A/N: I can't believe I made it to the last chapter, I think I'm gonna cry.

Ok, so I was planning to list all my reviewers, but I found out that there are just too much of you, and it would take forever. So I give my dearest thanks for my 293 reviews so far, as well as the 58 people who have favourited this story, and the 79 people with alerts. Oh, and if any of you feel like approaching me in a dark alley for finishing this, I'd like to say that I do karate and that middnightblue33 said that she's got my back.

Oh, another thing that may placate you is that this is not the end of Adalia's story, there are a few loose ends which I will use to create a lovely story covering the first year or so of her knighthood, so you can all look forward to that. :) And that's about it, so read on and enjoy!

Epilogue

December 14, 486 HE

Early morning frost coloured the grass a delicate white, causing it to crunch under the boots of the soldiers who were scurrying about the makeshift camp. All were wearing coats to ward off the cold, as midwinter was fast approaching… much to the discontent of one of their number. The number who, currently, was nowhere to be found.

Kel, Dom, Raoul and Charlie sat around the fire, warming up with some of the soldiers and eating breakfast. Sati was lolling on Raoul's lap. Third Company had just finished cleaning out some spidren nests. Charlie had been a full knight for almost a year now, and had been assigned to the Own.

All of a sudden, there was a loud creaking sound, and something large crashed to the ground. All at the camp were instantly on alert, heads turned in the direction of the sound. After a few moments of silence, Raoul asked nervously, "Was that a –"

"- Tree. Yes." Kel cut him off. She cleared her throat, and yelled, "Adalia, are you all right?" in the direction from which the sound came. Her squire, soon to be a knight, had been training in that general area.

All in the camp heard Adalia's voice shout back, "Sorry, my Bad."

Kel shook her head, and turned to face the raised eyebrows of the three men sitting around her. She and Ady had recently joined Third Company on the way to Corus from New Hope, so they had not experienced the extent of Adalia's anxiety concerning her Ordeal. "Now who wants to go over there and make sure Adalia doesn't kill herself?" She asked with false brightness.

All three sat in silence, none of them willing to volunteer themselves for a job when they had no idea what it would involve. Kel sighed and stood up, scowling at them, "Some men you are, being afraid of a girl." She then started heading in the direction of her squire.

What she didn't hear was her son's retort, "Only because that girl is scary."

.xXXx.

What Kel found was Adalia, long black hair tied back into a ponytail, violet eyes hard and fiercely determined as she practised a series of shang moves. Kel almost winced at the sheer ferocity and power that could be seen in the movements, which made the air whistle with their speed.

Adalia started practising her punches on one of the trees, and bits of the trunk splintered off, breaking away, piece by piece. A tree lay on the forest floor, metres away, and it looked like it had been Adalia's previous victim. If Kel didn't interfere soon, this tree would suffer the same fate. With this in mind, Kel put two fingers in her mouth and whistled as loud as she knew how.

This had the desired effect, breaking Adalia's concentration. She jumped away from the tree in surprise, automatically raising her hands into a defensive position. Upon recognising Kel, she clearly forced herself to smile sheepishly, putting her hands behind her back. She then asked lightly, "What are you doing here, oh great knight master of mine?"

Kel raised her eyebrows and approached Adalia, "Squire, you're being stupid."

Adalia's eyes were guarded as she said, "So what if I am?" Then she sat down abruptly, seeming to collapse on the ground. Kel was close enough now to see her swipe angrily at the frustrated tears that were glistening on her cheeks. Kel silently sat down next to her, putting her arms around Adalia's shoulders. Adalia would talk when she was ready.

Adalia was nothing like the ten-year-old who had arrived in Tortall to begin training for her knighthood. Years of training, friends, fighting and finding love had made her into the eighteen-year-old she was today. Kel had seen the fierce determination that accompanied Adalia in everything she did, and she was proud of the girl that had become like a daughter to her.

Kel was rewarded for her patience as Adalia said quietly, "I'll admit it. I know it's incredibly stupid and I've probably done much worse stuff but… I'm scared. Of the Ordeal."

Kel shook her head, "It would be stupid of you not to be scared of the Ordeal."

Adalia's violet eyes were shocked as she looked straight into Kel's hazel ones. The knight nodded, as if this was the most natural thing in the world and said, "I was scared as well. Most knights remain scared, even after they pass it. What is it that scares you most about it? I'm sure you've done things that are much scarier than entering a room."

