Has anyone ever thought about how awkward the word 'swoop' is? It's like incredibly awkward. You can like...swoop in on your pray. Or swoop in on your opponent in basketball. Or do a victory swoop. You can even swoop your ground to make it clean if you wanted.

SWOOP.

Chapter Five: Pirate's Swoop Surprise

The next day, they set off for Pirate's Swoop. No member of their small party was at all interested in the morning. There early departure had them grumbling and complaining. In fact, they were in such a foul mood that any human within a five and a half mile perimeter was at risk of being turned into a tree, soiled by animals, and then blown up violently. Thankfully the group of three and their horses were traveling in the middle of no where.

They took many breaks for the horses' sake so that they didn't grow tired. Daine rode a magnificent gelding that was a rich chocolate brown. The horse's name was Leaf, named after a darking that befriended Daine when she was in the Divine Realms. Numair's mare was also a brown color, but had white spots on her rump. Her name was Cranky for her constantly irritated attitude that Numair took a liking to.

Since they would be gone from their home for what seemed like a long time, they packed heavily. Once they arrived at Pirate's Swoop, they would stay there for a few days before continuing on to the capital.

When it was finally lunchtime, they were in a much better mood. Animals soon came out of their hiding places to greet Romeli and Daine. The road was a boring one, surrounded by yellowing grass and if they were lucky, a stray bush or tree. For lunch they had a bland meal of bread and cheese.

One of the many animal guests was a cobra. Even though it wasn't Sclythe, she was grateful to meet one of his brothers. This cobra was a dark gray with a black streak that followed his spine. The streak crept up behind his eyes before it split in half and dove into his hood where it spun into two spirals. He was five feet long from tail to nose. Romeli guessed he was about seven years old. He had nasty, repulsive bite marks on his tail.

What is wrong Brother of Sclythe?

A mongoose tried to take off my tail for a snack, explained the cobra with a pained voice. I got away just in time by climbing under an unreachable root.. Since mongoose are an impatient folk, he walked away in search of a better lunch. The bite has pierced my muscle, I fear. It is hard to move.

Would you like my mother to heal you? She is quicker and more advanced at these things. I can heal you too, but it will take longer.

We cobras are patient People. I would like to have to have the sister of cobras to heal me. If you don't mind? the bold yet wise cobra insisted as he coiled up in her lap.

Romeli nodded and set to work. She looked inside her self for her pool of wild magic. When she found it, she took a thread of her copper magic and started to "sew" together the broken scales and muscle.

It was half an hour later when she finished healing the cobra. Daine checked him over to make sure Romeli didn't miss anything. The cobra was very different from others of his kind. He was sincere and had an unusual sense of humor. He wasn't overly prideful like other cobras she ran into. He told Romeli about how much he loved to make friends with other snakes instead of eating them. He also said he preferred the taste of mice instead of reptiles. Soon enough Romeli learned that his name was Sharpfang and they too became friends. Shadowdancer also took a liking to the witty snake and didn't fear him in the least.

When they were ready to move on to Pirate's Swoop, Romeli didn't want to leave her new friend. Sharpfang too did not want to see her leave.

Thank you, for healing me cobra sister, said the cobra gratefully. If only I could repay you. The cobra thought for a minute. How about I come with you? I would love to help with your journey! Romeli thought it over.

Thank you, I would love to have such a fun companion on this trip. Romeli held out her arm for Sharpfang to coil around. The traveling group of people soon became an unusual party.

By nightfall they made it more then halfway there. Numair calculated that they would make it to Pirate's Swoop by lunchtime tomorrow. They made camp in a clump of trees, unseen to other travelers. Romeli set up her bedroll by a big aspen tree where a family of robins lived. They greeted her and then began their nightly hunt for food. Sharpfang too went out to hunt while Romeli and her parents ate their own dinner of soup. The horses scrunched together around a tree, munching on their share of grass.

Sharpfang returned later that night just when Romeli was getting into her bedroll. The cobra slithered in with her, savoring the girl's warm skin. He had a large lump in the middle of his long belly.

