AN-this fic will follow relatively closely to the Trickster series. It is a what-if fic and deals heavily with the Tortallans.

It is almost finished, but I decided I'd post what I have. Don't expect an equal sized chapter.

Prologue: Aly hoped Imajane and Rubinyan would be foolish enough to detain the Carthaki and Tortallan ambassadors. If they did they could expect the Tortallan and Carthaki navies within the week.

The Torto-Isles War.

By PrincessSkywalkerOrgana

Disclaimer: This universe, and the Prologue, is sole property of Tamora Pierce. I thank her for allowing fans to delve into it and create what amounts to mere shadows of her work.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Gareth of Naxen requests a private audience." A herald told King Jonathan IV of Conte.

Jonathan nodded to the herald, at least Jon didn't have to get up for Gary.

"The Rittevons' have detained Ambassador Herald in Rajmaut." Gary said, breathlessly after the herald and the odd servant had left.

"What." Jonathan half-yelped, which made him glad no one other than his cousin was in the room.

"They have forced our hand." Gary said, knowing Jonathan knew that.

Jonathan nodded, "Call the group together."

Within one hour, the principal decisions makers of Tortall, the Nobles' council: Queen Thayet, Kings' Champion: Alanna, spymasters: Sir Myles and Baron George Cooper, Mage: Numair and Wildmage: Daine and Lord Sir Raoul of the Kings' Own and his wife and the Queen's confidante: Buri, and Duke Baird, the chief healer were all assembled.

"George, Myles, I need to know what you know of the situation." Jonathan said, without preamble once everyone was settled and had drinks in front of them. "Gary has informed me that the Rittevons' have detained our ambasassor."

Jonathan paused as everyone gasped, except for George, Myles, and Gary who already knew.

"That is crazy!" Alanna said, fingering her sword "they should know what is coming. Tortall will protect our diplomatic corps with force."

"So we will." Jonathan said, partially to calm Alanna down, he did not want her racing off.

"Regicide is crazy." Numair said, softly, "But I and others can assure you that the storm that killed King Dunevon was magical and I can state with 99 certainty that the order came from the Gray Palace."

Myles spoke, forestalling his son-in-law, "As some of you are aware-my granddaughter, His Majesty's godsdaughter, Alianne Cooper is in Copper Isles."

"What is she doing there?" Gary asked.

George filled them in, "a god laid her a wager, and she got emotionally vested in a rebellion that is fermenting there."

Jonathan frowned. "I am still not comfortable with that."

Alanna snorted, her short red hair bouncing, "Neither am I. But George said, she seems to have gotten very caught up with the principals. There is no neat way to extricate her from them."

"I don't even know if it is a bad thing. The diplomatic problems come if this rebellion fails." Myles said, "if it fails the Rittevons could take us in front of Mithros's court and the Eastern lands would stand aside based on Nobles' Convention 343 and allow Copper Isles to wage war. But, as George and my agents have discovered: this rebellion is well-timed, planned and executed."

"We believe," George said, chiming in, "that the move to detain the Ambassadors demonstrates the desperation of Queen Imajane and King Rubinyan. They may intend to distract the population from the internal problems that are fueling the rebellion with an external war. No nationality wants to be invaded, so they may hope this war will unify their luarin base."

"Luarin?" Raoul asked, frowning.

"In the Copper Isles, from the time of the Rittevon and Jimajen invasions there has been a racial divide: Luarin, white, and Raka, black." Myles answered, "the rebellions' core is Raka but as of late, especially after the murder of Dunevon Luarins have joined. The families we have identified are: the Balitangs, Obemaeks, Fonfala (Duchess Winnamine Balitangs' family), Tomangs, Engan, Nomru-whom Imajane ordered arrested, Priestess Qeshi."

"The rebellion seems to be feeding off of the internal repression. There is also the matter of the raka believing Lady Dovasary is the one from the Kyprin prophecy which speaks of the twice royal-royal from the Haiming and Rittevon line."

"Is there basis for this?" Jon asked, fascinated.

Myles took a piece of parchment, getting up to get a quill as because of the secrecy of this meeting no servants were present. "This is the Haiming Line, which was ruling when the invasions happened. Agent Landfall believes there was a passage out of the palace, for the Temeida line was formed, which is descended from the Haiming. The 1st Duchess Balitaing-Sarugani is a Temeida. Duke Mequen of Balitang is Rittevon. So in short, yes."

