Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot, the rest is Tamora Pierce's.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I hope this chapter is better than my prologue. To clear a few things up: I know he doesn't always call her "Magelet," but I needed to get her semi-suspicious. Sorry about the setting, I know I was vague and I was a little confusing (sorry about that!). I hope this chapter clears it up a little. Since I didn't say it before: this takes place after Protector of the Small, but don't expect to see much (if any) of Keladry (sorry). Your reviews are appreciated!

-----------------------------------------------Chapter 1-------------------------------------------------

"Numair?" asked Daine casually.

"Yes?" he responded, not taking his eyes off the food he was preparing.

"I'm going to bathe, how long until breakfast?"

"You should have enough time," he paused for a short time, looked at her and then continued, "Magelet."

Now that was odd. Never mind, I need to clear my head with a bath.

I'm coming with you said Cloud.

"Alright, Come on," Daine motioned for Cloud to follow her.

As she bathed, Daine thought about anything but her suspicions. They had been summoned back to Corus by Jonathan and Thayet. They had been happy in Numair's tower, but duty called. It was nothing serious like the Immortals War or something of that nature. But Numair had to teach the new pages (and the old ones for that matter!). Daine liked to come along, besides, what if there was a need for the King's Wildmage?

Though the journey was not long, she would've rather shape-shifted to get there faster. She could never leave Cloud behind. Although Daine had many animal friends wherever she went, Cloud had been with her forever.

After she felt squeaky-clean, she decided to take a look around. Rather than be stuck on the ground, she decided on hawk shape. She concentrated on the feel of wind currents beneath wings and felt herself changing from hairs to feathers, toes to talons, and arms to wings.

She took to the sky, leaving Cloud to scold her from the ground. She'd get a little bite for that, Cloud hated surprises. Daine soared over the camp and saw Numair. Something about him still bothered her. She saw Cloud trotting and snorting angrily back to their little camp. It was only a little way from the outer limits of Corus.

Daine swiftly changed to a sparrow's smaller, light brown form and flew down to land on Numair's shoulder.

He eyed her suspiciously, and then smiled putting a hand up. She hopped on and emitted a small chirp.

"Hello, Magelet," he said hesitantly. She chirped her hello and tilted her head to one side. "Breakfast is ready." She chirped once more and then sped off to land behind Cloud.

She concentrated on herself, Daine the Wildmage, and felt herself grow and change back into her naked body; adorned only with the silver Badger's claw around her neck.

Cloud turned and nipped her arm.

Hmph! You think you can just leave anytime you fancy to?

Daine smiled and assured her gray pony she had meant no harm, she just wanted a look around. Cloud retorted that she'd been here plenty of times, but Daine was too busy getting dressed to notice. She stepped out from behind Cloud and walked to Numair.

"We should be at the palace tonight. That is if we get moving soon, so eat quickly," he said as he handed her a bowl of delicious looking breakfast.

After she cleaned up the cooking mess and they had taken down their last camp of the trip, she mounted Cloud and turned towards Numair.

What she saw made her blue-gray eyes open wide. Numair had saddled and mounted Spots before her, and was now trotting down the main road. Normally that wouldn't bother her, but her suspicions grew larger as they continued down the road.

Numair was riding very well today, too well. Not at all the awkward way he had ridden since she met him. Sure she had worked with him a little on how to move with his mount, but today he looked as if he were born in the saddle!

Spots? Daine called.

-Yes, Daine?-

How is he riding today?

-Much better. Thank you for working with him. I know it wasn't his fault, but he was such an ungraceful rider before-

My pleasure. She replied.

After watching him longer, her suspicions came back stronger.

Something is wrong. I know it! But he seems perfectly normal. What's going on!?.