So so so so so sooooooo sorry it's taken me F.O.R.E.V.E.R to update this. With school, some writers block and everything happening at home this has just been pushed to the bottom of my really long to-do list. A thousand apologies and I hope it won't happen again but with me you never really know. Right, so it's been ages so hopefully I've still got the flow of this story going. As always, review and let me know.

Thanks a million to everyone who reviewed and ya'll have really good patience lol.

And super thanks to my Beta :) Things will probably male more sense now.

Hope you like it xo

Previously:

"Piper." A slow, curious voice from behind us made him look up. I would have looked to but his hold made it difficult to move. "May I ask why you have my puppy in your hold?"

Rosto cringed and I'm pretty sure I paled.

Goodwin…

Both of us whipped our heads around to stare open mouthed at my Sargent and ex training dog. Not good.

We gulped. And I'm positive I felt Rosto shiver and heard him curse under his breath.

Oh this was defiantly not good.

"Uhh…" The Rogue replied, completely lost for words. He hurriedly let me go and took a step back from me as if I had some sort of sickness.

I would have glared at him but then I noticed the people who stood behind Goodwin, all smirking smugly and I clearly saw coins change hands.

I narrowed my eyes as they focused on one distinct face in particular.

"You!" I spat and forgetting my injuries and embarrassment I lunged forward.

Dom squeaked like a little girl and leapt backwards. "Beka! Stop, I didn't mean to do it!" He called as I narrowly missed him.

"Stand still!" I ordered, inwardly wincing at the slight pain that came from the actions. "I'm only going to kill you. Domain! Get you're…" I was cut off as I was abruptly swept off my feet and slung over a shoulder.

"Steady Cooper. I already gave 'im a good beating." Goodwin's smooth voice said and I went limp in Adrian's huge arms. "You hurt yourself again and I won't be happy."

"She's mad I tell you!" Dom complained from his new location up one of Mary's trees, perched on one of the stronger branches like a bird. "She nearly killed me!"

"What a pity." I said dryly. "Be thankful it was her chasing you and not me! Because as soon as I am able you will join the dead! Adrian put me down."

As soon as my feet touched the ground Achoo woofed and bounded up to me. I laughed and hugged her. "Hello girl." I murmured into her fur. "Have you been good for Ersken?" She licked my cheek and I laughed again.

"Have you ever been interrogated by them?" Dom was saying, making wild hand gestures towards my friends and nearly falling off his branch as a result.

I winced as Adrian complied and set me down and my wounds pained. Maybe I shouldn't have tried to kill him so soon…

"He cracked like an egg in less then an hour." Aniki said, obviously pleased with herself.

I growled. Pox and murrain, Mithros help him when I get my hands on him!

'Be still before you need more healing.' Pounce scolded and I looked down into his purple eyes as he sat next to my feet while Achoo sat on them. 'Giles told you to rest did he not? That means no killing that infernal human…although…'

I scooped him up and cuddled him as he reconsidered. I looked around at my friends as they smiled at me.

Except Goodwin who was standing with her arms crossed and giving Rosto a frosty look that could have frozen the fires of hell over on the hottest of days.

"Hello." I said, smiling innocently. "Sorry I missed breakfast…"

Kora grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into a hug. "We were so worried about you!" She said and let me go then Aniki gave me a hug as well.

"Don't 'ye ever do that again." She insisted firmly, giving me a little shake.

Pounce was protesting at being in the middle of it all but I ignored him, too busy enjoying being back with the people I'd been apart from for to long.

"How are you Beka?" Tunstall asked me kindly as he released me from his bear like hug.

"She's fine else wise she wouldn't be out of bed now would she? Now, Piper, you didn't answer my question." Goodwin said pointedly.

Rosto winced but plastered a cocky grin over his handsome features. "And what question was that Clary?"

"Its Goodwin to you Piper, now, I'm waiting for my explanation."

"Uhh…" Once again he couldn't seem to find the right words and when Goodwin started tapping her baton he became more flustered.

I chuckled softly.

"I'm waiting." She said again, showing no amusement in the situation what so ever, she seemed deadly serious and for a moment I worried for Rosto's life.

