Description: Daine finally returns to Tortall with her new teacher.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.

Author's Note: Things are going to settle down for a bit before we catch up with an altered version of the Realm of the Gods storyline. Again, I'll be pulling examples from the other Immortals books and weaving them together. Events still have to happen but they're all in a different order now and Daine doesn't have years to learn her magic.

It seemed like very 'Numair' logic to me when Arram finds out how old Daine really is: I've fallen for a girl 14 years younger than me, I know, I've gone insane!

Chapter 17

It was midday when Arram finally woke from his long sleep, uncuffed and uncollared, to find himself in a cabin aboard an unknown vessel. The cry of gulls and the crash of waves against the ship was so soothing that the mage just lay there listening for a while until the sound of a page turning made him aware of someone else in the room. Forcing himself to sit up, he reached for the cup of water beside the bed to wet his dry throat and mouth.

"Finally awake I see," Lindhall commented from the opposite bunk, putting down his book.

"How long was I out?" Arram croaked, taking another long drink.

"Three days, give or take. It's good to see you, my boy," Lindhall grasped his hand, eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

The mage swallowed back his own rush of emotion. "Daine?"

"Safely aboard and enjoying the fresh air up on deck last I saw her. She's been visiting with my animals daily," the elderly master smiled with pride. "It's a wonder to listen to that young woman talk with my animals as if she's having full conversations, and the knowledge she's provided me into their wellbeing is astounding!"

"Daine is a remarkable young woman," Arram agreed. "I owe her more than just my life."

Lindhall patted his hand before releasing it with a smile. "All in good time. We should make port in two days if the weather continues to favour us."

"How did I get here?" the mage asked before taking another sip of water.

The master's eyes twinkled as he caught Arram up on the events of the past few days while they shared a meal. The mage was sorry not to have met the hippo god or express his thanks for conveying him to the harbour. After satisfying his hunger, Arram decided he'd had enough of lying around and left Lindhall to visit the Banjiku. Tano and the other tribespeople were in high spirits to be leaving Carthak and keen to explore new lands now that they no longer believed they were created to be slaves. They were gathered around a large map discussing their next destination when the mage left.

Heading upstairs to the deck, Arram was intercepted by an elated dragonet who practically threw herself into his arms and chattered at him while he walked towards the railing. Kitten definitely spoke some sort of language; hopefully he might start to interpret some of her noises given enough time. Daine offered him a bright, if slightly forced, smile in greeting but the mage couldn't blame her for being angry or upset with him. Most people would be terrified after witnessing what he'd done with so much power and Arram was grateful the young woman showed no signs of fear – yet. That would come eventually, and she may never forgive him for almost killing her.

"It's good to see you on your feet again," Daine motioned.

"It's good to be on them," he replied, standing beside her at a companionable distance looking out to sea while he stroked Kitten's scales idly. Carthak wasn't even visible on the horizon anymore.

"We were starting to think you'd sleep the entire trip," she teased.

Ducking his head, the mage chuckled. "It's very tempting," he breathed in deeply, savouring the salty sea air. "I never thought I'd live to see this day. Thank you, Daine," Arram whispered, voice cracking. The young woman shrugged her shoulders as if she'd done nothing out of the ordinary. "I'm sure you're relieved to be going home."

Daine nodded. "It'll be good to see everyone again, especially Cloud and Onua. Though I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the lecture I'll get for disappearing on everyone."

"I imagine your husband will be glad to see you?" That hadn't started out as a question. Was it wrong to hope she was unattached?

"Husband?" Daine laughed. "I haven't got around to looking for one of those, yet. I'm only fifteen."

"Fif – fifteen!" Arram's voice rose an octave or two. He'd kissed a girl, quite passionately he might add, barely a year past consent who was practically half his age! The mage felt sick and a little disgusted with himself, especially when that knowledge did nothing to detract from his desire to kiss her again. He'd been clinging to the delusion that she looked young for her age. That Daine looked older was utterly mortifying!

"Why? How old d'you think I am?" she frowned up at him.

Oh no, Arram was not foolish enough to answer that! Either he was accusing her of looking more mature than she was, and no woman wanted to hear that. Well, maybe an adolescent might… Or it made him a lecherous pervert which, while disturbing, appeared to be unnervingly close to the truth. How else could he explain this attraction, unless the years of captivity had finally taken their toll on his sanity.

It was the eyes, the mage decided as he re-evaluated the young woman beside him. She wasn't a wide-eyed innocent which she should be at fifteen. There was a maturity behind those stunning blue-grey eyes that spoke of a woman who had experienced things beyond her years. He knew Daine had no family and had lost people who she loved and cared about. What else had this young woman gone through that had forced her to grow up so fast?

"Why'd you kiss me?" Daine interrupted his thoughts.

