Disclaimer: Ok...plot and a few characters are mine. But the overall universe is unfortunately not mine, but Tamora Pierce's.
Title: Ghost of the Past
Author: winky-wink
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama
Rating: T (Just to be safe)
Pairing: Alanna/Jon
Musical Affection: 'Mr. Raven' by MC Lars.
Author's Note: Sorry this update is so late. I got busy with Christmas and stuff. Merry Christmas to you all by the way. Consider this my present to you. However, just so you know, this is not the last chapter. But the next chapter will be the last chapter for sure. For sure, for sure. I'll bet my life on that. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I especially like the ending haha.
George's Death: Ah, no! I would never kill off George. No, unfortunately for anybody who wanted me to do off Delia or Helena or Roger, no one will end up dead by the end of this story. Anyways, this story is more a filler, not really its own thing.
Forgetting things (Alex's sentence): This is more so directed to Hikari-chan, yeah I tend to forget things some times. But I often read back on my stories and then luckily remember something that just may save me in the future. Anyways, speaking of forgetting things, that's what most nobles will do about the rape case. Right now, it's all so confusing that not everyone realises what happened. So after Alanna's case, they'll probably do an enquiry into the whole fiasco, including the rape. If I have time to mention any of which proceeds that, I will.
Give You Fluff or Die: Ok, I swear, it will come. I will have a scene dedicated to it. I won't cut it out of this entire story. I would be upset with myself if I cut all A/J out of this story. It's A/J that inspired it in the first place.
Sequel: Sequel? I'm supposed to say no to this. Partially because I have other stories I wanted to write and partly because I didn't really know how to continue this story. But now, suddenly, I think I might have been inspired to write something. I even planted a secret seed for it in this chapter. OO...can you find it? If you can, I'll mention you next chapter somhow haha. But I'm not sure if I'll ever put a sequel up here on to: Mishi Starr lutefa Hikari-chan epobbp FanFictionFanthom charlie and lola Lady Knight Queen Alanna of conte Dom's Angel Kokari kristina mobbyrules elsepethana impossible-dreams &&& Pink Squishy Llama.
&&MerryChristmas
'There are higher courts than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience'-Mahatma Gandhi
When you think you're heading over to your own funeral, you walk extremely slow and notice things that you never had before. Going down the hall to the court room, Alanna drank in the beauty of the Tortallan palace. The carvings of the Conte symbol on the white marble, the way the golden borders seemed to radiate like fire, and even the way that Faithful's paws patted softly against the sleek floor. It seemed to her right now that this was all she had ever known. Trebond was so far away, the Convent was so far away.
Instinctively she snatched the hands of Thom and Jon, both who were standing to either side of her. The Lady Squire kept looking ahead, not even glancing at the looks of dumbfounded surprise on their faces. They came upon the large wooden door with the brass knob that led to the court room. The Crown Prince slipped his palm out of Alanna's and opened it.
Inside, a long table was set with candlebras and chairs. It was set up more like a conference than a trial. At the head of the table sat the judge, Lord Provost, himself. To his left was King Roald, Queen Lianne, Lord Cobalt, Lady Winfred, Abigail, Lincoln, and an empty seat for Jonathan. To his right were Duke Roger, Lady Catherine, Helena, Delia, Duke Gareth, the servingman Jakob, and an empty seat meant for Thom. At the very end of the table, straight across from the stern gaze of the Lord Provost, was a richly furnished chair just for Alanna.
Behind her, she heard Jon close the door. She sat, feeling all eyes on her. She had never felt so probed. It felt as if every person in the room could see right through her and know that she was lying. Faithful purred and clambored onto the Trebond's lap, trying to calm her.
Finally, once everyone was seated, one of the most confusing trials in the history of Tortall began.
"Lady Alanna of Trebond, you have been charged with masquerading as a member of the high and exalted Conte family and for magicking the entire family to the point where they could not even recognize their own. You are also accused of working in cooperate with one George Cooper, a wanted criminal in Corus and most other cities in Tortall," Lord Provost repeated all her charges as the Conte Duke smirked, "What do you plead to these charges?"
The Lioness felt rather nervous, even though she had already planned out what she would say, "I plead guiltly to all that, my Lord."