He was a good kisser…and I surprisingly lacked the urge to break his jaw.

Must have been the blood loss. I reasoned and subconsciously put a hand over my wounds just to check there wasn't anymore of the vital red liquid escaping.

Next to me Ersken slung an arm around my shoulders and grinned at me. Aniki winked and Kora smiled knowingly, Phelan looked distinctly worried, Tunstall seemed amused, Lady Sabine also looked amused, Adrian was expressionless and I couldn't see Dom because he was still up his tree.

Sarden looby. I thought. How in the name of the Goddess did he make commander? Wimpy curst cove he is…why do I call him brother?

'Why you even let him keep his position is beyond my understanding.' Pounce said and the heads that turned our way indicated that he had let the others hear as well.

"Rotten fur ball." Dom called from somewhere out of sight.

Pounce hissed in reply.

Goodwin sighed. "If you don't give me my explanation Piper, Rogue or not, I will take it by force."

"I was supporting her, she felt weak for a moment." Rosto blurted and we gave him odd looks. He looked at me, hoping for some kind of assistance. I merely raised my eyebrows, he'd just referred to me as being weak. I was not weak.

"Oh and lip lock was needed to keep her on her feet was it?" Aniki said, smirking.

"Just how long were you standing there?" I asked, a blush creeping back into my cheeks. Pox and murrain. Damn Rosto.

"Long enough to know he started it." Goodwin said, pulling out the baton and twirling it casual like around her hand. "Supporting her were you?"

Rosto eyed the weapon warily then in the blink of an eye turned on his heel and darted back into the stables.

Goodwin rolled her eyes and started walking after him. "Why do they always run?" She asked herself.

"Well…it was nice knowin' 'im."

We looked up at Kurt as he approached with raised eyebrows.

"She won't kill him." Kora said, giggling nervously. "…Will she?"

Aniki shrugged unknowingly. "She didn't kill Dom."

"No she just turned him into a coward that retreats to the trees." I muttered. "I lost enough people without having the rest turned into sissies."

'He was already a sissy.' Pounce declared then struggled in my arms and I set him down.

"Kurt, this is Tunstall, Aniki, Phelan, Kora and Ersken. Goodwin has gone off to kill Rosto and I'll have someone go see that she doesn't in the near future." I said, straightening myself and eliminating any suspicions of pain from my friend's minds. I was in charge, gods only know what Kurt had come to report. If any of them tried to lock me in a room again Mithros help them…

Kurt nodded to them respectfully. "I met 'ye Rogue Beka, when he showed up. And Dom's always had good things to say about Goodwin." He grinned. "Master Giles says to all come inside afore it rains and Lady Mary has had a feast prepared for us."

"Thank you." I replied smiling, no more killing just yet. "Come on, Dom get out of the gods damned tree. Food." I beckoned to the others to follow.

There was rustling and he dropped to the ground with a grin plastered on his face. "Always know how to get me Beks."

"I'm still mad at you." I muttered as we began walking back towards the house and I spotted dark storm clouds on the horizon and I shook my head. Giles.

Dom just grinned, knowing he would be let off the hook soon enough and fell in step beside me.

"How's the seeking going?" I asked casually.

Kurt and Dom exchanged a look and I raised an eyebrow.

"We've found a trail." Kurt admitted softly. "Shouldn't be too long, Mistress."

They knew what I would do, it hurt that the cove used to be one of us but the burning sense of betrayal always sparked vengeance in my people.

"Doesn't take you long does it?" Lady Sabine said casually.

"Not usually. The target has predictable patterns to give us a head start milady." Kurt answered unsurely.

"Beka." Mary's voice cut off the topic to us assassins relief as we entered the large dinning room.

"There you are child!" She beamed and engulfed me in a hug. "Don't you look wonderful! I've never seen you so pale, I hope your father rots away for eternity."

"Oh Mary, leave the girl be and let them eat." Giles muttered good naturedly.

I smiled. "I have every assurance that Father will get what he deserves I assure you. Everyone acquainted?"