Arram winced having known that question would come up sooner or later. He opted for the easiest explanation for his deplorable behaviour. "It seemed the quickest way to render you unconscious."

"Oh." Her face fell which really should not please him so much!

"Breaking into a person's mind is dangerous, especially if they offer resistance," the mage forced himself to think academically. "The best way is to distract the person. A shiny object is preferable. You should always be wary if you see a mage playing with a coin or a metal pendant."

"It didn't work you know," Daine pointed out. "I still found you."

"I know," Arram grimaced. "You are remarkably persistent."

The young woman smirked. "Ma always said I was too stubborn for my own good."

"I will bear that in mind," he muttered.

"Where will you go now?" she asked softly.

The mage blinked in surprise. "I honestly have no idea. I didn't plan for this eventuality. I do have a promise to keep to your badger but then…" What would he do with the rest of his life? How much time did he have left? Did he even deserve a life? "The Banjiku invited me to join them once I've finished training you. They are currently planning to travel to the Eastern Lands. Lindhall was considering journeying to the City of the Gods and offering his services there." The thought of going to another place of learning where he could lose himself in an old library surrounded by books was certainly an appealing one.

"You could come back with me to Corus," Daine looked up at him from under her lashes. "The people there are really nice and very welcoming."

Arram looked back out at the ocean swell. "They may not be as welcoming to a mage from an enemy country."

The pair fell silent while they watched the waves rise and fall. The gulls he'd heard from his cabin wheeled closer probably talking with the young woman beside him who had finally learned how to hold a silent conversation. It was a shame not to know what they discussed but it was safer for her.

The voyage continued to be smooth with no storms delaying their passage. Daine managed to convince the others to dock at Port Caynn instead of at Pearlmouth where they had originally planned. It lengthened the voyage by a week, but it gave Arram more time to train the young woman in her magic without interruptions. They spent their days discussing migrating birds and marine life, with Daine even able to call a pod of dolphins and humpback whales close to the ship. Everyone, sailors and mages, were delighted to watch the dolphins jump and play in the ship's wake. In the evenings, Lindhall and Arram taught the young woman about the various species in the master's collection which tended to end up in long debates over what the books detailed compared to what Daine was experiencing firsthand. She seemed so taken aback that they would believe her over what the texts described. Arram was quickly learning that Daine had a fairly low regard to herself and didn't possess as much self-confidence as she tried to exude. Before midnight, all three mages meditated for an hour until they bid each other goodnight and let the exhausted young woman return to her bunk. Arram was having such a wonderful time it was almost a shame for the voyage to end.

Port Caynn was a thriving harbour filled with ships flying many different flags when they arrived. It took quite some time for the captain to negotiate with the harbourmaster before they were allowed to dock. The reason for that became clear when the Lioness came charging towards the docks on the back of a golden horse with a black mane and tail. Beside her rode a tall, regal-looking man with coal black hair and beard. His aura was sapphire in colour, and it didn't take a genius to work out that this was King Jonathan IV of Conté surrounded by a retinue of guards and knights.

"It's Darkmoon, Alanna and the king," Daine cried, waving her arms enthusiastically in greeting.

She ran down the ramp with Kitten hard at her heels towards the welcoming committee. Arram felt a shiver run down his spine until Lindhall patted his back reminding him he wasn't facing the Tortallans alone.

"Daine! Of all the hair-brained stunts you've pulled over the last few years –" the Lioness dismounted quickly, pulling the young woman into a bear hug. "Next time I'm chaining you up and locking the door!"

The king smiled kindly as he dismounted to give Daine a pat on the back. "You gave us quite a scare, youngster."

She grinned at the pair while the mages approached slowly. Violet and sapphire eyes looked up and Arram went instantly to his knees, touching his head to the floor. The guards moved forward, many of them drawing their swords when Daine jumped in front of him.

"No, don't! He's a friend," she held out her arms.

Lindhall bowed at the waist. "Your Majesty, we come seeking asylum."

Jonathan IV of Conté nodded his head in acknowledgement as he regarded the mage at his feet, blue eyes discerning.

Arram raised his torso but kept his head lowered as he held out his wrists. "I surrender myself to northern justice."

"That's not how things are done here," the Lioness came forward to pat the mage on the shoulder. "Up on your feet."

Arram looked up, face filled with confusion, until both women practically hauled him to his feet. He hadn't been sure how the Tortallans would react to his arrival on their shores, but compassion wasn't on his list.

"We're causing quite a scene," the king commented with a wry smile. "Let's get inside so we can talk. I'm sure you're all hungry after your long voyage."

They were escorted, mages and Banjiku, to a longhouse where the introductions were made, and food was served. It was all too rich for Arram's stomach who was used to eating nothing but porridge and salted fish while he sat picking at a bread roll listening to the conversation around the room. It was very unusual for a king to be eating at the same table as commoners much less the same food.