Goodnight Cobra Sister, said Sharpfang after they were all settled in.

Good night Brother, replied Romeli. She gave her new friend a kiss on the head and went to sleep.

OOO

The next day, they started earlier, and grumpier, than yesterday. It turned out that even Sharpfang wasn't in the best mood in the morning either. Romeli was fussing with her matted her, covered in morning dew. She glared at the strands angrily.

Once they started going on the road, Sharpfang slid into an empty pack on Shadowdancer's load and stayed there. Romeli thought to socialize with her parents a little, but when she saw their antisocial expressions, she thought better.

By lunchtime, Pirate's Swoop was in view. It was a medium sized castle with thick walls. Bellow a hill was the small town that lived in the land. Romeli never saw Pirate's Swoop before and looked at the sight before her in awe. The only time she ever saw Alanna and George was back at The Tower.

Sharpfang peeked his head out of the empty pack. You should see this large building, she told the cobra. Then, remembering that reptiles only saw heat, added, If you can. The cobra rose his head a little more and extended his tongue.

It looks like a big rock, said the cobra happily. Romeli picked the heavy snake up and put him on her lap.

An hour later, they came to the front gate of Pirate's Swoop. There were two flags that decorated the castle. One had a brown field with a gold key that belonged to the Baron George's flag. There was also one with a scarlet field and a gold lion; Alanna the Lioness's flag. The flags hanging by the pole meant that both of them were in the castle. Two stable boys hastily took their horses to the stables.

A man in brown, trimmed with green walked up to them. He was tall and broad shouldered and hair was a sandy brown with a couple gray hairs here and there. His nose was too big for good looks, but his green-hazel eyes and mischievous grin was contagious for most. George, the baron of Pirate's Swoop, was one of the nicest men she had ever met. In fact, he was the only man she'd ever met besides her father.

"Great Merciful Goddess! Is that you, Romeli? You've grown by feet!" Said George referring to her long body. Romeli blushed and looked down. George lifted her chin up and looked deep into her chaotic eyes. "Yer face 's prettier than the Goddess' 'erself. And yer eyes are beautiful." Romeli blushed again at the Baron's poetry. Prettier then the Goddess my foot, she thought.

Taking his attention off of Romeli, George greeted Numair and Daine with an embrace, flirting with Daine a little in the process. "Come on inside. The Lioness 's in the library. She would be lookin' forward to meetin' you, but she doesn't know yer 'ere. I can't wait 'til I see her face when she be gazin' on Romeli."

They walked to the inside of the castle and through a series of rooms and hallways before they reached the library. Once they did though, Romeli gasped in awe. The library was much bigger than Numair's. The bookcases were exploding with books that went all the way up to high ceiling. There was even a staircase curling around the circular room to a tower at the top.

A woman was sitting at one of the many desks in the library, reading a scroll. She had copper hair that was starting to fade and a strong nose and mouth cupped by a stubborn chin. The only unnatural thing about Alanna was her enchanting violet eyes that were the same color as her Gift. When she stood up to meet them, her full height was barely overfive feet, but when holding a sword she was as deadly as two full grown knights

Her violet eyes grew wide. "Mithros Romeli you sure have changed!" She said twice as surprised as George. The Lady Knight had to crane her neck to look into Romeli's eyes. The two stared at each other for a moment, Romeli's heart thawing of travel weariness at Alanna's warm grin.

"In all my years I've never met another human with naturally green hair," she babbled, patting her niece on the head. "When you find the answer to this mystery, please enlighten me." Romeli nodded obediently, wanting to be enlightened herself.

After the greeting with Romeli, Alanna greeted Numair and Daine with a bearsized hug.

OOO

For a late lunch, Daine, Numair, and Romeli ate in the dining room on a long wooden table with large, soft chairs. Sharpfang sat on Romeli's lap lazily digesting his meal from last night. They ate fresh chicken, soup, and bread served by the head cook. Alanna and George sat with them to keep them company and to later talk for hours like most grownups did.

