DISCLAIMER: The Circle of Magic, Circle Opens, and the Circle Reforged (otherwise known as The Will of the Empress) are not mine. Both quartets and the last book, are all written by one of my favorite authors, Tamora Pierce. All characters, creatures, etc. are created by her. Copyrighted to Tamora Pierce and Scholastic Inc. (publisher)

Note from Author: Liking the story so far? Good. Right now, there are high winds in my area making it very spooky. LOL, anyways, Tris is having her birthday party...how will I create problems/twists in this story? A little stuck, but let's get the creative juices flowing!

Trisana Chandler, sighed as she took one last look at herself in the mirror. Staring back at her was a young woman, about eighteen years old, with a head of very wild and bushy coppery-red hair. She was dressed in a lovely emerald dress that had been made for her by her foster sister, Lady Sandrilene faToren, or Sandry as everyone called her. Tris pulled out a brush and begin taming her wild copper locks. She braided them into a set of braids, tying them away from her face and holding them together with a net, she held out her arm to Chime, who landed on her shoulder as she descended to dinner. Traditionally, dinner in Daja's jouse was at six because the four foster siblings and friends liked a set time for which they could spend time together. They rarely had anytime anymore to spend all together as a group, what with Briar's shakken business, Sandry's tailor business and Daja working as a metalsmith. Tris thought, I should probably find something to occupy myself. I feel as if I'm an unwanted house guest among Briar, Daja and Sandry. I mean, they wouldn't say that, but I've got nothing to do except read books, while they're so busy. She reached the doorway to the dining room and noticed that the room was dark. Oh! Have they even forgotten our set time for dinner? She felt close to tears, feeling very disappointed and depressed.

Suddenly as Tris entered the room, a shout came, "SURPRISE!"

Tris whirled, looking to her right, as the door to the kitchen burst open, revealing Sandry, Briar and Daja holding a birthday cake topped with eighteen candles, all lit.

"Happy Birthday, Coppercurls." said Briar, affectionately as he hugged a very surprised Tris.

"I--I thought you guys had forgotten," said Tris, tears of happiness springing to her eyes.

"We would never forget your birthday, Tris." said Sandry, indignant.

"Of course we wouldn't," said Daja, "You're the youngest of us, so we'll always remember!"

Tris smiled as she hugged each of her friends. Chime, sensing the joy in the room, flew about letting out a happy trill.

"Thank you guys, this is one of the best birthdays I've ever had!" said Tris, happily.

"Open your presents, Coppercurls," said Briar, stepping away from the table revealinga pile of beautifully wrapped gifts.

"Are these all for me?" asked Tris, breathless from the excitement.

"They're all yours, Merchant." said Daja, nodding at the pile.

Tris walked over and selected a package from the pile. "It says, to Trisana Chandler, best wishes, Niko." Tris smiled as she ripped the wrapping paper away, revealing Niko's gift. "Why, it's a book." She opened the cover and saw a written note inside. "This will help to continue your studies and provide some guidance on otherwise mysterious magic, Niko. Why it's a book written by a weather mage. I've never heard of her before. It looks interesting." said Tris, flipping the pages of the book entirely entranced by it.

"Before you get too engrossed, Tris, how about opening the rest of your presents," said Sandry, gesturing to the pile again.

"Ok, here goes," said Tris taking another package. "To Coppercurls, happy birthday, Briar. Thanks, Briar!"

But as she proceeded to open Briar's present, a loud knock sounded from the front door.

"Now, who could that be?" said Sandry, going to open it.

The dining room was silent, as they heard Sandry greet the visitor. There was a conversation and then, Sandry returned to the dining room with a piece of paper in her hand, and a grim expression on her face.

"It's a letter from Namorn...C---C---Cousin Ambros is dead," said Sandry, a single tear trailing down her cheek.

At this there were gasps from Tris and Daja, and Briar's mouth set in a grim line.

