TamoraPierce

ProtectoroftheSmall02

Page

“Ladieshavenoplacebearingarms…”

…sosaymanyinthekingdomofTortall.Ofcourse,thathasn’tstoppedKeladryofMindelanfrompursuingherdreamofbecomingaknight.

InthissecondbookoftheProtectoroftheSmallquartet,Kel’shardshipscontinueasshefightstheprejudicesthatcomewithbeingagirlwhilemaintainingtherigoroustrainingofapage.Kelsskillsaren’ttheonlythingsthataredeveloping.Herfeelingsforherbestfriend,Neal,arealsochanging…inaveryuncomfortableway.Luckily,Kelhassomenewallies,includinganuglybutlovabledogandanabusedyoungwomanwhomsheteachesself-defense.Shealsodiscoversanewtalentwhenagroupofpagesistrappedbybanditsandsuddenlytheotherpagesmustcallontheonly“lady”toleadthem.

ISBN0-679-88915-9

Copyright(c)2000byTamoraPierce.

Thise-bookisnotforsale!!!

one

PAGEKELADRY

Fallthatyearwaswarm.HeatlayinablanketoverthebasinoftheRiverOlorun,wherethecapitalofTortallcoveredthebanks.Nobreathofairstirredthepennantsandflagsontheirpoles.Theriveritselfwasabandofglass,withoutabreezeanywheretoruffleitsshiningsurface.Trafficinthecitymovedasiftheairwerethickhoney.Noonewithsensecaredtorush.

Behindtheroyalpalace,eleven-year-oldKeladryofMindelanstaredattherisinggroundthatledfromthetrainingyardstothepages’winganddecidedthatshehadnosense.Shefeltasifshe’dletpeoplebeatherwithmalletsallmorning.Surelyitwastoohotforhertodoasshenormallydid-runupthathilltoreachherroomsandbathe.Afterall,shewouldbetheonlyonetoknowifshewalkedtoday.

Whowouldthinkthiscursedharnesswouldmakesuchadifference?shewondered,reachingunderhercanvaspracticecoattofingerbroadleatherstraps.Atsomepointduringherfirstyearaspage,shehadlearnedthatsecond-,third-,andfourth-yearsworeweightedharnesses,andthatmoreweightswereaddedeveryfourmonths,butshehadneverconsidereditintermsofherself.Nowshewishedthatshehaddonnedsomethingofthekindintheemptysummermonths,whenshemadethedailytrektothepalacetokeepuphertraining.Ifshehad,shewouldn’tachesomuchnow.

Shewipedhersleeveoverherforehead.It’snotevenlikeyou’recarryingalotofweight,shescoldedherself.Eightlittledisks-maybetwopoundsinlead.Youtrainedlastyearandallsummerwithlead-weightedweapons,justtobuildyourstrength.Thiscan’tbethatdifferent!

Butitwas.Hand-to-handcombat,staffwork,archery,andridingtookextraeffortwithtwopoundsofleadhangingonhershoulders,chest,andback.I’vegottorun,shetoldherselfwearily.IfIdon’tmovesoon,I’llbelatetowashandlatetolunch,andLordWyldonwillgivemepunishmentwork.Soheatorno,Ihavetogoupthathill.Imayaswellrunit.

Shewaitedamomentmore,steelingherself.Shehatedthisrun.Thatslowly

risinggroundwastortureonherlegsevenlastspring,whenshe’dbeenrunningitoffandonformorethanhalfayear.

Nostranger,lookingather,wouldhavethoughtthisdisheveledgirlwasthesorttocauseastormofargumentatcourt.Shehadadreamer’squiethazeleyes,framedinlonglashes,andplainbrownhairthatsheworecroppedasshortasaboy’s.Hernosewassmallanddelicate,herskintananddustedwithfreckles.Shewasbigforagirlofeleven,fivefeetthreeinchestallandsolidlybuilt.Onlysomeonewholookedcloselyathercalmfacewoulddetectasparkinherlevalgaze,anddeterminationinhermouthandchin.

Atlastshegroanedandbegantotrotupthehill.Herpathtookherbehindthemews,thekennels,andtheforges.Menandwomeninpalaceliveryandservants’garbwavedassheranpast.Awomantoldsomekennelworkers,“Lookahere-tol’yashe’dbeback!”

Kelsmiledthroughpouringsweat.Noonehadthoughtthattheold-fashionedtrainingmasterwouldallowthefirst-knowngirlpageinoveracenturytostayafterherfirstyear.WhenLordWyldonsurprisedtheworldandallowedKeltostay,manyhadassumedKelwould“cometohersenses”anddropoutoverthesummerholiday.

You’dthinkbynowthey’dknowIwon’tquit,shethoughtasshetoiledonupthehill.

Shewaslurchingwhenshereachedthekitchengardens,hershortcuttothepages’wing.Thereshehadtocatchherbreath.Anupendedbucketdidforaseat.Sheinhaledthescentsofmarjoram,sage,andthyme,massaginghercalfmuscles.Forthehundredthtimeshewishedshecouldusethepalacebathsastheboysdid,insteadofhavingtogoallthewaytoherroomtowashup.

“Hi!You!”criedamalevoicefromthedirectionofthekitchens.“Comebackwiththosesausages!”

Kelgottoherfeet.Acookracedoutofthekitchen,wavingameatcleaver.Emptybeanpoles,strippedaftertheharvest,wentflyingashecrashedthroughthem.Metalflashedasthecleaverchoppedthroughtheair.Themandoubledbackandranon,plainlychasingsomethingfarsmallerthanhe.Oncehestumbled;oncehedroppedthecleaver.Onhecame,cursing.

ThedoghepursuedracedtowardKel.Astringoffatsausageshungfromhisjaws.Withalastburstofspeed,theanimalduckedbehindKel.

Thecookchargedthem,cleaverraised.“I’llkillyouthistime!”hescreeched,facecrimsonwithfury.

Kelputherhandsonherhips.“Meorthedog?”

“Outoftheway,page!”hesnarled,circlingtoherleft.“He’sstolenhislastmeal!”

Assheturnedtokeepherselfbetweenthemanandhisprey,Kelglancedbehindher.Thedoghuddledbyherseat,gobblinghiscatch.

“Stoprightthere,”Kelorderedtheman.

“Move,orI’llreportthistomylordWyldon,”hesnapped.“I’llgetthatmongrelgoodandproper!”

Kelgathereddogandsausagesupinherarms.“You’lldonosuchthing,”sheretorted.Thedog,knowingwhatwasimportant,continuedtogorge.

“You’llhandthatanimalovernow,mylad,ifyouknowwhat’sright,”theservanttoldher.“He’snaughtbutathievingstray.He’sgottobestopped.”

“Withameatcleaver?”demandedKel.

“Ifthat’swhatittakes.”

“No,”shesaidflatly.“Nokilling.I’llseetoitthedogdoesn’tstealfromyou.”

“Sausagesisworthmoney!Who’stopayforthem?Notme!”

Kelreachedinstinctivelyforherbeltandsighed,impatientwithherself.Shedidn’twearherpursewithtrainingclothes.“GotoSalmaAynnar,inchargeofthepages’wing,”shesaidloftily.“TellherKeladryofMindelanrequeststhatshepayyouthecostofthesesausagesfrommypocketmoney.Andyou’dbetternotoverchargeher,”sheadded.

“Kel…Oh,Mithros’s”-helookedatherandchangedwhathe’dbeenaboutto

say-“shield.You’rethegirl.Beingsoftheartedwilldoyounogood,mistress,”heinformedher.“BesureI’llgetmymoney.AndifIseethatanimalhereagain”-hepointedatKel’sarmful-“I’llchophimupforcat-meat,seeifIwon’t!”

Hethrusthiscleaverintohisbeltandstompedbacktothekitchens,muttering.Keladjustedherholdonthedogandhisprizeandheadedforthepages’wing.“Wearen’tallowedpets,youknow,”sheinformedherpassenger.“Withmyluck,allthosesausageswillmakeyousick,andI’llhavetocleanitup.”Shepassedthroughanopendoorintothecoolstonehallsofthepalace.Asshetrottedalong,sheexaminedherarmful.

Thedog’sleftearwasonlyatatter.Hewasgray-whiteforthemostpart;blacksplotchesadornedtheendofhisnose,hisonlywholeear,andhisrump.Therestofhimwasscars,healingscrapes,andstaringribs.Hissausageseaten,hepeeredupintoherfacewithtwosmall,black,triangulareyesandlickedher.Histail,brokenintwoplacesandhealedcrookedly,beatherarm.

“Iamnotyourfriend,”Kelsaidasshereachedherdoor.“Idon’tevenlikeyou.Don’tgetattached.”

Sheputhimdown,expectinghimtoflee.Instead,thedogsat,tailgentlywagging.Kelputherkeyinthelockandwhisperedhername,releasingthemagiclocksthatprotectedherfromunwantedvisitors.Theyearbefore,theboyshadwelcomedherbyruiningherroomandwritingonherwalls,makingsuchprotectionsnecessary.Whileshehadmadefriendsamongthepagessincethattime,therewerestillboyswhowouldplaymeantrickstomakeherleave.

Shefollowedthedogintothetworoomsthatwereherpalacehomeandhalted.Twoservantsawaitedherbeforethehearth.Onesheknewwell:Gower,thelong-faced,gloomymanwhocleanedherroomsandfetchedhotwaterforwashingupandbaths.Theotherwasashort,plump,darkgirlwithcrispblackhairwornneatlypinnedinabun.Shewasquitepretty,withhugebrowneyesandfulllips.Keldidn’tknowher,butshewasdressedlikeaservantinadarkskirtandawhiteblouseandapron.Onthathotdaysheworethesleeveslongandbuttonedatthewrist.

Kelwaited,uncertain.GowerwouldsurelyreportthedogtoSalma.Kelwastryingtodecidehowmuchtobribehimnottowhenhecoughedandsaid,

“Excuseme,PageKeladry,butI-we-thatis…”Heshookhishead,ignoringthedog,whosniffedathim.“MightIintroducemyniece,Lalasa?”

Thegirldippedacurtsy,glancingupatKelwitheyesasfrightenedasacornereddoe’s.ShewasjustaninchtallerthanKel,andonlyafewyearsolder.

“Howdoyoudo,”Kelsaidpolitely.“Gower,I’minabitofarush-“

“Amoment,PageKeladry,”Gowerreplied.“Justamomentofyourtime.”

Intheyearhehadwaitedonher,Gowerhadneveraskedforanything.Kelsatonherbed.“Allright.”ShetookoffherpracticejacketandharnessasGowertalked.

Hisvoicewasasglumasifhedescribedafuneral.“Lalasaisallalonebutforme.Ithoughtshemightdowellinthepalace,andshemight,oneday,but…”

Kellookedathimunderherbangsasshepulledatoneofherboots.SuddenlyLalasawasthere,hersmallhandsfirmaroundtheheelandupper.Shedrewthebootoffcarefully.

“She’scountry-bred,notliketheseboldcitygirls,”Gowerexplained.“Whencitygirlsactshy,well,menhereaboutsthinktheywanttobechased.Lalasa’sbeen…frightened.”LalasadidnotmeetKel’seyesassheremovedtheotherbootandKel’sstockings.“Ifit’sthiswayforherinthepalace,thecitywouldbeworse,”Gowerwenton.“Ithoughtyoumightbelookingtohireamaid.”

KelblinkedatGower.Pagesandsquireswereallowedtohiretheirownservants,buthavingthemcostmoney.WhileKelhadatidysumplacedwithSalma,againstthedaythatshemightgetenoughfreetimetovisitthemarkets,shewasn’tcertainthatshecouldaffordamaid.Shecouldwritetoherparents,whohadremainedinCorustopresenttwoofKel’ssistersatcourtthatfall.Kelwasn’tsuretheirbudget,strainedbythecostsofformaldressesandthetownhouse,heldsparemoneyforadaughterwhowouldneverbringthemabride-price.

ShewasabouttoexplainallthiswhenLalasaturnedherheadtolookbackandupatheruncle.Kelsawahandspanofbruiseunderherleftear.

SuddenlyKelfeltcold.GentlyshetookLalasa’srightarmanddrewittoward

her,pushingthesleeveback.Bruiseslikefingerprintsmarkedtheinsideofherforearm.

Lalasarefusedtomeethereyes.

“Youshouldreportthis,”KeltoldGowertightly.“Thisisnotright.”

“Somearenobles,miss,”repliedthemanfirmly.“We’recommon.Andupperservants?They’llgetusturnedout.”

“ThentellmethenamesandI’llreportthem,”sheurged.“Salmawouldhelp,youknowshewould.SowouldPrinceRoald.”

“Buthishighnessisnoteverywhere,andotherswillmakeourlivesamisery,”Gowerreplied.“Intheendit’sLalasa’swordagainstthatofanupperservantornoble.It’sthewayoftheworld,PageKeladry.”

Kelheardawhisperandbentdown.“Whatdidyousay?”sheasked.

Lalasamethereyesandglancedaway.“Theymeantnoharm,mylady.”

“Grabbingyoubythenecksoharditbruised?Ofcoursetheymeantharm!”snappedKel.

Gowerknelt.“Please,LadyKeladry,”hesaid.“Ifshe’syourmaid,she’llbesafe.YourfamilyisingreatfavorsincetheybroughtabouttheYamanialliance.”

“Pleasegetup,”Kelpleaded.Noonehadknelttohersinceshewasfive.Thenthetributehadbeentohermother,standingbesideher.“Gower,stopit!”I’veenoughpocketmoneytopayherforthequarter,shethoughthurriedlyasshestoodandtriedtotugthemantohisfeet.IfIexplaintoMamaandPapa,they’llhelp,Iknowtheywill.“She’shired,allright?Pleasestopthat!”

Hestaredupintoherface.“Yourwordonit?”

“Yes,mywordasaMindelan.”

“Youwon’tbesorry,miss,”Gowertoldherasherose.“Ever.”

Kelheardfootstepspoundinthehalloutside.“Oh,I’mgoingtobelate!”ShescribbledanoteforSalma,askingforanextramagickedkeytoKel’sdoor,asilvernobleasamonth’swages,andasparecotforLalasatosleepon.ShewavedthenotetodrytheinkandgaveittoGower.“Aboutthedog,”shebegan.

“Whatdog?”Gowerasked.Hebowed;Lalasacurtsied.TheyleftKeltogetreadyforlunch.

Shakingherheadatherfolly-shedidn’tneedanothercomplicationinherlife-Kellookedarounduntilshesawthedog.Hehadjumpedontoherbedtonap.“Goodforyou,”shesaid,andstrippedofftherestofherclothes.

Arealbathwasimpossible.Shewetherheadandscrubbedherfaceandunderherarms,mourningthepropersoakthatwouldhaveeasedherachingmusclesandmadeherfeellesssticky.Perhapsshecouldvisitthewomen’sbathsthatnight,thoughitmeantshe’dhavetotaketimefromherafter-supperexercisesandclasswork.

“FirstdayandI’malreadybehind,”sheremarkedasshestruggledintohoseandtunic.“Oh,howsplendid.”

Kelracedintothemesshallthatservedthepagesandsquires.Alleyesturnedtowardher;someboysgrowled.Lunchwasthepages’mostanticipatedmealofthedayafteramorning’srough-and-tumbleinpractice.Sincenonecouldeatuntileveryonehadarrived,latecomerswerenevergreetedpleasantly.

“Isupposeshethinksshe’soneofusnow,soshedoesn’thavetobepoliteanymore.”JorenofStoneMountain’sculturedvoicewasclearovertheboys’lowmutter.

“PageKeladry.”LordWyldonofCavall,thetrainingmaster,couldpitchhisvoicetocarrythroughabattleoracrossthehalleasily.Kelfacedhistable,placedonadaisatthefrontoftheroom,andbowed.“Aknightwhoistardycostslives.Reporttomewhenyouhaveeaten.”

Kelbowedagainandwenttogetherfood.

“JorenofStoneMountain.”LordWyldon’sleveltonewasthesameasithadbeenforKel.“Goodmannersarethehallmarkofatrueknight.You,too,willreportonceyouhavefinished.”

Kelsighed.SheandJorenhadnotgottenonduringherfirstyearasaprobationer.She’dhopedthatwouldchangenowthatshewasatruepage.IfJorenwastobepunishedonheraccount,shedidn’tthinkitwouldimprovehisfeelingsabouther.

Oncehertraywasfilled,Kellookedaround.Handswavedfromatableintheback.Shewalkedoverandslidintoplaceamongherfriends.NealanofQueenscovepouredherfruitjuicewhileotherboyspassedthehoneypotandbutter.

“So,KeladryofMindelan,”saidNeal,hisslightlyhuskyvoiceteasing,“notevenafulldayinyoursecondyear,andalreadyyouhavepunishmentworklinedup.Don’tleaveittothelastminute,that’swhatIsay!”Hewasatall,lankyyouthwhoworehislightbrownhaircombedbackfromawidow’speak.Hissharp-bonedfacewaslitbygreeneyesthatdancedwickedlyashelookedather.Hewassixteen,olderthantheotherpages,butonlyinhissecondyear.Hehadputasideauniversitycareertobecomeaknight.NealhadtaughtKeltoknowthepalacetheyearbefore,assistingherwithclassworkandcheeringherworstmoodswithhistarthumor.Inreturnshetriedtokeephimoutoftroubleandmadehimeathisvegetables.Itwasastrangefriendship,butasolidone.

“Neal’sjustdisappointedbecausehethoughthe’dbefirst.”Thequietremarkhadcomefromblack-haired,black-eyedSeaver.He,too,wasasecond-yearpage.

“I’msurprisedhedidn’tdumpporridgeonLordWyldonthismorning,justtogetthejumpontherestofus,”jokedCleon.Abig,redheadedyouth,hewasafourth-yearpage.“Guessyou’llhavetowaittillnextfall,Neal.”HesmackedthetopofNeal’sheadgently,thenwentforseconds.

Kellookedtoseewhoelsehadjoinedthem.TherewasredheadedMerricofHollyrose,whosetemperwasasquickasCleon’swasslow;dark,handsomeFaleronofKing’sReach,Merric’scousin;andEsmondofNicoline,whosenormalpowderingoffreckleshadthickenedoverthesummer.AllwereherfriendsandmembersofthestudygroupthathadmetinNeal’sroomthepreviousyear.Withthemwerethreenewfirst-yearpages,boysthatCleon,Neal,andMerrichadchosentosponsor.Shewasn’tsureiftheywerefriendsornot.Theywouldhavebeenrudetorefusetositwiththeirsponsors,andthuswithTheGirl.