"Do you know what he's going to do?" asked Alanna after Numair and Daine told her why they were here and about returning to Corus. Both of them shook their heads. "Maybe he needs help planning the war or something stupid that he could do on his own." That made George chuckle, shaking his head at some memory.

"When he talked to me last week he looked pale." Pointed out Numair in his serious and scholarly voice.

"Jus' to make things clear, does Jonathan know that Romeli is...well...walkin' this earth as yer daughter?" George asked folding his hands on the table.

Romeli grinned. "Not that I know of. Unless Numair informed him in their meeting about a week back."

"I haven't told a soul," Numair said at George's pondering look. "I didn't want to be the one to spoil the surprise. But the King also told me that we are going to be announced to him through a welcoming ball. He's going to be very surprised when he sees Romeli." Romeli grinned a little hesitantly. Numair never told her there would be a welcoming ball.

"How about we leave on Sunday so we have two weeks to make it to Corus?" Daine suggested. The rest of them nodded. Romeli knew the discussion was over and asked her parents the question she was pondering since they arrived.

"Ma, Da? Can I tell them?" she asked referring to the Guardians, her tattoos, everything. Her parents looked at each other as if they could read the other's mind. They both nodded. During the exchange, Alanna and George looked completely confused.

Romeli stroked Sharpfang, took a deep breath, and informed her aunt and uncle about the events of the past couple of weeks. She told them of her two Guardians, Old White and Sclythe, and even displayed to them the two tattoos she acquired because of them. Right after she stated that there would be three Guardians in all and that her powers would grow in the process of discovering the third one, Sharpfang lifted up his neck and flared his elegant hood, grabbing her attention.

You shouldn't say any more then that. How do you know if they can be trusted? What if they turn on you and become the enemy? They would have very powerful information. They could capture you! What was once slight fury turned to sadness in his eyes. Your secrets are so dark that if they fall in the wrong hands, they could use your power to rule the whole land.

Romeli's eyes glazed over. Sharpfang was right. She should be more careful about whom she spoke to, but she knew that Alanna and George were two of the most trustworthy people in the country. Sharpfang, I appreciate your kindness. You taught me something very important that I would never forget. But these people are my friends. They work for the King and can not disobey him. The lady is one of the best knights in Tortall. She could kill the king if she wanted to, but doesn't because he is her friend. The man is a spy to help the kingdom, and he would never think of leaking information to another enemy. They are good.

Oh, he said dumbly. He slithered up her arm and rubbed his head against her cheek with affection. I'm sorry sister. You know us cobras.

It's okay brother. She said hugging him back. Everyone looked at the cobra and girl with confusion. Even Daine could not understand the exchange. Aloud she said, "Sharpfang, my cobra friend, wanted to make sure you weren't spies for the 'enemy'" She explained. "I'm glad he told me to not trust everyone though. Otherwise power could fall in the wrong hands." She looked at George. "You would know that better then anybody." George nodded smiling.

At that moment a cook who looked like she hadn't been outside in a while walked casually in. She wore a gray dress with a white apron. Her brown hair was tied back in a loose bun. She had a wide mouth that was set a little crooked, making it seem like she had one corner of her mouth always upturned. Her eyes were a dark blue and hard to read. She picked up all of their dishes, nimbly balancing them on her arms.

"Thank you Maryann." Replied Alanna politely. Maryann bowed her head, careful not to disturb the dishes, and walked to the kitchen to wash them.

After a couple questions were asked about Romeli's Guardians and such, Romeli began to smile.

"Alanna? Do you think you can duel with me? I want to practice so I can work on my speed, and so I can beat Numair." Alanna laughed and nodded.

"Tell me when you duel Numair again. I want to see him finally lose." Numair gave Alanna a look.

Alanna and Romeli walked out of the castle followed by Numair, George, Daine, and Sharpfang who was wrapped around Daine's neck. Even some of the castle's inhabitants followed, hearing that the baroness was going to duel them. One of them was the very cook who prepared their meal: Maryann.