The Duke's smirk fell off, slightly. He was rather puzzled by her response. He was sure she would try to make up excuses, which he, himself, had planned to shoot down one by one.
Lord Provost raised his eyebrows and looked back down at the papers before him, "You, along with Lady Winfred of Conte, Lady Abigail of Conte and Lord Lincoln of Conte have also accused Lady Catherine for the murder of her last two husbands. You have also, in turn, charged Lady Helena for collaborating with her mother on these murders. Do you stand by this?"
"Yes," Alanna nodded, knowing short answers would be more effective as opposed to long drawls. Momentarily, she looked up and caught Lady Catherine's eye. The woman was looking at her, fit to burst. She had never thought her rather annoying niece would end up accusing her of murder.
"I see. Do you have any evidence of this?" the strict Lord of the law demanded, lacing his fingers together at his lips.
"If I may speak?" Lady Winfred requested. It was immediately granted to such an important person at court, "We have brought forth a witness, Jakob Lancaster, who was previously a servingman to Lady Catherine and Lady Helena."
"Where do you have proof of that?" Lady Helena snapped, sharp as a tack.
Jakob opened his mouth to speak, paused, then looked to Lincoln. The other man nodded, urging him to speak, "Show them Jakob."
The only commoner among all the nobles looked very shy. He stood up, bowed to his sovereigns, then coughed, "I 'ave 'ere this painting done a few years back in Galla, of th'family an' their servants. If you'll just look at it..."
Lincoln rose, helping him set it flat on the table. It was extremely large, taking up a third of the table. Everyone leaned forward to stare upon it. It was beautifully done but what it depicted was crude. It showed a lavishly decorated room, obviously an elite manor in Galla. In the centre of the painting sat a family of four-no three. That little blonde boy, creeping behind the chair was obviously a servant. Anyways, the family of three were position so-Duke Horenchio Thyler of Galla was seated in a red velvet chair with Lady Winfred and Helena standing around him, looking lovely. Unfortunately, the entire thing was ruined by the way they had their servants at their feet, showing them toiling away. They looked more like slaves in Carthak than paid workers. One of them was obviously Jakob.
"That proves nothing," Lady Winfred turned up her nose, "We could have had many a servingman that looks like this commoner."
"I 'ave an address from the painter. If ye'll call on him he'll tell ya that I worked for these two ladies for at least six years. I also 'ave seven other addresses from seven other people that c'n vouch that I worked for the Nobility for back to fifteen years," Jakob countered, very, very prepared for all arguments it seemed.
Duke Gareth took in all these documents, visibly impressed. Lady Catherine and Helena had briefly been quieted.
"And what proof do you have of the murders of Lord Erik of Sommerset and Duke Thyler of Galla?" Lord Provost implored, patiently and in a kinder voice than Alanna thought he would have.
She felt helpless as she looked on at Jakob. This was going to be the hardest part of the trial, just sitting and watching Jakob present all the information, hoping that he would give them sufficient evidence to convict Catherine and Helena.
"This is a hankerchief tha' was found tied around Lord Erik's neck. Y'c'n even ask the Nobility at Sommerset. They all saw it on his person. Th'Knights an' investigators in Sommerset couldn't figure 'ow he was killed. They didn' wan' no hankerchief neither," Jakob explained, "I took it for meself. Never used it though. I know 'oo did. Lady Catherine, m'afraid. She used it to strangle my Lord an' didn' know I saw. If y'magic it, ye'll see her sweat on it. She was sweatin' all over when she was killin'."
Duke Gareth took the hankerchief, gently, and placed it into a bag that was created by soccerors so that any essence left on it would not be rubbed off.
Catherine snorted, "It is my hankerchief, I could've sweated over it any old time! And my husband could've tied it around his own neck for decoration. This proves nothing."
"I've also proof that 'er eye witness account that she was elsewhere is false," Jakob continued, ignoring Catherine's interruption.
"How so?" King Roald questioned, rather riveted by the complexity of the case and how it was all unfolding.
"Th'eye witness fer th'alibi was meself. I c'n say I lied t'excuse m'Lady 'cause I was threatened by th'Lady 'erself," the servingman replied, calmly, "Ye c'n even ask th'Knights there. I even 'ave a report from 'em. I bet if y'spell 'er, she'll tell th'truth."