Adalia looked unseeingly into the forest, considering the question. Reluctantly, she replied, "I guess it's just not knowing, not even being able to fight it. In all the things I have attempted, I could always rely on myself; there was always something I could do. In this Ordeal, I will only be able stand still and take it. I've experienced being totally helpless once, and I've got no wish to experience it again." With the last words, Kel felt a shiver creep up the young woman's spine.

Kel surprised Adalia by shaking her, and saying forcefully, "Yes, it is the unknown, but think about this: What have you been working towards for the last eight years of your life? Don't you want to be able to make a difference? Think of all the good you've done already, and all the good you'll do in the future. You can do this."

Exactly as Kel had intended, the hard words crashed through the panic that had settled around her squire. Adalia looked at the sky, which was a clear blue, and said simply, but reluctantly, "I know that I can."

Kel was surprised to hear this; there was certainty in her voice. She tilted her head to the side and asked, "Then what's the problem?"

"The Ordeal is very scary, that's true. But what I feel even more scared about is what will happen after it as well. Since I was ten my purpose was to become a knight, but after I become one, what can I strive for next? What if I don't do anything…what if my life loses its purpose? I can't just sit around like lots of other knights do, I am a crow – I need to fly. I can't be cooped up while waiting to do something useful. I've made myself into a weapon, and a weapon needs to be used, else wise it rusts."

Kel couldn't believe she hadn't noticed that Adalia was worried about two unknowns – the Ordeal, which struck fear into all knights, and her future. She sighed, "The future is unknown to us all. If you keep 'what if'-ing yourself, you'll go insane. All anyone can do is stick to our morals and do our best, take one step at a time. And for you right now, that means trying to forget about what will happen in the future. I will give you some advice: "Learn from the past, Live in the present, and Ignore the future."

Adalia thought this over, slowly nodding her head. Then she asked wearily but cheerfully, "What would I do without my wise knight master?"

Kel shook her head, "Destroy more innocent trees."

Adalia looked surprised then noticed the tree that was on the ground, only a few yards away. Shaking her head guiltily, she said, "Opps. I didn't mean to do that… I guess I was just so caught up with being nervous that I couldn't suppress my crow side. It's been kinda hard to handle lately. I think it's just reached its peak, and I haven't been able to properly use all the energy, what with being cooped up at New Hope."

Adalia scratched her chin thoughtfully and was surprised when Kel's Yamani smooth face was creased with a concerned frown. "What?"

Kel grabbed the hand, drawing Adalia's gaze to it. It wasn't a pleasant sight. Obviously the tree had gotten its revenge; her knuckles were cut and blood was oozing out of the gashes. Her other hand was in a similar condition. Adalia was tempted to give the evil eye to the tree, but decided she had caused it enough pain, and allowed Kel to force her back to camp to be healed.

.xXXx.

It took a full week for the party to reach Corus.

When they came within view of the city, it still took Adalia's breath away, just like it had on her first visit, but now for a different reason.

Before, she had been excited and nervous to come to an alien land, and was seeing things different from how they were in the Copper Isles.

Now, it was home. Only the feeling of nervousness was the same, albeit for a different reason. Her Ordeal. She had avoided thinking about it for most of her squire years, but when Kel had reminded her two weeks ago that they had to leave for Corus, all the anxiety and nerves that had gone unacknowledged had sprung into painful existence. Hence her brooding.

In mere minutes, the party arrived in the courtyard of the Own's stables. Adalia dismounted from Sora and turned towards the stables, only to come face-to-face with Kula. Ok, so it wasn't exactly face-to-face, as Kula was at least half a head taller than her, but she was still there. And behind her was Nathan. "What are you doing here?" She asked in surprise.

"You're coming with me." That was Kula, and despite her passive face, Adalia could have sworn that her eyes were pure mischief.

Adalia almost automatically raised her hands in defence, shaking her head, "No, I can't right now. I have to… I have to look after Sora and Anika!"

Kula shook her head in a negative, "Sorry, not going to work. That's what Nathan here is for, and I've got orders to bring you with me if you want to or not!"

Kula grabbed Adalia's elbow and led her off into the palace, while her horses followed Nathan into the stables. She muttered "Traitors" at them but could think of nothing to do other than allow Kula to have her way.

.xXXx.

Five minutes later, Adalia was pushed into her grandmother's suite, and given lunch. Alanna, blunt as ever, got straight to the point, "How are you feeling, Ady?"

Adalia shook her head, irritated, "You have no idea how much people have asked me that lately."

Alanna raised an eyebrow, "And…?"

Adalia smiled nervously, "Truthfully? Scared."

