A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wade around forever you will surely drown
I see what's going down.
I see the way you go and say your right again,
say your right again,
heed my lecture
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- Face Down
Hey, I'm back.. took me extra long to write this chapter.. but it is 5,109 words so be happy...
Review Responses
Sweet thoughts- thanks very much.. I hope to hear from you in the mere future...
Acanthophis- haha sounds like my family too lol... heres your update.. not as soon as I hoped.. but I hope you enjoy.. and review the next chapter.. lol
DreamlndxFantasy- yeah thanks.. I put a lot of effort in that scene.. when I wrote it I got the chills.. lol... yeah I haven't really mentioned healing a lot because she isn't that good at it.. and she doesn't use it often.. I hope you enjoy this one.. and thanks for reviewing as always
Winry963- three hours! wow.. thats a long time... yeah the spy thing is a mystery to most.. but shall be revealed VERY soon.. so keep reading and reviewing lol... Thanks so much though.. always glad to hear from new reviewers...
stormrider7- sorry I have to write fluff.. I dont like fluff to much either.. only sometimes.. but as you know.. I can only please some of the time... I can't do it all the time... I didn't realize she killed them all.. Oh well.. maybe she should work on her anger management skills.. lol.. thanks for reviewing though.. appreciate it mucho..
Erytha- you haven't seen any jealousy yet... lol.. just read this chapter and you'll see some jealousy... thanks for reviewing though!! )
jamie lynn- thanks! good luck if you have soccer too... thanks for being a good reviewer! I hope you enjoy this! its 12 pages long on microsoft word
Misled Nymph- haha yep I'm back... and I love commas.. they're my new best friend,,,,,,,,,,,, see I love them so much!! lol... sorry if I seem hyper I am just so happy to finally update... thanks for the nice constructive criticism.. I tried to be less choppy and I hope you think I was writing less choppy too... lol... thanks a bunch!
Julie Virginia- haha you're so funny... what are you trying to do give away the story... lol jk... thanks for editing... and reviewing... and just thanks for everything tada... now I am all thanksed out... and I used three... every time in this review response just for you...
ponysteph15- lol thanks for reviewing... I hope this makes you happier and turns that frown upside down!
Pesche- thanks for reviewing anyway.. I appreciate it... I didn't have writers block this time though.. I had the desire to write a really long chapter syndrom... lol.. so happy holidays from me to you.. lol
On top of cloud 9- jonathan eh? its been a long time since someones mentioned him... but things will change in the next few chapters after this one or the next one I can't remember..lol.. so be ready... & thanks for the wonderful delightful magnificent review!
Queen of Crimson- wow I think your like one of the few people that picked that up.. lol... but shush... haha thanks for reviewing!
nativewildmage- haha those thugs.. they're just the perfect people to create some kick butt action.. lol.. thanks for the review.. and May the Force be With YoU!!!!!! huzzah!
A/N I own like nothing as usual...
"As fourth year pages, I am expecting you to exemplify leadership and strength, for the younger ones…"
Jzet sat in her chair only half listening to her training master's words. She, Audrey, Brandon, Aidan, Dylan, Danrizh were being given an extremely long, boring speech by Lord Padarig of haMinich. A stiff-looking grey haired man, who was obviously a noble by the way he dressed, stood next to him. His hard brown eyes surveyed them, as if he could see right through them.
"Don't you love it how his voice drones?" Jzet whispered to Audrey. "He's literally putting me to sleep."
Audrey nodded her reply, but the Rattler caught them.
"Queenscove, King's Reach, is there anything you would like to share with us?" Their training master asked.
Audrey glared at her. She hated to get in trouble with the training master.
"Well sir, we were discussing how inspiring your speech is…" Lord Padarig's face showed no sign of believing. Jzet knew she was in trouble unless she came up with something good, "… uh and that we wish to be just like you when we grow up."
The training master looked at Audrey, who smiled nervously and then her words tumbled out, "Uh, yeah, what she said."
Lord haMinich's brow furrowed deeply. Jzet knew at that instance, they were toast.
"Very well, Queenscove, King's Reach, I am glad to hear that you strive to be just like me." said the training master. Jzet and Audrey let out a visible sigh of relief. "And for that, why don't you come down to my office for two bells on Sunday and see how my job really is." He smirked at their panic stricken faces. "I do hope you like paperwork."