"I don't believe it will resort to that," Duke Roger frowned, rubbing his chin, thoughtfully, "Anyways, I think we've heard enough of Lord Erik, what have you on Duke Horenchio Thyler?"
Lord Provost looked displeased at the sudden change of subject but let it pass.
"Well, I 'ave 'ere a list of names an' addresses of ten people other than meself who c'n say they saw m'Lady stab Duke Thyler t'death," Jakob responded, a smile twitching at the corner of his lips, "She wasn' as careful this time 'cause 'ee wasn' dyin' as fast as she expected. She tried three times afore she got'im."
"Why did none of these people go forward?" Queen Lianne inquired, extremely surprised, her eyes wide as saucers.
Jakob smiled, sadly, "No one wants t'be outta a job, Yer Majesty."
"Well, is this all your evidence?" Lord Provost asked, shuffling his papers together.
"I just 'ave this one last thing," Jakob added, timidly, bringing out a notebook, "My Lady Catherine was organized. She wrote all 'er notes in this."
"He could've easily forged that!" Helena gasped out, grabbing wildly at loose ends.
"Spell it," Jakob snapped, looking offended at the thought that he would stoop that low to convict them, "Truth spell th'ladies. Ye'll see."
"How did you come upon these various things anyways? The painting, the notebook, the hankerchief?" Roger demanded, looking at Jakob expectantly, his face showing signs of pleasure. Alanna gulped, not at all liking that look.
The servingman blushed, "I nicked'em."
"Ah. You stole them you mean," the Duke of Conte gave a fake smile, eyeing the Lord Provost's features, which were disturbed. To what extent could they trust a thief?
A long silence ensued. Finally, Duke Gareth broke it with a simple statement and question, "I belive we are finished with Mr. Jakob. Who will check over his evidence for proof that it is liable with their Gift?"
"I shall," Roger offered, instantly.
However, Jonathan shot a look at Lord Provost, after which the judge said, "Unfortunately, I cannot let you do that."
"And why not?" Roger reddened, acting all innocent and offended.
"It is to my understanding that you may be-how do you say it...oh, biased, Your Grace," Lord Provost placed it, lightly, grinning unbashedly. Apparently, he wasn't taken in by Roger's charms either.
The Conte Duke looked to his Aunt and Uncle to rebuke this but they did not, "Very well. Then who shall conduct the check?"
"I can," Thom suddenly spoke up, "Under the surveillance of other mages of course."
Everyone looked to Lord Provost. Alanna crossed her fingers, hoping he'd say yes. Hoping he'd let Thom give them a fair shot at saving Alanna's neck.
"Very well," the Lord replied, waving his hand platonicly, "Now to the second part of our case, the accusations against Lady Alanna. Jakob Lancaster, you may exit the room on this occasion. I'm sure Squire Alan would not mind escorting you to the servants quarters as he heads off to the Gift department to study the evidence with at least three other full fledged mages?"
Thom took the hint and stood, Jakob followed suit. In a minute they were out of the room, their footsteps receding. The Lioness felt everyone watch her once again. Now that Jakob's part in the case was done, it was her turn. She rubbed her palms against her blue skirt, holding to get rid of some of the sweat.
"Lady Alanna, you have pleaded guilty to all your charges, but can you give us a reason why you have partaken in those very crimes?" Lord Provost questioned, seemingly fascinated by the youngest person he'd ever tried. Let alone a woman and a noble! Most noble ladies he saw weren't even aware that Tortall had a judisical system.
"Yes," she nodded, aware that her hair was cut almost as short as Thom's, "I imposed as the royal Niece and magicked the minds of all the Contes because I wanted to protect them. I had heard rumours of my Aunt's murderous past and had a feeling her next target was Prince Jonathan himself. All in court know that His Highness and my cousin, Lady Helena, were, at one time, together. My Aunt had planned to marry Helena off to the Prince, in hopes of obtaining fortune and the throne for her daughter. They both planned to kill His Highness off, as is demonstrated in their previous endeavours. I wasn't in love with the Prince, I was trying to protect the Prince."
"Why did you not just tell the King's Own or Lord Provost of this when you reached Corus?" Duke Gareth questioned, his eyebrows furrowed together.
"If I did, who, in the wide world would, believe me?" the Lady Squire asked in turn.
