If that many reviews are the response, I might have Ozorne be a threatening jerk more often. I do have plans in mind, and I think a couple of you are starting to figure out what happens next.

Next chapter: Soon

The Emperor's Mage
Chapter Twenty-two: Rest

Alanna's knees were weak with relief, and she saw no reason to fight that emotion. She let her legs fold under her, leaving her looking past her wayward girlchild to the Goddess's altar. Alanna breathed a quiet prayer to her patron before rising shakily, feeling a decade older in an instant. Intelligent brown eyes studied her as Alanna carefully made her way to the next bench over.

"Hello, badger," she said quietly. She doubted that loud voices would rouse Daine, at this point, but she'd rather leave that awakening for later. Alanna would have bad news to impart whenever it did happen, but Daine needed her rest. It might also be better that Daine would have less time to think about what would happen to Arram. "Thank you for protecting her."

The badger huffed, reminding her of Buri caught doing a kindness. —I promised her father that I'd look after her. I saw her twice in her first thirteen years, and won't make that mistake again. She needs tending.—

"She was right about Arram Draper, at least. Was he the one that called you?"

—Normally, summoning is strongly discouraged, but...— The badger nosed at Daine's shoulder, as if to reassure himself that she was still well. —Ozorne would have kept her here, and wild magic was never meant to be caged. Her parents cannot fully protect her for ninety-seven years yet, unless she happened to need their aid on a solstice or equinox.—

"Has Sarra become a goddess, then?"

The badger ruffled his fur. Alanna had the feeling that it was an approving gesture. —Very good. The Goddess hasn't picked a slouch yet, but there's always the chance.— He vanished in a puff of silver smoke, reappearing on her bench. His front paws rested on her thigh to let them make eye contact more easily. —I trust that you can take her from here. There is nothing that I can do for Arram Draper, but he was correct to call me. I could protect her until she was collected by a suitable guardian.—

Alanna didn't relish telling Daine what had happened, but she wouldn't leave the responsibility to anyone else. Lindhall was still grieving too deeply, and no one else in their delegation was close enough to Daine to bear such bad news.

Daine looked peaceful, curled up with her arm as a pillow. The silver badger's claw was dangling outside of her shirt, the charm against pregnancy winking next to it. Daine would wake to hear that the man she'd (correctly) believed in from the start was condemned to death, and that he'd done it to protect her.

—A certain cat that harasses folk in the Divine Realms at will asked me to say hello, and to mention that he is very proud of you for all you've done. He's especially enamored with your kittens.—

Alanna had known for years upon end that Faithful hadn't been a normal cat, but it still made her breath catch to hear such casual validation. It did make her feel the tiniest bit better to know that Faithful lived on, especially after losing Moonlight the year before. Darkmoon was a fine stallion, but Alanna was convinced that no horse would replace her first mare.

The badger had vanished while Alanna blinked away another spate of tears for Faithful, leaving only a few long hairs on her leg. Badger had been leaning part of his weight on her, at the end, and perhaps that was why she felt ready to take on Carthak to defend his kit. Following the focus to Daine had drained quite a bit of her energy, far more than the boost she had given Lindhall, but now she had all the energy she needed.

It was hard to scoop Daine up into her arms, but Alanna's Gift was a help. Between her magic and muscles that she stubbornly kept in shape, Alanna brought Daine to Duke Gareth's room. Daine was deeply asleep, and didn't look at all disturbed to be rested on the duke's settee while Alanna joined the rest of the Tortallan delegation in a late-night strategy meeting.

Daine slept just as deeply when finally settled in Alanna's bed. Gary had carried her, that time; it probably was for the best. Alanna's muscles might not have been up to the task of lifting Daine onto the high bed, let alone settling her nicely under the covers.

Alanna slept restlessly on the couch that night, not at all eager for the morning to come. Daine was safe, and very likely to remain so, but the girl was in for a great deal of heartbreak.