A/N: Ok, so I know it's been a long time... life has been crazy, what with school, etc., but I finally finished this chapter!!!!!!! I've written it at least ten times, but when I finally finished this version, which I actually liked, I misplaced it. I'll try to make up for the delay and the length, though; Chapter 5 should be up within a week! In the meanwhile, the coolest thing ever happened to me- I actually met Tamora!!!!!!!!! She signed my copies of Trickster's Choice and Shatterglass!!! Wow, okay, that was six months ago, but it was still awesome. Please R&R my fic!!!
P.S.: There is no title for this chapter; it's just kind of an in-between thing that I'm using to continue the story. Also, anyone who read the story before about three weeks ago, the Crown of Chivalry from Chapter 2 has been changed to the Sceptre of Chivalry- stupid me forgot that they already have a Crown!!
Disclaimer: All characters, places, names, creatures, themes, ideas, etc. created by Tamora Pierce belong to her and I am only borrowing them. I am making no profit from this story.
Chapter 4
Jordan gingerly sat up and looked around, wincing as the movement caused him to feel his bruises.
"Not bad, Princeling," a wry voice said behind him. "Although I would suggest learning to fight equally well with both arms."
"Thanks, I'll remember that for next time." Jordan told Alanna irritably as he turned around. "If there is a next time."
"Princeling, I guarantee you there will be a next time. Are we going to get out of here or are you planning to stay all day?" As she spoke, Alanna became more solid, until the purple disappeared and a normal, if very short, woman stood before Jordan.
"I have to get my horse," Jordan said, and started off down the hill. "How do you plan to get to Forrester, anyway? Windrider won't like it if he has to carry us both the whole way."
"Oh, I'm sure we'll manage something." Alanna grinned at the prince's retreating back as she followed him towards the tree where he had left Windrider. As they drew nearer, it became obvious that there were not one but two horses standing by the tree.
"What in the-! Gods! This has to be Moonlight!" Jordan sputtered. Alanna ignored him and walked up to the golden horse and buried her face in his flowing white mane.
"It's been a long time, old friend." She murmured. The horse whickered softly, and moved slightly so Alanna could see the black cat on the ground near his feet. Alanna winked at Faithful, and then turned to Jordan, keeping one hand on Moonlight's shoulder.
"Ready, Princeling? We've still got half a day's ride ahead of us." With that, Alanna vaulted off the ground and onto Moonlight's back. Jordan unfettered Windrider and scrambled into the saddle, cursing inwardly as his bruised limbs protested.