"But what of your brother, Alan; did he know of your plans?" Lord Provost implored.
"No, it was a necessary evil that I hide my true identity from him too," the Lioness responded, trying not to answer too fast or it would seem like she had rehearsed this, "I regret having to magic everybody very much. But I had to, you see. It was the easiest way to keep a close eye on the Prince and my Aunt Catherine."
"My Lord," Lady Catherine appealed, "She knows nothing. You see, I have never been her favorite Aunt..."
"Shh," he hushed her, "And what have you to say about co-working with a criminal?"
"When I met George Cooper, I wasn't aware that he was the King of Thieves. All I knew was that he was a commoner and had good connections up at the palace. Of course, I asked him to help me," Alanna clarified, "I was only a Convent girl from the City of Gods. I didn't know about the underbelly of Corus."
Lord Provost, Duke Gareth and the monarchs exchanged looks. It did make sense.
"But then why did you say you did it all to be close to the Prince at first?" Duke Roger shot, weakening their confidence in her.
"Um," the Trebond gulped, noticing Helena grin, happily, "It was because...I couldn't reveal my true motives just yet."
"Elaborate for us, why don't you," the Conte Duke teased, making the situation worse.
'Speak today or die tomorrow,' Faithful purred, egging her on.
"Erm, I couldn't because...Jakob hadn't arrived in Corus yet. Without him by actual story couldn't be plausible yet," Alanna finished, pleased with her response. Apparently so were the other adults. Other than Duke Roger, Helena and Catherine that is. They looked as if they had been sucking on lemons all day.
"Is this all you have to say, Lady Alanna?" Duke Gareth questioned, making Alanna cringe at the formality. She nodded and he went on, "You do understand that if the servingman Jakob's evidence proves false, tomorrow you and Jakob Lancaster, himself, will be most certainly sentenced to death?"
"Yes," the Lioness choked out, confirming her worst fears.
" Then the trial is ajourned," Lord Provost declared, "We will give our verdict tomorrow at the first hour when Squire Alan's findings reach us."
Alanna sat on the bed in the chambers she'd been given by the King and Queen. It was in the guest's quarters and was exceeding uncomfortably luxurious. The Trebond settled onto the softest bed imaginable which seemed to swallow her up. She had requested to be alone, closing all doors to visitors, even Faithful. She didn't want anyone to see her all nervous and twitchy. Waiting was possibly the worst part of this entire grueling mess.
The worst part about playing a noble lady was the fact that she couldn't count away the treacherous hours by partaking in one of her hobbies. Swordsplay, fencing, tilting, riding and archery were not something that a regular lady did when she wanted to pass the time.
So, in the end, the Lady Squire did nothing but sit on her bed and stare at the wall right across from her. That is, until she heard the door to the room next door, her sitting area, burst open. Thom rushed in to the bedchambers, excitement flooding his face. Alanna promptly stood at his entrance.
"You're as good as free!" Thom beamed, happily, which was uncharacteristic for him, "All Jakob's evidence matched up perfectly!"
"Really?" the Lioness smiled, feeling all the stress melt off her. She enveloped Thom in a hug, which he awkwardly returned by patting her back softly a few times. It was extremely difficult for both Trebond children to show affection, even to each other.
Alanna sighed out loud and plomped back down on her bed, "Then this mess can finally end! All of it! I won't even have to be wary with Aunt Catherine and Helena because they'll be in jail!"
"Yes," the mage nodded, "And it also means I can return to the City of the Gods to continue my magical training."
A strange quiet followed with Alanna finally saying, "Right. Of course you'll be going back."
"Well, you knew that I would have to eventually," Thom offered, rather incredulous at her disappointed reaction.
"I knew," the Lady Squire admitted, "I just wish you could've stayed longer. I never see you...and the one time I do, it's in the middle of all this."
Her brother sat on the bed next to her, oddly offering comfort, "Well, now's just not the time for us, is it? When we're grown and you're a Knight and I'm a sorceror, we can spend all the time in the world together."
"True," the Trebond grinned, faintly, "We still do have a lot of years ahead of us."
"You know me," Thom tried to joke, "I'll probably live to be one hundred."
"Then I'll be one hundred and one," Alanna chorused, laughing as she imagined both of them as old fussy nobles like some of the elderly groups at court.
