~*~*~*~ Dreams of a Lady ~*~*~*~
Chapter Five: A Little Treason Is Good For The Soul
Genre: General/Action/Romance
Rating: PG-13.
Disclaimer: Okay, last roll call for who's gonna help me steal George, Dom, Raoul and Briar (he got added to the list in the shuffle, but hey, more the merrier right?) I need to know who's gonna help me steal all of Tamora Pierce's delightful characters, because I, evidently, do NOT own them.
Author's Note: Okay. It seems I start every chapter this way, so as not to break tradition, I'm SO SO SOO SORRY. I haven't posted in nearly forever. I haven't been READING any fics and I haven't been being a good beta. (SORRY TO THOSE I BETA FOR!) I guess that I'm temporarily out of the fan fiction mood. I'm trying to get back into it, really I am. I should start reading fan fiction again soon….I hope. So, if I read your fic usually and haven't reviewed in ages, well it's not that I don't like your fic! I really do! I'm just out of the mood….I WILL keep up writing this story though. Promise. I may have given up my Harry Potter fic (it's soooooo disgustingly lovey dovey. Ew) but I will not give up on this one. Even if all of you stop reading. Okay. Chapter time. More A/N (do I rant on and on or what?) after the chapter!
~~~
Alanna pushed the mare on faster, Corus finally in sight. It had been raining much of the day, to Alanna's great displeasure, and to the displeasure of the small kitten, who had finally squirmed in between her tunic and shirt to keep warm and dry.
The rider passed the rolling farmlands, now empty of their crops, and plummeted into the city. Alanna thanked the Goddess, who she feared just a bit now, that the rain had pushed many indoors, half clearing the usually bustling market. The market was still crowded, however, but Alanna did not slow her sickening pace, forcing people to jump out of her way and yell angrily at her retreating back.
And so she continued, past the Temple District, unaware of a tall, cloaked woman who stood in the shadows of a temple dedicated to the Goddess, smiling, and watching the events of years to come fall into place.
The loud hoof beats attracted just who they were meant to, and Gary and Raoul came dashing out onto the lawn that lay sprawled before the palace.
Alanna leapt from Moonlight's back, landing with a soft thud, as the kitten leapt from the saddle bag he had been riding in. "Am I too late?"
Gary somberly shook his head, deciding not to comment on the cat. "I don't know what you think you'll be able to do, but no one can seem to pinpoint just what is wrong with Jon. And no one seems to be able to help him either."
"I'd hate myself if I didn't at least try. Who knows, my brother was able to save him from the Sweating Sickness, perhaps I can save him from this." She didn't voice her doubts in her Gift as Gary and Raoul both studied her with wonder.
~~~
Alanna paced her room, completely aware of the violet eyes following her. The king and queen had rather forcefully forbidden her to see Jonathan, and though they tried their hardest not to show it, seemed to think her evil. Raoul later explained that they were still hung up on what had happened between Alanna and Alex that summer. Alanna wanted to scream in frustration, but didn't and instead started questioning any one that would answer about her brother's disappearance. No one seemed to have the time of day, of course, as they were too worried about their Prince.
Alanna sighed. I might have as well stayed home… she thought, sitting down hard on her bed, causing the kitten to yowl, unsettled, as he jumped aside. It wasn't long until she was lost deep in though.
There was a knock upon her door, causing Alanna to stir slightly.
"'S'open."
Gary walked in and sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at the statuesque figure beside him.
"We'll find him, Alanna," he promised.
Alanna could only nod.
"And I'm sure Uncle Roald and Auntie Lianne will come to their senses. You just need to give them time."
Alanna turned to Gary, a grave look on her face. "We might not have time, Gary."
They sat in a thoughtful silence for some time, before Gary finally spoke. "Actually, I came in to deliver a message."
He withdrew a folded, sealed piece of parchment from his shirt and handed it to her.
"From the Rogue."
Alanna smiled faintly.
"You know the Rogue, I take it?"
Alanna nodded. "In a twisted sort of way."
Gary looked at her, thousands of questions flying about behind his kind eyes, but he did not speak them. Instead, he patted Alanna gently on the knee. "We'll get things straightened out, Alanna."
