sandry told them
"I think we can manage that" said Jamara
"Come on we have to go" called Niko as her left the inn
"Where are we going?" queried Daja
"To pick up your costumes" he answered
"We have costumes?"
"Of course"
"What are they like?"
"You will see when we get there"
Niko, Daja, Briar, Jamara, Sandry, Stephanie and Jamara all entered a large shop in the centre of the city. Walking to a counter Niko spoke to the seamstress behind it.
"Good Afternoon, I have come to collect the order I made yesterday"
"Of course Sir, if you would just like to wait a moment"
"Could the young lady try the garment on to see if it fits?" he asked indicating Jamara
"Yes Sir, follow me please"
Jamara was led round in to a small back room and handed a costume. Putting it on she inspected it. Red trousers fitted tightly round her legs and on her feet she wore soft blue shoes. Her top was red and long sleeved with a blue strip across the front. Turning she stared at it critically.
"Hmmm" she muttered "I suppose it could be worse"
Changing quickly she told the seamstress it was fine and hurried back to the waiting group.
"What I don't understand is why Briar doesn't have to wear a tight one" Daja was demanding when she reached them
"Briar is not going to be doing any moves that mean he needs a tighter costume"
"Well why do I?" she asked calmly
"If it isn't fitted it will get in your way"
Sighing Daja gathered some of the many packages on the counter and walked out of the shop.
"I think they're nice" mumbled Stephanie taking one of the smaller packages and following
Back at the inn Niko decided that another practice was needed.
"Why don't you do them in costume? To test them?" suggested Stephanie smiling at Daja
"What a good idea" said Daja smiling back
Back outside the rehearsal went smoothly and Daja agreed that the costumes did need to be fitted and agreed to wear it.
"I didn't think you'd mind, Daja" Briar said as they walked back inside
"I know I'm being stupid but I'm not really that bothered I would just rather wear one like yours"
"You look fine Daja, just as good as- err I mean you look fine"
"Just as good as who Briar?'
"Um just as good as a professional acrobat" he replied flashing her a smile
"Right, thanks" she said giving him a funny smile
"What?" he asked
"Nothing" she said as she walked away from him and in to the inn
Briar shrugged and followed her.
The next day the group of mages rose early and dressed quickly, ready for the parade. Hurrying outside they met with the priest and priestesses who were to prepare Stephanie for the parade and offering. Seeing the group the head priestess frowned.
"You will have to wait outside while we prepare the queen" she said
"Would it be better if there was just one of us in the room with Stephanie?" asked Niko
"Why would we need one of you in the room?" she queried
"For her protection"
"From what?"
"A powerful mage"
The priestess looked skeptical
"You would not be allowed in the queen's bath chamber"
"I wasn't thinking of sending myself with Stephanie"
"Then who?"
Niko placed his hand on Jamara's shoulder and she stepped forward. The priestess looked her up and down.
"Her?"
"Yes"
"We do have guards"
"Jamara is better"
The priestess nodded and the whole group set off for the temple. Already all down the main street crowds were gathering and stalls were being set up by merchants. Further down the road one vendor was arguing with some guards.
"I will not be moved!"
"Your stall is blocking the parades route"
The vendor had set up a large stall full of meats. He also had pens full of live animals. Chickens squawked angrily against the bars of their cages. Pigs snuffled in a pen. The vendor had even set up a huge pen containing almost a dozen bulls and it was this pen that was blocking the road.
"The parade isn't for hours!" The merchant was screaming
"You will still have to move"
While all this was going on no one was watching the woman near the bull pen. Walking to each bull she fed them all a small green tablet before unlatching the gate and hurrying away.
No one noticed until the bulls escaped.
Rampaging through the crowd they caused mayhem as people ran from them. Jamara's head snapped up.
"They're heading for Stephanie" she cried as she heard them "They know who she is"
"What, how?' asked Niko
"I don't know. It's all they can think about, they can smell her"
"Stephanie give me your dress and shift" called Niko
"Why!?" Stephanie cried
"They have your smell on them, just put on Jamara's cloak and give me them"
In all the madness the bulls still had not located Stephanie; instead they had taken to trampling the stalls.
"They're getting frustrated, it'll get worse" warned Jamara as she shed her cloak and passed it to Stephanie.
