A.N.: I have found a problem in the timing of my story. I was hoping to keep it within the timeline of the book. However, my little twist would have to fit in the span of a few pages, meaning over a few days or a week at most. That is impossible so...just wanted to tell you that. Oh, yes, and sorry for the OOCness (especially on the part of Joren's cronies) On with the story!

Disclaimer: Tortall, Kel, and Joren belong to Tamora Pierce.

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Sworn Enemies:

The Hazing

Joren leaned against the wall listening to the laughter within. His year-mates were finishing their supper and he could hear a shining silver voice among the gray tones of the males around her. He laughed quietly at himself. Since when do you search out that chit's voice? And listen to it the way girls do to birds?

"Hey, Joren! What are you doing?" Garvey of Runnerspring spoke from inside the doorway. He watched as Joren turned behind the shadows and saw the glint of his eyes in the scant light. He hesitated, then pushed himself to stand before him. Marve of Tunnings Point and Reynold of Garrith followed. These were tag-a-longs that followed Joren around and almost worshipped the ground he walked on. Garvey was not an idiot, but the other two were from less prominent families and wanted his favor more than anything.

"You have something for us to do, right, Joren?" Marve asked with his eyes full of anticipation. Reynold nodded and stepped closer as if he was hard of hearing. Joren smiled and looked away from Garvey's annoyed expression to his twin puppies.

"Yes, I have something for you...will you boys grant me a favor?" He looked directly into the twins' eyes. They nodded energetically. He turned to Garvey.

"Of course, you needn't ask. I'm don't know what you're planning, but I'm free at the moment." Joren smiled and leaned in to whisper his secret.

"We're going to restart old traditions. First up, hazing the newcomers. Only this time, we're hazing first-year squires, not pages." The pups' eyed one another as Garvey snorted.

"And how are we going to manage that? They let us haze first-years to break them in. They needed to get used to things. Heh, I doubt those first-year squires need to." Garvey said sarcastically. Marve allowed a shaky smile and Reynold frowned. Neither could agree with Garvey without sounding like Joren's idea was bad. However, there was no need to worry for Joren grinned and explained.

"Why not? We're older, senior pages. They still need to be taught a thing or two. We're going to be knights soon because we're good. We teach them humility, modesty, and obedience. They'll be forever grateful." Slowly, the twins began to nod and laugh. Garvey only shook his head with a small smile on his face. "We start tomorrow morning."

"Alright, alright. Let's give it a try. Gods know I need some amusement these days." Garvey watched as the twins slapped each other on the back and played "Ball". It was a game they started every time Joren was near. It was as if he was a ball and they tried to bounce it as many times possible. Each bounce was a compliment that the other twin echoed and every bounce after had to be harder, the compliments better.

"That's such a good idea!"

"No one ever thought of that!"

"No, no one else could have thought of that!"

"Only you could!"

"Because you're so smart!"

"And so good-looking!"

Finally, Garvey rolled his eyes and held up his hands. "Alright, are you two interested in men? Stop falling all over him like drunkards over a whore. Unless you do want to-" Joren glared at him and barked out his name. Garvey stopped and chuckled to himself. The twins started and began to argue over one another. Each proclaimed he was not into men repeatedly, adding unconvincing arguments loudly.

Joren held up a hand and the pups silenced themselves. They had a hand over the other's torso as a barrier to be overheard above the other. Joren almost snorted at the picture, but he swallowed his mirth before speaking. "Thank you for the compliments, but I think you had better go back inside. Supper's over." The two competing boys straightened and dusted off their clothes before saying goodnight. Garvey watched as the two tried to walk properly, but it was hopeless as they bumped accidentally and thus, started to fight again. He waited until they were out of hearing before turning to Joren.

"So what is this all about? You can fool them, they're idiots. Not me, why would you try to restart the hazing? You know the Yamani Lump will just come after us again. While she's in Corus anyway." The young leader looked at Garvey for a moment.

"Have you heard of the Men of the Realm? Of the Gentlemen?" Garvey shook his head and looked at him curiously. He began to tell the story of his encounter with Lord Jotan of Dulion and the rest of the Gentlemen. He explained their goal and the mission he had been given. Garvey's eyebrows lifted to his hairline and his mouth twisted into a broad grin.

"Now I understand...I'll help you. You can count on me."

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A.N.: Apparently, I am only capable of short chapters. Sorry! I just write until I think the chapter should stop and I can write no more.

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