She gave him another small smile, and finally bid him goodbye as he bowed himself out of her room. She tore open the letter, quickly recognizing George's familiar scrawl.
'Lanna
You have to come down to the Dove, tonight, if you can. I may have a few solid leads and I think you should hear about them. Burn this immediately, as usual.
I'll be seeing you soon,
G.C.
Alanna sighed, and tossed the letter into the fire where it popped and disintegrated. Though it wasn't much, George's note did give her some hope, but barely enough to sustain her. She decided to make for the Dove, directly, leaving a black cat sleeping on her bed.
~~~
A heavily cloaked figure stepped into the nearly deserted inn, casting a tentative look around. Solom sat as he usually did, behind the bar and a few rogues sat scattered at tables, drunk already or drunk still.
"Solom!" Alanna called.
"Lanna? Back so fast? By the Gods, ye just couldn't stay away, could ye?"
Alanna forced a smile. "Have you seen George around, Solom?"
"Try his mother's. He's been over there helping her pour through medicine books."
Alanna nodded to the innkeeper. "Thanks Solom!" she said, before quickly slinking back out into the street.
She reached Mistress Cooper's house quickly, despite the bustle of people, and knocked sharply at the door. A few seconds past and the door cracked open, allowing one hazel eye to peer out. The eye crinkled in a smile, and the door flew open and George embraced Alanna tightly.
"You made it in one piece!" he said, checking her over for injuries.
She scowled at him, which caused him to smile as he showed her into the house.
Eleni Cooper was hunched over a large book that was set precariously on several more large books, all piled a top the scrubbed wooden table. She looked up when she saw Alanna and quickly embraced her.
"It's good to see you again," she said, smiling warmly.
"And you. I'm glad to find you well, Mistress Cooper," Alanna said politely.
Eleni turned to her son. "Why can't the rest of your friends be like this?"
"Alanna's a one and only, mother," George said with a grin as he offered Alanna a chair.
"Have you found anything?" Alanna asked the older woman as she sat, opening the book in front of her.
Eleni shrugged hopelessly. "Not much. We can't pinpoint his symptoms to one disease."
"What are they? I wasn't allowed to see him."
"He has a fever that barely allows him to live. His breath is irregular and he often struggles with it. His heart beats erratically and every so often he has these bizarre seizures. He is awake, part of the time, but his eyes are blank, and lifeless."
"And what have the palace healers discovered?" she asked, turning to the healing woman's son.
"As far as I know, nothing," George said. "They're in the dark about all of it, just like us."
"Oh Mithros," Alanna sighed. "Are his chambers guarded?"
George nodded. "Two guards stationed at the door and assorted healers and clerics in his room."
Alanna swore softly, quickly excusing herself when Eleni gave her a reproachful glance.
"I can get you in there," George said assuredly.
Alanna nodded. "As soon as tonight?"
George nodded.
"How do you plan to pull this off?" Alanna asked.
"I'm no stranger to a monk's robes."
Alanna grinned. "I can take care of the guards."
The look she got from George was mildly worried.
"I won't hurt them!" Alanna promised.
"Fine. We meet directly inside the Temple District nearest the palace, two hours before midnight."
"Alright," Alanna agreed. "Shall I see if I can get Gary and Raoul to help out?"
George thought for a while. "Yes, do that. We need all the help we can get right now."
"Then I'd better start out. I have a few things that need taking care of before the sun sets."
She got up and embraced Eleni around the shoulders as the woman poured over a new volume.
"Good luck, dear," the healing woman said, with out looking up.
"Thank you, Mistress Cooper. Goddess be with you."
She turned to George. "Send message to Gary or Raoul if you find out anything. Anything at all."
He nodded and walked her to the door. "I don't know what you're planning, but be careful, Alanna."
"I'm always careful," she said with a smug grin, as she pulled her cloak about her. She kissed him quickly on the cheek and before George had even regained his senses, she has disappeared down a dark alley.
~~~
It didn't take long for Alanna to find the vendor she was looking for, as she knew just where to look. Indeed, the man she sough had a small shop several alleys from any main road. After several turns, and narrow alleys, Alanna found the dingy door and banged on it roughly.