"We received a report the day before you arrived," the king addressed the table. "Is it true that earthquakes shook the land collapsing most of Thak City and the Imperial Palace?"

Daine shared a look with Arram before answering. "It is."

"There were also stories that the dead walked the streets," Jonathan pressed.

"People say a lot of things when they're frightened, Your Majesty," Lindhall answered candidly.

"Indeed," the king attempted to catch the eye of the only black robe mage at the table for confirmation.

Arram sipped at his water, keeping his eyes lowered. He didn't want to think about how many people he'd killed during Carthak's reckoning. The earthquakes had been a mistake in retrospect. He'd probably killed more people and ruined the lives of those completely undeserving than he had of those in power.

When no one was any more forthcoming, Jonathan changed the subject easily. "Where is it you worked, Master Reed?"

"I taught at the Imperial University specialising in the welfare and study of animals," the elderly mage replied.

"Is that something you would be interested in continuing?" the king asked. "We can always do with more teachers and the Mage's College is currently improving the conditions of our menagerie. We would welcome any insights you could provide."

"I would certainly like to continue teaching," Lindhall smiled and Arram could see his friend visibly supress the desire to ask about the menagerie and what specimens were being kept there. The master would be consumed within a week if he agreed to stay. "What of Arram? What is your intention for him?"

"I was getting to that," Jonathan turned his intense blue gaze on the black robe mage. "What are your plans, Master Draper?"

Arram tensed, sweat beading on his forehead. "I had hoped to teach Daine about her magic, but I have no expectations beyond that, Your Majesty."

"Daine's magic has been identified?" The king turned to Alanna. "You neglected to mention this."

"She'd gone missing at the time," the Lioness argued. "I hardly thought it was important."

Jonathan gave his champion a hard look before flashing a broad smile down the table. "What type of magic does our assistant horsemistress have?"

The young woman blushed as all eyes turned towards her and elbowed Arram when he didn't answer immediately.

"Wild magic, Your Majesty," the mage was finding it increasingly disconcerting to be sat at a table with others, answering questions and not on the floor on his knees. "She has a profound connection with animals and nature much like the Banjiku."

Thankfully, the conversation turned to the tribespeople who were more than happy to talk about their bond with animals, with Lindhall translating at times. The king was fascinated and delighted when the Banjiku offered to give a performance at the palace that evening.

With the meal finally over, everyone began preparing for the journey to the palace. Lindhall was most anxious about having his collection of animals removed from the boat and relocated somewhere so they could be freed from their confinement. Arram left Daine and his friend to argue the details while he sought out the king for a private word who was currently speaking quietly with the Lioness.

"Your Majesty," the mage bowed low, worried he should be prostrating himself on the floor. "I didn't wish to say anything within Daine's hearing, but it would be wise to execute me once I have helped her with her magic."

"We're not in the practice of executing people here without due cause," Jonathan's voice was grave.

"I committed genocide," Arram confessed, voice soft. When measured against the lost lives of Siraj, his life couldn't hope to balance the scales but it was all he had to offer in atonement. "If that isn't reason enough, I am still under Ozorne's influence. If he discovers that I survived, he will take control of me, and I will be a threat to everyone. It may be best if I am locked up for the time being." He could still impart a great deal of knowledge to Daine from a cell.

The king exchanged a look with Alanna. "Let's discuss this once we're back at the palace."

The Royal Palace was situated at the top of a hill on the southern side of the Olorun River. It was built in the classic style of the Eastern Lands out of grey stone with numerous walls and ramparts to protect it from sieges. Arram admired the impressive structure and the vast forest that extended to the north even while he was smuggled into the palace under the cover of darkness.

The mage felt a touch of nerves when Daine separated from the group to fling her arms around a steel-grey pony and to be licked to death by a large dog. A dark-skinned woman embraced her warmly who Arram guessed must be Onua Chamtong, the horsemistress, and the pony must be Cloud who Daine had spoken so much about. The unbridled joy on her face was heartening and the mage chastised himself at feeling abandoned by his only staunch supporter. He'd handed himself over willingly and would accept whatever punishment or sentence the Tortallans deemed appropriate.

Arram and Lindhall were immediately escorted to a meeting room rather than an audience chamber where they were met by several people including the queen. Instead of bowing to either of their monarchs, the people in attendance greeted each other like old friends which was almost too much for the mage who lowered himself to his knees.

Arram was shamed to his core when the queen herself offered a hand to help him up. "There's no need for that here," she smiled.

Thayet the Peerless was perhaps the most beautiful woman a man could ever hope to meet. Her long black hair was knotted neatly on top of her head while her hazel eyes smiled warmly. It was a shock to feel callous palms on her creamy, ivory skin instead of the soft, delicate skin of a noblewoman. The queen helped him to a seat before taking her own beside her husband while the mage was sure he must be crimson with embarrassment. The other people around the table were introduced, some Arram knew by name and others by reputation, when Daine burst through the door red-cheeked and full of apologies just as the interrogation was about to begin and sat beside him. The smile she gave him eased the knot in his belly considerably.