"Besides the point." Alanna said, her patience obviously growing thin. "The quicker we send an army-the more forceful the message we send."

"We need to ascertain the full situation first." Thayet said, answering for her husband.

"Alanna, Jon, I need you answer honestly: what help have you sent."

"Darkings and some money." George said, a few seconds later.

Jon nodded. "Well, we have no real choice. The question is how much force to send."

"I think it might be beneficial to send some agents to the rebellion." Myles said, looking at George.

Jonathan looked decidedly uncomfortable with this.

"It is a good idea." Thayet said, "with Aly there we are already in a potentially uncomfortable position. She is our godsdaughter, Myles' granddaughter, and George and Alanna's daughter. Our names will be linked with this…action. Therefore from that angle and diplomatic angles it is beneficial for us to see this rebellion through. Also, we need ascertain the character of this rebellion. Make sure Copper Isles will not turn into another Saren."

"Aly is probably keeping an eye on that for us, but still…" Duke Baird said.

"The people we send need to be untraceable, self-sufficient…" George said.

"Well, our main attacking force will attack from Morji Cove and Rajmaut harbor." Raoul said, drawing it on a map.

"The Rittevons' are notorious for their mistrust of mages." Numair said, "they have them, but mistrust makes the mages under utilized."

Alanna sat forward at this, helping with the battle plans.

"It is settled…. We will keep two Baazhir forces in reserve, which could blend in more easily with the rebellion if necessary, but primarily the help force will consist of Pirate's Swoop Men-at-arms."

"George, everyone, all our forces need to be reminded that the primary goal is to free the ambassadors and send a message. The goal of our assistance to the rebellion is to a) ensure they are friendly to us if they win b) make sure that Aly is safe c) cover our tracks. If it appears that the rebellion is failing or the situation could turn into Saren WE MUST PULL OUT. Disavow any connection. This includes Aly."

Alanna spoke before George could, glaring at him as she did. "The pirates' swoop men at arms who go will be instructed if things appear to be going badly to put themselves and her on a barge, if they have to chain her to do it."

"What about sending Thom and Alan to her." Raoul asked, "Alan is my squire, I will release him for this task. They will have an easier time controlling her."

George shook his head, even as Alanna nodded. "Aly is too smart to reveal her identity to even the Rebellion leadership. She would be hard-pressed to explain the existence of two brothers. Send one… I would say Thom. He is a mage, he can assist them without expensive weapons revealing his wealth, and can hide more easily."

"He can also keep in communication with us." Alanna said, grudgingly.

Jonathan summoned Thom through his gift.

"It is settled." Jonathan said, getting up. "Alanna, brief your son and then get ready to leave while I get the Council of Commoners' consent."

"I will consult with the Carthakis." Raoul and Gary said.

"Raoul, do that. Gary, I will need you."

Meanwhile in Rajmaut-Aly fretted as she considered what her parents' and godsfather would do. She knew Uncle Jon would attack, the question is-would he send mother. Probably.

"Aly," Chenaol reproved, "Ulasim wanted us there ten minutes ago."

Aly nodded, distractedly.

Chenaol looked at her as if she didn't know the girl. "Homewood, this is the first time I have seen you like this."

Trick and Secret vibrated against her neck in a comforting gesture.

"I have a report." Aly said, displaying the smile she usually displayed when delivering news of such a magnitude.

Ulasim nodded his permission, "King Rubinyan and Queen Imajane have made the Carthaki and Tortallan ambassadors their guests."

Aly smiled a feral smile as the conspirators digested this information.

"That is foolishness!" Nomru said, first. "The Tortallan and Carthaki navies will be here within the week."

Aly smiled wider.

"Is this true?" Winna asked, sharply.

"Absolutely." Aly said, "The two countries will feel the need to protect their diplomatic corps. It will be war."

Jesi came in, "Forgive me." She bowed deeply to Lady Nuritin and Duchess Winnamine, "a footman is here from the Gray Palace. He says he bears an urgent message for Her Grace."

"Very well." Nuritin said, her voice booming, "Sit him down. Apologize for the delay, tell him her Grace will be there in a moment."

Jesi curtsied and left.

"Don't be a fool, Winna. Go!"

Aly excused herself, as Trick tickled her nose. "Rubinyan get ultimatum from King Jonathan and Emperor Kaddar. Release Ambassador or war. Rubinyan and Imajane pleased." Trick said, once Aly had locked the door to her workroom.

