Disclaimer: I forgot to do this in the prologue. Anyway anything that you can't recognize is mine and no one can use this information without me saying so. The rest of the stuff I unfortunately have to say is not mine and belongs to the wonderful Tamora Pierce (Can't wait until she gets her next book out!!!!) and if you're going to sue me for plagiarism you should know that I am broke and would have to claim Bankruptcy!!!!!!

Chapter 1

King Jonathan stared at the letter in his hand and sighed. Another girl wanted to try for her shield. Would this one be put on probation? Jon shook his head. Keladry proved to the country that girls were strong enough and did not need a trial run. But would Lord Padraig allow Alanna to see her? That was the question he didn't know how to answer. He didn't know if he could tolerate another four years without speaking to her again. Oh well. There was no choice. He had to call a meeting with Lord Padraig and Alanna to discuss the actions to see what would happen with this girl, Sophia of Sylverden.

"The Count of Sylverden has written to me to announce that his daughter intends to try for her shield." Jon announced when both Lord Padraig and Alanna were settled in their seats.

Alanna was the first one to speak "Well then she will be allowed to try." The King glared at her and turned to Lord Padraig.

"What experience has the girl had?" Padraig questioned carefully.

"It has written here that she was trained for several years with the Shang Dragon. She also knows the basic staff movement. It says here that that is the weapon that she favours, as well as the bow and arrow. It would seem that she has the aptitude to become a page."

Padraig was nodding.

"Maybe it would be better if we put her on probation to see if she could cope with the hard training."

The king thought this over for a minute before replying carefully, "Her father is one of the most respected people in the country. I would even go as far and say the most influential. It would not be wise for anyone in the country to go against his wishes even if it were only placing her daughter on probation. I hope you agree with my thinking?" The last statement was addressed as a question.

Now it was the Royal Training Master who was silent in thinking before nodding in agreement.

"When will she be coming to the palace, Sire" Asked Alanna wanting to know more about the new page.

"She will be arriving in eleven days along with the Count. Two days before the pages are to start for the year." Jonathan replied.

Padraig hesitated as if he wanted to say something else. Finally he question, "Sire, what would be the Lioness' situation in these matters? Would she be allowed to see the girl?"

Jon was quiet as he contemplated, a thoughtful look on his face. "I do believe that it would be wise not to let Lady Alanna to see Sophia." Jonathan held his hand up as he saw Alanna ready to protest. "It is the best for everyone dealing with the situation at hand. Now if that is all, my lord. You are free to go. Lioness I would like a word with you."

Alanna waited until Lord Padraig had exited the room before standing up abruptly, her chair falling with a loud bang to the ground, forgotten.

"How could you, Jonathan?" She fumed. "First you do it when Keladry was a page and now with this new girl! Don't you think those stuffy conservatives have enough proof that girls can become a page without magic?" By now she was pacing around the room. She looked caught between beating senseless her king telling him he was wrong and actually listening to what he was going to say.

"No, I do not think that just one girl would be enough to change their minds. I don't even think it would take ten girls to change their minds. And if the way to keep them happy is for you not to see them then so be it." Jonathan paused then continued when he saw that Alanna was now listening to him. "You will be able to see her when she is a squire Alanna. Give her four years to prove herself worthy of becoming a knight, Alanna. I she wants to be a knight she has to demonstrate herself fit for it."

"Fine, Jon. I agree to the terms, but Keladry should be allowed to see her then. She has no gift to speak of." Alanna stated with the tone that Jonathan knew she used when her mind would not be changed.

With that Jonathan nodded then said, "Now with that under control, Thayet says . . . ."

About ten days ride away in the fief of Sylverden a father and child were discussing matters in a cave having a picnic.

"This is your last day in Sylverden before you go to Corus. Let me ask you some Future Lady Knight Sophia, how does it all feel?" Davyd asked comically.

"Well there is the fact that my father is acting like a mule and is embarrassing me completely but besides that I feel fine." Sophie replied with the same style of humour her father had just used.

Her father laughed. "Well one thing's for sure. I hope you don't lose that sense of humour that you have in possession right now. It would be devastating if you do. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. Early. It will take us about ten days to get to Corus. Just telling you not to go to sleep too late." Sophie nodded in agreement and they went back to finishing their meal.

Davyd and Sophie left the cave just before Dusk, walking back to the castle. Both of them went to bed early that day. It was going to be a long week.

In the cave, the sylver could be seen shining. It knew that its protectors would be leaving.

I hope you like that chapter. I have adapted it a bit to the old one and have used some of the dialogue from there but besides that it should be different.

For anyone who believes that Davyd is too immature at the moment, wait until the interview with Lord Padraig and then you can see how he acts formally.

Other than that I would like to know what you think of the story whether or not you liked it or loved it. Any feedback is welcome feedback and I will try to hurry with the next chapter!!!!!!

But this is Sharazhad Potter signing off for now.

BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!