A crotchety looking man opened the door.
"Tobias," Alanna greeted, keeping her voice low.
"Wot d'ya want lassie? Ye ain't got business in thi' par' o' town."
"Oh, but I do," said Alanna. "I know for a fact that you deal largely in poisons and poison is what I need."
"Are ye willin' ta pay?" he asked, stepping aside so she could enter his musty shop.
Alanna nodded, glad to be getting somewhere with the vendor. She scanned the bottles that lined the shelves.
"Wot are ye lookin' fer?"
"Helithame, powdered if you have it."
"I migh' but it'll cost ye."
"How much."
"Ten nobles an eighth of a stone weight."
"Are you jesting!?" Alanna asked in surprise.
The man gave her a hard look.
"Most vendors sell it for three! It's only a relaxant!"
"Ten nobles an eighth of a stone weight."
"Four."
"Eight."
"Five."
"Seven."
"How about thirteen for a forth."
The man thought about it. "Deal."
The poison vendor disappeared, allowing Alanna to look about, and to carefully pocket a few vials of ingredients that could come in handy later on.
The man returned with a slightly bulging envelope. "Best if inhaled, but can be ingeste'."
Alanna counted thirteen coins into the man's hand and slid the envelope into her shirt front. "Thank you for your time."
"Thank ye fer yer gold."
Alanna inclined her head slightly to the man and exited the musty shop, sighing at the light weight of her belt purse.
~~~
It didn't take Alanna long to get back into the palace with her small parcels tucked carefully under her cloak. She slid into her room, locked the door securely and with magic, and put a misshapen pot full of water over the fire. With more practice then she should have had, she fastened a cloth over her mouth and nose and dumped the envelope of helithame into the water. The water began to fizz and vapors shot up, stinging her eyes. She set her face in a grim picture of fortitude and broke the wax seal on a vial she had stolen and carefully poured the shimmering, oily black liquid into the pot. The oily substance she had added was an essence squeezed from dragonshoot, a plant found only in Carthak, she guessed, and was known for it's strengthening and solidifying powers.
As if by stirred by some unseen hand, the murky liquid thickened and the vapors rose faster, and stronger then before. Alanna bit her lip to keep from wincing and barely succeeded. It was as she was breaking the seal on another vial that a knock sounded at her door.
She coughed as some of the vapors assaulted her mouth and said in a voice as ill as she could muster, "I'm not feeling too well and I'm not decent." She coughed again, this time falsely, and drew the screen before the fire shut, setting the barely opened vial on the hearth.
"Alanna," came a familiar voice, "it's me! Let me in!"
Alanna sighed, and went to the door, taking out a cloth for her friend. She opened the door a crack and peeked out, finding Raoul alone. She handed him the cloth.
"I wouldn't come in with out this over your mouth and nose," she warned. "And if you're coming in, lock the door."
Raoul quickly nodded and fastened the rag around his lower face then slid into the room and locked the door.
"What in Mithros's name are you doing?!" he demanded.
She looked at him impatiently. "Well, Jon's chambers are guarded, correct?"
He nodded, trying to rub the sting of the assaulting vapors from his eyes.
"Don't do that. That'll make it worse. Close your eyes if the steam is bothering you. Anyway. You know the Rogue, am I right?"
Again, Raoul nodded. "But how do you?"
"He's been helping me and my brother smuggle things back and forth, and he got me here from the convent. That's not important though. I just came back from seeing him and we've come up with a plan."
"Whoa, whoa. Back up. You met with the Rogue?! Alanna, are you daft?"
"Probably yes, but that's not the point. Anyway, he handed me a few vials and gave me some instructions. We're breaking into Jon's room tonight. It's the only way, Raoul."
"Oh Mithros…"
Alanna shook her head and returned to the draught she was making.
"Oh Mithros…" said Raoul again. Alanna paid no heed to his words however, figuring he'd babble himself out after a while, and babble he did. While stirring the draught, she caught words including, "daft" "crazed" "illegal" and "treason."
She sighed. Men. "Raoul," she finally said.
He looked up at her, his beetle black eyes confused.
