Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and places, they belong to Tamora Pierce.
A/N – rather short, I know, but I've got a bit of a writer's block. Any suggestions would be happily received. Sorry if anyone is confused about my change in pen name, but its still me! Please keep reviewing. You guys are what make me write more!
There was silence, and everything was still. Ilane looked around the Chamber. It didn't look that special, for all the mystery, fear and trepidation that was centred on it. It didn't seem that much of an Ordeal. But then, why was her heart pounding suddenly in her chest? The room was small and bare, its ceiling, walls and floor all plain grey stone. There were no doors or windows, and it was completely devoid of any furnishings. There were no torches either, but a strange light filled the place. Once she had reassured herself there were no obvious dangers, Ilane turned to her thoughts. The look on Markel's face had pierced her heart. She tried to think what would be happening, for no sound penetrated from outside the Chamber. Suddenly a chill went down her spine. What if they tried to follow her, even in here? But somehow she knew that no one out there would some in, not here. Except her mother. That blotted all other thoughts from her head. Not many people knew, but Lady Knight Keladry, now of Masbolle, was the only known person other than the king to have entered the Chamber twice – willingly, too. Ilane knew that her mother would not hesitate in following her in. Her mind was so preoccupied with that alarming thought that it was a time before she noticed her surroundings – her changed surroundings. Because she no longer stood in the little stone room.
Ilane stood in the countryside. There was a sparse covering of grass, a few trees here and there and gentle rolling hills. Her surroundings only registered dimly, though because all her thoughts were centred on the overpowering presence that filled this place and her head.
Well. The voice spoke in her head, and Ilane jumped, turning round to see where the speaker was. The place was silent and empty apart from her; no breeze rustled the trees, there were no insects chirping, birds singing or animals going about there day. It was eerie. It has been longer than I expected. The voice, she assumed and in some way hoped it was the Chamber, sounded wryly amused and slightly vexed. Though she couldn't imagine why. She had heard that Squires trying for their knighthood were forbidden to speak their Ordeal, but Ilane figured this was different. Who are you? To her intense shame, her voice sounded as a cracked whisper, and she licked her parched lips with a bone dry tongue. In spite of herself, she was very much afraid. There is no need to fear. The Chamber sighed. No harm will come to you. I have been waiting. That in itself frightened Ilane. She had never been so unsure and insecure in her life. She was starting to regret coming here. Nothing in the outside world mattered, whether she was the strongest or fastest, it had no bearing here. She turned, frantically searching for the door. No. you will stay. I have something for you to do. Ilane stopped and gathered herself. She would be in control. The Chamber obviously meant her no harm, and hadn't her mother come here? Twice? Yes. The voice sounded mildly surprised. You are the Protector of the Small's daughter. I hadn't realized that much time had passed. Ilane felt spooked. Could it read her thoughts? Maybe this was the ordeal. Maybe it was just trying to get her complacent before springing the final trap. Such a young mind, and so suspicious. But why are you here? I know I wanted you, but not yet. To Ilane that contradicted its earlier statement. Because you have no desire to be a knight. Why are you training? It is not your place, and I think you know that. You would make it. You would pass the Ordeal, you could have become a Shang master, but it is not you call. You will succeed at whatever you do because it is who you are, but I cannot let that be wasted. Yes. I will set you a task. You are quite like your mother, did you know? Fiercely stubborn. But you will do well I think. Listen. So Ilane listened, and slowly relaxed. Her brow creased, and then she began to smile. This was who she was.
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Patronus99 – Mwahaha (evil laugh) just wait and see! thanx for reviewing so quickly! You make me feel special
Liss