Alanna
Chapter 14
All characters and anything recognizable belongs to Tamora Pierce. Anything unfamiliar and the plot belongs to me. :)
Roger looked at the knelt troll in a mixture of disdain and satisfaction, his eyes roving about, glimmering with both a little arrogance as well as glee. The troll was kneeling down on both knees, his eyes filled with mad lust and his leather garment pulling against his huge chest. The troll's mouth was pulled back into an ignorant smile and his sword, long and razor sharp was placed on the floor beneath his feet.
"So you pledge alliance with me?" Roger asked in a drawl.
The troll looked at him stupidly before nodding, giving all onlookers the thought of intelligence meeting stupidity. The troll looked confused and probably had no idea what Roger had said, but truthfully, the troll did not really care and neither did Roger.
After all, like all other trolls, only one thought was on his mind- blood and vengeance.
The trolls had long held an insatiable lust for revenge against the Tortallans, having such a deep hatred for the later that even Roger was surprised. After all, it had been many years since Tortall banished the chaos-wrecking trolls from the lands, leaving the fleeing race to fend for themselves in barren and unwanted plains. Their sheer muscle had enabled them to survive, thankfully, for their intellect would not have given them such an opportunity. However, there seemed to be a remarkable similarity between trolls and elephants (aside for their size that is) - Trolls never forget.
Roger had discovered this hastily forgotten part of Tortall's unwanted history when he was very much younger, having accidentally uncovered a hidden chapter about it in a thick and obscure book tucked somewhere in a dusty and old room in the castle. Roger at that time had been shocked at the appalling behaviour of the Tortallans, now, all he felt was ecstasy. His uncle had made a mistake- not re-forging alliances with the exiled trolls- and he was going to use the chance. After all, he had always been an opportunistic person.
Staring at the troll, Roger smiled sinisterly and said, "Good." Roger paused momentarily at a sudden thought, and then with feigned enthusiasm, he stuck out a hand and clasped the troll's grimy one with a grudging firmness.
The pack was complete, and war was one step closer.
Roger smiled again as he saw the troll leave. Everything was falling into place. The alliances were forged, the army was prepared. The plans were carefully set and the beginnings were beginning. The war was imminent- it was only a matter of time before Roger made the first move and seal his fate.
At the thought of a fish caught in a net, Roger could only feel an iridescent bubble of satisfaction well inside him. He had waited for this moment for too long, way too long, his plans had been thwarted one time too many and this time, Roger was positive that he could succeed. Even with the possible interference of a skilled sorcerer and his talented, god-blessed twin.
Even with the Gods against him, Roger was sure that he could immerge triumphant- after all, he had always, always been good at overcoming the odds and jumping over obstacles. After all, this was not the first time- far from it in fact…
"It is beginning," she said, her long flowing hair left fluttering in the caress of the gentle wind. Her face, flawless and not marred by the imperfection of humanity was filled with evident sadness and her tone also suggested that.
"I know," came the reply, cool and distant, sounding nonchalant. Yet to the experienced ear, one could still detect the faint hint of anxiety and trepidation.
The duo stared down into the plains before them, their thoughts flying by the dozen but their mouths silent. A single bird swept down from the top of the reddish sky and swooped down precariously, squawking madly. They watched as the sun set, leaving behind trails of darkness and the light was stifled slowly.
The silence was weird, as though it were a stranger in the fast paced world. Yet it was not unwelcomed, in fact, the two were happy about it, savouring the last few moments of peace they would have before chaos ensue.
"I am worried," she said flatly, her voice melodious and twinkling, like the stars in the night sky, but underlined with lethargy.
"So am I," the reply came again, "but there's naught we can do."
"I'm sure there is, we could just give them a blessing or something," she said again earnestly, slightly hysterical even.
"You know we can't do that," came the voice sounding harsh and reprimanding. "You know we can't do that…" the voice fell to a whisper and trailed off.
There was more silence.
"We cannot meddle with their affairs- it is theirs for them to sort. It is the rules and nothing can change that." The voice added.
"I know," came her soft voice.
As the sun finally disappeared without trace and the sky above fell into a deep ebony, there was nothing in the sky to see- no twinkling stars, no glowing moon, no silhouette even.
"It will be a tough battle," the voice replied.
Alanna swung Lightning over her waist in a more comfortable position and set off, taking brisk steps. The morning breeze was non-existent, and it was stifling. Groaning slightly, Alanna trudged on.
What had overtaken her senses? Somehow, she had arose from her fitful slumber with a strange feeling- something had compelled her to take a walk here. Whether it was fate or just some cruel trick of her emotions, Alanna just felt as though she should go. And so, with a strange grumble, she had dragged herself from bed, hurriedly did her morning routines and left the castle for a nice, brisk walk.
Except that it was not very nice.
The day was still young- there was nothing to see, nothing to feel and nothing to enjoy. To her standards, which were surprisingly low, it was a failure of a walk. Alanna, regretting her decision, walked on, grumbling.
Suddenly, Alanna stopped. Carefully, she walked into a hidden clearing, covered by looming trees. In the center of the empty space was a familiar figure, swinging a familiar sword doing a familiar routine.
For the first time in a long time, Alanna smiled a true smile.
Silently, she drew out Lightning and creeped forward. The stranger was oblivious to his surroundings, too caught up with his movements to really notice what was going on. With a silent chuckle, she stepped before him and met his swords with hers.
A clang reverberated around the clearing.
His eyes flung wide open.
And they began to fight.
And fight they did. Their swords matched together- both in timing and in strength, their moves flawless. Turn after turn, Alanna and the man fought, their swords twirling and their movements agile. An attack was always followed by a successful block, and a block always followed by another clang.
They were matched and the fight wore on, both drenched in sweat, their muscles aching and their breaths ragged. It was a match of vicious attacks and efficient blocks, sudden moves and hidden mistakes.
It was overall, a good match.
Suddenly, one of them swung the sword so fast that the other had no time to react. The sword darted dangerously towards the left and the opponent swerved to the right- only to find himself facing the deadly blade of a sword.
The duo smiled before they made a move simultaneously, swiping each other into a tight hug.
Roald stared at Gary and Alex, three pairs of eyes meeting together.
"I don't know what to think." Alex said finally, cutting off the uncomfortable silence.
"Then don't," Gary joked but no one laughed, his pitiful attempt at humor falling short. The three stared seriously at the floor.
"Forget it, okay? Let's not think about Alanna now and get on with the situation," Alex suddenly said.
Two nods were made and all eyes suddenly became a lot more at ease and definitely happier- less sober and gloomy.
"There's been a strange report," Roald said briskly.
Alex nodded as he tapped his finger somewhat impatiently on the table.
"A messenger told me," Roald paused for a moment, as though reconsidering a decision, "that there has been smoke in the forest off shore Tortall sighted not long ago."
Alex and Gary stared at Roald in disbelief.
"Impossible," they both uttered simultaneously.
"That's what I said," Roald muttered wearily as he rubbed his sleep deprived eyes. "But he still insisted that it was true."
"But that would mean…" Gary's voice trailed off, a mixture of confusion.
"That would mean…" Alex mumbled under his breath furiously.
It was then when two gasps were uttered- gasps of sheer horror.
Please read and review!
Thank you all for reviewing in the previous chapter! :) I know I take a long time to update, but I'm trying to speed the time taken up- sigh. I am so busy! So please review!
The plot is growing, and I can at least promise you something- it's different from Tamora Pierce's. This fic is not yet completed; I think there are still quite a few chapters to go.
So please review!