"Of course my lord," They responded quickly, ignoring everyone else's snickers.
The grey haired man then spoke for the first time during the whole speech. "You have a Queenscove, Padarig?" Lord haMinich nodded. "You poor man,"
Jzet gulped visibly. She knew this wasn't good.
Her training master coughed, signaling for Jzet to get up and introduce herself.
Jzet rose from her chair and bowed towards the man, wary.
"Jzet of Queenscove, my lord," She greeted, her tone of voice uncertain.
"Lord Wyldon of Cavall," He returned rather coldly. "I was the old training master here." He clarified. "I trained your father." His last words made his brown eyes narrow considerably.
That explains a lot. She thoughtJzet remembered her Aunt Kel telling her stories about her father and Kel's adventures during their page years. From those stories, she knew her father wasn't the most obedient page in the palace. In fact, the training master and he were considered enemies.
So, this is the Stump. Jzet smirked at the thought. Her Aunt Kel recounted on how her father would always call the training master the insolent nickname because of his stiff matter. I guess he has his point. The man looks like a rock, more than a tree stump though. At least a tree stump had some life in it at one time.
"Oh," Was Jzet's lame reply. She had no idea how to respond to that last statement.
"I guess you heard of your father's antics while I was training master here then?"
"My Aunt Kel told me." Jzet did not like the way the old man's eyes could see through her. So, instead, she kept her own eyes focused at her feet.
"Hmm… I guess he didn't want his daughter getting any bad ideas." He looked at her with dislike. "But, I see you inherited his insolence anyway."
Jzet shifted uncomfortably. She did not like this man at all, especially, because of his obvious loathing for her father.
"What did he do, my lord?" Brandon piped in. Jzet immediately glared daggers at him. She did not want this conversation to continue any further than it had.
"What's your fief, boy?" Lord Wyldon questioned.
"Tarside, my lord," Brandon responded. He puffed out his chest to add to his oversized ego.
"Ah, your father was another friend of her's." He noted.
Brandon blushed slightly, as if his father had done something wrong by becoming friends with her's. This earned him another glare from Jzet.
"Do you really want a tale from his insubordinate years as a page here?" The old training master inquired to the group of pages.
Jzet frowned deeply and was not afraid to show it. She did not care if Lord Wyldon knew she absolutely hated him right now.
"Yes sir," Aidan and Dylan chorused.
Jzet felt her fists clench. She began to resist the urge to pound her fist into their faces. Why couldn't he just stop?
"What are your fiefs?" He asked them curiously.
Aidan spoke before Dylan had a chance. "I am from Hollyrose, my lord and my friend Dylan here," Aidan jerked his thumb towards Dylan, "is from Tirrsmont."
"Hollyrose, another companion of Queenscove," Lord Wyldon informed him. "Your father was never good with a staff." He added. His words were like a whip. Every time he spoke, he struck someone down. "I am sure you inherited his laziness."
Aidan turned bright red at the man's words. Jzet felt sorry for him for a split second, but then she began to snicker. He had gotten himself into the mess after all.
Serves him right, Jzet thought to herself.
"Are you snickering Queenscove?" Lord Wyldon asked her sharply.
Who does he think he is? Jzet thought. He acts if he is my training master.
"Never your lordship," Jzet replied.
"Because if you are, I couldn't even begin to tell you on how terrible your father was at his swordsmanship when he was under my care." He told her, smirking slightly. "He was lucky the Lioness chose him for a squire because I would dread to think where he would be today without her."
She glanced over at Lord Padarig to see if he was going to stop Lord Wyldon's brutal torture upon her. Instead, he yawned and sat down in his chair.
Stupid training master, She thought bitterly.
Lord Wyldon then, unexpectedly, turned to Lord Padarig, as if he read her thoughts, and apologized. "I am sorry Padarig. I forget my place."
"It is all right Wyldon." said the present training master. The cracking of his old, weary bones could be heard as he rose from his chair. "I found it quite amusing." He raised an eyebrow towards Jzet. "Didn't you think so Queenscove?"
Jzet fumed silently. Why was everyone picking on her?