"Raoul. This is probably our only chance. Don't think of it as treason. It'll only be treason if we're caught, and the Rogue and I have taken steps not to get caught. And we're doing it for Jon. Raoul, you've known Jon for nearly forever. You want to help him out, don't you?"
Raoul nodded dumbly.
"Good," said Alanna. "And you swear not to tell a soul what we're going to do until it's done?"
Raoul nodded again. " But what about Gary?"
Alanna bit her lip. "Can he keep quiet?"
"If it comes down to Jon's life, yes."
"Alright. He can be told."
"So, if I even want to know, what sort of treasonous act are you committing right now?"
"I'm mixing a draught that I'm later going to soak rags in. It's a relaxant. A very strong relaxant. Or so the Rogue told me."
"That's why we have to cover our mouths and noses?"
Alanna nodded, as she stirred the draught. "If you were to inhale some of these vapors, you'd be out until tomorrow. And that's at a distance."
"Oh gods…and that's how you plan to handle the guards?"
"You catch on quickly."
"What about the monks that have been hanging over Jon's bed?"
"The Rogue said he'd handle it."
Raoul gave her a funny smile. "It's sort of strange, isn't it? We're being helped by one of the biggest thieves in Tortall."
Alanna barely stopped herself from saying, "the biggest."
~~~
Alanna, Gary and Raoul met George under a tall shady tree just outside the Temple District. Alanna's sharp eyes saw from a distance that he carried a bundle of sorts.
George bowed to each of them, deepest to Alanna, when they reached him. He then looked back and forth between them.
"Who wants to be a frail old monk for the night?"
"It should probably be me," Alanna said. "You are all too tall. Most old men are short and hunched."
"Fine. You have the helithame I gave you, right?"
Alanna produced two shimmering purple bags from within her tunic.
"Good. Now, here's the plan," George said, and whispered the plan to the two knights and the lady thief.
~~~
Author's Note some more: Again, so sorry it's late! Sorry it didn't really go anywhere. It's setting up events for the next chapter. I think you guys will like the next chapter, especially those of you who don't like Jon. He suffers a great deal. Poor baby. ^_^ Anyway, Jon agony, a little mission. Many of you are probably wondering about Thom. That will be worked out in the next few chapters too! So, sorry. Please don't hate me and/or throw rotted veggies at me.
Oh, and a new chapter of The Chronicles should be up soonish. It's being beta read! (Thanks to my fantastic betas!)
Thanks to….
Silenttina: It shall be graphic. I promise you that. And, thanks for sticking with me! And I have nothing against the name Tina…I thinks it's very pretty! Heh!
Anonymous: I'm glad you're glad! *hugs* About the website. My old site (pixie writes.iwarp.com) hasn't been updated in ages. My friends and I are having a REAL domain! Yay! It's whompingbananas.com. I'm now velle.whompingbananas.com. I have to tweak it a bit, but it should be up in a week or so. ^_^ Thanks much!
Forget-me-not: Sorry for the slow update….
Nicole: I'm so glad you won't strangle me…that would be very tragic…Btw, you're scaring me. *pats Nicole on head* but that is a-okay. I've seen TTT like four times by now…*blush* It was very good! ^_^ Oh, and I'm scrapping HP and the Endless Darkness. It's getting too…childish…but I'm gonna rewrite and repost. As for a Lily/James, I have a rather…twisted idea for that…starts as a Sirius/Lily. Heh. When I get time…when I get time…I also have a twisted Harry Potter/ Tamora Pierce alternative universe crossover on the back burner. Tee hee. I'm too busy…As for a beta for this story….how many chapters haven't I had one…yikes. Yeah, I'll send you the next chapter as soon as it's done! (That could be ages from now…) Thanks SO much for offering. (Is my spelling really that bad?) *hugs* You rock!
QueenFrosteen: Your rabbit sounds quite formidable! Bring him along! Silk…me writing a D. Edding's fic….I have an angsty, somewhat depressing Silk ficlet in the planning. Don't know when I'll finally get it out though! Thanks for showing interest! *hugs*
Cytosine: I'm so glad you liked the fears! I figured Alanna couldn't be afraid of love, because, hey, she's kissed Jon…and rather likes George…as far as A/J fluff…there won't be THAT much more….just a little….sorry….
