A/N: Thank you ever so much to my reviewers. Remember, reviews are what keep this story going. And thank you for correcting me on the halter/bridle thing. I did not get the Wildcat thing from Shang. I was going to do 'Tigress' but Wildcat seemed a bit better to me. I love you all! I do not own Tortall, Alanna, or any of TP's characters or the gods/goddesses. I do, however own Nicola and Evan. Please don't steal them from me.

Chapter Three: Will there be Another War?

The fight lasted a full two hours. Nicola was weakening but she was still fighting hard. She had a deep wound on her right arm from the elbow to shoulder and another wound across her left thigh. A bruise had made its way across her right cheek.

Evan was doing only a little bit better than the lady knight. He had a large bruise that was spreading its way around his wrist and he had a deep cut across his back. His plain, homespun clothes were in tatters but he didn't seem to notice. Along the way, he had picked up the sword from one of the dead Tusaine men. He glanced at Nicola and saw that she was swaying in the saddle. He frowned and began to fight harder, finding strength from somewhere inside of him. He had heard stories of this famed lady for many years now, and he was not about to let her be kidnapped by Tusaine scum.

Nicola was, indeed, swaying in the saddle. She was still fighting though. There were still three left of the five men who had attacked her and Evan. She heard a horn call and she frowned and was distracted for a moment. It did not really matter though. As soon as the Tusaine warrior men heard the horn call, they disappeared into the trees. She raised an eyebrow. "That was odd," she commented as she attempted at sliding off Midnight's back so she could stand on the ground.

Evan shook his head and went over to her and helped her down to the ground. "You are badly wounded, Wildcat. Good thing I'm a healer, now, isn't it?" he asked, smiling a tiny bit.

Nicola glared at him. "Shut your trap. Now, if you're a healer than get to healing," she growled, gritting her teeth as he touched the bruise on her cheek.

Evan shook his head and rolled his eyes as she glared at him. "Sit still, then," he ordered as he put his hand to the bruise on her cheek again. Emerald green fire that seemed to be mixed with the purest white came from his fingers. She felt the pain in her cheek lessen and then disappear as he moved on to the wound on her arm. He healed all of her wounds and she looked up at him, a little dazed. She was exhausted now.

Evan nodded to her. "We need to get you back to the palace before you can sleep or rest. Those men could be back at any time, and this time with reinforcements."

Nicola nodded, knowing that he was right. They would not give up so easily. Whoever had made the horn call was still out there, meaning that there were probably a lot more warriors. Krystopher needed to be warned. If she got killed, she would not be able to warn him and that would mean a lot of trouble for Krystopher. She needed to get back. "Help me up onto my horse," she ordered as she tried to stand up.

Evan helped her to stand and then lifted her up onto Midnight's back. He then swung up behind her and reached around to take the reins. "You'll fall to the ground if you try to ride back alone," he said quietly before she could protest.

Nicola nodded and let him ride with her back to the castle. The guards at the palace gates frowned a little at Evan and Nicola. Nicola nodded to them. "He's okay. Quit glaring at him," she ordered.

When they reached the stables, Evan slipped off Midnight's back and helped Nicola down. Nicola pointed to a side door into the castle. "We need to go through there. Now come on."

Evan nodded and put his arm around her shoulders and let her lean on him as he walked her into the castle. He glanced at her. Apparently, the Wildcat didn't take healing very well. She looked like she could just fall to the ground and sleep for a week.

Nicola led him along the halls towards where she knew Krystopher would be. The library. She walked over to Krystopher on her own after shaking off Evan. "Sir, there are Tusaine warriors in the Royal Forest. I'm not sure how many but they are definitely not friendly."

Krystopher looked up from where he was reading a book. He listened to Nicola and frowned. "You are sure?"

"I'm damned sure, Krys. It's a good thing I met a healer or I'd probably be in the hands of the Tusaine men right now," Nicola answered, leaning on the table a little.

Krystopher nodded a little and looked over at Evan and then at Nicola. "go rest, Nicola, and I'll have some of the King's Own patrol the woods. You, healer, get her out of here and to her rooms. She needs to rest."

Nicola tried to protest but Evan was at her side in an instant. "Come, Wildcat. Your king is right. You need to rest." He began to lead Nicola out of the library and to her rooms in the knights' wing of the palace.

A/N: I know I do a lot of these. Suggestions for the story are welcome. Reviews are wanted! Reviews keep this story going. Constructive critics and compliments are all fine. I love you all!

Midnight-