"If I said hardly sir, would I be punished?" She inquired, keeping a straight face.
"Oh Mithros, it feels like the clock has turned back twenty years." Wyldon muttered, his eyes looking towards the heavens.
Jzet resisted the urge to smack him on the head and scream 'shut up' in his ear.
"Don't be a pert Queenscove." Lord Padarig warned.
"I wouldn't dream of it, my lord." Jzet responded quickly, still annoyed about Lord Wyldon's harsh treatment towards her. She did not care if she was taking her aggravation out on Lord Padarig. It was his fault that he didn't stop the old Stump from making fun of her father in the first place.
"You shall join me for an extra hour on Sunday, Queenscove." announced the Rattler his voice stern. "For you're cheeky answers."
Jzet opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it.
"Yes my lord,"
Jzet swore she saw Lord Wyldon smirk.
As if on cue, the bell chimed signally it was time to go and prepare for dinner. They had to hurry because they had to acquire sponsors for the first years before dinner started.
"You are dismissed." the training master told them.
They all bowed in unison and then hurried out the door. Jzet did not even look back.
She immediately cornered Brandon as soon as they stepped a foot outside the office.
"Why did you encourage that monster?" She snapped, furious.
"Hey, I just went through a speech that was boring me to tears." Brandon argued. "I at least deserved some comedy out of that."
"Well, you didn't get it did you?" Jzet fired back.
"Well, no, but I got to enjoy the satisfaction of the bookworm getting yelled at." Brandon put in. The book worm was a nickname Aidan of Hollyrose earned among his fellow pages for spending numerous hours in the library. Brandon absolutely loathed him. Jzet knew he had no reason to hate Aidan so much, but Brandon did so anyway.
Jzet felt ready to explode. "I have one extra bell of punishment work because of you."
Audrey had caught up to them and interrupted, "I have two bells of punishment work because of you!" Audrey shouted, obviously peeved. "I had other things to do on Sunday!"
"Like what, write poetry to my dearest cousin?" Jzet smirked as the younger girl turned bright red.
"No," She mumbled clearly embarrassed because of the presence of Brandon.
"Well, at least we'll spend more time together." Jzet pointed out. "You were complaining about that over the summer."
"Because it was just Rae this and Rae that with you," Audrey began to mimic her voice.
"Who's Rae?" Brandon asked.
"Nobody Bran-" Jzet began, but Audrey cut her off.
"The Shang Tiger," Audrey stated simply. She grinned as if she was enjoying getting her revenge upon Jzet.
"Audrey…" Jzet hissed.
"Hey, this is pay back for earlier." Audrey retorted.
"You're courting a-" Brandon began to shout before Jzet put her hand over his mouth to silence him.
"Quiet!" Jzet snapped. "Do you want the whole world to know?"
Brandon shrugged, but then Jzet glared at him. He sighed in defeat. "No, but hey, it did come to a little surprise to me." He scratched his chin in thought. "Well, it does explain a lot." He continued. "I was always wondering why he had to always 'discuss things' with you after class." He grinned. "You were kissing? Weren't you?" He accused.
Jzet could not help but blush furiously.
"No," She lied.
He began to break down in laughter.
"Jzet and Rae kissing in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G," Before he could continue any further in the humiliating song, Jzet punched him flat out in the stomach, causing him to lose his breath.
"Don't test me Tarside." Jzet warned.
Brandon began to gasp for air.
"I hate to break up this entertaining display, but we have to get dressed." Audrey told them. "We have only ten minutes until the Rattler is supposed to meet us here."
"Okay, I'll see you guys in ten minutes." Jzet said to them, unlocking her door. "And Tarside" She snapped turning towards her friend, ", if I hear one note of that horrendous song, your loin cloth will be hanging on the statue of King Jason outside in the courtyard. I swear it by Mithros I will do it."
Brandon visibly gulped and slipped into his room without even responding.
Jzet surveyed the first year pages closely. She began to smirk at the thought of that she was once a mere first year page. Now, she was nineteen and a fourth year page. She could not believe that her nervous fifteen year old self once stood there awaiting a sponsor that was to be a boy four years younger.
"I love it that they're sweating." Audrey whispered to her.