Onlyoneoftheircompanywasmissing,PrinceRoald,butthatwasexpected.Roald,nowafourth-yearpage,wasalwayscarefultoslightnoone.HehadeatenwithKel,Neal,andtheirgroupthenightbefore.Todayheandtheboyhehadchosentosponsorsatwithsomethird-yearpages.

Lunchpassedquickly,theboys’talkfillingKel’sears.Shehadlittletosay.AfterlivingintheYamaniIslandsforsixyears,shehadpickedupYamanihabits,includingareluctancetochatterorletemotionsshow.Someonehadtolistentoallthattalk.

AtlastitwastimetohandinhertablewareandpresentherselftoLordWyldon.Jorenwasalreadyatthedais,waiting.LordWyldonalwaysmadeitclearwhenhewasreadytospeaktohischarges.

WhenKelreachedthedais,Jorensteppedawayfromher.Kelsighedinwardly,herfaceYamani-blank.Jorenandhiscronieshaddonetheirbesttomakeherleavetheyearbefore.Forherpart,shehaddeclaredwarontheirhazingofthefirst-yearsbeyondwhatshefeltwasreasonable.InterferencewithJorenandhiscliquehadoftenturnedintofistfightsuntilherfriendsbegantojoinher.Atyear’send,therewereenoughofthemtostopJoren’scrowdfromhazingentirely.OverthesummerKelhadletherselfhopethatJorenwouldgiveupnow.Glancingathim,sherealizedherhopeswereempty.

Threeyearsolder,JorenwasjustfourinchestallerthanKelandbeautiful.Hisshoulder-lengthhairwassoblonditwasnearlywhite.Itframedpaleskin,rosycheeks,andskyblueeyessetamonglong,fairlashes.Hewasoneofthebestpagesinunarmedandweaponscombat,althoughinKel’sopinionhewasheavy-handedwithhishorse.

Well,I’veonlyonemoreyearwithhim,KelthoughtasLordWyldonfinishedcleaninghisplate.Afterhetakeshisbigexamination,he’llbeasquireandgonemostoftheyear.

LordWyldondrainedhiscupandsetitdownsharply.Hisdarkeyes,ashardasflint,inspectedfirstJoren,thenKel.Didheregretthathehadallowedhertostay?Kelwonderedforthethousandthtime.OverthesummershehadlearnedthatlastyearthebettingamongtheservantshadbeentwentytooneagainstLordWyldon’sallowinghertoenterhersecondyear.

Now,lookingatWyldon’shard,clean-shavenface,marredbyascarthat

stretchedfromhisrighteyeintohisclose-croppedbrownhair,shewonderedwhy.Ifshesmackedthetrainingmaster’sbaldcrown,wouldtheanswerpopoutofhismouth?Thethoughtnearlymadeherlaughaloud,theimagewassofunny,butherYamanitrainingheld.Herlipsdidn’tquiver;herthroatdidn’tcatch.SheblessedtheYamanisasthetrainingmasterdrummedhisfingersonthetable.

“JorenofStoneMountain,Iwillhaveatwo-pageessayongoodmannersbySundayevening,”hesaid.Asalways,thewordscamereluctantlyfromhismouth,asifhefelthemightbepoorerbygivingthemaway.“KeladryofMindelan,foryourlateness,youwilllaborinthepages’armoryforonebelloftimeonSundayafternoon.”Itwasthestandardpunishment,nomoreandnolessthanhegaveanyotherpagefortardiness.

Shebowed,justasJorenhad.Theywerenotpermittedtoargue.

“Youarebothdismissed.”LordWyldonpickeduphisdocuments.JorenmadesurehebeatKeloutofthemesshall.Shelethimhavethelead,sinceheseemedtothinkitwasimportant.Oncehewasoutofherway,sheranbacktoherrooms.Sheneededtocollectherbooksfortheafternoon’sclasswork.

two

ADJUSTMENTS

Thedogwasstillasleeponherbed.Hewasnotalone.WhileKelhadtokeepthebigshutterslockedwhenshewasout,thesmallpairoverthemwereopeninallweathersothesparrowsthathadadoptedhercouldflyinandout.Threenowperchedonhercoverlet,eyeingthedogwithinterest.

“Heisn’tstaying,”Keltoldthesmallbrownbirds.Thedog’stailwagged,thoughhedidn’topenhiseyes.

Onesparrowflewoverandperchedonhershoulderwithapeep.Itwasthefemalewholedtheflock.ApalespotontopofherheadhadearnedherthenameCrown.Kelgavethebirdasunflowerseedandgatheredherbooks.Crownflewbacktothebedtocontinueherinspectionofthenewcomer.

Thepalaceanimalswerepeculiar.Theyseemedwiser,inthehumansense,thanmostotheranimals.ThedifferencewascausedbyayoungwomannamedDaine,theWildmage,whosemagicallowedhertocommunicatewithanimals.AftershehadtalkedtoKel’sgelding,Peachblossom,thevicioushorseallowedKeltoridehimwithoutmakingherbleedfortheprivilege.EvenDame’smerepresenceaffectedpalaceanimalspermanently.Threemonthsbefore,Kel’ssparrowshadledKelandatroopofhunterstothelairofthegiant,human-headedspidermonsterscalledspidrens,thoughDainehadnotbeentheretoaskitofthem.

MightDainehelpwiththisdog?Kelwonderedasshelockedthedoorbehindher.

Nealhadbeenwaitinginthecorridor.Hewrappedanarmaroundhershoulders.“Come,Mindelan,”hesaidcheerfully,towinghertowardtheclassroomwing.“Whileyouwerehereridingyourevilhorseandbendingabowallsummer,didyoucrackasinglebook?”

“Ihelpedthehousekeeperwiththeaccounts,”retortedKel,lettingherfriendtowher.“Didyoubendaboworrideahorseallsummer?”

“Hadto,”Nealsaidgloomilyastheywalkedintotheirfirstclass,readingandwritingwiththeMithranpriestYayin.“Ourmasteratarmskeptafterme.”

Shesatnexttohim.“We’llmakeaknightofyouyet,Queenscove.”

“That’swhatI’mafraidof,”heretorted.

AfterclassKelreturnedtoherroomstofindthatlifehadsuddenlyimproved.Afulltubofhotwaterawaitedher.Shecouldtakearealbathwhiletheuglydoglookedon.Asshesoaked,Kelrealizedhe,too,hadbeenwashed.Hisfine,shortfurshonewhitebetweenscars.Hewasstillhomely.Hislegswerealittlebowed,supportingabarrelchestandthinhips.Shehadalreadynoticedthattwice-brokentailandhistornear.Hiswholeearwassharp,pointed,anduprightonaheadshapedlikeathickaxblade.Thatskulllookedtoobigevenforhissturdyneck,butthedoglifteditwithpride.

“Youwillneverbeabeauty,”Kelinformedhimasshedriedoff.Hewaggedhisabsurdtail,asifshe’dcomplimentedhim.

Assheputonabrownshift,orangegown,andstockings-shealwaysworeadresstosupper,incaseanyonehadforgottenthatshewasagirl-shenoticedotherwelcomechanges.Herdeskhadbeenneatened,herclothespressedtillnotasinglewrinklewasleft.Therewasabowl,emptyevenofcrumbs,andahalf-emptywaterdish:thegirlLalasahadwashedandfedthedog.ShehadalsofoundKel’sstoreofseedsandfilledthesparrows’feedandwaterdishes.Nobirddroppingscouldbeseenanywhere.

Someonepoundedonherdoor.“Kel,comeon!”yelledNeal.“I’mhungry!”

Whensheopenedthedoor,hepokedhisheadinside.“Thecookssaythere’shamandblueberrypies,sinceit’sthefirstday.Iloveblueberrypie-Mithros,thatistheugliestdogintheworld.”Hesteppedinside.

Thedogtrottedovertosniffhimenergetically.Hiscrookedtailbegantowhip.Hestoodonhishindlegs,bracedhispawsonNeal’slongthighs,androotedatoneoftheyouth’spockets.

“Caughtmeout,oldman,didn’tyou?”askedNealwithagrin.Hecrouched,pullingarollfromhispocket,andgaveittothedog.Itwasgoneinthreebites.“Youknowwecan’thavedogs,”heremindedKel,scratchingtheanimal’s

rump.“MithrosandGoddess,heisugly,”

“Yousaidthatalready.IknowIcan’thaveadog.Neal,willtheWildmagetakehim?”

“Daine?Ofcourse,”hereplied.“She’shere-Isawherlastnight.Askheraftersupper.”

“Didyoumaybewanttogowithme?”sheofferedgingerly,afraidthatshemightcauseNealhurtbyaskinghimalong.Lastyear,hehadintroducedhertoDainewhenKelhadneededhelpwithPeachblossom.KelhadseenthatNealwassmittenwithDaine,thoughshelivedwiththemageNumairSalmalin.

“No,”hetoldKelnobly,andsighed.“Itjusttriesmyheart,toseeherwiththatoldman.”

Keldidn’tthinkMasterNumairwassoold,butsheheldhertongue.Itdidnogoodtoarguewithherlovestruckfriend.

“Kel,isNealhere?”Merricstuckhisheadintotheroom.“Let’sbeprompttosupper,shallwe?”Hisblueeyeswidened.“That’sanuglydog.Youknowwearen’tallowedpets.”

“HegoestoDainetonight,”Kelsnapped.Shethrustherfriendsfromtheroom.

Thekingjoinedthemforsupper,ashehadtheyearbefore.HeatewithLordWyldon,thenspoketothepagesandthefewsquirespresentabouttheimportanceoftheirstudies.Kelwatchedandlistened,herfaceYamani-smooth.WhilesheowedKingJonathanherdutyandherservice,shestillwasn’tsurethatshelikedhim.ThekinghadallowedLordWyldontoputKelonayear’sprobation,somethingnootherpagehadtoendure.Ithadnotbeenfair.

SuddenlysherememberedsomethingherfatherhadsaidwhentheYamaniemperororderedtheexecutionnotonlyofabandofrobbersbutoftheirwomenandchildrenaswell.“Rulersareseldomnicepeople,Kel,”he’dremarked,hiseyessad.“Evengoodonesmakechoicesthatwillhurtsomebody.”

ButwhatifIwanthimtobenice?sheaskedherfathernowasshewatchedherkingsmileattheeagerboys.WhatifIwanthimtobefair?

“Youmaywantanythingyoulike,”hermotherwouldhavesaid.“Thatdoesn’tmeanyou’llgetit.”

Shesmiled,butshekeptitinside.Shedidn’twantthekingtothinkshesmiledathim.

Assoonasthekinghadgone,LordWyldoncalled,“KeladryofMindelan.”

Nowwhat?thoughtKel,halfwaytothedoor.Hasheheardaboutthedog?Shewentbacktothetrainingmaster’stable.

Atleasthedidn’tkeepherinsuspense.“Iunderstandyouhavetakenamaidintoyourservice,”heremarkedwhenshebowed.

Kelheavedaninnersighofrelief.“Yes,mylord.”

“Youarepermittedtodoso.However,aservantisaprivilege,notaright,inthepages’wing.Inadditiontoyourobligationstoanyoneinyourservice,youhaveobligationstomeandtothepalace.”Heregardedherlevelly,toyingwithhisknife.“Sheisnottoinvolveherselfphysicallywithanypageorsquire.Herpresenceisnotconsideredchaperonageforyou.Ifthereisaboyinyourrooms,thedoorremainsopen.Ifsheisill,youwillcallandpayahealer.Ifshecannotreadandwrite,youmustteachher.Ifshemisbehaves-isathief,orlewd,orquarrelsome-youareliable.Ifsherunsoff,orstaysawayovernightwithoutyourpermission,ordisobeysyou,donotaskpalaceguardsorservantstofindherortohelpyoutodisciplineher.Thatyoumustdoyourself.AmIunderstood?”

Kelbowed.“Yes,mylord.”

“Doyourdutybyher,andbyus,”LordWyldonsaidfirmly.“Youaredismissed.”

Kelleft,findingthatthehallshadclearedwhiletheytalked.Mostoftheboyshadvanishedtobegintheirstudies.NowKelgrabbedthedogandwrappedhiminablanket.“Youkeepstill,”sheorderedasshecarriedhimdownthehall.ThechamberswhereDainelivedwereonthefloorabovetheclassrooms.Thedogstruggledonthenarrowstair,finallypokinghisheadoutoftheblanket.Hethenstoppedfightingandgazedaroundwithinterest.

Hewassobony,andsolight!Couldn’tshekeephimuntilhe’dmadeupforthemealshehadmissed?Kelstoppedonthelandingtoblinkeyesthatstungwithtears.Sheknewshewasbeingsilly.Dainewouldfeedhimwell,andshecouldhealhiswounds.Shecouldtalktohimthroughhermagic,andunderstandhisreplies.Inadayortwothedogwouldn’tevenrememberKel,he’dbesohappy.

Thoroughlymiserableanddeterminedtohideit,Kelresumedherclimbtothesecondfloor.Walkingslowly,shecheckedengravednameplatesonthedoorsuntilshefoundtheonethatread:“NumairSalmalin,VeralidaineSarrasri.”Wrestlingahandfreeoftheblanket,Kelknocked.

Thedooropened.ForamomentKelwasconfused-shesawnoone.Asharpwhistledrewhergaze,andthedog’s,downtothefloor.Ayoungdragon,justtwofeettall,waslookingupatthem.Herscalesweredustyblue,herlarge,slit-pupiledeyesskyblue.Shehaddrapedherfoot-longtailoveraforepaw,likethetrainonagown.

“Aren’tyoupretty,”Kelsaid,admiringthesmallcreature.ShehadseenthedragonSkysong,nicknamedKitten,before,thoughatadistance.“IsDaineabout?”Dragons,evenveryyoungoneslikeKitten,weresupposedtobeasintelligentashumanbeings.

Thedragontiltedherslendermuzzleandvoicedatrill,thenraisedherselfontiptoetoinspectthedog.Kelkneltpolitelysothetwocouldlookateachother.

“Keladry,hello!”theWildmagesaidcheerfullyasshecametothedoor.“Welcomeback!”ShewasjustthreeinchestallerthanKelandslender,withtumblingsmokycurlsandgrave,blue-grayeyes.Shewasdressedforroughworkinbreechesandshirt.Feathersclungtoherhair.Hershirtwasspeckledwithbirddroppingsandastreakofgreenslimethathadtohavecomefromahorseordonkey.

KelgottoherfeetandsmiledatDaine.“It’sgoodtobeback,mylady.”

“Who’sthis?”Dainestretchedoutherhands.

AsKelhandedthedogover,sheexplainedhowshehadmethim.“Mymaidgavehimabathandsomemorefood,sohedoesn’tlookasbadashedid,”shefinished.“ButIcan’tkeephim.Wouldyou?Helikesyoualready.”Itwastrue;

thedogwasgleefullylickingDaine’sface.Whenshesethimdown,heofferedKittenthesameattention.Kittensteppedbackwithashrillwhistle.Scolded,thedoglookedupatKelandpanted,tonguelolling.

“Icantrytokeephim,”Dainesaid,adoubtfullookinhereyes.“Heneedspatchingup,andsomethingforworms.He’sbarelymorethanapup.”Shecrouchedbesidethedog,runningherhandsoverhisscrawnyframe.“HesayshisnameisJump.”

Kelbackedup.“Namehimasyoulike,mylady,”shesaid,clenchingherhandsbehindherback.Shewasnotgoingtogetupsetoveradogshe’dknownlessthanhalfaday,andthatdoggoingtothebesthomeinthepalace.“Thankyoufortakinghim.Ifthere’sanythingIcandoforyou…”

DainelookedupatKel.“YoucamealmosteverydaythissummertoridePeachblossomandgroomhim,”theWildmagesaidquietly.“Youbringhimtreats,andgoeasyontherein,whenlastyearatthistimehecouldlookforwardtoanotherbrutalmasterordeath.AndCrownandherflocksaythatyoualwaysstoppedby,thoughyouknewSalmawaslookingafterthem.ItisIwhothankyou,Keladry,forthem.Youtreatanimalsaswellasyoutreathumanbeings.”Shesmiled.“IwilltrytokeepJump.Ifyoufindotheranimalsinneed,cometome.”

Sheofferedherhand.Kelgrippeditgently,mumbledsomethingaboutappreciation,andfled.Shehadtostopinthestairwelltocollectherself.DainetheWildmagethoughtwellofher!

Suddenlysheheardaboysnap,“Idon’tunderstandwhyIhaveto.”

Shestiffened,hersensesalert.Downthestepsshewent,cat-silent,untilshewasjustaroundthecornerfromthegroundfloorlanding.

“It’sapage’sdutytoobey.”TheperfectlychillvoicebelongedtoJoren.

“Youfirst-yearsquirtsneedlessoning.”ThatwasVinsonofGenlith,oneofJoren’scronies.Kelshookouthershoulders,looseningthemup.

“Thisisawasteoftime.”ThenewvoicebelongedtoJoren’sclosestfriend,ZahiribnAlhaz.Zahirhadstoppedhelpingtheotherstohazenewpageslatelastwinter.“Wehavebetterthingstodo.”

“What?”demandedVinson.“AreyouafraidoftheLumpandherfriends?”TheLump,ortheYamaniLump,wastheirnicknameforKel.

“Whenyou’redonewithchildren’sgames,Joren,letmeknow,”Zahirsaid.Kelheardstepsfadeintothedistance.

AfteramomentJorensaidtightly,“Gettowork,boy.”

“ButcleaningspilledinkIcan’tevensee-”protestedthevoiceKelhadfirstheard.

Therewasathud.“Weseeit,”drawledanewvoicebelongingtoGarveyofRunnerspring.HeandVinsonwereJoren’schiefcompanionsinhazingfirst-years.

Kelflexedherhands.Theyknewwedidn’texpectthemtostartupthefirstnightoftraining,shethoughtangrily.Theyknewwe’dthinktheywereastiredastherestofus,sotheysneakedaroundandfoundavictim.

Shelookedatherclothes.Sinceshehadn’texpectedtopatrolthehallsinsearchofbullies,shehadn’tchangedintoshirtandbreechesaftersupper.Fightinginadresswouldbetricky.Rollingupherskirt,shegathereditatonesideandknottedit.Idon’tcareifOraniethinksthatsashesmakemelookthick-waisted,Keltoldherself.Oraniewashersharp-tonguedsecondoldestsister.Fromnowon,that’swhatIwear.

