Chapter Thirty, Before Battle.

Alanna stood before a three way mirror, two hours before the Midwinter ball would begin. Every reputable inn within the city limits was full with nobles visiting for the ball. Needless to say, the Dancing Dove was not crowded. The only people in the inn were those who knew about the plans at the palace.

Some of the men and women were already in position at the palace, as servants and as soldiers in the Palace Guard or King's Own. The others were downstairs preparing. They were all grim faced, perhaps fourteen of them in total, but they were the best in the city. Some were assassins, others murderers but all were ready for a hard night's fighting.  Much had changed since Alanna had come to Corus, although they had always known women were powerful in their own right, she had proved that they could also fight (and beat) them easily. And now all of them, male and female, were fighting in a fight that was hardly their own.

She turned from side to side, seeing herself at all angles.

"I look stupid." Rispah and Mistress Cooper sat her down in a chair, she had finally mastered the curtsey and graceful movements that were taken for granted from the court ladies. The two began to brush cosmetics over her eyelids and lips, although nothing to dramatic. A dark brown served as an eyeshadow and a simple gloss went on her lips.

At last they allowed her to stand once more, when her hair and been brushed until it shone and pulled into a simple style.

"Great Mother!" She breathed, "Is that me?"

"Aye lass." Rispah placed a hand on each of her shoulders, "that's you."

Eleni handed her a dagger, the first part of her armoury.

"Now, start loading up." Alanna nodded, accepting the weapon and slipped it into a wrist sheath.

The Dragon knocked on the door and was admitted into the women's rooms a few minutes later.

"Hello Liam." Alanna greeted him, "Can you pass me that last throwing knife from behind you please?"

"Here you go." he picked up the knife, dwarfed in his large hand, and gave it to her. She took it from his palm and slid it into her soft leather boot.

"Carrying so much?" his eyes twinkled a deep green.

"It's not all for me. Others will need weapons as well if they are unarmed."

"True kitten." he looked her up and down, "Though I don't think I should be calling you a kitten for much longer. You're all grown up."

The girl laughed, and checked the room for anything she had left behind, heading for the door.

"What will you call me then?" she asked, "'Cat'?"

"No." He said slowly, "Something fiercer I think." She laughed again as he draped her cloak over her shoulders. She fastened it in the fashion of a noble; a silver chain laid across her upper chest and was fastened at the other side with a brooch.

She stepped into the main room. George was sitting in his huge chair talking with Master Raquel. His student was resting until the last possible moment before the ball began, but he was there, the man assured them.

There was just under an hour until the ball would begin. The highest ranking nobles would already be at the palace, feasting. But some that Roger wanted there had not arrived yet. Some Rogues had led the Provost away from the palace and he would only be returning half an hour into the ball.

Jon and the others would also be in the hall, as Prince and Knights of the realm. Messenger birds had flown back and forth all day, using Stephan as the go-between. All their plans were ready and the preparations were in place. Now all they had to do was wait for Roger to make his move.

But at the moment it was time for Alanna to get in position at the palace. She pulled her cloak hood up into its usual position on top of her head and walked outside. She soothed her horse, rubbing the side of her neck slowly in circles. Liam gave her a boost up into the awkward side saddle. In order for their plans to succeed every detail would have to be perfect and correct.

The men heaved themselves onto horses or began trudging up the street. It was a clear night, the full midwinter moon shone as brightly as a beacon upon the small party as they climbed the hill towards the palace.

Well, not long to go now, until the end of this and the awards. Expect that very soon.

HuntressDiana