Finally! I've updated. I'm sorry for the long wait but this chapter is longer than usual so I hope you'll appreciate that. And thank you so much for reviewing my last chapter. I am very much encouraged by them.

Reviews/CC welcome.

Chapter 5

The faint clatter of plates and the irresistible smell of warm bread filled Daine's senses as she entered the grand dining hall for breakfast.

Despite the early dawn, most of the Totallen delegations were already up, planning their days ahead, and making important preparations for their next council meeting with the Carthaki ambassador.

Daine smiled as Alanna, the King's Champion waved her over. Since their arrival, Daine has seldom seen her redhead friend.

Alanna greeted Daine, and made way for her to sit. Close up, Daine saw that her friend looked tired, her purple eyes clouded with fatigue and her usually flaming red hair was a dull copper tinge.

'Bad dream?' Daine asked sympathetically, taking a bread roll from the nearest basket.

Alanna rolled her eyes. 'Bad reality! My dreams are just fine.'

Daine frowned. 'Something wrong?'

'It's this cursed alliance!' the Lioness burst out, 'four days we have been here, and we are still going nowhere! You would think that what with all those tiresome meetings, we would have made a truce of some kind by now.'

'Why is it taking so long?' Daine asked, 'I thought Carthak wanted an alliance with us.'

'They do, and believe me, we could have got an agreement on our last meeting if it wasn't for the Earl, who threw a tantrum because he wanted a quarter of our fishing grounds – and the Emperor isn't helping much either.'

'How so,' Daine asked, interested. She did not usually have the privilege of getting an up-to-date review of the delegation's progress.

'Well, for a start he makes nothing of a contribution to the meetings. Oh, he makes his little speeches and the vital announcements, but other than that, he would just let his Council take over. About the fishing grounds for example, we know as well as he that the Earl was acting the fool. All we needed was a word from the Emperor, yet he does nothing save sitting in silence, and say 'we shall discuss this situation next time.' Mithros, its as if he's bidding his time for something!'

Daine took a large bite from her bread roll. 'How does the others take it?'

'Not well.' Alanna picked up a silver knife and buttered her bread. 'Gareth is up to his teeth in frustration. Things are rather tense at the moment' – a wry smile crept onto the Lioness's mouth – 'and Numair's presence is spicing up the atmosphere very nicely.'

Daine's heart jumped a beat at the mention of her teacher's name. It sounded strange, coming from another person's mouth.

'Speak of the devil!' Alanna suddenly announced, waving her silver knife in the air.

Daine caught a flurry of black robe and looked up in time to see her teacher stride into the hall.

His dark eyes lit up as he saw them and quickly made his way over. Swinging one long leg along the carved seat, Numair sank down next to the King's Champion.

'We were just talking about you,' Alanna informed, offering him the breadbasket. 'Oh?'

'About how you and Ozorne have been playing little staring contests.'

'Don't start,' Numair began but stopped short when he saw Alanna's face. Peering closely he said, 'Goddess, you don't look too good. Bad dreams?'

Daine suppressed a laugh as Alanna threw her knife down in mock exasperation.

'Why is everybody saying that?' she demanded, 'I mean, I know I don't look as stunning as Thayet, but at least give me some credit here!'

Numair smiled apologetically and picked up a knife. 'My mistake Alanna. I guess I'm just too tired to make any civilised comments this morning. Pass the butter?'

Daine who was nearest to the butter-dish picked up the delicate ceramic bowl. As Numair reached for it, their eyes met and for a fraction of second, time seemed to halt.

There was something different within Numair's dark eyes – a new light Daine had never noticed before.

An image of them, sitting beneath the tall tree flashed across her mind. Unsure of herself, Daine smiled at her teacher. In their three years of association, it was the first time that Daine suddenly felt nervous and shy in Numair's presence.

Her teacher smiled back, and then the deep tinge of a blush crept onto his face. He cleared his throat and hastily looked away.

To both their immense relief, the Lioness seemed oblivious to this odd exchange. Half chewing, she delved Numair into a conversation about Duke Gareth's newest strategic plan.

Daine listened to the adults talk with little interest. Her mind was deeply wrapped up in what happened just now. The way Numair looked at her in that split second of time made her feel strangely giddy.

Like clouds in a gentle breeze, the wildmage's mind drifted to the night before.

What happened that night had been like an enchanted memory. The darkness, the pool of silver moonlight and the stillness of the world seemed to be some deluding props out of a magical fairytale.

Daine had woken up this morning to find herself back in her own bed. She did not recall herself having walked back from the royal garden, nor did she remember how she got back to her room. Waking up to the broad, ordinary daylight, it was all Daine could do to wonder whether everything had been a dream. Her only confirmation that everything had, indeed been real was the brief but meaningful exchange with Numair.

Toying with her plate, the wildmage idly tried to replay the scene beneath the tree.

A loud footstep interrupted her out her daydream. Turning to face the direction of the sound, she saw Prince Kaddar walking towards them.

'Good morning Lioness, Master Numair – Daine,' Kaddar said, bowing politely.

'Good Morning,' Numair replied lightly, 'what brings you out here so early?'