"I know that's my favorite part." Jzet replied back, her voice low.
Lord Padarig was addressing the new pages. It was the same speech he gave year after year, but for some reason it never grew old.
There were seven boys and two girls in this group. Each of them looked as nervous as a man who was about to get his teeth pulled in an operation.
"There's no way I am sponsoring a girl page again." Audrey whispered. "They usually end up being trouble." She glanced over at Jacqueline who stood alone at the other end of the group.
Jacqueline had since recovered from her wounds Jzet had inflicted upon her a few months earlier. The two enemies never had talked to each other ever since their duel. They did not want to know what would happen if they started to converse again because the results could be deadly.
She had no friends now that Kearney was gone and everyone hated Jacqueline for how she treated them last year. Jzet and her friends could only take pride in their victory over the second year page.
Lord Padarig's voice brought her back to reality.
"What is your name and fief, girl?" He questioned to a small girl with dirty blonde hair that fell just below her ears. She looked to be calmer than the other first year pages that stood along side her, maybe even confident Jzet thought.
"Madison of Pirate's Swoop, my lord," She announced without stuttering one word. She bowed slightly towards the training master's direction.
Whispers began to accumulate among the group of senior pages.
"That would be the Lioness' granddaughter, that little sprout over there." Phillip of Tameran whispered to his companion.
Jzet gazed upon her in awe. That girl had legends for ancestors.
"Who would like to sponsor her?" The training master asked. His hard eyes fell upon them, immediately silencing the gossiping pages.
"You do it Jzet." Audrey whispered to her, panicked.
"Why?" Jzet asked, confused at her alarm.
Audrey took no time to explain, but instead shouted out, "Jzet will do it!"
All head's turned towards them almost immediately. Jzet couldn't help, but throw a glare at Audrey.
"Did I ask you to speak, King's Reach?" Lord Padarig asked coolly.
"No sir," Audrey responded. Her chin was held high.
"Did Jzeliette ask you to speak, King's Reach?" the training master glanced from Jzet to Audrey to see if Audrey was about to tell a lie.
"No sir," Audrey repeated. Her face showed no emotion, it was as if she was a Yamani.
"Do you want to sponsor Pirate's Swoop?" he asked, his question directed towards Jzet.
Jzet hesitated and glanced over at the younger girl.
There must be a reason why Audrey told Lord Padarig I would sponsor this girl in the first place. Jzet thought.
She let out a deep sigh in defeat. "Yes my lord,"
Before the training master could respond, a shout of protest sounded through the hallway.
"Hey! That's not fair! I raised my hand before she ever did!"
Jzet looked down the line to see who the protestor was. She couldn't help but groan to see Jacqueline of Blue Harbor with her hands on her hips, her face crimson in fury. She looked the angriest Jzet had seen her in a long time.
Audrey nudged her and threw her a look as if she was saying, 'This is the reason why I volunteered you in the first place. I couldn't let Jacqueline snatch her and turn that poor girl into an evil drone.'
Jzet only nodded in response.
"Blue Harbor," Lord Padarig's voice was now raised, "I demand you stop this foolishness!"
"But-" Jacqueline began, but the stern training master cut her off.
"For Mithros Sake, girl!" He exclaimed. His hands were thrown towards the air. "You're acting like King's Reach!"
Brandon's laughter filled the room almost immediately after the training master's last statement.
"Is there something funny, Tarside?" Lord Padarig asked.
"Yeah, is there something funny, Brandon?" Audrey repeated the training master's words, but her face threatened death if he spoke something she would not like.
Brandon hesitated, weighing the consequences, but finally spoke, "Sir, you are my hero. Only you can insult the raging angry beast we know as Audrey of King's Reach and live to tell the tale."
The room erupted in laughter, while Audrey was turning as red as Jacqueline had been a few moments ago.
When the laughter died down, Audrey hissed to Brandon, "I'm going to strangle you," She began making hand motions, Audrey's hands strangling an imaginary neck, "until all the air in your pathetic body is gone."
Brandon then gulped causing Jzet to snicker.
"Well, now that we got a good laugh out of that," The training master coughed to regain his composure, "I would like to announce that Jzeliette is sponsoring Madison of Pirate's Swoop." He turned towards Jacqueline. "I don't want any ifs or buts about it."