"Pleased?"

"Rubinyan say this will unify country and demonstrate either Rittevons or death."

"That is what their game is." Aly mused.

She shook her head, so many would die for this. In the end, it would just weaken their hold on power. Especially now that she knew what they were up to… they would lose troops, but would not draw out the troops.

On one hand it pleased her, it demonstrated that they were winning. But Aly was also acutely aware of the fact that this tactic might have had some success had it preceded Dunevon's murder.

"Countess Tomang, you and the other nobles in the room should go home. You will receive a message soon and we do not want Gray Palace footmen wondering where you were."

Genore looked like she wanted to question Aly, but the others left and she followed.

Aly relayed the Darkings' message to Ulasim. "I will take care of it." She said, her mind going over messages to give her children.

Winna came back, shaking slightly.

"Dove, Aunt, we must dress. Their Majesties want to see us, immediately."

"Petranne and Elsren?"

"She is sending Elsren home."

That unnerved Nuritin slightly, then she recovered herself. "Let us dress."

"There should be no danger for our ladies tonight." Aly murmured, "if they want the Isles unified and rebellion forgotten they will need to pretend they have nothing against Luarin nobles."

Ulasim nodded. "Can we trust them to have planned this out well?"

"Rubinyan is cool and calculating." Aly said, she forestalled Quenandanga's spitting on the floor. "None of us like him, much, but that is the truth."

"We have to keep an eye on the Tortallans and Carthakis' progress." Chenaol said. "It may be a good idea to coordinate."

"We also have to watch for overtures from the two."

"The Tortallans sent funds so we can count on them, somewhat." Fesago said, "But I thought you said not to trust Carthakis."

"Carthaki troops in this situation are a different story. We could not trust them earlier because we did not know for certain who they spoke for. Now we can be certain they speak for Emperor Kaddar."

Nawat followed Aly out of the meeting room into the garden. "What is it sweet Aly?"

Aly bit her lip, if she were to confide in anyone-Nawat would be the best person to confide in. He had been present in conversations with Kyprioth. He knew there was more to her…

Before she could say anything, her Sight blazed. Someone was slowly disabling the outer wards… someone who looked familiar. "Thomy, my lad." Aly said, sounding for all the world like her mother.

"Aly!" He called, glad.

"Restore the wards immediately." Aly said, masking the tears in her eyes.

"What are you wearing?" Thom asked, once he had completed the requested task, viewing the sarong she was wearing.

Aly rolled her eyes and hugged her brother. "Thom, Nawat Crow, Nawat, my brother Thom."

"It is nice to meet a nestmate of Aly's."

"Nestmate." Thom mouthed at Aly who smiled.

"Please excuse us." Thom said to Nawat, not pleased with the realization that his sister had found someone she loved. Someone who was not just 'a good kiss' in Copper Isles. He knew this would make it harder for him to get her to come home.

"Good." Aly said, "Nawat you can talk to. The cover story is I am a maid from Fief Tameran, Aly Homewood. You can be Thom Homewood."

"Aly things are erupting fast. The time on the ultimatum will be up in 2 hours."

Aly realized this was an hour after the Balitangs were expected at the Gray Palace. There was no way that was a coincidence.

"Did Mother and Father send you?"

"The Council of Nobles, the King, and Mum and Da sent me."

Aly raised an eyebrow. "That is what I am trying to explain to you. Our presence here is now a matter of state."

"As I told Da, I will not spy for Tortall here."

'No one is asking you to."

Aly raised her eyebrow again, waiting for an explanation.

"I am not here alone, there is a contingent of Pirate's Swoop Men at Arms ready to fight under your command for this rebellion. I have funds as well. There are 2 conditions, WE must pull out if it appears the rebellion will fail our turn into another Saren. I have orders to forcefully take you home if I have to."

Aly nodded, her mind turning over the new circumstances. The men at arms would really help. The additional warriors, especially as she new the Pirates' swoop men were trained in all kinds of warcraft, her da had ensured that, would be a great help. How to introduce them to the conspiracy leadership. "Thom… I am going to introduce you as yourself. Tell them you have been sent as an official representative of the Crown of Tortall. You will need to put the men at arms, under the command of Ulasim Dodeka, the general."

Aly quickly filled Thom in on the structure of the conspiracy, and told him to follow her lead. Thom opened his mouth to tease Aly about Nawat, but she said, "later."

Aly took Thom to Chenaol. "Feed him while I take care of Lady Dove."