'I came here to inform you that the Emperor has invited you all to visit his menagerie. If it suits you, he asks you to be ready in two hours.'

'Hang on,' Alanna interrupted, 'what about the meeting?'

'He says the weather is extraordinarily charming this morning, and he refuses to keep his guests indoors. The meeting will be postponed for another time.'

'In that case, please tell your Imperial Highness that we will be ready in two hours,' Alanna replied cheerfully. 'Extraordinarily charming?' she added in an undertone as soon as Kaddar left. 'This cursed hot whether is all the same to me. What do you think Numair? Another excuse to delay the treaty?'

Numair rolled his eyes. 'Very possibly. I would much sooner be indoors than stand around in all that heat.'

The Tortallen delegates, Emperor Ozorne and Prince Kaddar walked down the well-tended path of the Menagerie. Various animal cries now and then pierced the air, leaving many ears ringing even after it stopped.

Daine strode some feet behind the party accompanied by Prince Kaddar, who despite the scorching heat, looked as if just came back from a refreshing swim.

Up until now, Daine had closed off her wild magic senses, afraid of what she will see and feel. She knew it wasn't her place to tell the Emperor how to look after animals, but she could not bare the notion of knowing the People in pain whilst unable to help them. After ten minutes within the Menagerie however, Daine could see that each animal was carefully tended; their spacious cages designed with extreme care to match their original habitats.

'We have over fifty different species of animals here,' Kaddar told Daine, gesturing with his hands. The silver bracelets jingled with his movement. 'Half of them belong to the winged species.'

'The Emperor prefer birds then?' Daine asked.

'He loves them. Last spring, one of the great-tailed peacocks fell ill and he spent the entire night tending to the bird. Master Lindhall was there too, though he could do nothing to keep the Emperor away. He only left when he was sure the medicine have taken affect.'

Daine mentally shook her head in disbelief. She found it hard to imagine that the tall and imposing Emperor had a soft heart for the People, but then, didn't the well-kept Menagerie spoke something of his nature?

A light tap on the wildmage's shoulder made her turn. Numair stood behind her, something furry cupped in his large hands.

'You should see this,' he said, extending his arms for a better view. 'I found it beneath a tree. I think it must have fallen out of its nest. The neck is twisted badly, but you should be able to heal it.'

Hearing this, Kaddar's eyes lit up in excitement. He had never seen wild magic at work.

'What sort of bird is this?' Daine asked as she gently reached for the chick. 'It looks like a sparrow, but the feather markings are different.'

'It's a desert sparrow. You can tell by the gold specks on its neck. They are native only in Carthak,' Numair explained, and then added simply because he couldn't resist, 'though, I expected you to have known this already. I have taught it to you before.'

Daine scowled. 'You try learning fifty new types of birds each nights along side with meditation, and lets see how you like it!'

Numair smiled charmingly. 'I already have. That's why I am the teacher here.'

Daine's scowl deepened. 'Are you going to let me heal this bird or not?'

Taking a deep breath, Daine reached inside her body to the pool of copper fire. Pulling out a strand of it, she entered the bird's body.

The neck was badly twisted, she saw, but not broken. She should be able to mend it in without too much trouble. Reaching out with her magic, she healed the bruised bones first, using her power to encourage new growth. Next, she mended the tissue muscles around the spinal cord, weaving her magic through the newly sprung tissue cells.

Daine opened her eyes to the sound of loud chirping in her hands.

Please be careful from now on, Daine told the chick, I may not be here to heal you next time you tumble out of your nest.

The chick, too young for a proper speech, chirped in gratitude and jumped out of her hands.

'Extraordinary,' a voice spoke from above Daine's head. The girl jumped and turned to find herself facing the Emperor of Carthak. He had a look of admiration and wonder in his eyes.

'I have heard of your unique gift, Veralidaine, but I had not expected such a incredible performance!'

Daine blushed and lowered her head. 'It – was no performance, your Imperial Highness. I was just trying to help the chick.'

'Talented as well as humble,' the Emperor mused, 'we could do with more people like you here.'

Throughout the healing and the conversation, Numair had been relaxed. Now, Daine could feel him beginning to tense.

'Shall we move on?' Daine asked desperately, her voice taking on a high – and rather worryingly – shrill note.

'An excellent idea,' Ozorne replied, 'and would you give me the honour of walking with me? You knowledge of animals is a rare treat for my ears.' Without waiting for a reply, the Emperor gently took Daine's arm and steered her away. 'And Kaddar,' he called without looking back, 'please be courteous enough to accompany Master Numair. I'm sure he finds many things here somewhat different from his last stay.'

'Your teacher seems rather – tense,' Ozorne remarked casually.

They had been walking like this for the past hour. Whilst the Emperor was full of innocently curious questions, Daine was beginning to have trouble improvising polite and appropriate answers in return.

'He is just troubled, your Imperial Highness,' she mumbled, hoping not to sound rude, 'he does not usually travel well.'

'Indeed,' Ozorne replied solemnly. 'He seems very fond of you.'

