Distant Memories – The attack
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.
Some of this came from LR, I just changed it to suit the story, so that doesn't belong to me either.
Author's note: Oh and only one more chapter to go, me thinks! You want a sequel?
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It was the Goddess, her white skin and emerald eyes gleaming in the dark. Impossibly tall, she smiled at Alanna. "We meet again, my daughter. You have traveled a long road since we last spoke. Watch carefully."
As she finished speaking a ball of fire appeared on her hand. The faint outlines of a picture were becoming clearer and clearer in the depths of the fire.
The City of Corus, under attack. Fire burned down the homes of commoners and houses had been looted. Dead bodies littered the street, blood was everywhere. Not much remained and there was little resemblance to the Corus Alanna knew. The only way in which it was recognizable was from the Palace, up the hill.
Slowly the picture began to change, faded first, and then reappeared.
George at the Dancing Dove, organizing men to fight back. Most men Alanna recognized as rogues. They made their way outside and began to attack.
The enemy looked surprised; George and the rogues obviously hadn't been expected. Alanna noted the flag of the enemy was the one of the Royal Family of Tusiane. Near it was Count Jemis, laughing triumphantly.
As George's men fought with the well prepared army, Jemis made his way up to the Palace. Alanna could barely watch as her home was being ruined to bits.
Despite their best efforts George's men just weren't good enough against the army of Tusaine. Though they gave a damn good fight, one the opposition certainly weren't expecting.
George brought down quite a few men. No one could best him with knives and he had Marek watching his back. Alanna was sure that the army certainly hadn't expected troubles from the rogues, commoners maybe, but not the rogues.
There was a cry of "Tusaine!" in the distance, as the third troop of men came galloping down the Great Road South. It looked as though there would be no chance of survival for George or his men now, they were greatly outnumbered.
The picture began to dim and it was no more. Alanna could have sworn she had seen the Tortallan Flag somewhere in the distressing vanishing picture.
Alanna didn't know how to take what she had just seen. Everyone around her still seemed oblivious to the Goddess in their presence; their eyes were upon the sky, all perfectly still. No one moved, breathed or muttered a word.
"What was that, which I just saw? A vision, of the future?" Alanna asked.
"Indeed it was, this well could become of your precious city," the Great Mother informed the girl.
"But when, how?"
The Goddess shook her head. "I may not answer these questions. The gods can not reveal all things; otherwise, where is a man's right to choose their fates? Where is your right to choose?"
"I think I choose well," Alanna said, fidgeting. "How can I thank you for this favour?"
"Your life is my thanks. I have guided you as best I can; the days ahead are what you make of them. The war you saw is a cross road in time, bend it to your will – if you have the courage!"
Alanna's blood thrilled to the challenge, but her common sense made her beg, "Just a hint?"
The Goddess shook her head, smiling with amusement. The air brightened. Alanna could see other figures, who she hadn't noticed before, standing around the Goddess. The shining warrior could only be Mithros, the divine protector. On the Goddesses other side, hooded and cloaked, waited her brother The Black God. Alanna knew him and bowed her greetings; the great head nodded in reply.
Behind them were ranged others, only some who she knew: The Crooked God, his smile as wicked as George's own; the Smith's God; the Sea Goddess. The array of immortals stretched on and on, but somehow she saw each one clearly. Awed and frightened, she covered her eyes like a Doi tribesmen.
Slowly the glory faded. When she uncovered her eyes, she saw everyone had taken their eyes off the eclipse and were now watching the glorious sunset; a few couples were at the dance floor.
She stayed where she was for a moment, remembering what she had seen. Alanna needed to tell Jon of what she had seen, she was almost certain this attack would take place before the nobles returned home, that's why there hadn't been any Knights fighting in the vision.
That's why George, The King of Rogues, had to fight for Tortall, because no one else was there to do the job. The commoners had tried their best, but failed. Alanna needed to go home now more than ever.
But how was she to tell Jon? She couldn't tell him here, with so many chances to be overheard and it would be hard to slip away. Alanna pondered over this all night.
Later on that evening, the betrothal of Sir Jorge and Lady Elizabeth was officially announced. If Alanna had noticed that all the women Jorge had to choose from were weak, fragile and unable to defend themselves in a dangerous situation, she didn't let it show.
The Wedding was to be soon. Alanna wondered if Hilam wanted the wedding to be very soon.
This only convinced her of one thing: Hilam wanted Jorge to marry someone with power who was also weak. So that when Hilam's army attacked Tortall, they would have a hostage to bargain with, if the war didn't go to plan.
Alanna smiled ruefully. I bet Hilam thinks he has the prince's squire as a hostage, too.
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Midnight had come and gone, so had the ball. Now at three hours past midnight, Alanna couldn't sleep; she was still thinking of what the goddess had shown her.
I need to tell Jon! He has to know, so he can do something about it! Alanna thought.
She finally decided to go to his rooms and tell him, even though it would give Lady Lana a bad reputation, should she be seen sneaking into the princes' room. She didn't care, he needed to be told.
She put on a hooded cloak and made her way to his room in the cold. After knocking on the door, quietly, she entered.
"Alanna! Is something wrong?" He was surprised she had come at this time, but noted the look of worried look she wore.
Alanna shook her head. He put his comforting and strong arms around her. "The Goddess came to me," she whispered. Jon was surprised. "She showed me Corus. Jon, Corus will be under attack soon! The armies of Tusaine will attack!"
"Tell me everything you saw." Alanna told him, every detail she could remember, from the amount of dead bodies to the colour of fire burning down the cities.
"Something has to be done, Jon. I, I think the attack will be tomorrow," Alanna said, frightened.
"The Great Mother told you this?"
"No, she told me it was a cross road in time. But by the way the duke has been acting … I just have a feeling it will be tomorrow."
"I'll have to tell my father, we need to get back then, as soon as possible," Jon whispered and absentmindedly stroked her hair.
"You can't mention me though."
"I wont, I'll tell them the Goddess talked to me. Don't worry Alanna, it'll be alright." If what Alanna said was true, the Jon wasn't sure that it would be okay, after all.
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Madame-S-Butterfly
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