Gone!
Alanna awoke at dawn the next morning. She washed and dressed, leaving Faithful napping on her bedroll. She yawned and stepped into the early morning light, and her eyes screwed up at the sudden contrast in light compared to the dark inside of her cosy tent. Alanna walked quietly over to the shaman's tent.
"Kara," she whispered, "can I come in?"
"Of course!" was the happy reply. Alanna pushed aside the tent flap and walked into the tent. Kara lit some candles with her Gift and ran over to Alanna, hugging her tightly. Alanna was led over to a chair in the corner of Kara's large tent. They both sat down, and talked until the sun was high in the middle of the sky. Suddenly, a figure in the centre of the room in the bedroll (previously unnoticed by Alanna) stirred and sat up.
"Kara?" Alanna inquired. "Who is this?"
Kara, blushing, replied: " Alanna, this is my husband, Nakim." Nakim waved at Alanna, smiling. Alanna smiled back, whispering congratulations to Kara, who blushed even more profusely.
Later in the day, Kara and Alanna met up with Kourrem, who was delighted to see Alanna. They ate their evening meal together, and the two other shamans managed to convince Alanna to commune with the Voice of the tribes. Alanna only allowed herself to go because she wanted to let Jon know she was ok; she hadn't heard from him since she left, which was unusual. On their way to the fire where they always communed, a messenger intercepted them.
"Lady Alanna?" the messenger asked. Alanna nodded. "Your presence is requested at the palace immediately."
"Thank you. I will leave right away." Alanna replied.
"Good day, my lady." The messenger said, and left them standing there, Alanna frowning.
Alanna mounted Moonlight and rode off into the gaping horizon, waving to Kara and Kourrem. She sighed, still looking puzzled. A cool night breeze blew her hair gently around her in coppery waves. She couldn't even begin to guess what she was needed for, she was a useless ruler and everyone knew it, so what could it be? Maybe it was Jon…No, it couldn't be. You haven't heard from him, he is usually in contact by now… Oh how she hated that part of her mind. It wouldn't let her escape the reality of things. For now, she would just have to go back and see. All she could do until then was wait, and wonder.
Alanna walked briskly into the meeting chamber. George was meant to meet her here, at precisely about…now. She took a seat, and right on cue George strode in. He took the seat opposite her, and she was surprised to see that a frown spread across his face in the place of his usual charming smile. Alanna couldn't help but worry more, it must be bad…
"Alanna, hello. It's nice to see you." He said, his voice full of concern. Alanna looked up at him, wondering what could be terrible enough to do this to him.
"George, what is it? You look terrible!" she commented anxiously.
"Thanks a lot, you look great too," he said dryly. "Alanna, how can I tell you this…"
"Tell me what?" she asked, her voice getting higher. Alanna's heart started thudding uncomfortably.
"Alanna…Jon is missing."
Alanna turned pale. A tear trickled down her face and she wiped it away with the back of her hand.
"Who? When?" she began, her voice shaking, but was unable to say any more.
"Sometime in the middle of the night, the day you left. Whoever it was had a good plan; no one saw anything. When we woke up the guards, they hadn't seen anything. We found tracks that led to the forest, but they stopped there. Someone or something had concealed them." George explained. Alanna sat still, staring out of the window. George got up and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned on him, the sobs finally escaping.
"I have to find him," she said through a river of tears.
"Alanna, you can't…"
"I have to."
Alanna wandered through the rose gardens. It's funny, she thought, I seem to have most memories from this garden. She shook her head, blinking back tears. She had to stop thinking like this. She would see him again; he would be fine. And yet she couldn't stop thinking that…Stop it! She scolded herself. Her mind was already made up, whether people liked it or not. She was going to find him.
Review please! I can stop writing if you like, if it's getting boring now. I'm going to put up chapter 13 at about 2 am, so I should only be half an hour-ish. Thanks to Seirien, coolkatcool, Charlie and Lola, Queen Alanna of Conte and Anjaka for your reviews so far!
Note: Well here's the adventure you asked for, Seirien! Hope you like it!