Jacqueline bowed her head, "Yes sir,"
Jzet watched as the younger girl walked up and stood obediently next to her.
Jzet looked down at the page and saw that the girl had a pair of unique purple eyes that stared intently at her.
"Hi, my name is Jzet of Queenscove." Jzet whispered, as the training master continued on the sponsoring.
"I know who you are." The granddaughter of Alanna told her abruptly in a harsh whisper.
Jzet raised her eyebrows in surprise and decided to talk to her new charge after the sponsoring was complete.
"You must be in the dining hall by the next bell." The training master told them after the last first year page, Henry of Rosemark was sponsored.
As the crowds of pages began to disperse, Audrey, Brandon, Kate, Jzet, and Madison remained.
"You guys go on ahead." Jzet told them, motioning to the younger page in explanation. "I'll catch up to you later."
Kate and Audrey began to walk away, but Brandon still stayed behind.
"Don't leave me with those psychos, Jzet." He begged in a whisper. "They'll end up murdering me!"
At his words Audrey and Kate turned around. They did not notice that he had lingered behind.
Audrey marched right up to him indignantly and grabbed him by the ear lobe, "You're coming with us mister." She barked. "You have a lot of explaining to do."
As Audrey and Kate dragged Brandon away he mouthed, 'Help me' and then was pulled around the corner and out of sight.
Jzet glanced over at her younger charge to see her shaking with laughter.
"What a chicken!" She exclaimed. "That boy is afraid of some girls," She snorted defiantly, "and he wants to become a knight?"
Jzet shrugged. "Trust me, those girls are tougher than they look."
"I guess so, if that boy was actually begging for help." Madison commented.
A short silence fell between them.
"I heard you're a Shang." the younger page announced.
Jzet hesitated. How did this girl know about that? She wondered.Madison seemed to read her mind because she then explained shortly, "Eh, grandma and grandpa get around."
Jzet shifted uncomfortably on her feet. She did not like a person she hardly knew, possess so much information about her. After all, these were deceitful times. Trust had to be earned.
"And they told you because…"
The girl smiled innocently. "It's always good to know what you're getting into." She said while smoothing out the wrinkles in her tunic. "I like to scout out everything before diving right in."
She's clever for an eleven year old. Jzet thought. Maybe even a little too clever,
"Do you know anything about Jacqueline of Blue Harbor?" Jzet asked, trying to sound as casual as she could be.
Jzet swore she saw Madison simper as if she could see right through her trick.
"Yeah, her uncle left her in charge of the fief according to the servants in Blue Harbor's castle." Madison told her, not even having to pause a second to think. "The old man hasn't been heard for in years. He sailed away and never returned. It seems to me, there's a shifty crowd in Blue Harbor."
Explains a lot, Jzet thought grimly.
"So, now that I told you what you want to know about your greatest enemy, you're going to tell me how things work around here." Madison's said, a confident smirk visible on her face.
Jzet couldn't help, but be in shock.
"How did you know I hated her?" The words tumbled out of Jzet's mouth instantly.
"As I said before Queenscove, I have my sources." The first year page told her.
Jzet, still in surprise, watched the first year page begin to walk down the hall. She then turned around, when realizing Jzet wasn't following her.
"Well, are you coming or not?" She asked. "I have place to see, things to do."
Jzet mentally shook herself.
Come on Jzet. You can't let her get under your skin.
Yes, but there is definitely more to Madison of Pirate's Swoop then meets the eye.
You can think about that later. Now you have to act Yamani calm. Just like a smooth lake on a warm spring day.
"Like a smooth lake," Jzet mumbled to herself, before shouting, "Cool it Pirate's Swoop. I'm coming!"
And I'm not going to let you get inside my head.
Later that night, Jzet dreamt.
Jzet found herself in a plain room. The walls were wooden panels and the paint was an off white. The floor was completely made out of cold grey slabs of stone, chilling her feet at the touch. The rest of the room was practically empty, except for a small wooden table and two chairs. On top of the lone table, lay a small tea kettle with white steam gradually rising up from it. Adjacent to the kettle, two cups were neatly placed. There was one window in the room, which admitted a steady light and filled the room with a certain warmth that only the sun could give. A shoddy door, to Jzet's surprise, was at the front of the room and had been left slightly ajar to let in fresh clean air.
