AN: So I am updating earlier than I thought (thanks to spring break). I forgot to say that this story is set 15 years after trickster's queen. And also I forgot a disclaimer: so yeah, this all Tamora Pierce's stuff except the character (Mia) that I invented and the plot. Bow down to Tammy—she's the best!
Mia woke to the sound of horse's hooves clattering by her window. It was two weeks after she had returned to Tortall and trouble in the surrounding countries was getting worse. The islands in the ocean had severe storms, Scanra had severe crop failure, Carthak's unruly nobles were wanting power in Tortall, even suspicious actions were occurring in Tyra and Maren, the two eastern countries. As she peered out of the room she shared with Sarra, Mia saw a group of the King's Own leaving. "What now?" she muttered to herself. As the noise of the soldiers faded away she heard her mother calling angrily. The day had begun.
Veralidaine stomped into the room as Ademia was washing her face. "Mia," her mother snapped, "I told you to get those reports to a messenger last night."
"But Ma," Mia whined, "It was late and I was tired when you told me."
"That doesn't matter. Those reports needed to be sent off to Pirate's Swoop quickly. They have a bunch of information that some darkings sent me about that Rebel Carthaki Lord's plan. And you forgot to tell Numair to send off the supply wagons to Scanra. You know there are plenty of starving people up there. With that drought going on they need all the help they can get. Mia, you need to do you part—no don't roll your eyes at me—now that you're older you're expected to do your duty to the Crown. I want you dressed and ready to ride in half an hour, you are going with your father to get tasks from the King. Oh, and tell Sarra she needs to come with you. Both of you have skills that are valuable." Mia was getting sick of hearing about her obligation to work. Daine turned to go. "When you go to the palace don't let your sister flirt with all those silly boys." She said with a twinkle in her eye. Mia didn't care for boys or any such romantic things. Her Ma knew that giving permission to embarrass Sarra in front of her lovers would cheer Mia up.
Mia trotted on her horse, Fritz,while scarfing down a fruit-filled roll that her mother had handed her as they rushed out the door. "Fwhere were ta sholjers vein bent?" Mia asked her father.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Numair replied good naturedly. She swallowed and asked again.
"Where were the soldiers being sent?"
"That troop I believe was head down to Pirate's Swoop to meet up with Alanna then embark on a journey to Carthak to talk with Emporer Kaddar."
"I'll bet the Lioness will enjoy that," Mia giggled. Alanna of Pirate's Swoop got seasick very easily. They rode on in silence. Ademia was pushed out of her thoughts by a slight tugging on her tunic. She grabbed the small furry hand that was sticking out of her saddle bag and pulled out a pygmy marmoset monkey. Bartholomew, she said using mind speak to talk to her good friend, I thought I left you at home. Bartholomew, Mia's source of mischief, chattered. Ahh, but that is what you thought, here I am now. He jumped on to Mia's shoulder. I wouldn't want to miss any fun, he laughed.
The journey went through the city to the palace. Mia and Bartholomew chatted the whole way. When Numair, Sarra and Mia arrived the monkey scampered off to visit Zek, his relative and a friend of Daine's. "Come along girls," said Numair, dragging Sarra away from a group of young men. "But Da, I'm seventeen and I have to get to know them." Sarra thought she was definitely ready to start courting and already fantasizing about marriage. 'Silly women swooning over silly men,' Mia thought disgustedly, 'I'll never be like that.'