Kelwalkeddownthelastfewstepsandintothegroundfloorhall.Tenyardsawayoneofthenewfirst-years,OwenofJesslaw,layonthefloor.Vinson,Garvey,andJorenstoodaroundhim,leavinghimnowheretorun.

TheyturnedwhentheyheardKel’ssigh.“Ihopedyou’dallrealizedhowstupidthisis,”sheremarkedcoolly.

Jorensmiled.“Mydayiscomplete,”hesaid.Thethreeolderboysmovedapart,thenclosedinonKel.

Owenstruggledtohisfeet.Hewasshortandchubby,withplumphandsandbigfeet.Histumbleofbrowncurlslookedasifsomebodyhadyankedthem.Hisgrayeyesweresetunderbrowsshapedlikequestionmarkslaidflat.Confused,helookedfromKeltothefourth-years.

“I’msureyouhaveclasswork,”Keltoldhim,shiftingtoputawallatherback.“Gettoit.Theseboys”-sheputaworldofscornintotheword-“andIhaveadebatetocontinue.”

Owenstayedwherehewas.

Maybehedoesn’tunderstand,Kelthought.Shebackedup,todrawthefightawayfromhim.

GarveycameatKelfromtheright,punchingatherhead.Sheslidawayfromhispunch,grabbedhisarm,pushedherrightfootforward,andtwistedtotheleft.GarveywentoverherhipintoVinson,who’dattackedonherleft.Joren,atthecenter,cameinfastashisfriendshitthewall.KelblockedJorenspunchtohermiddle,buthisblowwasafeint;hisleftfistcaughtherrighteyesquarely.Kelscissoredalegupandout,slammingherrightfootintoJoren’sknee.Jorenhissedandgrabbedherhair.Someoneelse-Vinson-tackledher.KellethisforcethrowherintoJoren.Downthethreeofthemwentinatumble.Jorenletgoofherhair,fightingtogetoutfromunderherandVinson.KelelbowedhiminthebellyandturnedtothrustherotherhandintoVinson’sface,encouraginghimtogetoffherbypressinghisclosedeyeswithherfingers.

Garveywadedinandgrabbedthefrontofhergowntohaulhertoherfeet.Owen-forgottenuntilthatmoment-struckhimfrombehind.DownGarveywent,facefirst,chubbyOwenclingingmonkey-liketohisbackasKelrolledoutoftheway.OwenbeatGarveywildlyabouttheheadandshoulderswithonehand.

Notmuchtechnique,Kelthoughtasshegottoherknees,buthe’sgotplentyofheart.

Joren’sarmwrappedaroundherneck,cuttingoffherair.Vinsonattackedher,cursing,hisblowsnearlyaswildasOwen’s.Kel’svisionwasgoingdarkwhenhandspulledJoren’sarmaway.Kelgaspedforair.Darkbreechesandwhiteshirtsonherrescuerstoldherpalaceservantshadputahalttothings.

Twohandswrappedaroundherarmanddrewhertoherfeet.KellookeddownacoupleofinchesintoOwenofJesslaw’sshininggrayeyes.“Thatwasjolly!”hesaid.Apparentlyabloodynoseandacutthatdrippedbloodintohisearwerenotimportant.“Didyoulearntofightlikethathere?”

“So.”LordWyldoncoldlyeyedKelandOwen.“Alreadyyouinstructthenewboysinyourbrawlingways.”

“Wefelldown,”Kelrepliedsteadily.Sheknewthisplaybyheart;sodidthetrainingmaster.Firsthequestionedtheseniorpages,whoclaimedtheyhadfallen.Thenhequestionedher-and,forthefirsttime,theboywho’dbeentheobjectofthehazing.Nootherfirst-yearshadstayedtohelpbefore.

“Threefootmenandatorchboysaidyouwerefighting,”LordWyldonpointedout.

“Theyweremistaken,mylord,”shereplied.

Wyldondrummedhisfingersonhisdesk.Finallyhesaid,“OwenofJesslaw,youhavemadeaverypoorstart.ReporttoOsgarWoodrowattheforgeoutsidethesquires’armoryforthefirstbelloftimeeverynightaftersupperforaweek.Youmaycoolyourpassionsbysharpeningswords.”HisbrowneyeslockedonKel.“Asforyou,Mindelan-reporttoStefanGroomsmanatthesamehour.Heistofindyouworkpitchinghaydownfromstablelofts.”

ClammysweatbrokeoutbetweenKel’sshoulderblades.“St-stablelofts,mylord.Ofcourse.”Attrainingcampbeforethesummerholiday,LordWyldonhadmadeKelclimbeverydaytodealwithherfearofheights.Kelbitherlipguiltily:whileshehadtrainedallsummer,shehadnottriedtolookdownfromanythinghigherthanafewsteps.Ibetheknew,shethoughtqueasily.IbetheknewIdidn’tclimbanythingonholiday.

“Afinalword,PageKeladry.”LordWyldonstood,bracinghishandsonhisdesk.“Thiswillstop,”hesaidtightly.“Therewasneversomuchfightingbeforeyoucame.Itwillendnow!”

Maybeyoujustneverheardaboutallthefights,Kelthoughtwearily.Bigboyspickingonlittleonesjusttobemean.Maybenoonemadeenoughofafusstobringittoyournotice.

Fromthecornerofhereyeshesawthered-facedOwenopenhismouth.KelbowedtoWyldonandmanagedtostumble,bangingintothenewboy.Thetrainingmasterwaitedforthemtostandatattentiononcemore,thendismissedthem.

“Why’dyoudothat?”demandedOwenwhentheyclosedthedoorbehindthem.“Why’dyoubumpme?”

“Becauseyouwereabouttosaysomething,”sherepliedcalmly.“Youaren’tsupposedtosayanythingexceptthatyoufelldown.Whateverpunishmenthegivesyou,whateverhesays,youtakeitinsilence.”

“Buttheystartedit,”heargued.“Youwerehelpingoutanothernoble,likewe’resupposedto,andtheywadedintoyou.”

Kelsighed.“That’snotwhyIdidit.”

Turningintotheirownhallway,KelandOwenhalted.Theprince,Neal,Cleon,andKel’sotherfriendsstoodthere,waiting.

“Goodevening,yourhighness,”Kelsaid.

PrinceRoaldnoddedgravely.

Nealstrodeovertoher.“Whatonearthdidyouthinkyouweredoing?Ithoughtwesolvedallthislastyear!”

Kelreplied,“Wedid.”

“Thenwhydidyoupatrolwithoutus?Wehadadeal.Wewentwithyouandwedealtwiththatlotasateam.”

“Don’tyellather,”Owensnapped.“Youshouldhaveseenherfight.Andtheystartedit.”

Theprincesmiledathim.RoaldofCont�wasafourth-yearpage,quietandcontained,withhisfather’sveryblueeyesandblackhairthatcouldhavecomefromeitherofhisparents.Hewassopolitethatheappearedstiff,andhemadefriendswithdifficulty,butwhenhespoke,hewaslistenedto.“Wehavebeentryingtostopthehazingoffirst-years,”hetoldOwen.“AndIbelieveIsuggestedthatyoustudywithourgroup.”RoaldwasOwen’ssponsor,chargedwithteachinghimpalaceways.

“Buttherewasalibrary,yourhighness,”Owensaid.“Abigone.Iwasjustgoingtolook.”

“AndIwasn’tpatrolling,”repliedKel.“IhadtoseeDaine.WhenIcamedownstairs…”Sheshrugged.

“Andgotablackeyeforyourpains,”Nealsaidwithdisgust.Hereachedtowardher,greenmagicalfireshimmeringaroundhisfingertips.

Kelsteppedback.“You’llgetintroublewithmylordifyouhealsomethinghecansee,”shepointedout.“FixOwen’scut.”

Nowitwastheplumpboy’sturntostepback.“What?”Owendemandednervously.

“Nealhasthehealer’sGiftofmagic,”saidtheprince.“Don’tbesilly.Hecanatleastmakeitsothatcutandyournosedon’thurtasmuch.”

Owenrolledhiseyes,butletNealcareforhisinjuries.Thecutinhisscalpwasshallow;Nealshrankthat.“Thenoseisn’tworthtroublingwith,”hetoldOwen.“It’snotbroken.Justbecarefulhowyoublowit.”HelookedatKelwitharuefulsmile.“Mightweatleastgetsomeclassworkdone?”

Kelwenttoherrooms.Gatheringherbooks,shewastryingtorememberherassignmentswhensheheardasoundbehindher.Shewhirled,droppingherbooks.Someonegaspedandduckedinsidethedressingroom.

“Who-?”Kelbegan,thenremembered:Lalasa.Shewouldsleepinthedressingroom,liketheservantswhoattendedotherpages.KelhadseenLalasa’scotandthewoodenscreenthatgaveherprivacywhenshetookherbath.“It’sjustme.”

Theoldergirlpeeredaroundthedoor,thenranforwardandknelttogatherKel’sfallenbooks.“Mylady,forgiveme,Inevermeant-”SheglancedupatKelandgaspedagain.“Mylady,yourpardon,yourpooreye!Whocouldhavedonesuchathing?ShallIfetchahealer-no,UnclesaysonlymylordWyldonmayapprovehealers…Acutofmeat,perhapsicefromtheicehouseifthey’llletmehaveit.Oh,mylady,”shewailed,herhandsclaspedbeforeher.

Kelblinkedather.“It’sjustablackeye,”shesaid.“Pleasedon’tditheratme.”

“Butit’sallswollen!Howcanyousee?”

“Badly,”admittedKel.“It’llmend.I’vehadthembefore.”

“Doesn’tithurt?”beggedLalasa.“Youactlikeit’snothing.”

Kelshrugged.“Ithurts,yes,butnotasbadassomeI’vehad.MayIhavemybooks,please?Ihavetostudy.”

Nealstuckhisheadinthedoor.“Areyoucoming?”hedemanded.“Weonlyhaveabellleftbeforebedtime,andhalfofusarestumpedonthatcatapultmathematicsproblem.Who’sshe?”

KelsighedandintroducedNealtoLalasa.ThegirlwhohadbeensooutspokeninherdismaywentquietthemomentshesawNeal.Silentlyshebackedtowardthedressingroom,stoppingonlytocurtsywhenKelgaveherfriend’sname.

Whyhide?wonderedKelasshelefttheroomwithNeal.“Doessheknowyou?”sheaskedastheywenttohisrooms.

“No-shouldshe?Imean,Isawherworkinginthesquires’wingonceortwicelastyear.Timidlittlecreature.”

Hischamberswerecrowded.Withtheadditionofthefirst-yearstotheirstudygroup,therewasaboyoneverysurfacethatmightbeclaimedasaseat.Theclusteronthebedshifted,makingroomforKel.Theywereallboyswhohadgottenherhelpwithmathematicsbefore:itwasKel’sfavoritesubject,andshewasgoodatit.

WhowouldbelieveitwasjustNealandmeayearago?shethought.Ithoughtwe’dneverhaveanyfriends,whatwithLordWyldonhatinghimforbeingfifteenandeducated,andmebeingTheGirl.

Abouttotaketheofferedplace,shehadanidea.“Youknow,theydoallowstudygroupstomeetinthelibraries.”Shesmiled.“Ibelievethere’sroomforusintheclassroom-winglibrary.”LastyearJorenandhisfriendshadmadelifemiserableforanyfirst-yearwhoenteredtheroom.Itwasonlyrightthattheirgroupreclaimitforpeoplewhowantedtostudy.

Theboyslookedateachother,thenatKel.WithoutawordtheygatheredtheirthingsandstreamedoutofNeal’sroom.Owenleftskippingtoasoftchantof

“Books,books,books!”

Nealthrewopenhisarmsasiftoembracehisnow-emptychambers.“WhatshallIdowithallthisspaceintheevenings?”heinquiredairily,wavingKeloutaheadofhim.“Plantagarden,perhaps,beginmyeagerlyawaitedcareerinsculpting-“

“IfIwereyou,I’dpracticemystaffwork,”Kelreplied.“Youneedto.”

*

Thebellthatsignaledtheendoftheirdayclanged,andthepagesreturnedtotheirrooms.BythenKelfelteachandeverybruisefromthefightandfromherday’strainingwiththatweightedharness.Stifflysheputherbooksonherdesk,noticingamild,cleanscentintheair.

“Ifixedwillowteaformylady,”explainedLalasaasshepouredacupfromthekettleonthehearth.“AndSalmagavemeapackageforyou.”

Kellookedthepackageover.Itwaslikeothersshe’dreceivedfromanunknownbenefactor:aplaincanvaswrappertiedwithstringandaplainlabel.Sheundidtheknotsandpulledthecanvasawaytorevealasmallwoodenbox.

Shewriggledthetopofftorevealthecontents:apamphletandthreeovalleatherballs,eachofasizethatwouldfitintoherpalm.Didhermysteriouswell-wisherwanthertolearntojuggle?Shepickedupaball,whichwasheavierthanitlooked.Kelsqueezedit.Fromthetexture,itwasfilledwithsand.

“Whatonearth?”shemuttered,andleafedthroughthepamphlet.Itwashand-letteredandclearlyillustrated.Suddenlyshebegantogrin.

“Whatisit,mylady?”askedthemaid.

“Exercises,”repliedKel.“Formyarmsandmyhands.”Shemoldedtheleatherballinherlefthand,squeezinghard.“Thisissupposedtostrengthenmygrip.”Howdoesheknow,orshe,what’sneeded?Kelwondered,scanningthe

descriptionsoftheexercises.Lastyearithadbeenagoodknife,herjarofprecious,magickedbruisebalm,andafinetiltingsaddleforPeachblossom.Nowitwasmoreexercises,smallonesshecoulddoanytime,thatwouldhelptobuildstrengthinherhandsandarms.

Remindedofthebruisebalm,Keltookthejaroutofherdeskanddabbedalittleonherswolleneye.Thethrobbingacheinitbegantofade.

IwishIknewwhoyouwere,shethought,sippingtheteathatLalasahadmade.Iwouldliketothankyou-andaskwhyyoudothesethingsforme.

three

BRAWL

ThenextmorningKelrosebeforedawnasalways.Itwasnoteasy.Shefeltstiff,old,andbattered.Whenshestubbedhertoe,sherememberedthatshecouldonlyseethroughoneeye.Atleasttheblackenedeyenolongerachedsomuch.

Icouldhavehadice,Kelthoughtbitterly.Butno.Ihadtobetough.IwasmadwhenIchosethislife,shedecidedassheunlockedherlargeshutters.Iwasstarkravingmad,andmyfamilywastoopolitetomentionit.That’swhatlivingwiththeYamanisdoestopeople.Theygetsowell-manneredtheywon’tmentionyou’recrazy.

Sheopenedtheshutterswide.Outsidelayasmallstone-flaggedcourtyardwithaslender,miserabletreeatthecenter.TheflockofsparrowsperchedonitsbranchesheadedforKel,swirlingaroundherinarusticoffeathersandachorusofpeeps.Exceptduringwinter,theypreferredtosleepoutsideandjoinherforseedandwaterintheshortgraytimebeforesunrise.Whilemostofthebirdswentstraighttothedishes,afewlandedonhershouldersandarms.Kelgentlystrokedtheirheadsandbreastswithafinger.Shehadnearlythirtyafterthespringnesting.Brown-and-tanfemalesandmales,themalesalsosportingblackcollars,theyappearedtoseeKelasasourceoffoodandentertainment.Theychatteredtoherconstantly,asiftheyhopedthatwithenoughrepetition,thisgreatslowcreaturewouldunderstandthem.

Shewasadmiringthemalewhosepale-spottedheadhadearnedhimthenameFrecklewhensomethinglargeandwhitevaultedthewindowsillonherblindside.Itlandedbesideherwithathumpasthesparrowstooktotheair.Shebackeduptolookatitproperly.

ThedogJumpgrinnedcheerfullyather,tonguelolling.Hiscrookedtailwhippedtheairbriskly.

“Absolutelynot,”Kelsaidfirmly.Shepointedtothewindow.“YoulivewithDainenow!Daine!”

JumpstoodonhishindlegsandthrusthisheavynoseintoKel’shand.

“Howdidyouknowtocomeinhere?”Kelleanedoutofherwindow.Ifshehadn’tbeensovexed,shewouldhavebeenimpressed-itwasfourfeetfromthegroundtohersill.Sheturnedtoglareatthedog.“BacktoDaine,thisinstant!”sheordered.“Out!”

“Out?”aquaveringvoiceinquired.Lalasastoodatthedressingroomdoor.“WhatdidI-“

KelpointedtoJump.

“Oh.Thedoghasreturned.”Lalasapaddedoutintothemainroomandpokedupthehearthfire,thenputafullpotofwateroverit.“Myladyshouldhaverousedme.Ididnotmeantolayabedaftermyladywasup.”

“Iwakebeforedawn,”Kelsaid,goingtothecornerwhereshehadleftherpracticeglaive.“IpracticebeforeIdress.”Shegavetheweaponanexperimentalswing,makingsuretherewasplentyofclearspaceinthispartofherroom.Shedidn’twanttobreakanythingassheexercised.

Atleastshehadgottensomerealglaivepracticeoverthesummer.WhilehersistersAdaliaandOranie,youngEasternladiesnow,hadlosttheskillstheylearnedintheYamaniIslands,theirmotherhadtrouncedKeleverydayforamonthbeforeKel’soldabilityhadreturned.KeloftenthoughtthatIlaneofMindelancouldgiveeventheShangwarriorswhotaughtthepagesarealfightwithaglaive.

Kelswepttheweapondownandhelditpoisedforthecutnamed“thebroomsweepsclean.”Hergripwasnotquiteright.Sheadjusteditandlookedup,readytobeginthepatternofmovementsandstrikesthatwereherpracticeroutine.

Lalasastoodagainstthewallbesidethehearth.Herhands,coveredbythelargequiltedmittsusedtolifthotthingsoffthefire,werepressedtightoverhermouth.Hereyeswerehuge.

Nowwhat?Kelwantedtosay.Shewasn’tusedtoexplaininghereverymovetosomeone.Insteadofscolding,shebithertongueandmadeherselfthinkofalake,quietandsereneonasummer’sday.Whenshehadherselfundercontrol,sheasked,“What’sthematter,Lalasa?”