She nodded and waved a hand. "Of course, I have no doubt you'll see to things. And we have met your friends Beka, fine young people." She gave me a knowing smile. "That nice young man found you I take it?"

The people behind my snickered and I replied through clenched teeth. "He found me, but there is nothing nice about Rosto. Giles, don't you have a problem with Rogues crawling about the place?"

The elderly mage shook his head and concentrated on the food behind placed on the table. "No."

I sighed, how would I get rid of him now?

"Sit, sit." Mary said, beckoning my friends towards the table. "Domain, manners."

Dom looked up innocently, spoon heaped up with some type of potato dish halfway to his already massive amount of food. "What?"

Mary gave an irritated sigh and took her seat next to Giles. I sat down next to Myra and my friends also took chairs leaving two spaces for Rosto and Goodwin should they return before dark.

"I hear Sargent Goodwin gave you quite the flogging Dom." Myra taunted from across the table, smirking. "Was she armed with a duster or something more hideous? Like a broom or sommat."

Tyron laughed loudly. "Only man I know scared of a feather duster."

Dom swallowed his mouthful of food and scowled at us as we laughed freely. "You wouldn't be sayin' that if Rosie didn't like you. Kurt knows what I'm on about." He looked to the veteran who was seated next to Tunstall who had plonked himself next to me.

Kurt raised his eyes. "Don't bring me in ta this laddybuck. Ye fight ye own stupidity."

Dom huffed sulkily and returned to piling his plate to the roof.

I shook my head at his childishness though I found the whole thing rather amusing. "One of these days brother I will wash my hands of you. And leave some for everyone else would you?"

He flashed me a grin. "You couldn't get rid of me even if you tried Bek, and did your wounds affect your eyesight? There's plenty of food."

"Doesn't mean you have to try and eat it all." Giles grumbled. "We have guests."

"He probably needs the energy after Goodwin's been at 'im." Aniki laughed.

Myra elbowed me gently and nodded in Aniki's direction. "I like her, you should have brought them around sooner if their going to harass Domain. Cheeky scut he is."

"I heard that!" He called through another mouthful.

"I didn't bring them around, they brought themselves with some help… " I replied, dishing out my own. "And what difference does it make to Dom? Everyone harasses him." I chuckled.

My female commander nodded thoughtfully. "That we do. He just makes himself such an easy target…"

The doors opened and Goodwin strode leisurely into the room, a small and rather disturbing smile on her face, and she took the seat next to Aniki. Rosto slunk in a few paces behind her and reluctantly took the only other spare seat, between Dom and Goodwin herself.

There wasn't a visible mark on him but he eyed her like she might rip his head off his shoulders at any given moment. The room was silent as Clary Goodwin began dishing out what she wanted as if nothing were out of the ordinary. Rosto and Dom, however, both eyed her nervously.

My scatter brain of a brother swallowed and stood up, his chair scraping backwards over the floor and walked purposely up to Tryon and Anna. Little Carissa, who was happily playing with her bread stick, let out a surprised shriek as Dom plucked her from her chair, grabbed the plate Anna had dished up for her and carried her back to his chair and set her in it. He picked up his overloaded plate and returned to her original place and sat down between her parents. Tryon shook his head at his comrade pitifully while Anna glared at him.

Goodwin looked pretty pleased with herself and Rosto picked up on the idea and swapped his place with Carissa again. Putting the three year old next to Goodwin instead.

Poor little Carissa looked extremely lost and confused and I glared sharply at the pair but they just ducked their heads and continued eating.

"Goodwin, may I ask exactly what you did to them?" I voiced, watching them in astonishment.

"You may not." She replied.

Myra shook her head. "Scatter brains."

"I'd like it if you'd stop scarring people for life." I pointed out. "Their no good to me if their just going to hide in trees."

"Cooper, don't worry that silly little head of yours over it." She said smoothly. "I'll deal with these problems as I see fit."

"But…"

"No buts, you are my puppy and that's how it's going to stay."

"But…"

"Cooper." The warning tone in her voice brought my complaints to an end.