'Where in Mithros' name am I?' Jzet wondered. This place looked too peaceful to belong to Zulch or any of his comrades.
The answer to her question soon came when the door slowly began to creek open.
"Jzet my dear, welcome!" A familiar musical voice shouted.
Ganiel stood there in a white tunic and black breeches. His black hair was neatly combed back and seemed a little bit shorter than the last time she had laid eyes upon the Dream God.
He began to chuckle. "Are you baffled by my good looks, mere mortal?" He asked, jokingly.
Jzet snorted in a very unladylike fashion. "Yeah, in your dreams, Ganiel,"
"That could be arranged." said the god, a sly grin plastered on his face.
"Well, here's a tip," Jzet began coolly, "don't."
"Fine, have it your way." said the dream god, smirking to himself. "You're missing out on a lot."
Jzet broke out into laughter. "I don't think so." she told him. "You just have an inflated head." She then began to mimic him. "Oh, look at me. I baffle mortals with my good looks. Aren't I so good looking! If I could marry anyone, I would marry myself because I am just oh so perfect."
"I am not like that at all!" Ganiel objected.
Jzet rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever you say."
Ganiel tapped his foot impatiently. "Are you done with your antics Jzeliette?"
"Yeah, I guess so." said Jzet. "I've been on a bad streak lately, so it's hard to stop when I am on fire."
"Yeah, your bad streak really does you wonders." The god told her sarcastically. "How much free time do you have anymore?" He paused two seconds as if he was daring her to answer. "That's right none because of your big fat mouth! And I hate to say it, Jzeliette, but, you are just like your father!"
"I'll give you that one." Jzet admitted. "I'm sunk."
"That's right mortal, touché." Ganiel grinned widely at his victory.
"So, what did you call me here for?" Jzet asked not wanting Ganiel to be caught up in his success over her.
The dream god quickly came back to his senses, "Ah, yes," He began, "I have something to tell you."
"Is it good news or bad?"
"Bad,"
"Damn," Jzet cursed. "I hate bad news."
"Don't we all." The god shot back. He then let out a deep sigh.
"So, spit it out." Jzet ordered him, impatient.
"Mithros, hold your horse's!" He retorted. He took another deep breath and then announced, "Zulch's armies are ready to invade Tortall."
Jzet stood there slightly dumbfounded. It was too soon for war with Carthak. She was hoping that war wouldn't break out for another year. 'Well, you can't get everything you want.' Jzet thought to herself.
"Wow, this is really bad timing." Jzet remarked to no one in particular. She raised her head towards the sky. "Can't you just give me a break?"
"All's not fair in love and war, dear Jzeliette," Ganiel told her.
"Oh, stuff it." Jzet snapped, not happy at all with this new information. At this rate the two countries would be at war by midwinter.
"Don't get touchy." the dream god warned her. "I'm just trying to help."
Jzet sighed deeply. "I know." She confessed and then apologized. "I'm sorry Ganiel for snapping at you and bickering with you. I know my place, but I forget sometimes."
Ganiel smiled whole heartedly. "It's okay my dear," He told her. "It's nice to have a normal conversation with a mortal. I don't mind our bickering either. It entertains me greatly."
Jzet grinned. "I'm glad it does." She sighed. "I wish the Rattler could only say the same." She suddenly brightened up. "Hey, maybe you can send the old man a dream telling him not to punish Audrey and me."
Ganiel laughed dryly. "I wish I could Jzeliette, but I am not allowed to meddle too much with mortal affairs."
Jzet shrugged. "It was worth a try."
The dream god grinned. "I know, but sometimes you just have to take things as they come."
Jzet sniggered. "Oh, thank you, master of wisdom."
Ganiel ignored her. "I have a treat for you." He announced.
"What is it?" Jzet inquired.
"A dream,"
"That's what you call a treat?" Jzet shot back.
"No, but I only give you helpful information." He stated. "And this is about Zulch's inside circle, so be excited."
"Huzzah," Jzet said unenthusiastically.
"That's my girl," Ganiel remarked.
Instantly, the scene changed and Jzet realized she was in the Carthaki throne room.
