Author's Note- You guys let me down. I asked for ten review and only have five so far. I really appreciate hearing your imput. Thanks to eppobbp, KusajishiYachiru, Xxlalla-azizaxX, and especially tortallan rider, it all came back to me as soon as I read your review. I probably should read Lioness Rampant again, but my friend is borrowing my book. Thanks you for your kind reviews and help. I decided to be the bigger person and give you guys another chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 4 - Fate's Hand
Flashback in Liam's P.O.V.
I noticed the animals went quiet. I stood all the straighter, straining my eyes and eyes and ears for any sign of a threat. Then, there was a clang of metal on metal not too far in the distance. I rushed to the crest of the hill and found myself looking on a bandit attack.
A group of surly men were streaming around a group of travelers. I vowed when I became a member of the Shang to help when help was needed. Coming close to the fighting, I sprung up into the air as if I had the aid of feathered wings. I thrust my feet out in front of me and planted them in between an outlaw's shoulder blades.
My hands and feet were a blur as I struck down numerous bandits. I could feel a presence behind me but at glance it appeared to be one of the travelers. I paid it no more heed and concentrated on the fight at hand.
The next thing I knew, a traveler jumped onto the man that was at my back. He slit his throat with one quick swipe of his dagger. The man had brown hair and a large nose that would not be considered handsome by most. He wiped his blades clean on his sleeve and slid them into their sheathes.
Why did this man kill one of his own party? His hazel eyes flecked with green twinkled with amusement, and he explained, "He didn't look ter be one o' 'em. With only a quick look he seems to be with us, but that almost gotcha a knife in your back. We coulda handled this, but cha sped things up. I 'ppreciate it."
The man looked to be seventeen, but had an aura of power and authority. This teenager saved my life. Of course, I am only twenty-three myself. (I have not read Lioness Rampant in a while. Alanna is about 18 and Liam about 30 right? So, that's what I think the ages are, but there is a chance of error.)I will be in his debt forever. I bowed to him. "I owe you my life. If you ever need a favor, I am your servant."
The young man smirked. "There'll be none of that," he said. "I'm George, Who would you be and where are you headed?"
"I am Liam Ironarm, the Shang Dragon. I left Corus not too long ago and I'm headed for the City of the Gods," I replied with another bow of my head.
George whistled at my rank and brushed his hand over his whiskery face. He looked up at me and said, "You meant what you said about if I needed a favor. I can tell about that sort of thing. I have the sight, and I listen to it. It also tells me if someone will be important in my life, whether they're a friend or foe. And I could actually use that favor right now. One of my people tracked a girl to the convent in the City of the Gods. My sight has marked her as someone extremely important and influential part of my life. My agent also revealed that the firl entertains the thought of being a lady knight. I know ya Shang keep tur yurself, but I would like you to teach, so she can protect herself and keep her own in this world."
Usually, we live an isolated life, but this has been done before. The girl is too old if she is in the convent, but I owe this man my life. I nodded and the man's green flecked hazel eyes glint with mischief.
End Flashback - Alanna's P.O.V.
A strong hand gripped my forearm. Someone had sneaked up behind me while I was unawares. I turned around and hit a broad chest. The musty odor of sweat mixed with cologne. I took a step back to see the Shang Dragon. He straightened my arm and changed my fist. Softly, he whispered, "Have your thumb on the outside. If you hit someone hard enough, it will break if you keep it on the inside. Bend your legs and widen your stance. "
I did as told me. He set my other fist firmly on my waist. "Now, I want you to punch out with this hand and pull the other hand back to your side," he instructed. I did as he said and looked expectantly at him. He straightened my outstretched hand even more and then nodded.
I did repetitions over and over. My body tired, but I did not realize it. The dancing bears in my stomach kept me going. The Shang Dragon was teaching me how to punch, so I pushed myself. I was amazed by how much my muscles had diminished, but the memory was still there.
After what seemed like forever, he showed me a high block. I practiced that until my limbs ached beyond belief. Then, I was given a few patterns. Intensely concentrating on every movement, I was surprised when the Shang Dragon caught my fist. I looked up startled. He smiled and handed me a wooden pint filled with water.
The sky was hot pink and bright orange with dull purple-gray clouds. Perspiration stained my face. I could fell it crack as I moved to gulp down the cool refresher. Once I quenched my thirst, I handed it back to the Dragon with a curtsey of the utmost grace. I had practiced it for hours when Sister Patricia said I was being impertinent. I did not mind so much, it's one of the few physical exercises ladies have to master. I just pretend it as part of the training of a knight.
The Dragon gave a kind smile. I studied him up close now. He looked to be about twenty-three. His eyes showed a playful wisdom and knowing. His skin was tanned and his hands callused.
A husky voice emerged from his lips, "You're too old to be Shang. You did sow dedication and natural skill. You need to keep those stomach muscles tight though. So, are you a maid?"
My eyes grew round. He thought I was common born. It would not be so improper to teach a maid to defend herself as a lady of the Trebonds, whose blood is in the Gold Book.
I dipped my head almost ashamed and murmured, "No. I'm…I'm a lady, Lady Alanna of Trebond to be exact."
His face went pale went pale and I thought I heard him say, "What has the Rogue gotten me into?"
After a few moments of intense silence, he looked into my eyes and asked, "If you would like, I could train you. It would have to be a secret. You're a blue-blooded noble for Mithro's sake. You show promise and desire. It'll be hard, but you can do it if you are willing to be dedicated. You probably won't…"
"Yes," I interrupted. "Yes! Yes! Yes! I will without a doubt. Thank-you! It's such an honor."
His eyes opened wide then crinkled as he chuckled at my eagerness. I curtseyed to hide my red face. The Dragon told me to ice my sore muscles and get a good nights rest. The convent had given him this courtyard for his private use and he would find me for the next practice.
The first thing I noticed was my world was shaking. I thought it was Gwendolyn. I felt so tired but lazily sat up. I rustled my hair and languidly cracked open my eyes. A voice greeted, "Morning!"
I almost yelped. The Shang Dragon was standing beside my bed. I thumped back down and pulled my covers to my chin. "What are you doing here?" I demanded harshly.
He reminded me that he said he would come and get me for the next practice. I glared at his back as he left. I took a few seconds to make sure Gwendolyn was still asleep. I carefully got dressed and tied my hair back with a ribbon. I couldn't go back to sleep after being scared half to death; I might as well join the Dragon.
I skipped off to the courtyard. When I saw the sky, I was shocked. Dawn had not even come. Since I came to the convent, my motto has been if the sun hasn't risen, I won't either.
Rounding a corner, the courtyard came into view. The Dragon was already practicing complicated moves that I could not believe were even attainable by the human body. When I approached, he stopped. He didn't even break a sweat.
I want to do this. I don't care how many mornings I have to rise before the sun. I wil throw myself, Mind and body, into this.
So, what did you think? With this story, I don't really have a master plan but a very blurry big picture. New ideas are coming all the time. Remember to review!
Starlit Emerald-Eyed Empress