Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and places, they belong to Tamora Pierce.
A/N – Hey everyone. Thankyou thankyou thankyou to everyone who reviewed! I love you guys! Sorry it's been such a long time since I updated, but I couldn't get on the net last week. I'm at school at the moment, and I'll probably get in trouble so feel grateful! Those who complained about the cliffhanger won't like me but, I hope it's not too confusing, for this chapter (maybe two and others at later stages) I've decided to do a flashback from Markel's point of view. It will start just before the beginning of chapter one, and at the moment I'm not sure when it will finish. If it's too bad, just tell me in a review. Thanx, Liss
Ps - the training master isn't actually dead, just very nearly dead, and this should explain a bit why to those who asked.
Lizzie – sorry I didn't email back on Saturday, but the computer crashed before I could.
5. Loss
'- and that's the last time I'm telling you. No!' Sir Keril or Merron turned and walked away across the silent training ground. The snow crunched under his boots, and he stopped to take the reins of his stallion Shering. All eyes followed him, pointedly not looking at the girl standing with a rigid back in the centre of the clearing.
Markel felt a pang of sympathy for his sister. Ilane looked so strong, but he could feel her disappointment. She also looked so alone. The rigid back was only marginally tighter than normal, for she kept herself composed and closed off at all times. Markel honestly didn't know her very well, but he knew her better than anyone else.
He watched her, ignoring the sudden bustle of the other pages as they went back to their combat training. Ilane stood looking into the stable even after Sir Keril had disappeared from sight then abruptly turned to her silent combat partner Tomas, one of the fourth year pages. She began the exercises again without a single word, and Markel too started the series of blocks and punches with his partner, a third year named Alex.
He stayed focused on the training, tuning out to things around him until suddenly he heard someone shout 'Hey!' The muffled grunt of pain and gasps that followed made him quickly spin around to see what was happening. Markel couldn't believe what he was seeing, and stood there frozen in horror at the scene unfolding before his eyes.
Sir Keril was sprawled on the frosty ground, trying in vain to get up. And standing over him, repeatedly kicking him was Ilane. Markel's brain couldn't take in what was happening. Everyone else seemed to be in shock as well, because no one was moving. They just stood there, staring unbelievingly as a twelve year old girl attacked the training master. It was scary. She was so focused and intent on what she was doing – by the look of it trying to kill him. She was using the Shang style of fighting, and seemed to have inhuman strength, as she kicked him down, pulled him to his feet again before kicking him down once more. This time he didn't move. The scene was frozen. Ilane stood there silently, looking down at the still body of Sir Keril of Meron. Everyone was holding their breath, and then she turned and ran.
The spell was broken. Markel was the first to move, running after her. Others closed in, trying to stop her passing, and suddenly everyone was shouting. He dimly registered as a healer was called for and a training master rushed to Sir Keril, but Markel was sprinting after Ilane, and calling out to her.
But he knew he wouldn't be fast enough. She was too fit. So he ran as fast as he could, panting for breath as he left the turmoil in the training ground behind him and hurried to Ilane's room.
A/N – I figured I'd keep it short in case it was really bad, so please give me feed back. Also I wasn't sure whether you'd like the last chapters and actually want to read more.
Thankyou:
Lizzie: thanx 4 the great feedback! ;)
Patronus99 : too rite
Elyne: thankyou! Sorry its been so long
Geminia: I feel privileged! Sorry bout the cliffie, but hey!
Zenin:dodges coconut: sorry! Thanx, though
Hotshot: thanx! I tried wit spelling and sticking to the author
Alanna's modern day twin: thanx!
Flower Kid: thankyou for reviewing again!
Sorry if I missed anyone,if you reviewed after Saturday it won't be there, but thanx to u all!
Bye for now, Liss