“I-Iwanttobeoutofyourway,mylady,isall.It’ssobig.Doyoualwaysswingitlikethat?”

Kellookedatherweapon,confused.Itwasjustapracticeglaive,afive-foot-longwoodenstaffwithaleadcore,cappedbyacurved,heavy,dullbladeeighteenincheslong.“That’swhatit’sfor.See,youcanwielditlikealong-handledax”-shebroughttheglaiveupoverhandandchoppeddown-“oryoucanthrustwithit.”Kelshiftedherhandsonthestaffandlunged.“Oryoucancutupwiththecurvededge.”Sheswungtheweaponbacktothebroom-sweeps-cleanposition,andstopped.Lalasawasplainlymorefrightenedthanever.“Youcouldlearntouseit,”offeredKel.“Toprotectyourself.TheYamaniladiesallknowhowtowieldtheglaive.”

Lalasashookherheadvigorously.Grabbingthepotofhotwater,shescuttledintothedressingroomwithit.

Iwishshewasn’tsonervous,Kelthought,clearingherheartforthepatterndance.Ihopeshegetsoverit.

SheputLalasafromhermindandtookheropeningposition.Stepandlunge…Herstiffbodyprotested.Shewaspantingbythetimeshewasdone.Nextsheforcedherselfthroughtwentyofthefloorpress-upsthatEdaBell,theShangWildcat,hadsaidwouldstrengthenherarms.Asshefinished,thegreatbellthatsummonedallbutthedeafestnoblesfromtheirbedsrang.Itwasthebeginningofanotherpalaceday.

Kelwalkedintothedressingroom.Hotwatersteamedinherbasin;soap,dryingcloth,brush,comb,andtoothcleanerwerealllaidoutneatlybesideit.Eveninhere,Lalasahadmadethingsmorecomfortable.Atallwoodenscreenhidherbedandthesmallboxthatheldherbelongings.Shehadfoundascarletrugsomewhere,abrazierforheatwhenitturnedcold,andaclothhangingtocovertheprivydoor.Kel’smorningclothes-shirt,canvasbreeches,stockings,boots,acanvasjacket-weredrapedneatlyoverastandthatKelhadalwaysthoughtwasahurdleputinherroombymistake.

“Lalasa,”shesaidwhenshewasdressed,“wouldyouliketolearnwaystomakepeopleletgo?Holds,andtwiststofreeyourarms,gripsthatwillmakethemthinktwiceaboutbotheringyou?Iknowsome,and-“

LalasashookherheadsohardthatKelwonderedifherbrainmightrattle.

“Pleaseno,mylady,”shesaidinhertiny,scaredvoice.“It’llbedifferentnow,withmyhavingapropermistress.That’swhatUnclesaid.Thenoblesdon’tmesswitheachother’sservants.AndI’llbecareful.I’llbenotroubletoyou,mylady,you’llsee.”

“Hey,Mindelan!”someoneyelledintheoutsidehall.“Comeon!”

KelsighedandlookedatJump.Hehadwatchedhergetready,histinyeyesintent.“Afterbreakfast,willyoutakehimtoDaine?”sheasked.“She’sonthefloorabovetheclassrooms,with-“

Lalasawasshakingherheadagain.“Mylady,she’llturnmeintosomething.She’suncanny,forevertalkingtoanimalsandcoveredwiththemesstheymake…”

Kelwasapatientgirl,buttherewassomethingtoLalasa’smeeknessthatsetherteethonedge.“That’ssilly,”shesnapped.

Lalasastaredatthefloor.

AndhereI’vefrightenedheragain,thoughtKel.Nowherheadachedasmuchastherestofher.“Look.WillGowerdoit,ifyouaskhim?TakeJumpuptoDaine?”

Lalasanodded.“Yes,mylady.”

“Thenpleaseaskhimto.”Kelleftbeforeshecouldsayanythingelse.

Lalasajustneedstogetusedtome,shetoldherselfasshejoinedtheboysheadedforthemesshall.ShejustneedstolearnIwon’tbemeantoher.Thenshewon’tbeso,somouseish.Please,Goddess.

Neal’sfirstblockofKel’sfirstpunchfelteverybitassoftandwearyasherblow.Theybothmadefaces.“What’sthematter,second-years?Tired?”KelhadalwaysthoughtthatHakuinSeastone,theShangHorse,wasimproperlycheerfulforaYamani.NowhecircledherandNeal,grinning.HewastallforanIslander,withplumplipsanddark,almond-shapedeyesframedwithlaughlines.Hisglossyblackhairwascroppedshortonthesidesandlongontop,soahankofitalwayslayagainsthisbroadforeheadlikeacomma.Heworeplainpracticeclothesandwentbarefoot.“Addtwopoundsofweighttoyourchestsandyou

actlikeyoucarrytheworld.Putstrengthintoyourblocks.Iwantthosepunchestomeansomething!Whatifyou’reunhorsedandfightinginmailorplatearmor?You’llwishyou’dlistenedtooldHakuinthen.Ready,begin.Highpunch,highblock!Middlepunch,middleblock!Lowpunch,lowblock!”

Histeachingpartner,theShangWildcat,peeredintoOwen’sface.Shewasanolderwoman,herskinlightlytannedfromsummer,herclose-croppedcurlssilverywhite.“Whatareyoulookingattheseniorsfor?”sheaskedOwen,paleeyesglinting.“Youdon’tgettolookaroundtillyoupunchlikeafighter,notacookkneadingbread.”

Keltriedtowillmorevigorintoachingmuscles.AtbreakfastFaleronandRoaldhadsaidthateveryonewasexhaustedwhentheyfirstdonnedtheharness,orwhennewweightswereadded,butKeldidn’trememberifshehadnoticedtheolderpagesstrugglinglastyear.

“Ihearthethirdday’sworse,”Nealmoanedasthebellrang.ItwastheirsignaltolurchtotheyardwhereLordWyldonandSergeantEzekodrilledthemonstaffcombat.

“Ijustwanttolivethroughtoday,”saidMerricastheyfileddownthehill.

Thefourth-years,walkingbehindthem,pushedbytheyoungerpagestotakethelead.Theydiditroughly,yelling,“Oldstersfirst!”PassingKel,Jorenthrusthiselbowback,clippingherblackeye.Kelgaspedandbentover,coveringherthrobbingeye.

Acoolhandrestedonhers,andsomethingflowedthroughherfingers.Thepainvanished.Keltookherhandaway,andglaredatNeal.

“Itstilllooksniceandpuffyandcolorful.”Hisvoicewasdry,hisgreeneyesworried.“Kel,wehavetodosomethingabouthim.”

“Yes,”shereplied,“stayoutofhisway.Joren’sapageforjustonemoreyear,andthat’swhatImeantodo.”

“She’sright.”Theprincestoppedbesidethem.“Ifshetakesrevenge,she’stheonewhowilllookbad.”

“Sothere,”KeltoldNeal,andmarchedondowntothenextpracticecourt.

BeneathhercalmexteriorshewishedfiercelythatshecouldpoundthemeannessoutofJoren.Evenasshethoughtit,sheknewshewoulddobettertoignorehim.Water,shethought,collectingherstafffromtheshedwhereitwaskept.Iamasummerlakeonawindlessday,clear,cool,andstill.Jorenisacloud.Allhecandoiscastashadowonmysurface.I’llbeherelongafterhe’sgone.SheconcentratedonthatthoughtfiercelyuntilLordWyldonandthesergeantbarkedordersforthefirstseriesofexercises.

Theyardrangwiththeclackofwoodstrikingwoodandyelpsfromthosepageswhosefingersgothit.Kellistenedtothenoiseandletitfillher-itworkedbetterthanthoughtsofaclearlaketoclearherhead.AtleastshewaslessstiffaftertheirtimewiththetwoShangs.

Settledintotherhythmofthefirstexercise,shelookedforthetrainingmaster.LordWyldonwatchedthemfromthefence.Keepinghiseyesonthem,hecrouchedtoscratchtheearofanuglywhitedogwithblackspots.

Kel’sattentionwavered;Faleronsmackedhercollarbonewithhisstaff.Theforceoftheblowdrovehertoherkneesaspainshotlikelightningthroughherrightside.

“Kel,youdidn’tblockit!”criedFaleron,appalled.“Neal-“

“Backinline,PageNealan!”Ezekoorderedashecameover.“Ifthere’sabreak,she’llseeaproperhealer!”HekneltbesideKelandfelthercollarbone,hisfingersgentlerthanhisface.Hewasabarrel-chestedblackman,aCarthakiveteranwhohadfledslaverytoenterTortall.

“Just-abruise,Ithink,”Kelsaid,gaspingforbreath.“The-thestrap-“

Thesergeantpulledherjacketaside,examiningtheharness.“Youtooktheblowonthat?”hedemanded.“Idon’tfeelanythingbroken.”

Kelnodded.

“Stupid,”Ezekotoldher.“Youhaven’tletanybodylandoneinmonths.Idon’tcarehowtiredyouare,payattention!”

“Ifwearedoneflutteringoverthegirl?”LordWyldondemanded,walkingover.“Backtowork,lads.Canyouusethearm?”heaskedKelgruffly.

Theemperor’ssoldiersfightwithbrokenarms,Kelthought,rememberingthehard-facedmenwhodefendedtheYamanicourt.Itisn’tbroken,justbruised.Reallybruised.Shenodded,meetingLordWyldon’sgazesquarely.

Hesighed.“YancenofIrenroha,pairwithFaleron.”Yancen,athird-year,obeyed.“Mindelan,withProsperofTameran.”Prosperwasanewpage.KelsawwhatLordWyldonintended:shecoulddefendherselfagainstProsperevenwithabadrightarm.AsWyldoncontinuedtorearrangethepairs,Kelglancedatthefencewherehe’dbeen.Jumpnoticedherlookandwaggedhistail.

Nealsawthedogastheywereputtingtheirstaffsaway.“Isthat-?”heasked.LordWyldonwasscratchingJump’sspine.Kelnodded.

“IthoughtyougavehimtoDaine,”Nealmurmured.

“Idid,”shereplied.Theywalkedtothearcherycourtswiththeotherpages.LordWyldonandSergeantEzekobroughtuptherear,Jumptrottingbesidethem.

“Youknow,ifhedoesn’twanttostay,Dainewon’tmakehim,”Nealwhispered.

Kelsighed.Shedidknow.TheWildmagehadrefusedtochangethenatureofKel’scontrarymount,Peachblossom.“That’swhyshesaidshewouldtrytokeepJump,”KeltoldNealgloomilyastheygatheredtheirbowsandquiversofarrows.“Becauseshethoughtmaybehewouldn’tstaywithher.”

Whenshelookedaroundhalfwaythroughthearcherylesson,thedogwasnowhereinsight.Keltookheart.PerhapsJumphadrealizedKelwouldn’tencouragehim.

Perhapshe’soffstealingandgettingchoppedupbythatcook,atreacherousvoicewhisperedinhermind.Kelignoredit.Shecouldn’tsolvetheworld’sproblems,afterall.Notyet,atleast.

Herreliefandworryturnedtoresentmentastheboysreachedthepages’stablefortheirfinalmorningclass.Jumpsatbythedoor,scratchingoneofhisscars.

“Goaway,”shemutteredasshewalkedby.“GobacktoDaine!”

AssheopenedthedoortoPeachblossom’sstall,thedogtrottedinaheadofher.HisjauntyairsuggestedthatahorseofKel’swasahorseofhis.Peachblossominstantlyputbackhisears,retreateduntilhisrumphitthestablewall,andstamped.Jumpsatandregardedthehorse.

Peachblossomwasahorsetoregardwithcare.HewasasmalldestrierwhowouldhavebeentoobigforKelifhehadnotallowedhertoridehim.Hewasgelded,withstrawberryroanmarkings:reddishbrownstockings,face,mane,andtail,andarustycoatfleckedwithwhite.Onlythreepeoplecouldhandlehimwithoutgettingbit,Kel,Daine,andthechiefhostler,StefanGroomsman.

“Ignorethedog,”sheadvisedthegeldingasshestifflywentoverhimwithabrush.“Hethinkshebelongstome,buthe’smistaken.”

Peachblossomsnorteddisbelief,buthe’dfoundtheappleKelhadbrought,andhedidlikethebrush.Hesteppedawayfromthewall.

Despitethepaininhershoulder,Kelputtheridingsaddleonhimandmountedup.Thisweektherewouldbenoworkwiththelanceandtheheaviertiltingsaddle.Thepageswouldberidingonly,theseniorstoshowtheyhadn’tgonesoftovertheholiday,thefirst-yearstoshowtheycouldmanageahorse.Itwasboring,butastheacheinhershoulderspread,Keldecidedboredomwaspreferable.

AtleastJumpdidn’tfollowthemout,orifhedid,hemadesureKelneversawhim.ShewasabletoconcentrateonputtingPeachblossomthroughhispacesuntiltheend-of-morningbell.Shereturnedtothestableandgroomedhermount,gladthemorninghadended.

Faleron,whosefirechestnutwasPeachblossom’sneighbor,leanedontherailbetweenthestalls.“Kel,I’mstillnotsureaboutthatcatapultproblem,”heconfessed,embarrassed.HeknewmoreTortallanlawthananyotherpage,butmathematicscamehardforhim.“IfIfetchittolunch,wouldyoutakealook?”

Kelnodded.“Youdidn’thavetoask,youknow.”

Falerongrinned.“Mamaraisedmepolite.”

InanearbystallGarveymuttered,“So,Faleron,you’refriendswithhernowbecauseyoucanhaveherwheneveryouwant?”

Faleronthrewdownhisbrushandwentfortheotherboy.Soreshoulderorno,Kelflewoutofthestall.ShecaughtFaleronjustafootfromthesneeringGarveyandhungontohim,puttingallofherweightintoit.

Theolderboyfoughthergrip.“Godscurseit,Kel,youheardwhathesaid!”

“Iheardafart,”Kelsaidgrimly.“Youknowwherethosecomefrom.Letitgo.”

Faleronrelaxed,butshestillkeptbothhandswrappedaroundhisarm.Hewaseasygoing,buteveryonehadsorespots.AtlastFaleronmadearudegestureatGarveyandletKelpullhimaway.

TheyhadalmostreachedtheirhorseswhenNeal’sunmistakabledrawlsoundedthroughthestable:“Jorenissopretty.Say,Garvey,areyoutwofriendsbecauseyoucanhavehim?”

Garveyroaredandcharged,butJorengottoNealfirst.Beforetheylandedmorethanapuncheach,Neal’sfriends,includingKel,attackedthem.Moreboysenteredthebrawl,kickingandhittingblindly,strikingfriendasoftenasfoe.Kelnearlyfaintedwhensomeone’sboothitherbruisedcollarbone.

Abovethedinmadebyboysandfrightenedhorses,Kelheardthesoundofbreakingwood.RealizingshewouldneverreachNeal,prayinghedidn’tgethissillyheadbroken,shegrabbedMerricandSeaverbythecollarandbackedup,draggingthemwithher.Thepressofbodiesbehindherletupsuddenly;shenearlyfelloverbackward.

Startled,shelookedaroundandsawPeachblossom.HisteethfirmlysunkintoCleon’sjacket,thegeldingdrewthebigyouthoutofthefray.PrinceRoaldgrippedOwenbybotharmstokeephimoutofthebrawl;Roald’shorse,theblackgeldingShadow,heldFaleronbythearmasheslowlypulledhimfree.Zahir’sbayshoulderedthroughthemob,steppingonnoone,butforcingthemtomoveawayfromhimandeachother.

ForamomentachillranthroughKel.Shethoughtuneasily,Theanimalsherearesostrange.Thensheshookitoff.TheharridanwhotrainedtheladiesoftheYamanicourttodefendthemselveshadalwayssaid,“Weusethetoolsathand.”Theseanimals,uncannyornot,weretherighttoolsforthismess.

ShethrustMerricandSeaverintoaruinedstallandgrabbedCleon’sarm.“Peachblossom,canyoufindNeal?”sheaskedherhorse.

ThebiggeldingreleasedCleon’sjacket,blewscornfully,andwadedintothefight.UnlikeZahir’sbay,hewasnotcarefuloffeetorfingers.Iftheywereintheway,Peachblossomsteppedonthem.Severalboysrolledcleartonursebruisesandbrokenbones.

“Youcanletgo,Kel,”saidCleon,hisvoicedry.HewatchedCavall’sHeart,LordWyldon’sdarkdunmare,whohadalsobrokenoutofherstall.ShedraggedGarveyoutofthepile.“EvenI’mnotstupidenoughtoarguewithhorses.Particularlynotthesehorses.”

Kelglaredupathim.Cleonwasafourth-year,buthewasalsoafriend.“I’mgladyou’resmartenoughtorealizethatmuch,”shetoldhim.

Cleonslappedhercheerfullyontheback.“What’sthematter,dewdrop?Don’tyoulikemenfightingtoprotectyourhonor?”

“Icandefendmyownhonor,thankyou,”shereplied.“IthoughtitwasJorenshonoratstake.Andstopcallingmethoseidioticnicknames.Thatjokeisdeadandrotting.”ShewatchedasJumpgrabbedVinsonbytheankle,stoppingtheboy’sattemptstokickanyone.

PeachblossomhadjustseizedNeal’sjacket,withNeal’sshoulderinit,whenLordWyldon,SergeantEzeko,andthreestablehandsentered.Theytossedthebucketsofwatertheycarriedonthepages.Silencefell.

“Iwantthisplacestraightenedupandthesehorsesgroomedafresh.”LordWyldon’svoice,andeyes,werelikeiron.“ThatincludesHeart.Youwillthenwashandassembleinthemesshall.Iwilladdressyoufurtherthere.”Helookedthemover,palewithfury.“Youareadisgrace,thelotofyou.”Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedout.

Silentlythepagesgottowork.

Bythetimetheyreachedthemesshall,LordWyldonhadworkedouttheirpunishment.Itincludedbread-and-watersuppersforaweek,studyaloneintheirroomsatnight,nosweets,andnotripsoutofthepalaceuntilMidwinter.ThosepageswhoalreadyhadSundayafternoonpunishmentworkweretoputthatoff

untilthegeneralpunishmentwasdone.Theywerealltohelpcarpentersrebuildthestable.Finallythetrainingmasteraddedtwomoreleadweightstotheseniorpages’harnesses.