Adri the wonder girl (not to be confused with that absurd "Fido The wonder pup who is shunned and hated in all circles of the fan fiction world): We should start a club of people that update maybe…once every five months. We can have a cool name and everything. I've decided not to kill Jon. Isn't that tragic? Well, yes. But, excruciating pain! And oh…THEN the treachery sets in. You'll like that part…maybe I'll post a cookie in my LJ….maybe more people would read it then…I might write a side fic of Jon dying in very brutal and graphic ways and then Thom bringing him back to life until he begs to just die and then, oh then….*realizes she's ranting demonically* Ahem. Sorry about that. Glad you liked it! Thanks for FINALLY updating Conscience! Twas SUPERB! You're the greatestest! *many hugs and kisses and wub and rant rant rant other happy wubby things.*
Sakura-Chan: Thank you…and….er…here's a chapter…don't hurt me!!!
Dragonlady: *titter* He he. That's…twisted? Glad ya liked it! *hugs*
Daine: I'm very glad you liked it! ^_^
Snoopy: More action coming...this chapter was dull, yes I know. But…it should pick up soon. I mean, next chapter they bust into Jon's room. That should be fun. I guess.
Rosielady: Sorry for the slow update…I'm glad you like it!
Michy: Don't you love my mad proofreading skills? Heh. But, I'm getting a beta…then you can blame her! Heh. As for why I was up at 3 am…I get creative in the middle of the night. Especially under the influence of Diet Cherry Coke. Yeah…her titles are too long. I like the POTS series. "Squire" "Knight". So easy….*many hugs* You rock Mich! Glad you're stickin with me! And sorry for my lateness…and I rather like the name Puxie. Hehe. It's cute. ^_^ If you think of something evil to call me, do tell me!
Starfire: I never update "soon". Sorry about that….
Keziah: I am most inspired in the middle of the night….Faithful. He's got this wonderful dry sense of humor…And sorry for my slowness…and sorry for mainly everything wrong with my fic. Um…yes, Jon agony. Should be joyous. And then…only a small amount of Jon fluff…and then…oh…then…heh. Glad ya liked! *hugs* And of course you can share George!
Rivenloe: spiffy-icious!?!?! That word ROCKS!
Dandylioness: Alanna will not be too terribly steered. I mean, she will NOT sleep with Jon. Is that any consolation? No? well, sorry. I'm such a nightowl…my mom hates it…*grin* thanks!
Witch Child: heh. *grin* You wouldn't happen to have two of those discreet black and white striped robber outfits, would you? Yes, yes. Neal too…(we're up to..like five people now…) Glad you liked it. Sorry about your CWB. I have a mild case of it…L
Undiscovered Actree: I'm sorry I'm SUCH a bad beta….*hides* Don't hate me!!!!!!
Rose: Thanks!
Lady Taliana: A bit crap? Wow….*runs off and cries* I'd be very interested to read your story when you post! Do tell me when you do! *hugs*
Xelena: Thanks doll!
Don't Click Here: Way to go…forgetting your password…heh…I've done that with so many e-mail accounts….Good Charlotte. Were they by chance with NFG? I heard they were going to tour together, but I'm so out of the loop with punk right now…poor me. Joren TOO? My God. Well, Adri and I like Joren…so…yeah. That sounds like a plan! Btw, what do you think of an alternative universe crossover featuring a load of Harry Potter characters and a load of TP characters (namely Kel and Joren)???
Sazza: Please don't die…
Ishmael: You stayed up late reading my fics?? Aww! You're so wonderful!!! *hugs* I don't get A/J fans either. I mean, Jon's like as big of a prig as they come…Sheesh. Very glad you like!! *Hugs*
Alissa: Please don't die…that would be very tragic….
Summer: Thanks! ^_^
snowy love-angel: Thanks so much!!! *many hugs*
Hyperchick88: Thank you!
Well, that's done…and now I'm going to post. Sorry if there are lots of mistakes….next chapter will be beta-d! Thanks for stickin with me!!
*many hugs*
Sara