Disclaimer: You should know the drill by now – I do not own any of the characters and places, (except for the ones I made up and the plot – all mine) they belong to Tamora Pierce.

A/N – Sorry for the mix up with chapters the other week. This is the real chapter nine. I'm going to do more from Markel's point of view. Soory its been so long as well.

8. Aftermath

Markel didn't raise his head from his hands until someone gently shook his shoulder. It was chaos. People were still shouting, many more people than in the original party, and everyone was going somewhere in a hurry. There were nobles and servants exiting the Chapel at a run; more people entering, carrying messages or looking for someone to tell them exactly what was going on, weaving through the throng of people jammed into the small space and causing a generally annoyed murmur. There were only two spaces in the place, a fearfully reverent clearing around the Chamber door and a silent, respectful distance held from where Markel had fallen to his knees. His mind was still numb. Ilane was as good as dead. No other than a squire or would be king left the Chamber unharmed, and many squires had been killed! Those such as thieves who entered only the Chapel had been found dead and shrivelled outside the door. Ilane was only a page! By the Goddess's mercy, she had only the slimmest of chances, for he did not think even the Great Mother Goddess could affect the power of the Chamber.

When he didn't think of Ilane, he worried for himself. Would he ever become a squire and knight now he had entered the Chapel? He didn't know what he would do if made to leave the palace in disgrace. He had never thought of anything but being a knight one day, and if his dream was shattered, there would be nowhere left to turn. For a while he raged at Ilane, and hated her for this. Why couldn't she keep her problems to herself, instead of ruining his life at the same time? If she didn't really want to be a knight, then why did she come to the palace? Why did she always have to drag him down in her troubles as well? For a moment he hated his sister more than anyone he had ever known. She had been nothing but trouble since returning from Shang; always fighting and being impertinent to the teachers, doing her absolute best to go against what everyone else wanted. Why did she have to be so moody and opposing? What was her problem? Markel shook his head and hauled himself to his feet. A wave of silence swept through the Chapel as all eyes turned to him, before hurried whispers broke out. He couldn't see Nolan anywhere, but that wasn't surprising. It would take a lot to make Nolan stay in the Chapel. All the guards were highly superstitious, and the Chapel of the Ordeal had too much to do with magic for their liking. Markel wondered what anyone could do now but wait. He looked around to find someone to talk to, and saw the servant that had got his attention. She stood closer than anyone else, and had a motherly air about her that was soothing and sympathetic.

'Markel, you are to go and see the king, dear. They said to hurry. He is in his study.' Markel stiffened slightly, but went off quickly without a word. You did not keep the king waiting, and he had expected this.

Whispers followed him as he paced through the halls of the palace, servants and nobles alike stopped to stare before hurrying about their tasks. Markel gritted his teeth and set his jaw; while his temper was nowhere near as short as his sister's, some things were hard to take. But of course everyone knew by now; he would not be surprised if the rumours circulating by nightfall had him killing Ilane before running into the Chamber and returning crazy. Everything was always blown out of proportion by the gossips, as he had learned to his detriment many times.

He reached the king's study and presented himself to the serving man who stood outside the door in red and gold livery. The man nodded and knocked once before opening the study door and conducting Markel in. Once inside he bowed low for King Roald and Queen Shinkokami, and bowed again for their Royal Highnesses Jonathan and Thayet. He gulped. King Roald was really nice, but Markel had always been a bit afraid of the old king, Jonathan. He and Thayet had abdicated the throne to Roald two years before, to move to Port Legann and retire by the sea. Markel had forgotten that they were staying in Corus in the lead up to midwinter, and would of course be involved in these discussions. Looking around the room he also saw his uncle, Sir Nealan of Queenscove, one of the King's advisors – not really his uncle, but his father's cousin – Veralidaine Salmalin the Wildmage and her husband Numair Salmalín; Lord Raoul, still knight commander of the King's Own and, Markel realised, his knees starting to shake with relief, his father Domitan of Masbolle. Straightening his back, Markel saw that his father had risen as he entered the room, and reached his son in two long strides. His strong arms folded around Markel in a firm hug, and Markel was ashamed to feel his knees give way, before he firmed his resolve and pulled back. He loved his father, but he wasn't a weak little boy any more, to need comfort and coddling. He gave him a strong smile, before turning to their majesties. 'You sent for me, your Highness?'

Roald shared a pointed look with Queen Skinkokami before replying. 'Actually, Markel, it was your father who wished to see you. He has been worried, and I quite thought you would be pleased to learn he was here.' His brow creased the tiniest amount, before he gave a warm smile and gestured to a chair. 'Sit down.' Now his face turned grave. 'While you are here, we would all like to know what exactly is going on. I want an explanation as to why my training master is in the infirmary, in a very serious condition I am led to believe.' At that he glanced at Sir Nealan, who gave a sombre nod of his head, forehead wrinkling with thought and concern. Neal was a healer, and no doubt had visited Sir Keril very recently. Markel nodded slowly, disconcerted to find all these important eyes focused on him. He told them in detail what had happened in the Chapel and when he finished, everyone looked stunned. Jonathon, Roald, Raoul and Neal looked slightly ill; they had all entered the Chamber, Roald and Jonathon twice, and the memory was obviously not pleasant. His father looked like he was going to be sick. His daughter had entered the Chamber. It didn't seem to have sunk in, and the women were murmuring sympathies. The men looked grim, except for Numair, who had a puzzled, thoughtful look on his face. Markel realised someone who was missing, and turned quickly to his father. 'Where is Mother?' He had been sure she would be here, if not already down in the Chamber, but Keladry was nowhere to be seen. His father took a deep breath and grimaced. 'Your Mother left for the Yamani Islands four days ago. Her own mother is ill, but Daine and Neal have sent word for her to return as soon as possible.' Markel could see he missed her dearly. Especially in light of the recent events.

The matter was discussed at length, Markel at times forgotten and at others the centre of attention. Everyone had a different opinion, but even Numair did not know whether Ilane would come out sane, if at all. The King was firm that the arrest warrant would stand, no matter what, and all the arguing of Domitan, Daine and Thayet could not change his mind. Raoul suggested half-heartedly that someone went in after her. The idea was quickly stamped down, mainly for the reason that the door would not open once someone had entered the Chamber. Long ago, a squire's relative had gone crazy with worry, and tried to follow him into the Chamber; but the iron door would not budge. No amount of strength would shift it until it opened at sunrise. Markel's father looked even sicker at the notion of following Ilane into the Chamber, and Markel was sure it was because they both knew Keladry would happily go after her daughter no matter where it was. She had already entered the Chamber twice.

The debate went round in circles, and when the group broke up the watchman had already called the midnight hour. The halls were lit with only a scattering of torches, and the chill made Markel shiver and wish for his cloak. He walked silently beside his father. Everyone had agreed in the end: there was nothing to be done but wait.

Please review!

I need some specific ideas, if anyone wants to help. First, who should be champion? Alanna is too old, and anyway, the new king needs a new champion. I just couldn't bear to kill Jonathon and Thayet so I made Jon abdicate. I also need some other names of Roald's friends and advisors, real or made up. Any other ideas would also be gratefully received.

Thanx, Liss