No Taina is this one, so you know, but I thought I should keep you posted on what's happening in Tortall.
Disclaimer: No one here is mine, but the personality of Burchard is mine, because Tamora Pierce didn't really write one for him, although he is mentioned in Squire.
"Lalasa," Kel stormed into her bedroom.
"Lady! Why are you here? Aren't classes supposed to be in session, and you-'' Lalasa rushed to Kel's side.
"Neal and Joren are still missing. Both of them. They're conducting an official search for them. Taina's not here anymore either." Kel sighed, shook her head, and began a hand combat pattern dance as she continued telling her maid what was happening. "They don't know about that, but they might soon. They're going to ask all of us, like we're suspected in some crime!"
"But with two pages missing," Lalasa trailed off.
"I know, it could be seen as a crime, but how could they think any of us did anything?" Kel began a new pattern. "Duke Baird is distraught. Joren's father will be too, once he finds out. They've sent a messenger to Stone Mountain. It's possible that they will find Joren on their way, I mean, I don't know where he's gone. But they disappeared all at the same time, him and Neal and Taina."
Lalasa's face turned pale white. "What will they do if they find out that you know something about Neal?"
It was the first time in Lalasa's memory that Kel would not meet her eyes.
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Lord Burchard of Stone Mountain listened quietly to the messenger groveling before him.
"They figured it would best if you knew as soon as possible," the messenger gasped, finally off his horse after hard riding for 5 hours. His horse was in a similar condition.
"Very well," Burchard nodded. "I thank you for your services. My men will see to a trip and accommodations for you and you mount until I have formulated a reply to My Lord Wyldon."
"Thank you, milord." The man bowed his way out of the room.
"Ebroin!" The steward came forward. "My son was gone missing."
"I heard, milord. Do you want me to go to Corus on your behalf as you search for him?"
"No. You may send Dillings and his group to look if you think it appropriate. I will be heading to Corus. To ensure that the job is done…" As he searched for the word, a shadow passed across Burchard's face. "Properly."