"Master Draper, could you please explain what you meant earlier when you said that Emperor Ozorne could take control of you?" the king requested gravely.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Arram explained about the focus to the people in the room whose faces continued to darken until he finished speaking.

"Is there any way to counteract a magical focus, Harailt?" Jonathan of Conté turned to the Dean of the University.

"None that I am aware of," Harailt of Aili sat back to ponder the question. "They are extremely dangerous for that very reason. As Master Draper described, a focus can be used to take control of the person against their will and do unspeakable things. The only way to release the target is to destroy the focus itself."

"Could you look into ways of reducing its influence? Make it your top priority," the king ordered.

The Dean bowed his head in acknowledgement.

"In the meantime, I would advise Master Draper to take on a new alias," Myles of Olau spoke up. "We'll do what we can to cover up his arrival at the docks this afternoon but that will be a lot easier if we have a cover story and new name to go with it. The longer Ozorne believes his pet died in Carthak, the longer our mages have to come up with a way to fight this focus."

"You mean to let me stay?" Arram looked at the faces around the room like they'd all gone mad.

"We're not in the habit of turning away those in need. You aren't the first ones to come to Tortall seeking asylum," Jonathan shared a smile with his queen.

"So long as you'd like to stay with us, of course?" Thayet added.

Arram was at a total loss for words. Why would they risk their lives and their kingdom for him? Hadn't he made it clear what would happen if Ozorne took control of him?

Daine placed her small hand in his and squeezed. "Please say you'll stay with us?"

The mage took in the earnest expression in her blue-grey eyes before looking at all the faces around the room. "I think I'd like it if Arram Draper died in Carthak," he admitted softly. "That is a life I would very much like to leave behind. I always intended to take a new name when I gained my mastery but perhaps now is a more appropriate time."

"Then it's settled," the king smiled. "Do you have a new name in mind, or would you like to take some time to think about it?"

"Not too much time," Myles advised. "We should probably start circulating the story by morning."

"New instructors for the Mage's College seems a simple enough explanation," Alanna cut in. "Master Lindhall already stated he'd like to continue teaching and no one needs to know that Draper is only taking on Daine as a student for now."

"Could I have until the morning?" Arram asked plaintively, feeling his head start to spin with all these changes.

The mage sat in stunned silence while the people around the table discussed the arrangements that needed to be made. Rooms would be assigned for Lindhall and himself shortly, which was when Thayet left to speak with someone about it. Why would a queen bother herself with seeing to the accommodation of refugees? Nothing in this place worked in a way Arram understood.

When the meeting ended, Lindhall followed Harailt of Aili, already in deep discussion about lesson content and setting up the correct habitats for his animals while Arram was escorted to a side room where he could wait until his accommodations were ready. Daine stayed much to his surprise, promising to keep the mage company until he was settled. Arram took a seat near the fire, too stunned by the events to do anything more than watch the flames dance in the grate.

"How does it work?" Daine asked after an extended silence. "The focus, I mean."

"It's a form of blood magic," the mage answered, not taking his eyes off the fire. "Anything done using blood or a part of yourself is powerful magic that cannot be undone by another mage without significant cost. Blood binds anything."

"Show me."

Arram turned away from the flames to see Daine holding out a strand of hair to him. "Absolutely not!" he shrieked, utterly mortified she would even ask it of him. "Under no circumstances will I –"

"I want to know why you almost killed me." Her eyes were hard and unyielding.

"Daine..." The mage swallowed hard knowing that he'd already broken something very fundamental between them.

"Show me," the young woman demanded again, grabbing his hand and placing the strand of hair on his palm.

Arram squeezed his eyes shut and nodded reluctantly. With great care, the mage wound the smoky-brown strand around his finger counterclockwise muttering the spell to bind her to him.

He looked into her eyes when it was finished, and she frowned. "I don't feel any different."

"Stand up," the mage whispered the command.

Her body reacted instantly taking Daine by surprise.

"Turn around," she spun on the spot. "Stand on one leg. Hold up your left hand, now your right."

Her lips twitched in a smile before she giggled, her body doing everything he said. "I feel a bit like a puppet on strings."

Arram nodded mutely allowing her to stand normally. "Take out your belt knife," he ordered, voice devoid of emotion. "Hold it to your throat." Daine's eyes widened as the command took effect. The mage left her like that for several seconds watching her swallow nervously, knowing he held her life in his hands, before he spoke again. "Now press the blade against my throat." He could see her trying to fight against it now and the realisation that she couldn't stop herself. Daine's breath was coming in short pants as he spoke his last order. "Cut the skin."