Another chapter complete. Ever since I wrote the first I've had this nagging feeling telling me to hurry the hell up and post the next. I even wanted to skip school today to work on it…although; my parents would've hung me for it. I'm sooo happy today thanks to my first reviewer. May good fortune smile upon you always! I just might have a good sleep tonight! Anyways, enough about me, I swear I talk waaaay too much! I'm sure you wanna get started on reading the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Sigh… I don't own it.

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Chap. 2: Mission

Daine was just starting to feel overwhelmed when the sound of fast hooves could be heard, getting louder as they came closer to the house. A man on a grey steed approached. He cleared his throat and shouted over the noise, "Is there a Numair Salmalin and aDaine Sarrasri?"

The crowd suddenly quieted and stepped aside to reveal the man and girl.

The man rode up to them. "His Majesty wishes to see you both in the capital as soon as possible."

"We'll leave right away then," Numair replied.

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"What do you think Jonathan needs us for?" Daine asked, saddling cloud.

"Who knows, magelet," Numair replied.

They left the stable to fond that most of the people had gone home, knowing that they'd just bee in the way if they didn't.

Daine turned back when she heard an irritated chirp to find Kitten looking up at Daine. The dragonet didn't like the idea of being left behind.

Dismounting, she picked Kitten up and remounted. "You're like a second shadow to me, Kitten, you do realize that?"

Numair chuckled. "If that's everyone, I think we should get going. We shouldn't keep him waiting."

"You're right."

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Daine and Numair stood with Jonathan, looking over a map of Tortall.

"Maren plans to wage war on us. Tusane and Gallan armies are doing the best they can to keep them from passing through. Unfortunately, Tyra refuses to help in driving this force back unless there is an arranged marriage. You will escort my son, Prince Roald to Tyra."

"I don't know about this, Jon. This seems more like the kind of thing Alana should be doing," Numair responded.

"She is busy in Galla, helping the armies. How many troops do you think you'll need?"

"Three," Numair replied.

"Three troops?" Jonathan asked, raising an ebony eyebrow.

"Three people," Daine answered.

"You do realize I'm entrusting you with the life of my son."

"This is only one person in need of protection. Five protectors should be enough. Besides, I believe he can wield a sword," Numair explained.

Jonathan sighed. "Choose your three wisely."

"Don't worry. We'll get him to Tyra just fine."

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The three selected were Buri, Raoul, and Shinkokami, a girl who had recently joined the riders.

As they prepared to set out, a quiet voice asked, "Might I come along with you?" It was Perin.

"We're not going on a simple outing, Perin. We're going all the way to Tyra with Roald. I don't know if you'd be-" Daine was cut off.

"Are you sure you're up to the task, Perin?" Numair asked.

The Blonde youth nodded. "Certain."

"But, Numair-" Diane began.

"It'll be fine, magelet."

She sighed. "Fine."

As they rode on ahead, Perin smiled to himself. Excellent, now, to start a quarrel. I'll have to find a perfect moment.

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That's Chap.2. It would've been longer, but I've got a mountain of stuff that I've got to do for tomorrow. I'll probably end up doing most of my updating on the weekend. It's more thinking time.

Happily Depressed: Thanks for reviewing. I hadn't even thought of the line that way when I wrote it. I'm so scatterbrained sometimes that I probably didn't realize it at the time. Thanks for pointing that out!