Thesubduedpageswenttoafternoonclassesinnearlycompletesilence.Whenitwastimetodressforsupper,Kelscrambledintohershiftandgown,stoppingonlytodemandofLalasawhyJumphadn’tbeentakentoDainethatmorning.WhenLalasa,cringing,repliedthatGowerhadcarriedthedoguptotheWildmagerightafterbreakfast,Kelshookherhead.ShewouldhavetodealwithJumplater.

Stillwearingbootsandheavywoolstockingsunderhergown,shewenttoNeal’sroomandpoundedonhisdoor.Heletherinwithoutaword,butprotestedwhensheclosedthedoorbehindher.

“DoyouwanteveryonehearingwhatIhavetosay?”shedemandedsharply.

“IftheStumpcatchesyouherewiththedoorshut-”TheStumpwasNeal’snicknameforLordWyldon.

“Hewon’t.”Kelputherfistsonherhipsandglaredatherfriend.“Youweresixteenlastmonth.You’resupposedtoknowbetter.Didyouhonestlythinkyouwerehelpingmedownthere?”

Hehadthestrangestlookonhisface.“Areyou-Kel,theYamaniLump-areyouyellingatme?”

“Yes,Iam!”Kelsnapped.“Youdidn’tsolveanything,youjustmadeitworse!”

Hesatonhisbed.“Maybe,maybenot.Ithinkthey’llreconsider,nexttimetheywanttostartfightsoveryourvirtue.”

Kelblinkedathim.“Whathasmyvirtuetodowithanything?”

“I’msurprisedtheydidn’ttryitlastyear.Oh,Isupposetheymadedirtylittlejokeswitheachother,nevermindthatarealknightissupposedtotreatwomendecently.Maybetheythoughtsayingyou’realump,andnotasstrong,andonprobation,wasbadenough.”

“Areyoumakingsenseyet?”Kelwantedtoknow.Thisconversationhadtakenaveryuncomfortableturn.

“Butyou’restillhere.Nowthey’rereallyworried.Theyhaven’tchangedtheirmindsaboutladyknightsjustbecauseWyldonletyoustay.”

“Ididn’texpectthemto,”Kelinformedhim.

“Well,so,theydecidedtotrynewinsultstoday.Andtalkofdifferentkindsofsexmakespeoplecrazy.”

“Yourpointis…?”sheasked.Hermotherhadexplainedhowbabiesweremade.Narikohadtaughtthecourtladies,includingKel’sfamily,howtopreservetheirhonorfromrapists.Thatdidn’tseemtobewhatNealwastalkingabout.

“See,Kel,ifallofasuddeneveryone’sgettingintofightsaboutyourvirtue,maybetheStumpwillgetridofyouafterall.”Nealsighedandfinger-combedhishairbackfromhisface.

FeartrickleddownKel’sspinelikecoldwater.CouldLordWyldonchangehismind?Whowouldprotestifhedid?Thekinghadallowedhertobeputonprobationinthefirstplace.NodoubtifWyldontoldhimKelhadtogo,thekingwouldagree.“I’meleven,”shesaidatlast.“That’stooyoungtobelyingwithmen,Neal.Muchtooyoung.”

Heinspectedabruiseonhiswristandtouchedafingertiptoit.Agreensparkflashedandthebruisefaded.“Factsdon’tmatterwithJorenandhiscrowd.Justgossip.Justmakingyourfriendsangryenoughtofight.Iremindedthemthatgossipisatrickyweapon,that’sall.Itcutstwoways.”

Kelsighed.“Istilldon’tthinkyoudidmeanygood.Icantakeafewinsults.”

“Youcan-Ican’t.”Nealpeeredoutthedoor.

“Hall’sempty.Shoo.”Asshewalkedby,headded,“Iconsidermyselfchastised.”

Shestoppedandturnedback.“WhatyousaidaboutGarveyandJoren-it’snotaninsultinYaman.Somemenpreferothermen.Somewomenpreferother

women.”Kelshrugged.

“IntheEasternLands,peoplelifethatpursuetheirlovesprivately,”repliedNeal.“ManlyfellowslikeJorenthinkit’sadeadlyinsulttobeaccusedofwantingothermen.”

“Thatdoesn’tmakesense,”Kelsaid.

“It’sstillaninsultonthissideoftheEmeraldOcean,mydear.Now,ifImayshavebeforeourbread-and-waterfeast?”

KeleyedNeal’scheeksandchin.“Youdon’tneedto.”

Nealsighed.“Iliveinhope,asthepriestsaidtotheprincess.Ifyoudon’tmind?”

Kelwentbacktoherroom,shakingherhead.

four

WOMANTALK

Theirpunishmentsforthestablefightcooledthehottesttempers.Kelthoughtjusttheadditionoftwomoreharnessweightswouldhavedoneit.Eventhefourth-yearpageswerenotreadyforthechange,anditwasastonishinghowmuchdifferenceanextrapoundmade.ForweeksKelfeltasifherboneshadturnedtowax.MasterOakbridge,whoseetiquetteclasswasattheendoftheday,begantohittheirdeskswithhispointersticktokeepthemawake.Extrawork,givenwhensleepypagesdidn’tfinishclasswork,piledontopofLordWyldon’sphysicalpenalties.

Bread-and-watersuppersdidnothelp.Scantmealsontheirschedulemeantgrowlingbellies.SometimesKelthoughtitwashungerandtheprospectofaddedweights,ratherthaninsultsthatcuttwoways,thatmadeJorenandhisfriendsleaveherandhercrowdalone.

TwoSundayswenttorebuildingthepages’stable.Oncethatwasdone,Kelreturnedtoherearlierpunishment,forkingdownhayfromastableloft.Foraweekshedrippedsweatasshepitchedhaydownfourteenfeettothefloor.Herfrightturnedthedistanceintomiles.Oncethatweekended,sheenjoyedtheabsenceoffear,untilthedayshewastardytoaclass.LordWyldongaveheronebelloftimetoclimbtothepalacewallandmapthegroundbetweenitandthetempledistrict.

Everytimeshewaslate,orLordWyldonfounddirtonPeachblossom’stack,orsomeonenoticedshehadlitacandleafterlightsout,thetrainingmasterfoundKelworkonheights.Nealwassureitwastorture.KelarguedthatLordWyldonhelpedhertobecomeabetterknightbyforcinghertomanageherfear.PrinceRoaldfinallytiredofthedebateandsaiditwasalittleofboth;hedidn’twanttohearthesubjectdiscussedagain.

Everymorningandeveryeveningwhensheopenedthelargeshutters,Jumpbouncedintoherroom.Kel’ssparrowsmadeagameofit,clingingtothedog’sfurandtryingtostayonasheleaped.Lalasaalsoseemedtoenjoyit-shegavethedogatreatwhennosparrowsfellfromhisback.

NomatterhowoftenGowerandKeltookthedoguptoDaine,Jumpreturned,toherroomandtothepracticecourts.Keldarednotspeaktohimthere:shefearedthatsomeonewouldnoticeandreportit.Shewasluckythatadog’spresenceinthepalacewasnotunusual.Theplaceteemedwithdogs-ratters,huntingdogs,evenladies’lapdogs.AslongasnoneoftheirteachersthoughtJumpbelongedtoanypagesasapet,hewasfreetocomeandgoashepleased.

Bythetimetheleavesturnedcolor,Jumphadjoinedthenighttimestudygroup,andKelhadgivenuponreturninghimtoDaine.Whatwastheuse?liealwayscameback,andsheknewLalasafedhim.Instead,Kellitastickofincense,askingtheGreatMothertoprotecthim,andresignedherselftohernewcompanion.

Jump’ssnoresrousedKeloneNovembermorningbeforedawn.Sheturnedhimonhisside-heonlysnoredonhisback-andwaitedforsleeptoreturn.Itdidn’t.Instead,sheworried.Shehadplentytoworryabout.Oncetheyhadtheenergy,sheandherfriendshadbeguntheirhallpatrols,tryingtocatchJorenandhiscroniesharassingafirst-year.They’dhadnosuccess.NealandCleonthoughtJoren’scrowdhadgivenup.Kelwasn’tsosure.Herexperienceofbullieswasthatiftheyweren’tdoingonething,theywerepreparingsomethingelse.

It’snogoodfretting,Keltoldherselfsternly.Whateveritis,you’llputastoptoit,that’sall.Shejusthopedshe’dcatchthemsoon.Thesuspensewaslikeanitchshecouldn’tscratch.

AssoonassheputJorenfromhermind,sheworriedaboutpractice.Shehadfinallygottenusedtotheweightoftheharness.Onlyaweekagoshehadstartedtohitthequintainproperlyintilting;onlyinthelasttwodayshadshereturnedtohittingitcorrectlyoneverypass.Justwhenshe’dgottenherskillback,whatdidLordWyldondobutannounceachange.Inanotherweekhewouldbereplacingthelancesofthesecond-,third-,andfourth-yearpageswithswordstwodaysaweekandaxestwodaysaweek.Kelwasn’treadyforthat.

Hadshenoticedtheseniorpagesusingotherweaponsfromhorsebacktheyearbefore?Shehadtosmileatthethought.Ofcourseshehadn’t.Whensheconcentratedonsomething,likeherlongstruggletolearnhowtotilt,shesawlittleelse.

Hersmilevanished.I’lltalkitoverwithPeachblossom,shedecided.Hemaynotunderstand,butperhapshe’llappreciatemymakingtheeffort.IjusthopeIdon’tbanghimwiththeswordortheax.Idon’tthinkhe’lllikethat.

Wasitevenworthtryingtosleepagainnow?shewondered,eyesonthelightgrayskybeyondtheopenuppershutters.Chanceswereshewoulddozeoffjustasthebellrangforthedaytostart.

Sherolledoutofbedandcarefullyopenedthelowershutterssoshecouldsee.Ifshelitacandle,Lalasawouldbeawakewithinmoments,askingifshecouldserveKel-andthiseventhoughthedressingroomdoorwasshut.Kelsighed,quietly,andwisheditwereaseasytolikeLalasaasitwastolikeJump.Certainlythegirlwasuseful.ShesmuggledJump’sfoodintoKel’sroomwithnoonethewiser.ShekeptthingsneaterthanKelhadeverdone.Ifonlyshelaughedmore,andtalkedaboutthings!Sherelaxedonlywiththeanimals,butnotKel.AndshemournedeachandeverytearinKel’sgarmentsasifafriendhaddied.

Ifonlyshewouldn’tbesoskittish,thoughtKel,slippingherweightedharnessonoverhernightgown.Shecreepsaboutlikeamouse,flinchingwheneveryoulookather,tillyoujustwanttogivehersomethingtoflinchabout.She’safraidofme.WhathaveIdonetodeserveit?Onlythoughtaboutsmackingsomelifeintoher,andIknowshecan’thearmythoughts.Ifshecould,she’dknowIfeltbadjustthinkingthat.

HerjobwithKelwassafe:BaronPiersandLadyIlanehadsentmoneyforthegirl’swagesforayear.KelhadpaidLalasathenandthere.TherewasnoreasonforthegirltothinkKelmightdismissher,afterreceivingayear’swages.ShesaidlittletoKelbut“Yes,mylady”and“No,mylady,”orforachange,“I’llsee,mylady.”Kelwasafriendlygirl;ithurtthatLalasacouldn’tbeeasyaroundher.Itwasalsouncomfortable,tiptoeingaboutherownroomsforfearshemightstartlehernewcompanion.

Kelbenttotouchhertoesandheardarip.Hernightgown,morethanabitsnugaroundtheshouldersthesedays,hadgottencaughtundertheharnessandtorn.Wriggling,Keltriedtogetamorecomfortablefitoutofgownandharness.Couldleathershrink?Thethinghadbeenperfectlycomfortablewhenitwasfirstmade.

Shetouchedhertoesagain.Theseamthathadrippedamomentagotorefurther.ShegrowledaYamanicurseandtuggedtheharnessagain.

“Mylady,thatwon’thelp.”Lalasawalkedoutofthedressingroom,arobeclutchedoverherbedgown.

ThistimeKelthoughtawholestringofYamanicurses.Keepingherfacecalm,shesaid,“Youreallydon’thavetobeup.YouknowIwon’tneedyoutillthebellrings.”

NormallysomethingthatclosetoareprimandwouldhavesentLalasascurryingfromtheroom.Now,however,shestrodeforward,handsoutstretched.“Ifyouplease,mylady?”SheactuallytouchedKel,stickingherslimfingersundertheshoulderstrapsoftheharnessandliftingitoff.

Lalasainspectedtheharnessintheverydimlight,exploringitsseamsandjoinswithherhands.Kel,intrigued,pokedupthefireandlitcandles.

“Icandonothingaboutthis,”theoldergirlsaid,puttingtheharnessdown.“Youneedanewone,andthat’stannerwork.Ifmyladypleases?”Shemotioned,andKelturned.LalasatouchedtherippedseambetweenKel’sshoulderblades,thenpluckedatsleeveholes,collar,andcuffs.SheturnedKelandknelttopullonthegown’shem.

“AsIthought,”shesaidatlast.“Myladyhasgrownaninchsincethiswasmade.Ithoughtyouhadtroubletyingyourpointsyesterday.”

Kelmadeaface.“I’vebeenhavingacursedtimegettingmyhoseuphighenoughformetotiethemproperly,”sheadmitted.“Evenmybreechesareshort.”

“It’seasytogetnewclothingforpracticeandclasses,mylady,”Lalasasaid.“Wejusttradetheoldthingsfornewatthepalacetailors’.”ShestoodandglancedatKel,thencoughedlightlyintoherfist.“Um-mylady,youhavegrownelsewhere,too.”

“Myshoulders,”Kelsaidgloomily.“That’swhythegownsplit,andwhyIcan’tsettlethatharnesscomfortably.Mywaist’salittlesmaller,though.”

Lalasashookherhead.“Yourshouldersarefillingout,butthosearen’tthe

onlythings.”

Kelrubbedhernose.Finallyshesaid,“Youknow,Iunderstandbetterwhenpeopletellmestraightoutwhatthey’rethinking.”

Lalasa’slarge,darkeyesmethers.Shehesitated,thensaid,“Mostgirlsprayforthis,mylady.You’regettingthemyoung.Ididn’tshowuntilIwasfourteen.”RealizingthatKelstilldidn’tunderstand,Lalasacuppedherbreastsandletthemgo.

Flabbergasted,Kelstaredatthefrontofhernightgown.Sureenough,thereweretwoslightbulgesintheproperareaforsuchthings.Whenhadthishappened?Theyweren’tlargeenoughtobevisibleunderherlooseclothes,buthowcouldshehavemissedthemwhenshebathed?

IhurrywhenIscrub,shethought,fightingtheurgetocrossherarmsandcoverherchest.AndI’malwaysthinkingaboutclassworkorpractice.

Acoldthoughtoverboreeverythingelse:They’llneverletmeheartheendofthis.Sheacceptedthatassoonasshethoughtit.Therewaslittleshecoulddoabouttheboys’futurecomments,exceptchooseherclotheswithcareandhopehernew,inconvenientbadgesofwomanhoodgrewslowly.

Lalasaduckedherhead.“Myladywillneedbreastbands.”

“Oh,splendid,”Kelreplied.“JustwhatIneed-moreclothes.”Sherubbedthebackofherneck.“Whenyougetthosenewthingsfromthetailor?Makesurethey’reloose,allright?”

“Mostgirlsrejoiceatthis,”Lalasapointedoutsoftly.“Theyregardit-andtheirmonthlybleeding-assignstheyenterwomanhood.”

“Mostgirlsdon’thaveacoveyofboyswhackingthemwithstickseverymorning.Mostgirlsdon’twanttobeknights.”Kelploppedontothebed.Jumpwriggleduntilhecouldstickhisbluntheadunderherhand.“Ifthiskeepsup,eventuallyIcanstopwearingdressestoremindthemI’magirl.Ihopeittakesawhile.Alongwhile.”Shetuckedherchintolookatherfront.Lalasamuffledanoisewithherhands.Itsoundedremarkablylikealaugh.“I’mgladyoufinditfunny,”Keltoldherwithawrygrin.

“Ihavetotakemylady’smeasurementsafresh,”Lalasasaid,goingintothedressingroom.“AndIneedtodrawcoinfromSalmatobuycloth,”shecalledassheopenedtheboxwhereshekepthersewingthings.“Icanletoutmanyofyourpersonalgarments,butnightgowns,andbreastbands,andstockingsmustbepaidforfromyourownpurse.”

KelwenttoherdeskandwroteanotetoSalmaonhermessageslate.Whenshehadfinished,Lalasaapproachedwithameasuringcord.AsshesliditaroundKelwithbriskefficiency,Kelwasstartledtoseetheywereexactlythesameheight.Shehadgrownaninchinthreemonths.

“Idon’tknowwhenIcangetthatharnessletout,”shecommented.

“Leaveitformewhenyoucomeforyourbath,”Lalasaassuredher.“Iwilltakeittothetanner.”

“You’llneedtogivehimsomeencouragement,”Kelremarked.Ifpeoplewantedfastworkfrompalaceservants,theypaidbribes.“Infact-”ShewipedouthernotetoSalmaandwroteafreshone,askinghertogiveLalasaKel’spocketmoneyforthequarter.“Thiswayyoudon’thavetoapplytome,andIdon’thavetoapplytoher.Youcankeepithereanddrawwhat’sneeded.”ShehandedtheslatetoLalasa,whohelditwithastunnedlookonherface.

“Whatisit?”Kelasked,pickingupherglaive.Thebellwouldringsoon;shehadtostartherpracticedances.WhenLalasadidn’treply,Kellookedsharplyather.“What’swrong?”

Lalasawastrembling.“Aren’tyouafraidIwillstealit?”

“No,”Kelsaid,tryingdeepkneebendstoloosenherlegs.Eachbendwasmarkedbyanothertinyrip.Itseemedhernightgownhaddecidedtogiveupcompletely.“Youdidn’trunoffwhenIpaidyoufortheyear.”

“Allnoblesthinkthatservantssteal.”

Keltuckedhernightgown’sskirtintothesideofherloincloth.“Peoplewhobelieveservantswillstealusuallygetservantswhodo.”Sheswungherglaive.“Younevergivemeanyreasontodoubtyourhonesty.”

ForamomentLalasasaidnothing.Thensheutteredasoft“Oh”andsetapot

ofwateroverthefiretoheat.