Niko took the dress and shift as Stephanie passed them to him and handed one to Daja.
"Run" he said "I'll take the other, Tris, you and Sandry warn people and try and find someone to help control these bulls"
"What shall we do?" asked the priestess, looking terrified.
"Help Tris and Sandry" he commanded "Briar, you and Jamara take Stephanie and hide her somewhere safe"
As the number of people on the main road the bull found Stephanie's scent.
"Go!" Niko called as the bulls began to run.
The group split as Niko and Daja ran in opposite directions down the main street and the others sprinted down the alleys. Almost all the bulls followed either Niko or Daja but two headed after the fleeing queen.
Taking Stephanie's hand Jamara pulled her through a series of twisting passages with Briar close behind.
"Do you actually know where you're going?" gasped Stephanie
"No!" replied Jamara dragging her down another alley.
Behind them they could hear the thunderous clack of hooves. Suddenly one of the maddened bulls burst round a corner behind them. Stephanie screamed and Jamara looked round frantically. Seeing what she was looking for she dragged the wailing girl in the right direction. She grabbed Stephanie and boosted her quickly on to the low roof. Spinning she pulled metal pole from the pile of scraps by the wall and dove out of the way of the charging animal taking Briar with her.
"Get on that roof and wait for my signal" she cried to Briar before scrambling up and facing the raging bull.
As it ran at her she spun out of the way a brought the pole round on to the back of its head. Enraged, the animal scrabbled round and ran at her again and Jamara repeated the movement and the bull received another thump on the head.
Jamara ran and stood by the roof which held Briar and Stephanie.
"Ready?" she yelled at Briar.
"Yeah" he yelled back
The bull charged and Jamara jumped. Grabbing her hand from above, Briar yanked her off the ground and up on to the roof. Below the bull, unable to stop, had slammed in to the wall.
"Mirthos" muttered Jamara as the bull staggered before finally keeling over and lying still. "Do you think up here is safe enough?"
"We can probably make our way back to the main road by staying on the roof tops"
"Yeah" agreed Jamara and followed him to the edge of the roof they were currently on.
Running the final steps Briar leapt across the gap, landed on the roof opposite, turned and bowed. Jamara applauded as she reached the edge. Standing with her toes hanging off the border Jamara leant forward, pushed away with her toes and landed safely on the next roof before smirking and curtsying.
"I can't do that" came a voice as Briar clapped.
When neither of the mages turned round she repeated what she had said
"I can't do that" Stephanie called louder
Jamara and Briar faced her.
"Of course you can it isn't that far"
"Just take a long run up and reach for us"
"I can't!" she wined
Jamara sighed and held out her hand. Stephanie rose off the roof and floated gently across the gap and was dropped heavily on to the roof occupied by Briar and Jamara.
"Oh yeah, forgot you could do that" Briar said as he turned to face the next roof.
"Should have made her jump" Jamara muttered
Gradually the trio made their way back to the main street. Upon reaching it they groaned. The road was a mess, strewn with broken stalls and smashed goods.
"Do you think the parade can take another route?"
"I think it's going to have to"
"Let's go to the temple and find out"
Again the group jumped, or floated in Stephanie's case, towards the temple. Dropping down from the roof next to it they entered cautiously. Inside sat Niko, Sandry, Tris, Daja and the priests and priestesses. The three of them hurried over and Briar asked if anyone was hurt.
"No" Niko replied "We found help and the bulls were knocked out"
"One of the ones that followed us was but I don't know what happened to the other"
"We found eleven and there were only twelve so we must have gotten the other one that followed you" explained one of the priests
"What about the parade?"
"It isn't until sunset and we already have people helping to clear the road but if we don't finish in time we have an alternative route"
"Well why don't you go with Stephanie while she is prepare Jamara and the rest of us will go and help with the clear up"
Jamara nodded and followed Stephanie and the priestesses to the bath chamber.
"Come on we're going to go and work" instructed Niko and ked the rest of the group out of the temple door.
Well that's it for this chapter. Hope you think it's alright, sorry if you don't but it has taken me ages and I am tired now so that's my excuse. Thank you to everyone who has already reviewed, I would appreciate more!