Rosethorn, Briar's teacher, placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her dangerous eyes. Without saying a word, she silenced the babbling room. The children all turned big, reproachful eyes on her.

"Don't give me that look." She snapped, unperturbed, "I've known you lot for years. Now, Sandry, would you please explain where we are and what's going on?"

Sandry obeyed without a word. It as true, they had known Rosethorn for years-and learnt very, very quickly to respect her. When she was finished, Niko's amber eyes were shining.

"Numair Salmalin!" He exclaimed, breathless. Sandry nodded.

"Alanna said you knew him." The noble girl replied calmly. "Who is he?"

Niko grinned. "Only the most powerful mage I've ever met!" This sent a murmur round the room. As far as they were concerned, Niko was the most powerful mage in the world. He chuckled at their discomfiture. "Where is he? I want to see him!"

Sandry shrugged.  "How am I supposed to know my way around this place? I'll wake Aly."

The copper-haired girl groaned when Sandry leant down impishly and blew in her ear.

"Whaddyawant, Sandry?"

Sandry grinned complacently. "We want to see Numair. Come on." She hauled Alanna up, with some difficulty, and after having to support her swaying form for a few moments, tipped a glass of water over her head.

Alanna blinked owlishly and pouted. "That was unnecessary. You've stained the carpet."

Sandry barely glanced down at it. "Eh. Tris, would you mind?"

The redhead growled, but acquiesced. Alanna watched, stunned, as moisture steamed out of the carpet and back into the glass. Tris released it there, and settled herself happily. Sandry nodded absentmindedly. "Thanks."

Stunned, Alanna lead them slowly out of the door, only to be interrupted again, this time by Briar, the thief-boy.

"This place is bigger then the Duke's Citadel! And the city must be twice as big as Summersea." This time it was Alanna's turn to shrug nonchalantly.

"The Palace houses all the courtiers, most of the court, the pages, and has to have room for all the Knights, Squires, foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, visiting Nobles…" She recited dryly, doing a perfect imitation of a dry old priestess. Sandry giggled, and the Lioness continued, "Corus-that's the city-is the capital of Tortall and a centre of trade. It's a big country." She had lead them through a maze of corridors, and they had arrived at Numair's chambers. Niko hurried in, accompanied by Tris, but the others stayed outside. The black girl, Daja, spoke at last.

"They'll be I there for hours." She offered calmly. "The rest of us are uninterested. Would you do us the honour of showing us around this place?" Daja spoke formally, but there was pleading in her eyes. Aly smiled.

"A pleasure." She agreed readily. She liked entertaining guests on her own territory; it gave you the upper hand.  "Shall we go to the Knight's wing? It's where the squires, knights and pages live. I'd like you to meet my friends."

When they arrived, they were greeted by a hectic Cythera who flung her arms around Alanna.

"Aly! We thought you were still unconscious!"

"I was." The Lioness replied, groaning. "Sandry woke me up."

Cythera blinked. "Sandry?" She enquired helplessly. Sandry stepped forwards and raised her hand.

"Guilty as charged." She admitted cheerily. "You must be Cythera. Aly mentioned to you."

Impulsively, Cythera stepped forward an hugged the stranger, who took it in her stride and grinned. Retreating a pace, Sandry gestured towards the others. "Daja, Briar, Lark, Rosethorn and Frostpine, my friends and teachers. We were caught up in a spell, or something. Aly was going to show us round the palace."

Alanna nodded and muttered into Cythera's ear. "They're all crazy and their Gifts are bizarre, but they seem nice. Give me a hand?" Cythera nodded enthusiastically.

"Right," said Alanna, turning back to the group, "Whatever you do, follow me. Come on!"