"Raise your hand if you surrender." Pointed out Romeli. Alanna nodded and stood ready for anything.

When they started, Romeli quickly put the glass spell under Alanna, this time more powerful. Alanna sent a big blast of purple liquid fire at Romeli.

She shrunk it to a piece of dust. Romeli then made a large ember ball that formed into a horse. The horse charged towards the Lioness.

When Alanna blew it up, the horse was split into many other horses.

During the time that Alanna was getting rid of the horses, Romeli made a gift-draining leech that was smaller then her finger. She told it to suck three-fourths of her opponent's gift.

The leech crawled to the ground where it would sneak up on the other women.

Romeli suddenly fell to the ground.

She was hit by a big purple fire rock. Her right side screamed by the impact. She quickly stood up gasping for air that would not come and released her secret weapon.

Alanna, seeing the crystal form around her, quickly shot it at Romeli like Numair did.

Romeli, who was clutching her side, was prepared for this. She turned the glass around towards Alanna seconds before it would have spliced through her. She then formed the fresh glass into a giant cup that she put over her the Lioness.

Romeli then evaporated the leech that was about to pounce.

The Lioness raised her hand in defeat.

Romeli quickly came over and lifted the glass away from Alanna and destroyed it. She was careful to evaporate all the shards on the ground so no one hurt themselves walking around the area.

Alanna was dripping in sweat that made her clothes and hair stick to her. Her face was pale like all mages were when they used a lot of their Gift. She smiled up at her niece and congratulated her. Romeli had won her first duel! And to the Lioness! Romeli looked around her. Everyone stared with wide eyes including the cook, Maryann. Her parents and George were beaming. Romeli asked if Alanna would be okay. When she nodded, Romeli went to her parents and hugged them both.

"I did it Da! Next I'm going to beat you," she told him. Numair smiled and tweaked his daughter's nose. Alanna came over and slapped Romeli on the back.

"Great job Romeli. I haven't lost in years. You need to duel me more so my spirits don't grow too high." Her voice was tired, but Alanna was strong.

Romeli smiled then turned to her mother. "We get to do the horse race tomorrow right?" she asked to Daine excited.

"Of course we are. I promised didn't I?" she replied giving Sharpfang to Romeli. The girl smiled. After seeing Alanna's confused face, Daine explained what they were going to do.

OOO

For dinner they had a big meal. The main dish was a delicious fish that had a rich flavor. There was also rice, an assortment of fruits, bread, and many types of cheeses. The shy Maryann cooked all of it. Alanna said they were very lucky to have her. She was wanted all over Tortall and used to cook in many lands including Scanra and the Copper Isles.

Romeli was very bored and sat tiredly as the grownups talked about the noble gossip and court. Romeli, uninterested with such topics, let her mind wander. She would rather be talking to animals, or going on a heroic adventure.

You look like you're having fun, pointed out Sharpfang sarcastically.

Yep this is the most fun I've had all day, she said playing along. She stroked her friend who hummed contently.

Eventually the grownups excused her from the table to her bedroom. She gratefully hugged her parents good night and took Sharpfang to her current bedroom. The room was fairly large with a twin-sized bed, wooden table, mirror, dressing room, and of course a privy. All of her things were already there since the stable boys unpacked the horses. Romeli slipped into bed in a nightshirt and soft breeches. Sharpfang curled up on a pillow next to her.

Time to spy. She thought darkly. She changed her ears into those of a bat's. She could tell there was a listening charm on the room, but it didn't seem to affect her.

"…way to dangerous for her," said her mother. Concern was deep in her voice.

"We have to do something. She's going to draw attention with her green hair," Numair pointed out unhappily.

"We can't let 'er in th' war, then. She'll be too big of a target and 'er powers don' seem exactly-stable." George added the words catiously.