"Good. That means you're not stupid." Alanna nodded her head, eyes sparkling, "Now, do you want to know when you have to take it?"

Adalia took in a large breath, "Fine tell me now, else I'll never have the courage to ask again."

"It's tomorrow. Starts at sundown."

Adalia's mouth hung open in shock. "WHAT THE HECK? Why did no one tell me?"

She was very close to hyperventilating as Kel walked in and assessed the situation.

Alanna and Kula were trying not to laugh at the panicked look on her squire's face. Kel cleared her throat, "Hmm. From the look on all your faces, I gather that you told her."

Alanna smiled sheepishly, "I couldn't resist breaking the news to my granddaughter. Can you blame me?"

Kel smiled and turned her attention to Adalia, who was looking at her reproachfully, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Kel arched her eyebrows, "You're acting like this and you wonder why I didn't tell you sooner?"

Adalia rolled her eyes, "Fine, so I'm overreacting more than just a smidge, but gods, you could have told me sooner!" After pacing up and back a few times, she stopped and addressed Kel again, "So… who is going to instruct me?"

Alanna spoke up, going over to give her a hug, "Do you think I'd miss out on helping you? It's going to be me and Kel."

Adalia sighed her relief and hugged her grandma back. After a few moments, she stepped away and said, "Ok. Is it all right if I go for a walk? I've got to sought out a few things."

Their eyes revealed that they were reluctant to let her go, but Alanna smiled and said, "Sure."

.xXXx.

Adalia escaped from her grandma's suite with her nervousness for company. 'Oh Gods. I have to do this tomorrow. I'm not ready!'

Having been banned from training at the palace – Kel had expressly said the gain for her would be too much of a hazard for the other people on the courts – she drifted. Taking it all in. Finally, she managed to impose some kind of calm over herself. She would have to take the Ordeal, so there was no point worrying about it – that was just making it worse.

After making this decision, she finally took stock of her surroundings. Her feet had taken her outside the page's wing. Looking up at the building, she saw the third storey window that was hers when she was a page…and got an idea. She scaled the building and walked across the roof, taking in the familiar breathtaking view.

Before she reached the specific section of roof she was aiming for, Adalia was surprised to see that someone was already there. Someone she recognised, even from the distance.

Adalia stood on the spot, looking at the person from a distance. His back was to her, and he seemed tense. Just taking him in, a lot of the extra nervousness that had built up seemed to flow away; somehow his mere presence made her feel protected.

She made no noise, but he turned around, and she witnessed his expression change from worried to relieved. The stormy grey eyes seemed to reach for her own, just like they had hundreds of time before. "Hey Ady."

Adalia smiled and made the last few metres onto the small platform, into his open arms. "What are you doing up here?" She asked softly.

He pulled her in tighter, "I knew you'd come here sooner or later."

She looked into his eyes, showing him what his presence meant. "Thanks."

He put a thumb on her cheek and gently wiped away a tear that ran down it. "Don't mention it."

She turned her face up to receive a soft kiss, filled with his love. It fairly took her breath away.

After long minutes, she broke away and took a proper look out at Corus. The sun was setting, the light receding over the horizon, leaving the town dark. Rye moved away from her and Adalia instantly felt colder for the loss of his body heat. Turning around, she raised her eyebrows when she noticed a bedroll and a lot of blankets spread out. "How did you manage to get all that up here?" She asked curiously.

He grinned crookedly and pulled her down with him, "Ady, Ady, Ady. A mage never reveals his tricks."

"You're acting like a child." She retorted while cuddling up to him.

His face revealed shock, "I'm wounded. I act much older than a child!"

Adalia chuckled, "Fine. Maybe a teenager." she conceded grudgingly.

He traced her jaw with a finger, eyes glinting mischievously. "I can live with that." And he leaned down and kissed her thoroughly.

After a few moments she shoved him off and sat up. Trying to force away a smile she stretched, "So, we have a bed on a roof. What do we do?"

Rye's breath was on the back of her neck as he said heatedly, "I can think of a few things."

She grinned and turned to face him, feeling her blood boiling. "Really? I can't."

He rolled his eyes and pulled her back down, smiling against her mouth.

.xXXx.

In the morning she woke up with the feeling of being watched. Upon opening one eye and catching a glimpse of Rye watching her she closed them again and snuggled further into the blankets.

"Morning, sweet." He said.

Ady groaned, "What's so good about it?"

"You're here. That's always good."

Adalia smiled, "You're a very good sweet talker, but I haven't forgotten about my Ordeal."

Rye's arms tightened around her waist and he said, "I love you, you know that?"

