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Chapter 3: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Alanna twisted her skirt around so it was facing front. It was grey wool, and it itched terribly. This was one of Alanna's least favorite skirts. Glancing out of her bedroom window she sighed deeply. She had about a half an hour before supper, and about six hours until she planned to leave.

Alanna's attention returned to the package sent by her brother, Thom. She shot a wary glance at the wooden box. 'Make sure you are completely alone… You don't want to weasel out of this one…' Thom's letter was fresh in her mind.

"The day just gets more and more exciting," Alanna muttered.

Well do ahead, open it up remarked Faithful from the bed.

Resigned for the worst Alanna pressed her thumb against the "lock" and dormant magic sprang to life as the top slid open of it's own accord.

"Great Merciful Goddess…" Alanna trailed off into a silence filled with awe and disbelief.

Lay them out on the table Faithful instructed, a little impatient.

Alanna obeyed and removed six objects from the box. She stood there for a few moments marveling at the weapons before her.

Twin daggers laid in sheathes attached to a thin silver chain belt. The hilts were washed in silver and amethyst was inlaid where blade met hilt.

Two curved sheets of metal, each the length of her fore arm, laid beside the daggers. The metal was extremely lightweight but Alanna recognized it as mieseth, a metal that was unbreakable and never rusted. She remembered Thom telling her about the Yamani Emperor's personal guards. They usually fought with twin short swords, and did not use shields; instead they wore arm-protectors, called vambraces, which were much easier to conceal.

"Looks as if Thom has learned a thing or two about the Trade," said Alana, amused (A/N: the Trade refers to thieves, spies, assassins, ect. People who you wouldn't necessarily want to meet in a dark alleyway).

Next to the vambraces was… a fan? "Than again," she said, "maybe not." Ignoring the fan, Alanna's attention was drawn to the sword. A sad smile showed on her face as she remembered old childhood dreams.

"It just wasn't meant to be. Any way my new work is much more satisfying, even if I need to conceal my weapons."

But that's the part you like about it too Faithful said smugly.

Yes, that was something she liked about it, though she's never admit it, not even under the severest of torture. She like that secret feeling of being dangerous… untouchable.

A beam if fading sun light fell across the blade of the sword making it flash menacingly. Alanna looked at it curiously. It was silver like the daggers, but the hilt was a cruciform design. The blade was like a broad sword, double edged, but it was slimmer, built for speed. It was too long for Alanna to wear on her belt, and, happily she noticed, that its sheath had been made to wear on her back. The sword was tempting her as it sat there just waiting to be used. Alanna had practiced with the guard's swords, but those were just bits of scrap metal compare to this masterpiece of smithery.

"Oh, why not?" she asked herself as she went to pick up the sword. The moment Alanna held the sword aloft, free of its sheathe, the blinding light of magic stung her vision and mind. As quick as light flared, it went out, except this time violet flames of magic danced along the blade. Alanna, breathing hard and feeling as if she had just had a heart attack, put the sword back in it's sheathe and set it carefully back down on the table.

Well that was exciting Faithful had jumped from the bed to the table and was sitting next to Thom's letter, Look the letter changed

P.S.

You will already have figured this out, but I'll explain anyway. Each of these items is enchanted. Now don't you scowl at me for not having told you sooner.

Alanna was indeed scowling as she read the second part of his letter. He had almost given her a heart attack!

I had a little help, but I managed to put a spell that hides all traces of magic while the weapons are inactive. They all contain your standard protection and concealment spells (as well as you're the most advanced ones!) And I trust that you've learned how to use these weapons somewhere. The daggers and the sword probably; but do you know how to use a Yamani fan? I doubt you even knew it was a weapon. It's quite lethal in the hands of a Yamani woman, and the fighting technique is very graceful. It'll be worthwhile to learn being that it is the weapon best disguised. Now, I must live my self a pat on the back for the fan, even though I didn't make it. I put an extra charm on the fan. It changes appearance. All you need to do if unfold the fan, and touch it to your dress and it will change to match.

"Why in Mithros' name would I need a fan that changes to match my dress?" Alanna muttered exasperated.

Look, don't be stubborn. You'll need it more than you will think. Trust me on this one; I know these things.

Remembering Thom could see the future sometimes, Alanna sighed giving in.

Good luck, and take care of your self. I hope to be coming home in a couple of years, so until then.

I'll be cheering for you,

Thom

A bell sounded in the distance. "Looks like I'll be late for supper again," she said and hurriedly put everything back he box, then hid it under a floor board, under her bed. With that taken care of, Alanna sprinted down to the eating hall.

Author's Commentary:

I know this was a lot shorter than the other two, well actually about half as short, but I like them shorter I think. It's easier for me organize that way. These shorter chapters will let me update everyday, or at least every other day. If you have a problem with this, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do. Otherwise, please read and review!