Daine's stomach tensed. 'He has been my teacher for the past three years now. I guess he just feels responsible for me.'

'Ah, yes.' Ozorne smiled oddly. 'He has always been the sensible one – although I cannot remember him ever been responsible towards those he courted.'

Daine clenched her fists as she heard this. She knew what he said was partly true – Numair had confessed to her about some of his old relationships – but the words seem to twit in an ugly way through Ozorne's lips.

'Is your association with Numair… solely on a teacher-and-student term?'

Daine stopped in mid track, stunned by the Emperor's straight forwardness. Ozorne seemed to sense this and turned to face her with an apologetic expression.

'Forgive me, Veralidaine, if I have offended you or been too blunt. It is just that I have seen too many cases where one would abuse the role one was given and take advantage of another's vulnerability. Believe me, I would hate to see you come to any harm.'

'Numair would never try and hurt me, your Imperial Highness,' Daine replied stiffly. She did not know what Ozorne's intentions were of bringing up this subject, nor did she like where it was going.

At that point, a loud shout came from ahead of them, followed by several screams.

'What in the world is going on?' Emperor Ozorne murmured as he hurried ahead, followed closely by Daine.

As they drew closer to the source of commotion, Daine's senses prickled as she felt the agonizing pain and fury of an animal.

Without warning, an enormous brown form hurtled from the corner.

Daine gasped as she saw small blades stuck on either side of the creature's stomach. Close up, she recognised the tussled tail and the distinctive horns that belonged to a fighting bull.

Two glowing strings of magic slashed through the air and coiled around the bull's thick neck. Two academic mages in yellow rounded up on the bull, struggling to keep it under control.

'What is going on?' Emperor Ozorne demanded sternly. 'Why is one my animals out of its cage?'

'We regret to tell you, your Imperial Highness,' one of the mage said breathlessly, trying wildly to hold on to his magic. 'This bull somehow managed to escape from it's cage. We don't know how.'

The second mage struck another blade into the bull's side. The mighty animal roared in anger.

'Stop it!' Daine cried, 'you are hurting him!'

'The blades are tipped with dreamrose essence,' Ozorne said gently, 'we just want the bull to calm down enough for the mages to transport it back to the cage.'

Tears sprung in Daine's eyes as she watched the wretched animal writhe and kick.

Please stop struggling, she silently sent him, they see you as a threat. Stop fighting and the two-legger will stop hurting you.

In this maddened state, the bull was beyond reasoning. Rage and hatred for the humans radiated from the animal, and pierced into Daine's senses.

Took away…my…mate. Hateful two-leggers. Hurt them.

'No please!' Daine pleaded but even as she cried out, the bull kicked with its powerful hind legs. The closest mage fell on to the floor where he lay sprawled. Within seconds, the animal was on top of him, stamping and roaring.

A steady trickle of blood from the dying mage rapidly stained the earth.

Daine felt her knees give way. She wanted to throw up, and to empty what she just witnessed, she wanted even more.

The bull now rounded on the second mage. There was a strike of metal and the mage was welding a long sword, blazing with his gift. He held it pointing towards the bull's neck. The death spot.

'Wait, you can't just kill him!' Daine started towards the bull but a strong hand pulled her back.

'You must not get too near, Veralidaine.' Emperor Ozorne told her urgently, his hand digging into her skin. He signalled for the mage to continue.

'No!' The wildmage screamed and threw herself forward. The hands around her tightened and she felt herself been roughly torn backwards. She bit back a cry as the pain of the force tore through her arm.

When she looked up again, the bull lay still in a pool of blood.

'What in the name of Mithros – '

The rest of the party had caught up by this time, and most of them stood gaping at the scene.

Numair took one look and immediately hurried forwards. He stopped in front of Daine and Ozorne, whose hands still gripped around the girl's sore arm.

Numair's eyes flashed dangerously. 'Get your hand off her,' he said quietly, eyes locked into Ozorne's. His voice sounded grave and commanding.

Daine felt the pressure on her arm slowly ease. The Emperor regarded his former friend.

'Understand this, Arram, or is it Numair now,' Ozorne replied icily, 'that whilst Veralidaine is on Carthak soil, it will always be my responsibility to see that she is safe. I was trying to protect her from the bull.'

Daine watched the two men nervously.

Her teacher's eyes darkened. 'Grab her again like that,' he warned softly, 'and it will be you that needs protecting.'

Daine's heart missed a beat. Is he mad? She thought, what is he doing threatening the Emperor like that?

Ozorne's eyes glinted malevolently but he merely smiled. 'Dare to dream, Arram Draper.'

Turning, he faced Daine and looked seriously at her. 'Please forgive me if I have hurt you. However, you must understand that it is my job to see you are safe, and with a crazed bull like that…' He shook his head sadly, patted the girl's shoulder and walked away.

'Are you ok?' Numair asked the second he was out of earshot. He peered into Daine's face with concern.

'The bull…' she whispered.

Numair nodded understandingly and reached out to touch her shoulder. It felt very different to that of Ozorne's touch.

'A life for a life, my Magelet,' Numair whispered softly into the girl's ear, 'that's the rule here.'