"So tomorrow, before the verdict, I think we should trade places," Thom decided, "I heard mumbling and I believe they'll have a carriage ready to drag you away to the Convent right after the end of the trial. I'll go in your place since, luckily for us, I've spoken to Maude and she's made arrangements to get me back to the City of the Gods on that very trip."
"And I'll be here as Squire Alan...perfect," the Trebond said, relieved, "I can't believe I survived all this."
"You had about a dozen people working their hinds off for the mess too, mind you," Thom interjected, elbowing her in the ribs.
From the crack at the door that led to Alanna's sitting room, Helena smirked, triumphantly. She and her mother had expected to be convicted of the murders and sent to imprisonment, but they had also planned to give their dearest Alanna one last gift before they were taken away. And, it seemed, that both twins were playing directly into their waiting trap.
Helena stood, looking beautiful even in the dim unflattering light of the room. She swung her long brown hair over her shoulder, heading to the door that led out of 'Lady' Alanna's chambers. Just as she opened it, a sleek black cat slinked in through it. Helena glared down at it and it glared right back. She paled slightly as she caught its violet eyes. They were unnatural, just like Thom and Alanna's.
The Gallan dared to kick the cat, slightly and hiss, "Watch your step, kitten."
The cat reeled back and arched its back, defensively. Helena snarled, heading out the door and shutting the door, quietly behind her. Faithful sat by the door, hearing her footsteps fade. Then, he pawed his way into Alanna's bedchambers. He leaped onto the Lioness' bed and onto her lap. Once there, he rubbed his head against her chin and neck until she brought her ear close to his mouth. Then he whispered something that he thought might interest her.
Alanna sat beside Thom in the courtroom, legs and arms crossed. Unlike last night, today the courtroom was set up like an actual trial. Behind the two Trebonds, sat legions of nobles that had come to hear what fate would befall Alanna, Catherine, Helena and Jakob. For what it was worth, even the oldest noble lady spinsters and the strictest traditionalist were sitting amongst the crowds, eagerly.
Some royal servingmen and women had been allowed in too, just to tend to their masters. Carly, Lydia and the other maids cowered by Lady Winfred, Abigal, Lord Cobalt and Lincoln. They watched Alanna, apprehensively, still not quite believing that she had been the lady that they had waited upon those past few months.
Raoul, Gary, Douglass and Geoffery had come, simply, to support Squire Alan and if that meant his sister too, then so be it. Faithful sat in Alanna's lap once again, grinning at what he knew was to come. Alanna smiled to, glancing at Thom. He had no clue, of course because if he did, he would make a large fuss about it. The only way she'd gotten him to cooperate, unknowingly, was to say she would claim they didn't time alone to bid farewells. (Confused here? You'll get it later on like next chapter which will be most definitely the last chapter.)
Guards of the King's Own blocked every exit and entrance, not wanting another escape like George Cooper's. Alanna had a feeling the Rogue, himself, was in the court room at that moment, silently cheering her on. Lord Issac stood by the main door, a pouch of scotch at his belt. Roger stood near him, a dark scowl etched across his face. He had lost and he was most certaintly not happy with it.
Alanna felt someone come and sit directly behind her. She didn't have to look to know that it was Jonathan. Already her pulse had quickened. Though there was a small barrier seperating them, it felt as if they were the only two people in the room. Would she dare? Perhaps, getting it over with quick would be the way to go. Though he had said nothing to her, she whirled around, eyeing him. He smiled, faintly, and nodded to acknowledge her.
Intaking a sharp breath, she leaned in closer so that only he could hear, although she knew the whole court was watching her, itching to know what they were saying. He pulled his head forward too, listening intently.
Alanna took one last glance around the room, feeling everyone staring at her with a certain fascination, then said, "I love you."
After that, she turned back around, not wanting to see her Knightmaster's face as he digested those three words. All around them whispers erupted about what the convicted maiden could possibly have said to the heir to the Tortallan throne. Fortunately for the 'convicted maiden', the trial commenced just then with the Lord Provost knocking the gavelling three times. Order came to the court room and everyone hushed their gossip.
