Right well I seem to be back on track, (as in I know where I'm going with this) there will probably be aomewhere in the region of 17-20 chapters. But I don't really plan that far ahead, So here goes.

Disclaimer is as always, mainly consisting of me staring at Tamora with green eyes. (Very much like Neal's eyes!) Thanks to Animalwriter1 for past ideas and no doubt future ones too, and not to mention all my reviewers who answer my questions and so willingly correct my mistakes on information taken from the glorious TP books :P. (I am grateful for this, so don't read that as sarcasm please- more humour…)

Irish Violinist- Thank you for reviewing, and I'm glad you want me to update- that's what I'm here for.

Nativewildmage- Ah, Thanks for complimenting my Title chapter. I usually muck them up (The title I put is different than the one it says on the story) but I seem to have sorted that out. I've started a pattern with them- Something and Something usually.

Kings Lioness- Yup, you were right all along- it wasn't the real Kel. Well I believe that Alanna is going to appear in this chapter- so you'll soon find out.

On top of cloud 9- Thank You.

Redbird-flying-away –I'm thrilled you love it. I didn't see it coming either but I had t think of something a little more…obscure but it does have reasoning behind it.

Now without further a due I give you the greatly anticipated chapter 13 (Dramatic? Moi? Never.) …

Chapter Thirteen: Metaphors and Thirst

Recap: "So, is it a deal?"

(DOM POV)

Dom had been waiting in the King's Study for what seemed like forever, pondering over what should be done. Obviously it wasn't up to him, the situation was out of his hands- but what would he do? She only wants a harmless (Or so he hoped) chat, nothing wrong could come of that, could it? Just as he was faced with this problem, the King strode into the room, followed by his council of close and powerful friends- Numair was there with his partner Daine, Lord Wyldon of Cavall, and one of his two spymasters- Sir Myles.

Dom felt out of his league surrounded by some of the most famous and powerful people in the realm, but quickly realised that he had met them all before once or twice- and were as down-to-earth and normal as himself.

They took armchairs and seats dotted around the room, and the King addressed them.

"Everyone, I'm sure you've all Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle- he was the one in charge of the operation. Now, do you know why I've called you all here?" There was a murmur of 'No,' and questioning stares. "Well a situation has arose-"

"-What do you mean by 'situation'? You use the word lightly, but it could mean anything from she's escaped killing five men, or she's broken a nail on her cell door. Which is it?" The man who interrupted was Lord Wyldon, who had resigned from training the new pages a few years before but was still well respected and had plenty of experience in and out of the field. Everyone here was a friend of King Jonathan so felt comfortable enough to express their views- even I it meant interrupting the King of Tortall's welcome speech.

"If you let me continue, I was just about to get to that." Jonathan was used to tempers- he'd known Alanna since they were young. "I've realised there's no point me beating about the bush, so here it is. The prisoner that we know currently as 'Keladry of Mindelan' has offered a deal."

"She is hardly in a place to try and strike a deal, if I may say so." It was Sir myles who had expressed his opinion this time.

"What kind of deal?" The room was silenced by the mage's words.

"She will answer any questions and may tell us the whereabouts of the real Keladry-"

"If you give me a day, two at the max, I could find out where she is without asking her. Or if you just give me half a day with her I'm sure I could make her break."

"By then it may be too late for Kel." Dom stepped out from the shadow of the door, and all heads had turned to him. "I thank you for your offer Sir Myles, but under these circumstances I think it may be better if we co operated to a certain extent. I was given the impression that the real Kel was in danger- and may already be, as afraid I am to admit it- dead. We need to act fast if we have even the slightest chance of saving her."

"What does she want in return?" Daine spoke quietly, but everyone listened to her words- she and Numair seemed to be the only ones who were thinking straight.

"She wants to have a chat with me." Jonathan's words were greeted by a wave of confusion.

"Then what is there to discuss? We can still save Kel, and all we need is five minutes of your time. It's hardly one to think about." Lord Wyldon said what everyone thought by was too scared to actually say.

"That's true- but there are some things I need you all to do before hand. Daine, if it's not too much trouble, can you ask any animals if they've seen anything suspicious around here in the past week or so. Numair, have you finished the tests on that sample of liquid Sergeant Domitan sent you?" Numair shook his head.

"I'll go finish them as quickly as I can."

"Don't rush them though, "Jonathan shouted as Numair and Daine hurriedly walked out of the door. "Now Sergeant Domitan, could you and half a dozen of your men escort the prisoner here, I'll be waiting for our chat. Tell her we've agreed to her terms. Sir Myles if you can find out anything you possible can from your souces it would be a great help- and Lord Wyldon?"

"Yes King Jonathan?" Finally some proper work to do!

"You couldn't get me a drink from the kitchens, could you? My throat is parched…"

"Of course…" Lord Wyldon attempted a smile (failing miserably) and exited the room.

(Dom POV)

The keys unlocked the door with a loud click. Kel awoke and a grin spread across her face.

"So, he's agreed to the deal has he?"

"King Jonathan has accepted your terms, yes. You will receive a chat with his Highness, but I will be present- and I will watch you like a hawk."

"Are you going to shapeshift into one then?"

"No, it's a metaphor."

"Pretty crappy metaphor isn't it? I mean you can't even change into a hawk so I don't know what the point in even saying it was…"

"Look, be quiet or you won't get to see him. It's as simple as that. Now, while we escort you up to the study, why don't you go over all possible meanings of the phrase 'Silent as the grave' in you head?" He patted her on the head. "Now that's a good girl." And with that he lead her away from the dreary cell, and up towards the King.

(A/n I believe that was a phrase said in pirates of the Caribbean- but when I look at online scripts it isn't on there- but hey, I've got it from somewhere.)