Chenaol raised an eyebrow, and Aly gestured her forward. "Later!" Aly said, "I am running late."

Things at the Gray Palace went as expected and Aly played least in sight, watching only for the unexpected as she mulled over what the changes meant. She knew what it meant for her personally, it ensured that she would have to return to Tortall. For someone reason, that thought made her sad. "Later." She thought to herself, firmly.

She kept a close eye on Dove, watching as Dove stood with the nobles and they all heard Imajane's speech about the unity of Copper Isles against invaders. The evil Tortallans.

Aly snickered to herself. She saw the veiled contempt on Taybur's face.

"I need a word." Aly said to Ulasim right as she got back.

"Must you." Ulasim, who was exhausted, said as he unbraided his hair.

Aly just stood there. He sighed and gestured Aly into his room.

As if on cue, Chenaol came. "What do you want me to do with your visitor."

"Visitor?" Ulasim inquired.

Aly smiled. "Bring him here please."

"May I introduce, the eldest son of Baron and Sir Lady Alanna of Pirates' Swoop, a mage in training Lord Thom."

Thom bowed, "Ulasim Dodeka, it is a pleasure."

Aly was pleased as to how well her brother acquitted himself.

When it became apparent that Ulasim was speechless, Thom continued, "I come as an official representative of the Tortallan crown. I bring with me the good faith support of 50 Pirates' swoop men at arms and my own skills as a Mage. I trust you have heard that the Rittevons' had the audacity to imprison our ambassador. Our military forces will deal with that, but it demonstrated to us that the Rittevons' must go. Additionally, we are pleased with the reports our spies have reported about the rebellions' organization."

"I-I thank you Lord Thom." Ulasim said.

"I will not lie to you, I am required to report to His Majesty, Jonathan IV and Her Majesty Queen Thayet's representatives yet they vouch if not support at least neutrality."

Ulasim called Quenendaga, "she will show you to your room, Lord Thom, I apologize as the need for secrecy will lessen your comfort. I will need to speak to… other important members of the conspiracy."

Thom bowed again and followed the housekeeper out.

Ulasim rubbed his head, and gestured Aly to follow him as he gathered conspiracy members. "This is treachery! I told you, we should not have accepted the funds." Fesago said.

"Luarin." Ochobu said, spitting. "thinking they can control things."

"What did he ask for?" Ysul signed.

"Nothing." Ulasim said. "Yet."

"He is bringing 50 men at arms and is a mage himself. While at Fief Tameran, I saw him work a few times, as he came to see my lord." Aly piped in, not liking where the discussion is going.

"He brings trained and armed men." Dove said, reasonably. "He hasn't asked for anything, he has openly told us he needs to report to his king…"

"This also represents the Tortallan Crown committing." Aly said.

The raka looked at her, puzzled.

"Nobles Conventions-no country can ferment a rebellion. He sent a message by openly saying he represented the Tortallan Crown." Winna said.

"See if Lord Thom will join us." Ulasim said to the housekeeper.

Aly was pleased to see Thom was wearing a neat, well kept yet demure cloak. He bowed expertly to the personalities present. Aly was more impressed that though he knew whom everyone was he allowed Ulasim to introduce himself.

"The Pirates' Swoop men at arms will not be identified by the Rittevons, I can assure you." Thom said, "they were hand-picked men. I will ensure they are fed and armed, they will not be a financial burden on you."

"How will we coordinate with the Tortallan war plans?"

"Officially, the goal of the Tortallan and Carthaki armies is to free our ambassadors. That is their primary task." Thom answered, honestly.

"When can we expect the attack to begin?"

Thom looked decidedly uncomfortable about answering that question.

"He won't answer that." Nomru snapped. "We can't expect him to either."

Thom was visibly relieved.

The sounding of the alarms, however, answered the question for him.

Thom gave a rueful smile. "There is your answer."

"How much power does this attack pack?"

"The Tortallan army policy is to avoid civilians as much as possible." Thom answered. "Especially since it is known our men are here-the only thing is, if the army meets anyone on the battlefield, they will attack with full force. Therefore, please tell any members of the conspiracy to be wary of the soldiers."

The way Thom said that told Aly that her mother was furious and on Copper Isles. She shuddered, almost feeling sorry for the troops.

"We stay quiet tonight." Ulasim decided, "Let us see how the fight progresses. Meet here at dawn."

Everyone rose as Ulasim did.