"We are here, today, to give the verdict on the Trebond-Conte-Lancaster-Galla case. King Roald, Queen Lianne, Duke Gareth, Duke Roger, the King's mages along with the help of Squire Alan of Trebond and I, myself, have all come to a conclusion on who is to be convicted and who not," Lord Provost speeched, his gaze penetrating every mind in the vicinity.
He paused a minute before continuing, the entire court held in suspense by what he was going to say. Alanna gripped Thom's hand, tightly, half wishing that she'd never have to here the verdict and just stand still in limbo. Lord Provost's voice finally broke the dim, "As far as Lady Alanna of Trebond goes, we find her not guilty of all charges. Her methods were questionable but her motives were honorable and meant for the good of the kingdom."
Polite applause met this part of the verdict. Everyone was happy to see someone innocent go free, but they'd rather have seen Alanna crash and burn. It made for a much better story. Alanna, however, was fit to burst with pleasure and relaxed by letting herself slouch in her chair.
"As for any Conte involvement," Lord Provost went on, "We find that none of them have been even remotely involved."
Far louder applause and even a few cheers met this. Everyone wanted to win favour with the royal family and if that meant cheering for them, then so be it. The Scanran Contes and the King and Queen all smiled, mechanically as they had learned to do over the years.
"Next, we have Mr. Jakob Lancaster," Lord Provost glanced down at the papers before him, briefly before looking back up, "He is entirely innocent of any charges that have been put against him, including lying to the law."
Jakob, who had been quite unnerved about getting involved in a noble case, looked intensely relieved. He even stood and bowed to the monarchs before seating himself again.
"Finally, we come to the Gallans," Lord Provost smiled, rather amusedly looking at Lady Catherine and Helena dressed in all their noble glory, "The court finds them...guilty of murdering Lord Erik of Sommerset and Duke Horenchio Thyler of Galla. Lady Catherine will be sentenced to a lifetime of work in the mines in the North of Tortall. Lady Helena, since is naught by an accomplice, will be sentenced to only seven years in the mines. You are to leave this very day."
A gasp washed over the court room. The Nobility instantly began whispering to the person next to them, eyes wide. They'd all heard rumours of the murder of Catherine's past two husband, but they had never thought she would someday be convicted. Most nobles were just not convicted. Just vile things only happened to commoners in Tortall's law system.
Helena looked ashen and horrified. Lady Catherine on the other hand was far more composed and merely said, "Yes my Lord."
Two Knights of the King's Own came forward, immediately, forcing Helena and Lady Catherine up. They took them roughly by the elbows, dragging them to the doors across the room. Helena looked appalled, her mouth shut in a tight-lipped line.
"Now," Lord Provost continued, as the Gallans were slowly being dragged outside, "May Alan and Alanna of Trebond please stand?"
The twins glanced at each other, nervously. What was this for? However, they both obeyed, standing up straight.
"Come around that desk," Provost commanded, relishing in the fact that he was working at their fears.
They both did. Alanna had not planned for this. Were they going to arrest her? Lord Provost nodded to a servingman standing beside him, who was holding two bags. He stepped forward, offering them both a pouch of blue velvet. The Lioness took her's, noticing that it was heavy.
"They are plaques gifted from King Roald and Queen Lianne, thanking you for your efforts to protect their life, Lady Alanna," Lord Provost explained, smiling for once, "And for you, Squire Alan, for your work in this trial."
Alanna and Thom were awestruck and brought out the golden plaques in shock. The Lady Squire stroked her's, glad that for once it was Alanna that had won a plaque for saving the kingdom instad of Alan. However, her joy was cut short quickly. Lady Catherine shrieked and bit the hand of the Knight holding her. He let go instantly, whimpering. So much for the King's Own. Catherine raced forward too fast for anyone to stop her, pulling down the twin's pants, revealing what she smugly knew was the true sex.
For the second time that day, the nobles gasped in shock.
Author's Note: Omg. LOL...I know, big cliffie. Ok, well next chapter is most def. the last chapter. I can swear on my life this time. Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed this. I didn't put everything in it but I gave you a taste I hope. The last scene in the court room will be detailed next chapter and that small but omigosh moment with Jon, yes next chapter Jon and Alanna will have a whole scene alone together to settle all that. Oh, and what's going to happen to Abigail and will she marry Roger too. Ok, read in and review please. You know the drill. Review or Die.
winky-wink
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