ForthefirsttimesinceKelhadtakenherasamaid,shestayedintheroomasKelperformedthecomplexswings,thrusts,turns,androllsofapracticedance.SheputoutfreshseedforthesparrowsandlaidoutKel’smorningclothes.OnlywhenthewateronthehearthbegantosteamdidshecollectthepotandtakeitintothedressingroomsoKelcouldwashwhenshewasdone.

Thatafternoon,inthepages’classonmagic,TkaathebasiliskbegantospeakofhowtheYamanispracticedmagic.KnowingofKel’ssixyearsthere,hecalledonher.WhenKelmentionedthatshehadaspiritbag,anamuletcreatedforherbyaYamanishaman,Tkaaaskedifshewouldlettheclassseeit.Kelbowedtohim-shehadgottenoverthestrangenessofhavinganeight-foot-tallgraylizardasateachermonthsbefore-andwenttoherrooms.

Abouttoturnintothepages’hall,shefeltanitchandhalted,makingaface.Thebreastbandshehadonwascrispnewlinen,andititched.Sheglancedaround:noonewastheretosee.Hikinguphertunic,shescratchedherribsthroughhershirt.

Fromthepages’wingsheheardamansay,“Don’tbeshy.Ifyou’renice,I’llgetyouabetterplacethanworkingforthatcrazyMindelangirl.”Hespokequietly,buthecouldn’thavebeenfaraway.“Youwasteyourprettinesstoilingafteramadpage.”

Therewasareply,inafemalevoicefarsofterthantheman’s.ItwasLalasaandshewasfrightened.QuicklyKeltuggedhertunicoverherhipsandwalkedintothepages’wing.Amaninservant’sclotheshadbackedLalasaupagainstKel’sdoor.Heleanedagainstit,trappingthemaidbetweenhisarms.Hereyeswerehugeasshestaredupathim.Inonehandsheheldabrand-newweightedleatherharness.

Kelstrodeforwardbriskly.“Whatisyourname,andwhatbusinessdoyouhavewithmymaid?”shedemanded,sharp-voiced.“Stepawayfromheratonce.”Itdidn’tmatterthathewasagrownman.Shewasanoble,andsheknewherrights.

Helookedather.Hewasinhisearlytwenties,withawiryframe.HisdarkeyesflashedwithannoyanceashedrewawayfromLalasaandbowed.“IamHugoLongleigh,ifitpleaseyou,mylady.Wewerejusthavingafriendlychat-

“

“Itdidn’tlookfriendlytome.Whatpalaceserviceareyouin?”Kelasked.

Hefrowned,buthedarednotdefyanoble,evenonewhowasonlyapage.“IamaclerkinPalaceStores.Wehaveanunderstanding,Lalasaandme-“

“Mylady,Iswear,Iwasjustgettingtheharness,andheapproachedme.”Lalasa’seyeswerefrantic.“Iwasn’tidlingandwedon’thaveanunderstanding!”

Kelfeltverycoldinside.HowdarehefrightenLalasa!“IfyouareinPalaceStores,HugoLongleigh,thennodoubttheymissyourwork,”shesaid,herhandsonherhips.“IfyoubotherLalasaagain,I’llreportyou.Beaboutyourbusiness.”Shemethiseyessquarely,lettinghimknowhedidn’tfrightenherintheleast.Helookedlikethesortwhoenjoyedotherpeople’sfear.

Themanhesitated,thenbowedgrudginglyandleft.OnlywhenhewasgonefromviewdidLalasasay,“Mylady,please,Ididn’twanthimandIwasn’tlazingabout-“

Kelfishedoutherkeyandputitinthelock.“Iknowyouweren’t.”Sheunlockedthedoorandwenttoherdesk.“It’splainasthenoseonmyfacethatyouwantedhimathousandleaguesaway.”Shefoundtheshamanbagandtuckeditintoherbelt-purse.“Asforidling,youreallydon’thavetostayhereallthetime.Don’tyouhavefriendstovisitorerrandstorun?”

Lalasatuggedatthestrapsoftheharness.“Iliketostayhere.Nobodybothersmebutthedogandthebirds,andIlikethem.”

“Well,thinkaboutit,”Kelsaid.“Honestly,I’mnotyourjailer.AndifthatLongleighcomesnearyouagain,tellme,understand?Imeanit.”

Lalasanodded,butKelwasn’tconvinced.Therewasnotimetoargue,though-she’dalreadytakenlongeronhererrandthansheshould.Sheranbacktoclass,thinkingeverystepoftheway.

Thatnight,whenshewenttoherroomsaftersupper,shebroughtNealandleftthedooropen.“Idon’tcareifyoudon’tlikeit,”KeltoldLalasasternly.“We’regoingtoshowyouholdsthatwillhelpyou,um,discouragesomeonefrom

botheringyou.”LalasastaredatNeal,whorubbedthedelightedJumponhisbelly,asifhewereanogre.“Attheveryleastyou’llconvincethemthatyoumeantnowhenyousaidno.PageNealan?”sheasked,proddingherfriendwithherfoot.

Neallookedather,eyesfilledwithmischief.Something-somethingodd-filledKel’schestforamoment.Whydidshefeelgiddy?

“Ifthisisn’tfriendship,whatis?”heaskedcheerfully.“Afterpeopleabusemypoorbodyallmorninginthecourts,I’mgoingtoletyoubruisemesomemore.”HeofferedKelalarge,bonyhand.Itfeltuncommonlywarminhersasshepulledhimtohisfeet.Oncehewasup,shedroppedhishandasifitwereahotbrick.

“Iwon’tbruiseyoumuch.Quitcomplaining,”sheordered.“Lalasa,standclosesoyoucanseewhatIdo.”LalasacircledNealasifshethoughthewasahotbrick,untilshestoodbehindKel.“Youwon’tseeathingifyoulookatthefloor,”Kelchidedher.“Neal,grabmyarmandgetreadyforpain.”

Whenheobeyed,KelshowedLalasaseveralwaystogetfree.ShebentNeal’sfingerback,dughernailintothecrescentatthebaseofoneofhisfingernails,pinchedthewebbetweenhisthumbandforefingerwithhernails,thrustafingernailbetweentheveinsandtendonsofhiswrist,andgrippedhishandwithbothofhers,forcingthethumborlittlefingeragainsthispalm.ShemadeLalasatryeachdefenseonher,sincethemaidrefusedtotouchNeal.TheyshowedLalasahowtoturnanattacker’sarmuntilsheforceditupbehindhisback.Nexttheydemonstratedhowtostamponanenemy’sinstepwhenshewasseizedfrombehind,aswellaseyegouges,noseandthroatpunches,andeventhesimplekneetothegroin.BythetimetheyhadwalkedthecringingLalasathroughitall,anaudiencehadgatheredatKel’sopendoor.

“Wheredidyoulearnallthat?”Owenbreathed,hiseyeswide.

“SomeIlearnedattheYamanicourt,”Kelrepliedcalmly,gulpingdownacupofwater.“SomeEdaBelltaughtmethissummer.”

“I’mgoingtotreatyouwiththereverenceIreservefortheCrownJewels,”Roaldassuredher,hiseyescrinkledwithmirth.

“Metoo,”addedSeaverandMerric.

“I’lltreatyouwithreverenceonceyouhelpmewithclasswork,Omoonofmathematicalwisdom,”saidCleonlazily.HestilladdressedKelbyflowerynames,nothavingtiredofityet.“Andyou,girl,takemyadvice,”headded,pointingatLalasa.“Justcarryalead-weightedbaton.Thenyoudon’thavetobefancy.”

AsLalasaprotestedthatshecouldn’tpickupaweapon,thepagesheadedtothelibrary.NealwenttofetchhisbookswhileKelgatheredallsheneededtostudy.

“Thisisn’ttheendofit,”shetoldLalasafirmly.“We’regoingtopracticetogethertillIknowyoucanuseanyofthosethings.”

“That’swhatI’mafraidof,miss,”Lalasasaid,soundingasgloomyasheruncleGower.

“I’lltellyouwhattheYamanistoldme,”saidKelasFreckleandCrownflewontohershoulders.“Fearisagoodthing.Itmeansyou’repayingattention.”

“Theysoundlikewonderfulpeople,I’msure,”repliedLalasameekly.

Kellookedather.Wasthatatinysmileontheoldergirl’slips?Itwas.Feelingratherpleasedwithherself,Kelwenttojoinherfriends.

*

ShowingLalasahowtodefendherselfwasfun.Makingherpracticewhatshe’dbeenshownwasanothermatter.Keltrieditwhenshereturnedthatnight,andthenextmorning,andagainbeforebedtime.Lalasasqueakedandcringed,orshetreateditasasillygame.WhileKelwasgladtheoldergirlwascomfortableenoughtojoke,Lalasa’sbehavioratherlessonswasexasperating.

Sheworkedhervexationoffinthepracticecourts.Whenwinterarrivedwithfourmortaldaysofsleetandfreezingrain,Kelthoughtshemightscreamwithimpatienceatbeingkeptindoors.Ridingwasputaside.Notevengiantsorspidrenswouldraidvillageswhentheycouldslipandbreaksomething,andthe

movementsoftheirenemieswerethemeasureLordWyldonusedtodefinehowandwhentheytrained.

Thepagesmovedtotheindoorcourtsforarchery,stafffighting,andunarmedcombat.LordWyldonintroducedthefirst-yearstobasicswordfightingwhiletheolderpagesdidmorecomplexexercises.DuringswordplayKel’smoodimproved.WieldingaswordfromPeachblossom’sbackhadmadeherfeelevenstupiderthanafirst-year,ifthatwaspossible.Itwasnicetoknowthatshehadn’tforgottenallshe’dlearnedtheyearbefore;shejustwasn’tgoodatdoingitonhorsebackyet.

ThesecondnightoftheirforcedindoorexercisewasalsoKel’sfirsttimethatyeartowaitonLordWyldonatsupper.Shehadtomanageitforthreenightswithoutmistake.Oncethatwasover,shecouldrelaxuntilMidwinter.ServingLordWyldon,withhissharpeyesandcoldmanner,hadtobeworsethanwaitingonanynobleorwealthymerchantinthepalacebanquethall.Solongasshecouldservethosepeoplewithoutspills,theywouldpayattentiontotheirfoodandtheircompanions,nottoher.Forthefirsttimesinceshehadbecomeapage,Kelbegantothinkshemightactuallyenjoythesevendaysoffeastingontheholiday.

five

MIDWINTERSERVICE

Theafternoonbeforethefeastthatstartedtheweek-longholidayofMidwinterFestival,Kelcheckedherappearanceinthemirroratleastfivetimes.Eachtimesheturnedaway,shewasconvincedthathergleamingbrownhairhadgottenmussed,hercrimsonhosetwisted,hercrimsonshirtbunchedunderhergoldtunic.Onlyanotherlookinthemirrorwouldconvinceherthatshewasasneatandelegantasapagecouldbe.

Inthenormalcourseofthingsshewouldhavebeennervous,butshemighthavebeenabletocalmherself.Butherparents’tripbacktotheYamaniIslandsattheendofthefallhadbeencanceled,andtheywereaskedtoremaininCorustohelpthenewYamaniambassador.ThemarriagenegotiationsforPrinceRoaldandPrincessChisakamihadcollapsedthatsummerwhentheprincessdiedinanearthquake.NowanewimperialYamanibridemustbefound,anewmarriagecontractdrawnup.IthadtakenthreeyearstoforgethetreatythatmarriagetoChisakamiwouldhavesealed;itmighttakeanotherthreeyearsforanewtreatytobeworkedout.Kel’sfatherhadworkedontheoriginalagreements,whichmadehiminvaluabletotheambassador,whohadtodrawupnewones.

AllthismatteredtoKelbecauseitmeantthatherparents,aswellashersistersAdaliaandOranie,wouldbeinthebanquethallthatnight.Kelwantedherfamilytobeproudofher;shewantedtogivethemreasontobeproudofher.Overthelastsummerhersistershadbeendistantandcool,hardatworkturningthemselvesintoproperTortallannoblemaidensanddesirablewives.KelwantedherfamilytobegladshewasofMindelan.

Shewasabouttocheckherappearanceforasixthtimewhenaknocksoundedonthedoor.LalasaopenedittoadmitMerric,Seaver,Esmond,Neal,andOwen,allintheirbestuniforms.Jumpranuptotheminhopesofagame,thenrealizedthatthey,likeKel,weren’twearingplayingclothes.Ashewaggedadejectedtail,hesniffedeachboy,thenlaydownwithasigh.LikeJump,thesparrowsseemedtorealizetheyshouldnotlandontheirtwo-leggedfriends.Theyfoundperchesaroundtheroomandwatched,chattering.

“Reportingforinspection,General,sir!”barkedSeaverashegaveabrisk

salute.Theboyspromptlyformedaline,salutedKelinturn,thenstoodatattention.Allwerenervous,evenOwen,whowouldnotworkinthepublichallbutonthekitchenstairs,handingdishesfromcookstoservers.

Kelputherhandsonherhips.“Whatisthis?YoucametomebecauseI’mTheGirl?”sheasked,mockindignant.

“Ofcoursenot.Youjusthaveaneyeforthesethings,”repliedNeal.

“Whenitisn’tblack,”Esmondmurmured,andgrinned.

“Andyourmaidsewsgood,”saidOwen,showingaripinhissleeve.

“Ihaveamaidwhosewswell,”Keltoldhim.Lalasafoundhersewingbasketandtookoutneedleandthread.

KelinspectedMerriccarefully.Hewasaninchortwoshorterthanshewasthesedays,sherealized.Shetweakedhistunicalittlestraighteronhisshoulders.Seaver’sshirtcollarwasawry;shetuggeduntilitshowedbrightlyabovehisgoldtunic.Esmond’sclotheswereperfect;Neal’shosehadtobeadjusted,andKelgavehimoneofherdryingclothstoblotthesweatfromhisface.

AsLalasasnippedoffthethreadshehadusedtomendOwen’ssleeve,Cleonburstinred-faced,hisshirtsleevesuntied.“Kel,Ican’tforthelifeofmegetmyhairtolayflat,”hebegan,thensawtheotherboys.Slowlyhegrinned.

“Theysaidthey’rereportingforinspection,”Kelexplained.Fourteen-year-oldCleonwasfiveinchestallerthanshe;Keldealtwiththatbyclimbingontoachair.“Grabthatbasinofwaterandcomehere,”sheorderedhim.Withacombandenoughwater,shegothishairinsomekindoforder.

“Neal,doyouknowwheretheLionesswillbesitting?”sheaskedasshecarefullypartedCleon’sdamplocks.Shecouldn’twaittocatchaglimpseofherhero,thewomanknightwhowastheKing’sChampion.

“Nowhere,”answeredNeal.“They’restillnotlettinghertalktoyou,soshe’sstillrefusingtocometothepalace.”

“Theythinkshe’llmagicyouintogettingashield,”Owenremarkedangrily.

“LikeKelneedshelp,”Esmondadded.DoesthismeanIwon’tseehertillI’masquire?thoughtKel,dismayedandangry.It’snotfair!

Shefoughtoffherdisappointment.Atleastherfriendshadfaithinherabilitytogainashieldonherown.Shesmiledatallofthemasshesteppedoffthechair.“Well,comeon,”sheurgedthem.“Let’sgetgoing.”

Thepagesreportedtotheservers’roomoffthebanquethall,whereMasterOakbridgewaited.Hewasthepalacemasterofceremoniesaswellasthepages’etiquetteteacher,adried-up,fussymanwholivedtoarrangebanquetsanddecreewhoprecededwhominprocessions.Onceallofthepageshadarrived,hegavethemacarefulgoing-over,criticizingandcorrecting.Onlywhenthatwasoverdidheshowthemtheplanofthebanquethall,drawninchalkonablackslatesixfeettall.

Theymemorizedtheirpositions.Kel’spostwasatthebackofthehall,waitingonmembersoftheminorguilds.Thatsuitedherperfectly.Shedidn’twantaplacewhereimportantpeoplewouldtakenoticeofher,suchasthegreatnoblesorthemonarchs.

Suddenlythepagesheardtheroyalfanfare:thekingandqueenhadtakentheirplaces.Kelandtheotherserversgatheredfingerbowlsandtowels.

“Now,”saidMasterOakbridge.

Kelwalkedbrisklytoherpost,takinginasmuchofthedazzlingscenearoundherasshecould.Theheavysmellsofpineandfrankincensedriftedintheair.Thewallsandceilingweredrapedinpinebranchesandfreshlycleanedbanners.Thousandsofcandlesburnedinthehugechandeliersoverhead,theirlightreflectedbycrystallusters,theguests’gems,andthemirror-polishedarmorofthemenoftheKing’sOwn,whostoodinnichesalongthewall.Aglanceupwardshowedhergalleriesonthreesides.Ononeofthesethemusiciansplayed,astheywouldthroughoutthemeal.Theotherswerefilledwithpeoplewhohadcometowatchthespectacleofthefeast.

Shewaiteduntilshewasdirectlyacrossthehallfromthemonarchsbeforeshepeekedatthem.Atthisdistanceitwashardtoseetheirfeatures,apartfromtheking’sblackbeardandthequeen’sscarletmouth.Liketheguests,theyblazedwithcolor,thekinginsapphirebluetrimmedwithsilver,thequeenincrimsontrimmedingold.Bothworedelicategoldcrownsglintingwithgemsontheir

blackhair.

Shereachedthetablewhereshewastoserve,exactlywhereithadbeenmarkedonOakbridge’sslate.Thereshepresentedthefingerbowltoeachoffiveguildnotablesandtheirwivesastheyrinsedtheirhandsandtoweledthemdry.Onherwaytofetchthefirstcourse,shelookedforpeoplesheknew.

SirMyles,thepages’teacherinhistoryandlawand,accordingtoNeal,theking’sspymaster,satwithanelegantwomanwhosedarkhairwasstreakedwithgray.Fromthewayhelookedatherandkissedherfingers,Kelhopedshewashiswife,Eleni.DainewasdeepintalkwithLindhallReed,anotherofthepages’teachers.Daine’slover,NumairSalmalin,satclosertothemonarchs,besideaYamanidelegate.Neal’sfather,DukeBairdofQueenscove,satbesideaYamanimanwhomKelrecognizedasoneoftheemperor’shealers.Thegreen-eyedbrunetteonBaird’sothersidehadtobeNeal’smother;Nealhadthelookofbothhisparents.Kelsawherparents,whosatwiththeYamaniambassadorandhiswife,ontheking’srighthand.

