Chapter 33

things in italics are thoughts

things in   are whats being said while communing with the Voice

Disclaimer: ok, by now u guys should realize that this is not Tamora Pierce, my writing ain't THAT great. So, anything related to her books is not mine and im not tryin to make a profit or anything.

A week and a half after they entered Galla, the travelers came to a fork in the road and split up. The gypsies went south and the others went northwest. They were a few weeks south of Gala and with each step forward, Kally grew more and more nervous. She needed to make a good impression on the Gallan court if she and Chris were to have a future together. If she showed them that she was every bit as refined as the next princess, despite her 'unnatural' love of fighting, maybe they would accept her.

'Well, at least I don't have to worry about my parents will think. Papa will be thrilled that I actually managed to 'snag' a prince.'

They stopped at an inn called the Fortune's Fool and were greeted by the plump, awestricken innkeeper.

"Y-Y-Your Highness, w-welcome to the Fortune's Fool. Fred will take your noble horses. Um, can I have your autograph?" he cleared his throat. "Ahem, I mean let me show you to your rooms. Heh, this way, please." He led them up some stairs and down a hallway, showing each person to their room. "If there's anything you need Your Highness, just ask and our staff will get it for you. E-enjoy your stay." He shut the door quickly and left.

"Well, that was interesting." Kally said. "I'm guessing this is going to happen at every inn we go to?"

"Unfortunately. Well, at least there was no swarm of screaming people throwing stuff at me, yet. I think I need a drink. See you downstairs."

"Ok, I'll just commune with the Voice of the Tribes right now and see the rest of you guys down there later."

Chris walked over and kissed her. "Bye." he whispered, and then left.

Kally walked over to the window and looked outside. It was about 5 minutes until sunset; she didn't have much time left to get her mind ready. She made sure the door was locked before walking to the bed and sitting down. Closing her eyes, she pushed thoughts she didn't want her father to see behind the forbidden doorway in her mind. Taking deep, calming breaths, she waited for another to enter her mind. The room got darker, signifying the setting sun and she felt her father almost immediately.

Hello Kally. Where are you? Oh, Galla…

What's wrong with Galla? Kally asked defensively, it was, after all, Chris's home.

Oh, nothing except the fact that we're kind of at WAR WITH THEM!

Kally cringed. We are? Why? What did they do?

John sniffed. They tried to take my Dominion Jewel from me and then they decided that taking part of Scanra wasn't enough for them so the attacked some of our forts in the Tusaine mountains, they completely destroyed the fief of Erlanel, and now they want Goldenlake. Well, Raoul didn't like that very much so he took the all the men of the King's Own and attacked the Gallan army and then since Buri didn't like the thought of her husband getting to fight all the bad guys she led the Riders into battle as well. I had Numair put safeguards around my Jewel, so it should be safe. Daine is refusing to fight, but at least she's not telling the animals to stop. Our people are reluctant to go into battle since we just finished defeating Scanra and they need to take care of their own homes and mourn for their loved ones.

That's terrible. Father, we can't afford another war!

And the Gallans know that which is of course why they attacked. We need you Kally, as much as I hate saying it. I don't want to see my daughter fighting in war, I'd worry too much. However, there is no other way to win this. We need a Tigress.

Ok, um, maybe there's another way to stop this. I could talk to Chris! He's the future king of Galla, maybe he can convince his father to stop.

Nope, won't happen.

Why not?

The King's too stubborn, almost as bad as Alanna.

Oh. OK, well, I guess I'm coming home then.

Good. I knew you wouldn't let Tortall down! I'll meet you at fief Verna in one week. Bye love.

Good bye papa. She felt him leave her mind and opened her eyes. She dropped her head in her hands and for the first time in years, the Tigress of Shang cried.

Chris walked in a half hour later and saw Kally crying. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair. She cried even harder.

"What's wrong Kally?"

"Trouble at home. I-I need to go back." She sat up and wiped her eyes. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning." she sighed. "I think it would be best if we ended our relationship now, it only complicates things."

Chris felt cold and his mouth felt like sandpaper. "Kally, our relationship isn't complicating anything. Are you feeling alright? Maybe you should lie down."

She brushed his arm away. "I feel fine and I love you, but it's not going to work out. I'm going to sleep in Jen's room; all of my stuff has been moved there already." She opened the door and glanced back, willing herself not to start crying again. She whispered good-by before leaving.

She left early the next morning before anyone else got up at a full gallop toward Tortall.

AN: I told you it wouldn't be 2 years! This is a sad chapter. I'll try to get the next chapter up tomorrow. R&R! Bye guys!

Tigress