"She needs to be protected. She is very attractive for her age. Something about her eyes. It draws in every man she looks at. And you know what the reputation at the castle is," Numair said strictly.

"Her powers are also obviously extraordinary. People will want to study her," Alanna's voice said.

"She needs animals though. She's fourteen and needs to socialize," Daine opposed. "How would you like it if you were quarantined to your room for a year?" There was a silence.

Romeli exhaled shakily as she listened, her eyes wide.

"So it's settled then. Romeli can wander in and out of the castle freely, but has to be under watch secretly at all times. And as her mother, I say she can interact with boys if she wants," Her mother stated firmly.

She couldn't take it any longer. She turned her ears back to normal. Tears galloped down her cheeks. If that's what they all thought of me, even my own father, I don't need them. I won't even tell them anything about how I feel. They'll just manipulate it against me. Romeli glared at the ceiling for what felt like hours and then fell asleep bitterly.

OOO

The next day Romeli woke up in the morning in a great mood. It immediately evaporated in seconds. The talk the grownups had last night was still raw in her mind. She could never forgive her father. The only person who really believed in her now was her mother.

What about Sharpfang and Shadowdancer? They believe in you, a part of her said. What about your Guardians? They trust you with the lives of the People. Romeli then remembered what Old White said about people looking down on her. Maybe I have to earn their trust and respect by being more then meets the eye, she thought to herself.

She slipped out of bed quietly so she didn't upset Sharpfang and got dressed in a short black skirt with black breeches underneath. She also put on a long sleeved, green shirt on. Romeli clumsily ran a brush through her hair and went down to the dining room where she would show the adults what she was made of.

The parents were sitting at the table talking when she arrived. When George saw her they stopped quickly. More talk about me? She thought angrily. She felt her head grow hot with fury.

"Romeli, come sit down 'n have some breakfast," George offered. He was pointing at a chair next to him that had a plate of eggs and toast in front of it.

Romeli was starving, but she had to stick to her plan. "No thanks George," she said taking an apple from a basket. "I don't want green hair and eyes to be too distracting. I think I'll be nice and protected from the violent war and people who want to study my extraordinary powers if I stay in my room for a year or two!" By the time she made her point, she was so furious her voice rose to a yell and her eyes were filling with hurt. All of her parents looked at her in horror, but before they could protest the truth, Romeli was storming back to her room.

What is wrong, Sister? Asked Sharpfang, slithering over to Romeli who was wiping away a couple tears that escaped her eyes.

The people I know turned their backs on me and won't let me wander freely, she explained sniffing. But I'm going to show them that I can handle myself. I would run away if I could, but I don't know the way. Romeli was so mad, that one of the windows shattered.

There was a knock on her door. More people to boss me around? She thought angrily. Just what I need. "Who is it?" She asked hotly.

"Romeli? It's Daine are...are you all right?" Her mother asked, concerned.

Romeli was nicer this time. "Come in." Her ma was the only one who stood up for her.

Her mother entered looking pale. Daine walked over to the foot of her bed and sat down. Romeli sat up, minding Sharpfang who was coiled on her lap.

"I can't believe Numair! I loved him so much. I thought he was the best father a daughter could have," Romeli explained. "And Alanna and George were my friends. They were so nice. They are the only people I really know besides family." She said the last part bitterly. "I love you ma. You stood up for me, and I know that I can trust you."

Daine hugged her daughter tightly. "Your father loves you very much," pointed out Daine. "He is just very concerned for your safety. He's overprotective of you because he doesn't want you to leave him. Alanna and George don't want you to get hurt. They—especially Alanna—know what it's like to be different from the people around them. Numair, George, and Alanna are scared. They don't want something bad happening to you. You know, like being taken advantage of or used as a source of power. You are very valuable Romeli. How many people in the world are full of Wild Magic or have control over plants?"

"Not many," Romeli answered feeling better now.

"Right. Now I need to ask you something. How did you listen in through the listening charm?"

