Distant Memories – Hopes
Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I don't own these characters, countries or anything. I just added in a few extra character's to make things exciting.
»-(¯v´¯)-»
A routine had emerged. In the morning Alanna was given scraps for breakfast, then lead out to a heavily protected practice courts to exercise for half an hour. She was then locked in her room, but would be well fed at lunch time. During the afternoon she was left to stare out the window. In the evening she would join Duke Hilam and Duchess Gwyn, there Hilam would try to get information out of her. That's what had happened to Alanna for the past week.
Like she had for the past week, Alanna went to dinner with Duke Hilam and Duchess Gwyn. As she sat at the table, she used her best manners even though she knew her tongue would just get her into trouble sooner or later.
Slowly she ate her soup; it was still hot. So far, the Duchess had told her secret to no one. In fact it was a relief to have someone who could help her. Gwyn would sneak Alanna food, when Hilam would give her none. She would do many nice things like this, and Alanna appreciated it.
"So tell me," Hilam said, "who does Jonathan plan to make his champion?"
"Planning to murder the King?" Alanna asked.
"Wouldn't dream of it," was the reply.
The room was silent, except for the clanking of cutlery or the slurping of soup.
"How strong is Jonathan's gift?" Hilam asked as if it were mere gossip.
Alanna replied, "Strong enough to kill you."
"Have a death wish for me?" Hilam grunted.
"The whole of Tortall wishes the farmer's son eternal joy in the Realms of Chaos," Alanna said all too nicely.
Hilam stood and walked over to her. "Don't try my patience." As he turned, he landed a punch right on Alanna's jaw. As Hilam walked away he rubbed his knuckles, they hurt.
"Hilam!" Duchess Gwyn cried. "How dare you?" When Hilam merely grunted, Gwyn took Alanna back to her room. The first thing she did was heal her jaw.
"We really have to get you out of here," Gwyn muttered. It was then she thought of a plan. "Do you know of the festival?"
Alanna shook her head.
"I thought as much," Gwyn commented. "Well Hilam has invited the Tortallan Court to a two day festival right here, in our house, where the peace treaty will be signed." Gwyn looked worried. "I think my dear husband is up to something."
"What about King Ain?"
Gwyn sighed. "Hilam was up at the castle a few weeks ago." She gazed out the window. "The King just wanted to be left in peace. But Hilam was stubborn and practically ordered His Majesty to hold this festivity."
"Then?"
"The King refused to and told him to hold it himself, so he is." Her gaze still hadn't moved. Alanna decided it was time to change the subject.
"You have a plan then?" Alanna asked.
Gwyn nodded, she was deep in thought and would mutter a few things like, "I'll have to teach her," and "…as well as that." Alanna was trying to make sense of these comments, but couldn't.
She finally couldn't take it any longer. "You're going to teach me something?"
"Well I'll have too for the plan to work," Gwyn nodded. "I've taught my children many things."
"Children?" It hadn't occurred to Alanna that Gwyn had children.
A feint smile appeared on Gwyn's face. "Yes, my children. Two daughter's and a son. They're at Court at the moment."
Alanna nodded and Gwyn said, "In a weeks time, Hilam will spend a fortnight and a month at Court."
"Will you go with him?" Alanna asked.
"No, my child, I will stay here."
This seemed to puzzle Alanna. "Why?"
"Why, my child? To teach you to dress, walk and talk like one of the Court's ladies," Gwyn explained.
»-(¯v´¯)-»
If I was the reader, I would be so confused right now, but it'll make sennse soon, I promise!
Once again, REVIEW!
Happy Reading
Madame-S-Butterfly
xoxo
»-(¯v´¯)-»