It must have been night time because the room was dimly light with candles and it was completely deserted.
Footsteps were suddenly heard against the stone floor. They echoed around the empty room.
Mahwah entered the throne room with a smirk on his face.
"My king, my king, I have splendid news." He called.
A door swung open from behind the throne room and a sleepy Zulch stepped out of it. He was adorned in a purple colored robe and slippers made of fur were on his feet.
"Mahwah, it is before sunrise." He snapped. "This better be good."
"It is my king." Mahwah told him, bowing deeply. "You will be very pleased."
"Well, out with it, you fool." Zulch retorted.
Mahwah cleared his throat. "I am happy to announce that your grand army is ready to invade Tortall and is ready to gain victory for you throughout the lands."
Zulch's face light up considerably. "Excellent Mahwah, excellent,"
Suddenly, more footsteps were heard against the cold stone floor.
"Nammir, do you have good news for me too?" Zulch questioned.
Jzet turned and saw Jacqueline's uncle strutting into the throne room.
"Yes, my superb king, the nuisance shall be eliminated by Mid Winter." He announced.
"By Mid Winter!" The king roared. "That is too long!"
Nammir cowered. "My king, these things take time." he stuttered. "The girl has friends in high places. She is hard to get to."
"My army cannot be launched into Tortall with her still alive." Zulch shouted. "The prophesy must not be fulfilled. It will ruin everything. That's why I need her dead now, before she gains more strength to crush me with."
"We must kill the one who is giving her strength, before we can finish her off, my king." Nammir explained.
"Can't you go any faster?" Zulch asked angrily.
"My agent just can't barge in and demand the location of her teacher." Jacqueline's uncle told the angry immortal. "Things like these need perfect timing and planning."
Nammir looked up to see if the king was any angrier. He seemed to have calmed down slightly.
"Nammir leave my presence, now." The king ordered. "I need to discuss things with my loyal assistant, Mahwah."
Jzet glanced over at Nammir to see flashes of jealousy and anger fill his eyes.
"As you wish, my king," Nammir's voice dripped in venom. He bowed gracefully and then began to depart.
Jzet followed Nammir out of the room to see what he was up to next.
Instead of going far, he stood right outside the throne room. Nammir then unsheathed his sword as silently as he could.
Jzet gulped. She knew what Jacqueline's jealous uncle was about to do.
The closing of a door and the sound of footsteps reached Jzet's ears. She knew Zulch had returned to his quarters and Mahwah was quickly approaching his unknown death.
As Mahwah took one step out of the throne room, Nammir thrust his sword down upon the hunchback. The sword cut into his back, making blood ooze out of his wound.
"You…" Mahwah whispered softly after falling to the ground. "You jealous fiend…"
"So, what if I am?" Nammir hissed, his face showing visible triumph. "With you out the way, I will be Zulch's right hand man."
"Crazy bastard…" Mahwah managed to get out. His breaths became more ragged. "I hope the black god gives you what you deserve."
"I won't ever have to see the black god, fool." Nammir crackled. "I am going to make Zulch give me immortality for being so loyal to him."
"That's impossible," Mahwah breathed.
Nammir laughed. "You should have read more Mahwah." Nammir hissed. "Anyone knows that a Fitrakis can give immortality to one mortal in its life time."
"No…" Mahwah's now began gasps for air.
"Goodbye, Mahwah," Nammir then wickedly brought his sword down upon Mahwah slicing through his neck, beheading him.
That morning Jzet woke up with shivers running down her spine.
"What's wrong, Jzet?" Lee asked, seeing something was amiss, as she was entered he room with her fresh set of clothing.
"I think time is running out for us." Jzet told her.
"Who is us?" Lee asked.
"Tortall, Gosha, and I," Jzet explained. "According to Zulch's schedule we're next to die."
So tada... yeah some humor/drama... so not that much action or fluff... but hey I can't have that in every chapter.. so consider this an extremely long chapter as a filler chapter... yay
Thanks for the editing Juliette.. You are awesome!!!!!! Patrick says hi.. not realllyyy.. but hey if he liked you he would!
So review and happy holidays! Hurray!
Sincerely,
Caiti and her fantabulous editor Juliette