"Well, I could sense it when I was going to bed. It was so strong that it was driving me crazy. So I changed my ears to a bat's and listened in. The charm didn't affect me," Romeli said reasonably. Well, part of it was true.

"Oh. Well I guess that makes sense. I'll go downstairs and talk to them. What we said last night wasn't right. The regulations we stated were...unneeded," Daine said apologetically. "And Romeli? Forgive your father. He doesn't know how it feels to be different sometimes."

"I already have forgiven him," Romeli replied wrapping a cold Sharpfang around her arm to keep him warmer.

Daine nodded and bid her farewell before closing the door behind her.

Romeli stayed in her room for a while, tracing her finger along the smooth scaled of Sharpfang. Just when her patience was growing short, she stood up and made her way to the door.

Come-on Sharpfang, let's go see everyone downstairs.

Sharpfang slithered happily around her neck and they exited the room and went down stairs. She heard them talking when she got closer to the room. When she entered the room, they stopped abruptly. She quietly sank down into a chair next to Daine with Sharpfang as a comfort.

"Romeli we decided that you don't need to be watched. It's obvious that you can take care of yourself. And you'll be a big help actually fighting in the war, but you should sleep in our wing. It's the only place where pets are allowed, except for the classrooms of course," Daine told her. It was much more fair and helpful to everyone.

"Thanks Ma. I'm sorry I got in such a bad mood, but that just wasn't fair," said Romeli a weight lifting off her chest. Numair looked like a puppy who'd done something wrong. Even though he looked hard and acted like a gentleman, he had the heart of a child. When he was hurt, the look in his eyes would make even the dirtiest of thieves apologize. George himself was once captivated by the look.

"Listen, Romeli, I'm really sorry about last night. Sometimes I get carried away and I start to think the world is in the palm of my hand," Numair said with regret.

Romeli stared at him amazed. "Da, it's really okay. I suppose your reasons for sheltering me were justified. You're the best father anyone could have," Romeli confessed. The color in Numair's face went back to normal and his usual smile returned. The room returned to its usual pleasant atmosphere.

"Told ye so," George muttered into a glass of wine, grinning. Alanna hit him upside the head.

"Romeli you must be starving. Do you want something to eat?" Alanna asked politely. Romeli quickly nodded. She could eat fifteen loaves of bread if she wanted to.

A few moments later, Maryann came out with toast and porridge for Romeli. She quickly thanked the cook and wolfed down the food.

"I was thinking we could have the horse race in a couple of hours," Daine suggested to all of them. Romeli nodded, content with both the food and the idea. Sharpfang, who was still around Romeli's neck, almost seemed overjoyed.

OOO

After eating her delicious food, Sharpfang and Romeli went down to the stables to see Shadowdancer. When they got there, Shadow was ecstatic. She gave both of them a horse hug, then accused them of neglecting her while they were in the castle. With their greetings over, the trio walked over to the pasture to talk.

We're having the horse race soon, Romeli informed Shadowdancer. She was very eager for it to happen. Just to see how well her ma was, and if she was anywhere close to being as good as her. I'm not going to keep my hopes up. My Ma is very good. Do you want to watch the race Shadowdancer?

Of course I do! Who wouldn't want to watch a horse race? Shadowdancer exclaimed excitedly. Sharpfang can watch on my back if he wants to, Shadowdancer offered. Sharpfang took the offer with a nod.

They spent their final moments together relaxing in the grass. Shadowdancer grazed while Romeli and Sharpfang told her about the castle and its people. Shadowdancer was fascinated with all the horses living in the stables and Sharpfang expressed his interest in the odd couple who owned the rock castle.

When Romeli finished laughing she looked at the sun to determine the time. "It's almost time. We better go." She informed. They quickly got up and walked towards the race. Shadowdancer held the bold cobra on her rump making sure he didn't slip.

There you go. The next chapter is pretty cool. I've got a surprise up my sleeve.

Me he he.

"When people say. 'I'm so tired it's not even funny' or 'My head hurts so much it's not even funny', why would it be funny in the first place?"

Heartdamoose