AN: Ok. Here we go again. Thanks for the reviews, and thanks for those who stick with me between my long periods of updating. If anyone wants to see Italy pictures, let me know, and we will chat!

Chapter 4

Daine woke up to find that it was still pitch-black outside. There was still about an hour left before the sun started to rise.

Daine felt uneasy, and as if someone had knocked the air out of her. There was also a strange ringing in her ears.

She moved off of the bed, making sure not to wake up Numair, and put on breeches and a tunic. Grabbing her bow, she stepped outside into the night.

Her eyes slowing changed into those of a cat, allowing her to see better. What appeared infront of her eyes was a type of, covering. It wasn't purple, or black like Alanna, and Numair's magic, but orange, and dark pink. Knowing that something was seriously wrong, she went back to her tent.

Numair's shoulder shook.

"It's not even light out, you can't possibly want to me to get up yet." He grumbled into the pillow.

"Numair" she whispered sharply, "There is some sort of magical next cast on us, I suggest you get ready for some work, and wake up Alanna."

Seeming to get the hint, Numair sat up, and began to get dressed.

"Daine, do me a favor and wake Alanna. Then wake Sarge and he'll wake up the rest of the camp. Be cautious, and keep your bow with you."

Nodding, Daine walked quickly to Alanna's tent.

By the time the sun had come up, the entire camp was awake and alert.

The magical shield had been questioned. You could not exit the shield, and nothing seemed to be able to enter it. It also didn't hurt for the people to place their hands on it. It felt like slightly heated glass. The group tried hitting it with magic, and then normal objects. Nothing happened.

"Alanna, are you sure you didn't make a mistake putting up the protective circle last night?"

In return, Numair received a glare.

"I am positive. I think that someone wants us to sit here. All we can do is wait. I'm sure Rawdon had something to do with this. He probably knew we were coming."

"Who is Rawdon?" Daine asked.

"He is the king of Illyria. He was raised as a soldier, and fights well. Only he doesn't have the Gift. He also doesn't rely on it that much, I am even surprised to see that he is using it now-" Alanna was cut off by the sound of a deep voice belonging to a man.

"Alanna. How good it is to see you. Yes, I must admit that before I was very niave about the uses of magic. But since then, I've gotten very accustomed to using it." The man said.

"King Rawdon. I take it that you are the one responsible for holding us hostage." Alanna replied in a monotone voice.

"My dear, it is not hostage if you are in my country."

Daine was surveying the situation. All around the camp were soldiers upon soldiers. Their man power surely surpassed King Jonathan's. Rawdon had told a mage to lower the shield. Soldiers came in and held down the Tortallans. Alanna knew that they had no chance, so she ordered her people to stand down. Numair, Alanna, Daine, and Sarge we are held by soldiers.

"Numair Salmalin: The Black Mage. You're power is known here. If you wish, you may join me, and I shall not harm you. I am sure that we would both benefit from the friendship."

"As my power is known, Sir Rawdon, so is your own. Why would I want to support a messy, egotistical king as yourself?"

Rawdon's eyes turned black, and he moved on.

"My dear" he said coming to Daine, "I do not believe we have met. Might I introduce myself. My name is Rawdon Stone, King of Illyria." He finished with a bow.

"Veralidaine Sarrasri: Wild Mage" was Daine's curt reply.

He looked taken aback. Tracing his fingers along her neck, and up to her cheek, he spoke.

"I have heard of your abilities. I was not informed that you would be so…intriguing." He said eyeing her up and down. Daine struggled against the soldier's hold.

"Get away from her," Numair practically growled.

Daine could feel the horses of the opposite side fighting to help her, but she had held them back. Seeing Rawdon hit Numair in the stomach made her lose her hold on them, and the animals began to attack.

The soldiers were caught unawares, giving Tortall the upper hand. Daine grabbing her bow, Alanna grabbing her sword, they began to fight. Numair took hold of the war mages that Rawdon had brought along.

"You idiots! Get the Wild Mage, she's the one doing this!" Rawdon roared. He had been pushed away by Numair, who now stood next to Daine, protecting her.

Daine knew she was the center now. They would come for her, following the orders of their leader. Alanna had chosen not to use her magic and was fighting the soldiers by hand and sword. Daine had been trying to get aim of Rawdon, knowing that if he was gone, the other side would be severely damage.

What she didn't see, or Numair, was the exceptionally large soldier that was aiming his bow at her back.

She let out a piercing yell as the arrow sank into her spine, causing her to fall down onto her knees.

End

Ok. I hope that that is longer than the other one. It should be.

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