"He was m--m--murdered." She whispered, her voice wavering. "I'm so sorry that this comes up on your birthday, Tris. But according to his wife, I must go and settle affairs...I'll have to return to Namorn."

Sandry began to weep, and Briar went to hug her (!!!)

Daja sighed, and looked at Tris apolegetically. Sorry, she mouthed.

Tris nodded, and then gulped. "Sandry, it's ok. I understand. If you would like, we'll all go with you," she said trying to be assuring. "I'll open my birthday presents some other time, " she muttered lamely. Daja put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and nodded at her, telling her through their connection, Good job at consoling her. I do feel a little sad about Saghad Ambros' death. He was courteous to us the entire time we were in Namorn. Again, Sandry never meant this to happen during your birthday party. If you like, we can open your presents after the funereal, she added.

Tris nodded and gathered her presents up, taking once last look at Sandry, before leaving. Chime, swooped around, singing a soft, sad trill.

Sandry dried her eyes, and looked at the note again, it read:

Dear Lady Sandrilene faToren (or Sandry),

I'm writing to imform you that my husband, Clemham Ambros faLandreg has died. In fact, he has been murdered. I feel great grief at writing this on the page, but I must be strong. Ambros wouldn't have liked me weeping and crying at his death. He would have wanted me to be safe, and to grieve, of course, but to be strong enough to carry on with life. I have spoken to the authorities and even sent a letter to your cousin, Empress Berenene. But, neither her nor the authorities know who murdered him. Ambros did in fact have a will, and even though, you made him owner of your lands and fortune in Narmorn, he has specified in his will that they are to be returned to you. He listed details and left notes about the lands supposedly, so that you'll know what to do. He also had the lawyer request that you be there for the opening. The opening of the will will take place on Sunsday, of the Third Month, at 9 hours after dawn. Please be here.

Many thanks, and blessings.

Clemhame Ealaga faLandreg

Sandry sighed. She didn't like the idea of returning to Narmorn, but knew that she must be there for Ambros' funereal. He was so nice and courteous to us during our stay there four weeks ago. He never was mean or refused to listen to us and even risked his life to make sure that Tris made it to the border! I can't just forget that even though returning to Namorn will be prove difficult should my cousin find out. It'll also prove even more difficult to leave again, if she does find out. Which is probably inevitable, her finding out.

There was a knock on the door and a voice said, "Sandry, open up. Please?"

It was Briar. Sandry gathered her courage and fixed her face into a smile, and opened the door.

Outside in the hallway, she saw Briar, Tris and Daja standing there. "We understand that you're upset, but we wanted to let you know, that we're packed and ready. We also made arrangements for the trip and Daja's even told her apprentices to carry on without her! We want to be there for you when you go to Namorn." said Tris, smiling a rare smile at Sandry.

Sandry gasped and smiled. "You guys are the best. Let me get packing."

"I'm suprised you haven't packed yet." said Briar, grinning. "We also informed Duke Vedris about the news and he also is coming with us, and some added protection."

Sandry nodded, and then turned, steeling herself mentally. Berenene, whether you like it or not, we're returning to Namorn.

Empress Berene, felt a stirring in her mind. Hmppphhh.. she thought as she re-read Saghada faToren's letter, smiling to herself. If what she said is true, than that means my dear cousin who fled with the other three troublesome mages, is coming back. Maybe I'll arrange a little welcoming party for her.

She signaled the guard standing at the door of her workroom. "Call Icelyn and Ladyhammer. Tell Quen, that the plan is moving further and that Ladyhammer will give instructions."

She waved her hands and dismissed the guard. She then, walked out on to her balcony and looked over the Sith. Soon, I will take pleasure in saying "Welcome again, to Narmorn." to the stubborn little clemhame's face.

The plot thickens! I've finally got my hands on Beka Cooper: Terrier by TP. Very good, but I couldn't really focus, so I'll re-read.