Adalia smiled softly and looked into his sincere eyes, "Yes. And I hope that you know I love you as well."

He nodded, "Good. I want you to promise me something."

"What?" She asked nervously, not exactly sure why he was so sombre.

He took a breath, "Promise me that you will come out of that room tomorrow."

This had been her own worry as well, but she knew that she couldn't promise that, even though she wanted to. "Rye… I wish I could, but you know as well as I do that nothing is certain. I hope that I've done enough and that I'll have the courage to get through it. Even if I don't come out, you should know that I love you now and always will."

Rye looked miserable, just like Adalia felt. His arms tightened and he said, "I wish I could help you with this, but I can't. I do have something to say to you. Ady, never doubt your courage, or yourself. You can do this, and I will be very angry with you if you don't come out."

She grinned, "Thank you for your words of wisdom, my most noble mage. I'll remember them. And I promise to try not to get myself killed."

Rye's face lightened a little and he said, "Good" and then kissed her soundly.

After a while, Adalia managed to pull herself away and looked at the sun. She yelped and struggled out of the blankets. "They'll all think I flew away!"

Rye chuckled at her and disentangled himself from the sheets as well. "We better go down and calm them."

Adalia rolled her eyes and hit him playfully on the shoulder, "They probably think I've flown away, and you're laughing. I regret saying that you act like a teenager now."

He sighed. Then she started towards the edge of the roof, and he said, "Hey! How am I supposed to get down?"

She stopped, raised an eyebrow and looked at him, "How did you manage to get up here?"

He grinned roguishly, "You don't wanna know."

She shrugged, "Fine." Then Adalia turned around and jumped off the roof, laughing at Rye's dismay.

.xXXx.

It was almost time to start her Ordeal, and Adalia was extremely nervous. When she had arrived in the mess, a lot of people had scolded her for being missing for the night and half the morning. They had been curious as to her whereabouts, but she had been able to deflect direct questions with her obvious (and truthful) nervousness.

There it was, a knock on the door…

.xXXx.

Light was touching the high windows of the Chapel, and the dark-robed priests were filing into the room. One touched Adalia's shoulder, pointing to the ominous, heavy iron door. It was time for the Ordeal.

Adalia forced herself up on stiff legs, and followed the silent priest to the front of the Chapel. Her attention was fixed on the men unbarring the door of the Chamber, her hands sweaty and mouth bone dry. She was so consumed in watching the heavy door swing open that she didn't realize that behind her the Chapel was filling with her friends.

Swallowing hard and gathering her courage, she forced herself to walk inside. Swiftly the priests closed the door, leaving her in total darkness.

The darkness shifted and now she was in a horrifyingly familiar tunnel. It seemed to get darker, and with sheer horror Adalia realised that the walls were creeping closer. She could also feel the apparent earth that was above her pressing down. She bit her tongue. 'I didn't scream then, I refuse to scream now!' She thought grimly.

The walls were now so close that she could feel them pressing her sides. She tasted blood and forced herself to take a breath. NO. All of a sudden, the walls stopped moving and the weight on her sides disappeared.

She was now in a clearing. She could see something in the distance and approached. There were numerous enemies bearing down on a small ring of people – Her mother, grandmother and friends. She had to bite down hard on her tongue as she sprinted towards them. Tears came as she saw an arrow embedded in her mother's heart, her grandma was violently chopped in half. Her mind was screaming but she forced herself to stay silent.

The very worst thing was what happened when she reached them. When she charged at one of the enemy, she went straight through him. Not in the 'I chopped him down and killed him' way, but the 'I am a ghost' way. It was all she could do not to scream out at the injustice of being unable to fight to protect all she loved and knew.

When every last person was cut down, the enemy left and Adalia was the only living person on the grassy field, among all the dead. She dropped to the ground. In front of her was Rye, his eyes gazing vacantly ahead, a knife sticking out of his neck. Silent tears ran down her cheeks. 'What good does this do? Why is this important? Do you take pleasure in tormenting me?'

Adalia didn't know or care if whatever the Chamber was could hear her, but she couldn't stay silent in her mind. 'This is totally stupid! The reason I wanted to be a knight is so that I can protect my loved ones. I will always – always – be there. No one will die like that if I can help it!'

All of a sudden the field disappeared; the grisly scene fading before her eyes.

Slowly, the Chamber door opened. She stumbled out, wiping at her cheeks, face set in a grim mask. That seemed too real for comfort. Kel and Alanna hurried forward, and caught her elbows. "You're alive." Adalia muttered in relief.