Shereachedtheservers’door.Owenwaitedforher,hisroundfacepaleasheofferedKeltheplatewiththefirstmeatcourse.Kelpassedhimthefingerbowlwithonehandandtooktheplatewiththeother,whileOwenliftedthetowelfromherarm.“Don’tlooksotense,”shemurmured.“It’llbeoverbeforeyouknowit.”

“NotifIkillMasterOakbridgeitwon’t,”hereplied.“Whatafusspot!”

Kelsmiled.“Ithinkit’sbeentriedbefore,withoutsuccess.”

AsKelreturnedtoherguildsmen,hermothercaughthereye.Ilanesmiledandwavedslightly.Kel’sfatherdidthesame.Herparentswerepleased!Kelrepliedwiththetiniestofbows,thenhurriedtohertable.

Troubledevelopedasshewentforthesecondfishcourse.TurningawayfromOwen,shesawapageacrossthehall,talkingtothepeopleshewasserving.Shecouldn’tseewhoitwas.Asshereturnedtoherpost,theotherpagemovedaway.SomethingaboutthewayhewalkedtoldheritwasQuinden,asecond-yearwhowasafriendofJoren’s.

ShehadgiventhesecondfishcoursetothreeguestswhenthemanwhorepresentedtheLamplighters’Guildleanedforwardandsaid,“Isittrue?You’re

TheGirl?”

Kellookeddown.Hernewbreastswereinvisibleunderherroomyshirtandtunic.Shebowedandsaid,“It’strue,sir.”

“It’snotdecent,”theman’swifesaidhuffily,hereyesfilledwithdislike.“Onegirl,andallthoseboys.”

“Myadvicetoyou,lass,istogohomeandhopeyourparentscanmakeapropermarriageforyou,”theoldestoftheguildfolkinformedher.“Ladieshavenoplacebearingarms.”

Kelbowed,herfacelikestone.Shewouldn’tletthemseethatherfeelingswerehurt.

“Andtellthemasterofceremonieswewishtobeservedbyanother,”oneoftheotherguildwivessaid.

Kelbowedagain.OnherwaybacktoMasterOakbridge,shekeptherchinup,thoughherhandstrembledonthetray.Furiousthoughtsswirledthroughherbrain.ChiefamongthemwasthatsheowedQuindenapummeling.Nowsheknewwhyhe’dbeenathertable:he’dtoldthosemerchantsexactlywhoshewas.

“What?!”criedMasterOakbridgewhenshetoldhim.“Thisisimpossible!Ihavenosparepages!Onlythefirst-yearsandtheyhaven’tawhitofgrace…Mithros,Iappealtoyou,”hesaid,raisingeyesandhandstotheceiling.Thenhesoughtoutavictim.“ProsperofTameran,takeKeladry’splace.Ifthosevulgarbusybodiesattempttodiscussherwithyou,keepsilent,understand?”

Prospernoddedandshedtheapronhe’dwornoverhisuniform.Owensilentlyhanded,thenextdishtohim,withalookonhisfaceasifhisfavoritedoghaddied.

“TakeoverforProsper,Keladry,”MasterOakbridgeinstructed.“Iwillassignyouanewplacetomorrownight.”

Kelacceptedaplatterofmeat-porkroastedinhoney,apples,andcinnamon,fromthesmell-tohandtoaservingpage.Severalofthem,includingNeal,wereconvergingonherfromthehall.Kelthought,He’ssograceful.Handsome,too.

Whyshenoticedsuchthingsthesedaysmystifiedher.Lastyearanapprovinglookfromhislivelygreeneyeshadn’tmadeherskinpricklewithgoosebumps.Wasthismorewomanlystuff,likehergrowingbreasts?shewonderedasfivepagescameatheratonce.ShesteppedjustenoughtothesidethatshecouldhandtheplatetoNealfirst.Hishandsclosedonit;hegrinnedatheranddrewtheplateaway-andsuddenlyhewasfalling.Saucefleweverywhereashehittheground.

Kelstaredathim.Howcouldhefall?Hewasn’tclumsy;thefloorwasdry.ThepageswhohadwalkedwithhimreachedtohelpNealup.Thefrontofhistunicdrippedsauceandgrease;hisshirtandhose,nolesscrimsonthanhisface,wereruinedaswell.Keleyedtheotherboysaroundhim.PrinceRoaldhadspotsonhishose;sodidthetwothird-yearpagesinthatsmallgroup.ThefifthboywasGarvey.HesmirkedatherandNealalike,nospotswhatsoeveronhisclothes.Hehadgottenoutofthewayintime,whicharguedthatheknewthatNealwouldfallbecausehehadtrippedhim.

MasterOakbridgeclutchedhistemplesanddemandedbasinsofcoldwaterandnapkins,soRoaldandthetwothird-yearscouldwipethespotsfromtheirhose.GarveytookaplatterfromTeronofBlythdinandreturnedtothebanquethall.

MasterOakbridgepointedtoTeron.“You-takeNealan’sstation!”hebarked.“Nealan,putanaprononandtakehisplace!”

Neal,beetredwithhumiliation,didashewastold.KelbattledtoputherfurywithGarveyfromhermind,tryingvainlytoimagineherselfasacalmlake.Duringthethirdmeatcourse,someonejostledSeaverfrombehind,makinghimspillwineontheheadoftheroyaluniversity.Inthejamofboysintheservingarea,someonehitOwenwithanelbow,hardenoughtobruisehiseye.TheyoungladieswaitedonbyFaleronwhisperedandgiggledwhenhebroughttheirfood,asiftheyknewsomethingridiculousabouthim.Noonehadseenifanotherpagehadspokenwiththem,butFalerontoldKelthey’dactedperfectlyallrightduringthefirsttwocourses.

NowKelknewwhyJorenandhiscronieshadbeenquietforweeks.TheyhadplannedtoembarrassKelandherfriendsinthemostpublicwaypossible.Fromherquickconversationswithherfriends,Kellearnedtheydidn’tsuspectaplot-theyblameditallonbadluck.Servingatbanquetswasalwaysamess.Thisking

andqueendinedinstaterarely,whichmeantthepagesdidn’tgetmuchexperiencewaitingonpeople.

Bytheendoftheevening,MasterOakbridgecouldhardlybringhimselftolookathischarges.Onlywhenthedinershadleftandthelastemptyplateshadbeengiventotheservantsdidhespeaktothem.“Youwillallreporttomyclassroomafterlunchtomorrow.Itseemsyourequirepractice.”

Thesecondnightofthefestival,Kelwassenttowaitonatableofyoung,unmarriedcourtladies.Sheapproachedwarily:thiswasthegroupthathadmadeFaleronsouncomfortable.Kelstoppedatthefirstlady’slefthand.“Ifmyladypleases?”shemurmured,offeringthefingerbowl.

Theveryfashionabledamselturned.ItwasKel’sseventeen-year-oldsisterAdalia,elegantinagownofleafgreenandagoldbrocadesurcoatwithgreensilktrim.Likemanyothercourtladies,sheworeherhairinthepinned-uptumbleofcurlsmadefashionablebyQueenThayet.Thebaresttouchesoflipcolorandpowder,anotherroyalfashion,warmedherpaleskin.Hereyeswidenedindismay.“Kel!”shehissed,keepinghervoicelow.“Whatareyoudoinghere?Where’stheboywehadlastnight?”

Keitriedtosmile,butsomethinginAdie’seyesworriedher.“MasterOakbridgehadtochangetheservingorderaround,”sherepliedsoftly.

Thegirlinanamber-coloredgownnexttoherwassixteen-year-oldOranie,thesecondofKel’ssistersatcourtthatyear.“Whydidn’tyoutellhimtoputyousomeplaceelse?”whisperedOrie.

“Wearen’tallowedtoturndownassignments,”Kelsaid,keepingherfaceblandassheofferedthefingerbowl.Adierinsedherfingerswithquick,nervousmovementsandquicklydriedthem.HerfacewasYamani-calm,thoughhermovementswerenot.“What’stheproblem?”Kelasked.

“Theproblem,”Oriesaidtightlyassherinsedherownhands,“isthattheNondsareinterestedinAdiefortheirsecondson.OldLadyFlorzileisheretonighttolookherover.”AjerkofOrie’sheadindicatedanoldwomandressedinanold-fashionedblackgownseatedacrosstheroomfromthem.“Ifsheseesusonfriendlytermswithyou,shemightwellchangehermind!”Shewassotensethatthegoldbeadsthattrimmedherbrownvelvetsurcoattrembled.

“Wetoldherwehardlyknowyou,you’resomuchyounger,”Adieexplained.“She’saconservative,andasrudeasaScanran.ShetoldPapathatgirlshadnobusinessincombat,ever.YouknowPapa-hehemmedandgavesomediplomaticnot-answer.ShesaidshewasonlyinterestedinmebecauseshewasassuredIwasaproperdamsel.”

ThegirlseatednexttoOranieleanedoverherandinspectedKelfromtoptotoe.“Sothisisyourpagesister?”sheinquiredlazily,andsnickered.“Yes,Icanseewhysheisn’tconcerningherselfwithmarriage-unlesssheweretomarryanox.”

“AndIcanseewhyyou’restillunbetrothedatnineteen,bigdowryandall,DoannaofFenrigh,”saidtheyoungladyseatednexttoher.Sheworehermassesofcrinkledblackhairpinnedunderagoldnetatthebackofherhead.Herdelicatepinkgown,setoffbyawhitevelvetsurcoat,gavehercreamyskinarosyglow.“Yourtonguehascutallyoursuitorsaway.”

Kel’sheartwarmedashersisterslookedatthegirlinpinkandsmiled.Movingdownthelineofyoungladies,KelofferedthebowltoDoannaofFenrighwithoutlookingather.Doannahurriedlydippedherfingersanddriedthem,splashingKel’stunicasshedidso.Kelthenofferedthebowltoherdefender.

Thegirlrinsedanddriedherhands.“I’mUlineofHannalof,”shemurmuredasKelofferedthebowltothegirlonherright.“I’mgladtomeetyou,Keladry.”

Kelhidasmile.Oncetheremainingdamselsatthetablehadusedthebowl,KelstoppedbehindUlineandwhispered,“Thankyou”beforeshereturnedtotheservingarea.

Whenshecamebackwiththefirstmeatcourse,Doannalookedatherasifshecarriedaplatterofpoisons,notvenison.“InformMasterOakbridgethatIrequireanotherserver,”shesaidhaughtily.“Amale,notanunderbredfemalewhoclaimstobenoble.”

AdieandOriegavetheoldergirlalookthatpromisedtrouble.KelalmostfeltsorryforDoanna-heroldersisterscouldbequiteinventivewhenitcametorevenge.Forherownpartshecouldonlysay,“I’lltellhimwhenyouareserved,mylady.”SheresistedtheurgetodropasliceofvenisononDoanna’ssilk-cladlap.

UlinesmiledupatherasKelplacedvenisononherplate.“ForgiveLadyDoanna,”shesaid,hervoicecarryingtotheotherdamselsatthetable.“Hermothersfamilyisintrade,andtoooftenDoannahasashopkeeper’sturnofmind.”

“Thankyou,mylady,”Kelreplied,gladthatUlinehadchosentobeonherside.ToAdieshewhisperedassheleft,“IhopethisNondboyisworthit.”

Adiegaveherthetiniestofsmiles.“Heis,eveniftheoldladyisn’t.”

WhenKelgaveMasterOakbridgehertidings,hesighedandlookedaroundfrantically.AlreadyCleonhadtakensomeone’splaceamongthefirst-years:fishscalesaddedglittertohisgoldtunic,andhisfacewaswhiteandsetwithhumiliation.“Jesslaw!”barkedMasterOakbridge.

Owen’splumpcheekswentaspaleasCleon’s.Withtheairofaboygoingtohisdoom,hecameover.HequailedwhenthemasterofceremoniesorderedhimtoserveKel’sgroup.“Doesithavetobegirls?”heaskedplaintively.“I’mscaredofgirls.”

“You’renotscaredofme,”saidKel,givinghimaplayfulshove.

“Butyou’repracticallyasgoodasafellow,andyoudon’tgiggle,”objectedherfriend.“I’dratherscrubpotsifit’sallthesame,MasterOakbridge.”

ThemangrabbedaplateoffishandthrustitintoOwen’shands.“Go!”heordered.

OwenwentasKeltookhisplaceintheservingline.Anotherfirst-yearwassentoutwhenEsmondofNicoline,caughtinaknotofpagesandacrobatswhowereleavingthehall,collidedwithanarmoredwarrior.Theclatterwasbadenough,butthemanwascaughtoffguard.HestumbledfromhisnicheandfelloverthehaplessEsmond,knockingthewindfromtheboy.ThenitwasOwen’sturntobereplacedwhensomeone-hewasn’tsurewho-spilledhotsoupdownhisback.

“Westillappeartohavelessonstolearn,”MasterOakbridgetoldthepagesgrimlybeforehedismissedthem.“Myclassroom,directlyafterlunch.”

Afterthebanquetthepagesateinsilence.Kelwaswonderingifshecould

sleeprightonthetablewhenMerricgrowled,“I’vehadenough!I’mcallingJorenout!”

Kelgrabbedhimashebegantorise.“No,”shesaidflatly.“WearenotgoingtobrawloverMidwinter,notoneofus!”

“Whynot?”hissedOwen.“Theystartedit!”

“It’swrong!”repliedKel.“Ifwepickafight,thenwe’rejustasbadasthem.Combatshouldbeusedjusttohelppeoplewhocan’tdefendthemselves,period.”

“Well,ifIdon’tfightbackandtheypoundonme,thenI’moneofthepeopleIshouldbedefending,”saidEsmond.

Kel,stillholdingMerric,lookedatherfreckledyear-mate.“Didthatevenmakesense?”sheaskedEsmond.

Hesmiledcrookedly.“Wehavetostanduptothem,Kel.Otherwisethey’llkeepdoingthistous,”hesaid.

“It’snotjustthat,”Roaldpointedout.“Midwinteristiringenoughwithoutmoreetiquettetraining.They’remakingithardforeverybody.”

“Perhapsyoucouldexerciseroyalauthority-?”suggestedNealcarefully.Roaldlookeddown,hismouthtight.

“Youknowhehatestocallonroyalprivilege,”KeltoldNealsternly.“He’stryingtobethesameasweare.”ThelookofgratitudetheprincegaveherwarmedKel’sheart.

“Westillshoulddosomething,”growledEsmond.“I’veneverbeensohumiliatedinmylife.Andthatmanwasheavy.”Herubbedhisribs.“I’dliketodumpplatearmoronthem.Seehowtheylikeit,”headded,glaringatJorenandhisfriendsontheothersideofthemesshall.

Kellookedatthetable,thinking.“Allright.Theygaveuphazingthefirst-yearsbecausetheregottobetoomanyofustofight,”shepointedout.“Maybeweshoulddosomethinglikethattomakethembackoff.”

“How?”demandedMerric,relaxinginhergripatlast.

Kelletgo,nowthathe’dcooleddown.“Ibetwearen’ttheonlyoneswho’dwanttorestinsteadofpracticebowsandserving.”

Nealleanedbackuntilhecouldpoketheclosestpageatthenexttable.“Hey,Yance!”hewhispered.YancenofIrenrohaturnedtofacehim.“Lookingforwardtomorebanquetservicelessonstomorrow?”

“Youdoit,”whisperedNealasthelastpagesfinishedtheirmeal.Jorenandhisgroupwerestilltalkingeagerlyattheirtable,headsclosetogether.

Kelstaredathim,shocked.“Ican’t!”sherepliedsoftly.“I’mjustasecond-year-I’mnotseniorenough!”

“Allright,”saidPrinceRoald.“CleonandIarefourth-years,Faleron’sthird,andNeal’ssixteen.Weappointyoutospeakforus,andwewillbackyou.”

Kelmethislevelblueeyesandsawtheprince’smindwasmadeup.Hedidnotliketoputhimselfforward-heseemedtothinkpeoplewouldaccusehimofabusinghisstationifhedid-buthewaseverybitasstubbornashisfamousparents.Lookingathercircleoffriends,seeingthesameexpressionontheirfaces,Kelthought,Iguessstubbornnessiscatching.

Sheputherdishesawayfirst.TheotherpageswhodidnotbelongtoJoren’scliquefollowedsuit.ThenshewalkedovertoJoren’stablewiththeprince,Neal,andCleonatherbackandtheothersfollowingthem.StandingbehindJoren,Kelwaited,handsonhips,untilheandtheothersrealizedtheyhadcompanyandlookedather.

Whenshewassurethatshehadeveryone’sattention,Kelsaid,“We’vehadenoughaccidentsandextrahourswithMasterOakbridge.It’sgottostop.”

JorenlockedhisblueeyesonKel.Framedinlongblondlashes,thoseeyeswereverycold.Heremainedsilent.

Vinsonsmirked.“Sayswho?”hedemanded.

Therestofthepagesclosedinaroundthem.“Sosayweall,”repliedKel.

“Seehere,youlot.”BalduinofDisartbelongedtoneitherJoren’sgroupnorKel’s.Thoughonlyathird-year,hewasfourteen,havingstartedhistrainingateleven,andhewasbig.HisshoulderswerebroaderthanCleon’s;hetoppedCleonbyaninch.WhenheleanedinsoJorencouldseehim,thesmallerpagesinfrontofhimgotoutoftheway.“Ifigured,ifyouwantedtowastetimeandstrengthonidiotsquabbleswithherandherfriends,well,youweretheoneswho’dhavetofindmorestrengthforthepracticecourts.Butnowyou’veletitcutintoourfreetime.Itseemstosomeofusthatmaybeshe’shadtherightofitallalong.”

“Anymoreaccidents,andwe’llseeifwecan’tmakeafewofourownhappen,”saidoneofthefourth-years.“Somethingpainfulandlasting.”

“Areyouquitefinished?”askedJorenquietly.

“Nomoreaccidents,”saidtheprince.

“Nomoreaccidents,”chorusedthepageswhostoodaroundthetablewithhim.

“Somethingharshbefallsthenextonewhocausesthings,”promisedBalduin.

“Makesureyoucanlockyourdoorsandwindows,”addedafourth-year.

Theroomwentstill.Thepageswhostoodremainedintheirplaces,watchingJorenandtheothersforsomesign.Kelfinallygottiredofwaiting.SheleanedinuntilscantinchesseparatedhernosefromJoren’s.“Areyouhearingusnow?”sheaskedsoftly.