'Serves them right, that idiot deserves everything she gives him.' Pounce's voice said to me though I couldn't see him. 'I say she keeps it up, five sessions a week, I will sleep better.'

Sarden sadistically minded scheming hairball.

There was a yelp and Dom flew high in the air and banged his knees on the bottom of the table. That was followed by a string of curses and Pounce appeared at my chair leg looking quite pleased with himself.

"Beka." My brother whined, red faced and rolling up his leggings to inspect the damage. "Control that damn cat will you?!"

I sighed and looked to the ceiling. Giles also shook his head in amazement.

"Would it be possible that we have a calm, domesticated, civilised meal? For once?" The great mage mumbled tiredly.

"Are meals always like this then?" Ersken whispered to Kurt.

Kurt nodded. "Aye. 'Ye think this is bad lad 'ye should eat 'wiv all us fighters." He winked at the younger cove. "Makes this seem nice like."

Myra sorted. "Barbarian is what you call what that lot get up to."

"I remembers when 'ye weren't a commander Myra." Kurt told her cheekily. "Ye got into just as much as the rest of 'em."

"They'll be too tired to terrorise anyone for a while." I said casually. "I've got plenty to keep them busy for a while yet."

"Oh?" Tryon said, his interest perking. "Are you plannin' on stayin' with us Mistress?"

"I knew we'd grow on her." Dom said to him proudly.

Myra snorted again. "Like some sort of fungus maybe."

We laughed but they looked to me for my answer.

I paused. What would I do now? Return to the dogs or continue with my destiny? It wasn't as bad as I had thought. I knew it was the spell but the promise of a fight with both options thrilled me to the bone. It was for the good of Tortall. I was good. What will I do?

I opened my mouth to reply but the doors opened at the same moment and a young lad of ten summers mayhap rushed up to me and bowed deeply, nearly smacking his head into the floor.

"Majesty." He all but squeaked and hurriedly presented me with a folded parchment. He was flushed and puffing and averted his eyes to the floor.

I smiled at him reassuringly. I hadn't had anything to do with the trainee's yet, they had only seen me and their trainers had no doubt filled their nobs with stories of the Hangman and the Daughter of Fire. I suppose it would make an interesting tale. When the youngsters did see me they always stared at me in a mixture of awe and fear. I think I might have to have a word with the others about scaring them.

"Bravln, easy lad." Kurt muttered to him as I unfolded the note. "Our Mistress won't eat ye."

"You can only blame yourselves for filling their nobs with exaggerated tales of me." I said and ran my eyes over the roughly scribbled words.

'Captive claims to know sommat about the one we seek.'

I recognised the scrawl of Myra's second, Gavlen, who she had in charge of the interrogations and prisoners. I still had no taste for torture, which just showed another way how Father was wrong about me. But, torture is the only way to get our type of enemies to speak.

"Bravln, what do you wish to do when you get older?" I asked as I refolded the note, my empty hand was curled into a tight fist and my commanders and Kurt looked wary. Tunstall was trying discreetly to get a look over my shoulder but I tucked it away from view into the sleeve of my dress.

The boy looked up at me with bright blue eyes and with no hesitation he replied. "Stay 'wiv 'ye milady, I wants 't be one 'o yas."

I smiled and stood. "Excuse me, I have to see to something. Sit Dom, I'll call if I need any of you. Beautiful meal Aunt Mary." I inclined my head in respect to them all.

"Wounds." Giles reminded me without looking up.

"Cooper." Goodwin warned seconds after.

"I won't hurt myself." I promised and placed a hand on Bravln's shoulder. He had wide shoulders and a heavy build for boy his age and a mop of dark brown hair. I guessed he'd be quite impressive when he grew up. Not as much as Tunstall or Adrian but I didn't know if anyone could be as big as those two.

Gently I moved him around and he walked beside me at a quickened pass towards the door. "Today, you'll learn how to get the truth." I paused to open the door. "And what happens to liars."

There we go, chapter 12 finally complete. Can't wait to see what you guys think. I'll start working on the next chapter as soon as I can and, fingers crossed, it'll take a lot less time then this one did to get posted.

xoxo :)

xXAngelStormXx