Alanna was slightly alarmed at the frail look of her, but just patted her shoulder, "I think you have to sleep."

Adalia feebly refused; she wanted to make sure that everyone else was ok, but they gently forced her out. Adalia got a glimpse at a very worried looking Rye. She attempted to smile at him, but it only seemed to worry him more.

Kel and Alanna put her to bed.

.xXXx.

Adalia was shaken awake late in the afternoon. She opened sleepy eyes to see Rye sitting over her, watching her concernedly. She felt the compulsion to touch him – to prove that he was alive. She smiled peacefully as she touched his hand, and the smile just grew wider when he seemed relieved. "Good afternoon."

He squeezed her hand and bent down to kiss her.

He sprang back when the door was opened unexpectedly. Kula poked her head around and raised an eyebrow at them, then said, "Adalia, you have to get into clean clothes for the Ceremony of Knighthood. It's very soon."

Adalia nodded her thanks and Kula looked pointedly at Rye, who sighed then followed her out, closing the door behind him. Adalia struggled into a shirt and breeches – both of which were slightly more elegant than her everyday clothes, and sauntered out the door.

She smiled when she saw that Daniel, Nathan, Charlie and Kaden were standing outside, as well as the two previously mentioned. She cheerfully greeted them all, and then they all led her down towards the large hall in which they held the short ceremony.

"Is Dameon's Ordeal tonight?" She asked softly. He was the only missing member of her group of close friends.

Nathan nodded, "Yup. I hope he passes."

Adalia smiled and clapped him on the back, "Of course he will. And so will you." Nathan nodded his thanks, but he still looked slightly white. His Ordeal was two days from now – the last day of Midwinter.

.xXXx.

A half hour later, Adalia was standing on the dais in the hall, before the newly coronated King Roald II. She knelt before him and gave her oath of fealty, swearing to defend Tortall and the Crown all of her life.

In turn, the King struck each of Adalia's shoulders with the flat of his sword, then gently tapped her head. "You are dubbed Lady Knight, Adalia of Pirate's Swoop." He announced solemnly as his court watched. "Remember your vows and service to this Crown. Remember your promise of Chivalry."

Adalia was surprised as people started applauding – first her friends and family present, (Alanna and George, who were glowing with pride) and then it spread to the rest of the court. She could feel tears of joy touching her cheeks as she stepped down from the dais and forced herself to calmly approach her grandmother, who scooped her into a fierce hug when she was within reaching distance.

George moved in to hug her, and she was touched to see the utter delight evident on his face. Kula was grinning from ear to ear, as were her other friends. When the immediate people parted enough for her to see Rye's face, she was rewarded when she saw the loved and pride etched on his face.

He stepped up to her, and whispered, "You did it, Lady Knight." And before she could react, swept her into a passionate kiss. At that moment, she couldn't give a damn who saw them – everyone already knew of their relationship anyway – so she just matched him kiss-for-kiss.

She reluctantly pulled away from him when her granddad elbowed her sharply in the ribs. She turned to around to scowl at him, but instead he pointed towards the dais, a crooked grin on his face, and Adalia followed his finger to see that the King had stepped down, and in his place were three people – Alanna, Kel and Kula.

The three Lady Knights of Tortall stood proudly on the platform, holding a covered shield. As Adalia watched, Alanna removed the cover, a mischievous twinkle evident in her eyes.

Adalia chuckled when she saw the design – there was no Pirate's Swoop device. Instead, it boasted a crow on a violet field, and the crow somehow seemed as though it was teasing, although it was still. There was also a distaff border – the coat of arms of a lady knight. "How very… fitting."

Her friends chuckled at her reaction as she stepped forward to accept her shield. As she held it up properly, she whispered to the other three, "A crow. How very…appropriate. But as if that will strike fear into the hearts of my enemies…they'll be more likely to guard their trinkets."

Alanna chuckled and said reprovingly, "Oh, don't be like that. You know that some people already call you the Crow. You have become respected, so just as I am the Lioness, you are the Crow. I couldn't resist."

Adalia took another look at the crow, and couldn't help but feel proud. Her grandmother had deemed her worthy, as had the Chamber.

Now, she could mould her future. As a Lady Knight of Tortall. As the Crow.

.xXXx.

A/N: The end. OMG it is done. Finished. Over. It doesn't feel real. I'd like to know how many of you would actually read about what she does as a knight, but apart from that, I'd just like to say a last thank you to everyone who has read and/or reviewed this. This is also the longest chapter I have written. Well, thanks. : ) –Skyflyte12