Heblinked,thenraisedhishandtocoverafake-lookingyawn.“I’mtootiredtodoanythingbutwhatmyteachersorderme,”hesaidatlast.“Andyouarejusttoorough-and-tumbletobear.Weshallstop,butonlybecausewearebored.”

Theywouldgetnothingfurther,Kelknew.ShemovedoutofJoren’sway,allowinghimtoriseandgo.Theotherpagesstreamedoutthemesshalldoors,manylosttoastormofveryrealyawns.

Itisn’tover,Kelthoughtasshebidherfriendsgoodnight.We’rejustforcingthemtobesneaky.AndJoren…Shesighedasshefittedherkeytothelockonherdoor.Idon’tknowifhe’lleverstopwithme.

Onthethirdnightoftheholiday,MasterOakbridgefoundaplaceforKelthatnoonecontested.Althoughbythestrictesttermsofprotocolasecond-yearpagewasnotseniorenoughfortheduty,MasterOakbridgesethertowaitonthearchpriestessoftheGreatMotherGoddess.Thatold,formidableladysatwithEdaBellandHakuinSeastone,thetwoShangwarriors,andHarailtofAili,theround-facedandcheerfulheadoftheroyaluniversity.EverymomentthatKelattendedthemshewasterrifiedshewoulddosomethingwrong,buttheShangsmadeitclearshehadtheirconfidence.TheykepttheoldwomanandMasterHarailtbusy.Kelwasabletoserveandslipawaylikeaghost.

Nealgotheroldplacewiththedamsels.“Yoursistersarewellenough,”hesaidwhenhesatdowntosupperwithKel.“ButUlineofHannalof-isn’tsheabeauty?Andkind,too.Sheaskedhowyouwere.Shehastheprettiestvoice…”Theraptlookinhiseyeswasthesameaswhenhe’dspokenofhishopelessloveforDaine.“Skinlikeporcelain.Andshe’sreadingEthicalContrastsoftheNorthandSouth.Itoldyouaboutit-Ireadpartsofittoyoulastyear.”Heoftensharedhisphilosophicalbookswithhisfriends,whoignoredhim.“ToobadIcouldn’treallydiscussitwithher.”

Listeningtohim,Kelfeltherheartsink.“Soundslikeyou’reinlove,”shecommentedsoftly,tootiredtoeat.“AndIbelievesheisn’tevenbetrothed.”

Nealcoughednervously.“It’stooearlyformetothinkofsuchthings.It’simproperforapagetocourtanyone.Youdidlikeher,didn’tyou?”heasked,suddenlyanxious.“YouknowIvalueyouropinion,exceptonphilosophy.”

Kelmadeherselfsmile,thoughherheartwassinking.What’sthematterwithme?shewondered,vexedwithherself.It’snotlikeI’minlovewithhim.

Orthathe’deverlookatyoutwiceifyouwere,hersharp-voicedselfretorted.

“That’sbecausethephilosophyyoureadmeissilly,”shetoldhim,tryingtosoundasboyishaspossible.“Andyes,LadyUlineisverykind.”She’salsothesortofgirlboysfallinlovewith,shethought,puttingherdishesonhertray.Apartofher-thestupidpart,shethoughtcrossly-thatwantedhimtobehappyadded,“Sheisverypretty.”

“Ithinkofherasluminescent,”Nealsaid,dreamy-eyed.“Whenthecandlelightfallsonher,shemakesthelightpartofherself,andreturnsit.”

“I’moff,”saidKel.“Don’tbeuptoolatedreaming.”Thoroughlydepressed,shereturnedhertraytotheserversandtrudgedbacktoherroom.

Thefourthdayofthefestivalarrived,thetimewhengiftswereexchanged.Rememberingthatshe’dnevergottentothecity’smarketstheyearbefore,KelhaddoneallherMidwintershoppingoverthesummer.TheonlyotherpeopleshehadneededgiftsforwereLalasa,whogotthecustomarysilvercoinforherservice,andOwen.Hewaseasy:Kelgavehimoneofherrazor-sharpYamanithrowingstars.JumpgotameatyboneKelhadbargainedoutofthepalacebutcher,whilehersparrowsgotdriedfruit.

WhileKelpracticedwithherglaive,LalasawenttofetchgiftsleftforKelwithSalma.HeruncleGowerreturnedwithher,carryingalargebox.ItborethesamecanvaswrapandplainlabelasotherpackagesfromKel’sunknownbenefactor.

WhenKeltookthepackage,shenearlydroppedit.Thethingwasheavy.Unwrappingit,shefoundarectangularwoodenbox,beautifullymadeandpolished,withleathercarrystrapsateachend.Burneddeepintothetopwasthelegend,“RavenArmory:ServingTortall’sFinest.”

Herjawdropped.EveryoneknewofRavenArmory.BoyswhostoodwellenoughinLordWyldon’sgracestohavetimeoffinCorusalwayswenttoseewhattherealmsfinestarmoryoffered.FewcouldaffordRavengoodsunlesstheitemwassmall,likeZahir’sblade-polishingcloth,ortheknifeNealworehiddeninhisbeltbuckle.

Kelopenedthebox.Likeanyarmory,Ravencarriedsuppliesforthecareofweaponsandleather.Insidetheboxlaypolishingcloths;thearmory’sprizedpolishingcompound,guaranteedtoscourawaythetiniestflecksofrustorscratches;rust-proofingoil;anoiltopreserveandsoftenleatherfittings;sharpeningstonesinthreesizes;andabagofsandforcleaningchainmail.Itwasperfectforasecond-yearpage.

“Whoisit?”Kelwhispered,staringatthebox’scontents.Herlipsweretrembling.Inamoment,sheknew,shewouldstarttocry,andthatwasnogood.Shetookadeepbreathandheldit,staringattheceilinguntilshehadherfeelings-doubt,gratitude,wonder,confusion-undercontrol.“Whosendsmethesethings?”

“Someonewholikesyou,PageKeladry,”saidGowerinhisusualglumway.“Thejoysoftheseasontoyou,mylady.”Hebowedandleft.

KelturnedtoLalasa.“Hashealwaysbeensogloomy?”

Thegirllookedgenuinelystartled.“Gloomy?Uncle’sinawonderfulmood.”

Kelblinked.“Agoodmood,”sherepeated,justtobesureshehaditright.

“Oh,yes,”Lalasareplied,noddingvigorously.“Helikesyou.”

Kelopenedhermouth,abouttorepeatwhattheoldergirlhadsaid,andthoughtthebetterofit.“Idon’tknowwhy,”shemurmured,baffled.“AnymorethanIknowwhywhoeversendsmethesethingslikesme.”

“There’splentyofreasonstolikeyou,mylady.”

Thistime,whenshestaredatLalasa,themaidkepthereyeslowered.“Thankyou,”Kelsaidatlast.“Idon’tmeantosoundungrateful-Ijustdon’tunderstand.”Shelaidherhandsoneithersideofthatwonderfulbox.“Mithros’sblessingsattendyou,whoeveryouare,”shesaid.“OnedayIshouldreallyliketothankyouinperson.”

six

MORECHANGES

ForthenewyearLordWyldonaddedtwomoreweightstotheseniorpages’harnesses.ForaweekorsoKelfeltasifsheweretryingtofightthroughclingingmud.Herbodythenadjustedtotheaddedweight.

LordWyldontookthemonawintercampingtripinFebruary,whichmadenoonehappy.Onlythefirst-yearswerefoolishenoughtolethimheartheircomplaints.Hegavethemablisteringlectureabouthowknightsweren’tabletochoosetheconditionsunderwhichtheytraveled,whileKelandtheotherpagestriedtopretendtheywereinvisible.

NealcontinuedtosighafterUlineofHannalof.Kellistened,andmadesoothingnoises,andbithertonguewhenshewantedtopointoutthathehadsaidmanyofthesamethingsaboutDainetheyearbefore.Onenightafterthepagesweresupposedtobeinbed,shejoinedtheirotherfriendsoutsideNeal’swindow.TheycaterwauledthesoppiestloveballadtheyknewwhileJumphowledaccompaniment.WhenNealthrewopentheshutters,onlythehaplessCleonwastooslowtoavoidabathasNealdumpedawaterbasinonhim.Forweeksafterthat,alloneofthemhadtodowastohumpartofthatsong,andtheotherswouldstarttogrin.

Springcamejustaseveryonewasgivinguphope.EventheforlorntreeinKel’scourtyardthrustoutacrownofleaves.Thesparrowsabandonedherroomfortheoutsideoncemore,settingtinynestsintheeavesaroundthecourtyard.Jumpprovedtohaveadismayingloveofrollinginthemud.Nomatterhowthicklyhecoatedhimself,Lalasabathedhimpatientlyuntilhewaswhiteagain.

ToKelthisspringsmelledofpromise.Thebigandlittleexaminationswerecoming;shewouldbefreeofJoren,Vinson,Garvey,andZahir.SadlyshewouldalsolosePrinceRoaldandCleon.Knightswerealreadywalkingthepages’wing,inspectingthefourth-yearsaspossiblesquires.Mostwouldbegoneintoservicebythetimethejuniorpagesleftforsummertraining.Ahandfulalwaysstayeduntilfall,whenknightsinthefieldcouldreturnandchooseasquire.

Keltriednottothinkaboutthat.Whenshedid,shehadtowonderwhatknight

wouldbemadenoughtotakeherintohisservice.HerdreamhadbeentoactastheLioness’ssquire,butshesawnowthatmightnotbewise.ItseemedpeoplestillthoughttheLionessmightgiveKelmagicalaid.DidthismeanLadyAlannawouldnotbeabletomakeKelhersquireforthesamereason?Worse,ifshecouldn’torwouldn’ttakeKel,whowould?

Sheputitfromhermind.Thebigexaminationsweretwoyearsaway.Shehadalotofworktodobeforethen,andworryingaboutthingsshehadnocontroloverwouldjustdrainherstrength.Sheconcentratedonstudies,onexercises,andonfightingherpowerfulnewfeelingsforNeal.Feelings,shelearned,werehardtofight.ShetreasuredhissmilesandcomplimentsandtriednottodwellonthefactthathegavethesethingstohisfriendKel.Hisdreamy-eyedgazes,poems,andfitsofpassionatemelancholywereforUline.Itwashardnottoresenttheoldergirl.

Evenasshewrestledwithstrangenewemotions,though,Kelrecognizedsomefacts.Ulinehadn’ttheslightestideaofNeal’sfeelings.Thepoemsstayedinhisdesk,thegazesandmelancholiesinthepages’wing.WhenKelurgedNealtosendUlineapoem,herefused.“I’llenjoymycrushinprivate,thanksallthesame,”hetoldherruefully.“Ipreferthattofindingoutsheandherfriendsgiggleovermypoorverses.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”KelconfidedtoLalasatheAprilnightbeforethelittleexaminations.“Ifhelovesher,whydoesn’thedosomething?Toherhe’sjustanotherpairofscarletarmsandlegsinagoldtunic.She’llneverlovehimifhedoesn’tmakehimselfknowntoher.”

“PerhapsMasterNealjustlikesbeinginlove,”Lalasaremarked,snippingoffathread.ShewaslettingdownKel’stunicsagain.“Ifheputshimselfforwardandsherejectshim,he’llfeelthefool.”

“I’ddosomething,”grumbledKel,practicingaheadstand.“I’dmakeherfallinlovewithme.”

Lalasasmiled.“Wouldyou,mylady?AndwhatofyourownfeelingsforMasterNeal?”Sheshookoutthetunic.“Let’sseehowthisfits.”

Kelobeyed,red-faced.Lalasawasright.Itwaseasytosayshe’dmakeUlineloveherifshewereNeal,butwhenitcametoherself,Kelwasterrifiedtospeakup.ShewouldhateitifNealwerenolongercomfortablewithher.Bettertobea

cowardandstillbehisfriend.

Shewenttobedwiththosecomfortingthoughts.Inthemorningcamethelittleexaminations,whenfirst-,second-,andthird-yearpagesweretestedbeforeanaudienceonthelastyear’slearningandskills.Theexamswerenotconsideredserious,excepttothepageswhohadtotakethem.Whattheydidwasreadythepagesforthebigexaminationsattheendoftheirfourthyear.Thoseweremoredifficulttestsconductedbeforeaverylargeaudience.ThepracticehadbeenstartedfifteenyearsearlierbyKingJonathan’sfather,inthelastyearofhisreign.WithpeoplewonderingifAlannatheLionesshadcheatedtowinhershield,KingRoaldhadwantedtoensurethatanyonecouldseeforhimselfthatfourth-yearpagesknewtheirworkandwerefittobesquires.

ThatnightKeldreamedofgoingtotheplatformtoanswerthejudges’questions,onlytofindthatshewasnaked.Itlefthergrumpy.Sheskimpedonmorningexercises,washedanddressed,fedthebirdsandJump,thenmadeherwaytothemesshall.LikeKel,herfriendswerenearlysilentoverbreakfast.

Halfwaythroughthemeal,shefeltatrickleofwetnessinherloincloth.Whatonearth?shethought,appalled.Shewastoooldtowetherselflikeababy.Besides,thelittleexamsdidn’tscareherthatmuch!Crimsonwithhumiliationandtryingtohideit,shestoodandputthelastofherbreakfastontohertray.

“Whereareyougoing?”Nealmumbled,staringatherwithblearyeyes.“We’retoreporttotheexaminationroom.Wecan’tbelate.”

“Iwon’tbelate,”Kelsaidtightly,feelingmorewetness.GreatGoddess,woulditsoakthroughtoherhose?“I’llonlytakeaminute.”Shehandedinhertrayandracedbacktoherroom.

Lalasawasbrewinghermorningteaonthehearth.“Mylady,what-?”shebegan,startled,asKelranby.Kelduckedintothedressingroomandshutthedoor.Hurriedlysheundidherpointsandrolleddownherhose.Ifshe’dwetherself,wouldn’tshehavenoticedafeelinginherbladder?Thishadcomefromnowhere…

Bloodwasonherloinclothandinnerthighs.Shestaredatit,thinkingsomethingdreadfulwashappening.Thensherememberedseveraltalksshe’dhadwithhermother.Thishadtobehermonthlies,thebleedingthattoldeverygirlshewasreadytohavebabiesifshewantedthem.

“Ofalltimesforittohappen,”shemuttered,wettingaclothinherwashbasinandscrubbingherself.“Firstthese”-shemeantherbreasts-“nowthis.”Shehadadullacheinherabdomen.Wasthatnormal?

Lalasaopenedthedressingroomdoor.LookingatKel,shesawtheproblemimmediately.“Doyouknowwhatthismeans?”sheasked,openingadry-goodschestanddrawingoutlinenandafreshloincloth.

Kelnodded,stillscrubbing.

“Congratulations,”Lalasasaid.“You’vebecomeawoman.It’stheGoddess’smarkonus,thatwebleedeverymonth.Youstartedearly,didn’tyou?Noteventwelve.Iwasthirteen…Haveyoucramps?”

Kelfrowned.“Cramps?”

“Anache,like.”Lalasapattedherabdomen.

Kelnodded.

“Willowteawillhelp.Here.”SheshowedKelhowtofixalinenpadinsideherloincloth,tocatchtheblood.“Wecanchangethatatlunchtime.”

“Ineedcleanhose,too,”Kelsaidgloomily.

“YoulookashappyasyoudidwhenIpointedoutyouneededabreastband,”theoldergirlpointedout,hervoicegentlyteasing.

Kelopenedhermouthtoreply,thenclosedit.Toherintenseshame,tearsbegantorolldownhercheeks.SheturnedawayfromLalasaandburiedherfaceinherhands.

“Here,what’sthis?”LalasaturnedKelandpulledhermistress’sheaddowntohershoulder-shewastwoinchesshorterthanKel.“Mostgirlsarehappy,youknow.Pleasedon’tcry.Younevercry.NotwhenIwouldbeawashintearsfromallthosebruises,notwhenthatbeastlyhorsestepsonyourfoot-“

“Hedoesn’tmeanit,”Kelsaidintothatsensiblewhitecottonshoulder.

“Isn’titjustlikeyoutostandupforhim?”

Keldrewaway.“Ihatemybodydoingnewthingswithouttellingme,”shesaidwetly,andsniffed.Shewipedhereyesonthebackofherarm.

“Somegettheweepswithmonthlies,likecramps,”Lalasaexplained.“Itcouldbeworse.Mymamagotplainmeanrightbeforehers.”

“Minegetshungryforsweets,”Kelsaid,adjustingherloinclothimpatiently.Itnowfeltasbulkyasadiaper.“Sheateawholecakeonce.”

Someonebangedloudlyontheouterdoor.“Kel,comeon!”bellowedNeal.“We’llbelate!”

“Hose.”Lalasadraggedoutafreshpair.“I’lltieonelegifyou’lldotheother.”

“Neal,holdon,”Kelshouted.“Ihavetofixsomething!”Shestruggledintobothhose,thentiedthepointsonherleftsidewhileLalasadiduptheright.BeforetheywerehalfdoneNealbangedonthedooragain.“Gowithoutme!”Kelordered.

“No!Comeon!”

Pointsandhosetied,Kelstruggledbackintoherslippers.“Thankyou,”shetoldLalasawarmly.“I’llhavethatteawhenIgetbackfromthetests.”Sherantothedoorandyankeditopen.

Nealstoodthere,red-facedwithimpatience,readytoknockagain.“Abouttime,”hesaid.Theytrotteddownthehall.

“Whyareyouinsuchatearinghurry?”demandedKel,stoppingintheclassroomwingtoadjustthehoseononeleg.“We’llgetthere.”

“Youdon’tunderstand,”Nealsaidwhentheyranon.“Ifyou’reevenalittlebitlate,theStumpmakesyourepeatthelastyear.Hedidittotwoboysthreeyearsago.Andifyou’rereallylate,youhavetorepeatallfouryears.EdmundofRosemark,ayearbeforewestarted,wasthatlate.Herefusedtodofourmoreyearsandwenthome.”

“Whyishesohardonlatecomers?”Kelasked.

“YouknowtheStump.Hesaystardinessinaknightcostslives.”

“Youcouldhavegonewithoutme,”Kelremindedhim.Shestoppedhimandfinger-combedhistumbledhairtolieflat.Foradizzyingmoment,shethoughttheywerecloseenoughtokiss,andswallowedhard.

Nealdestroyedherromanticdaydreambystraighteninghercollarinhismostbusinesslikeway.“Iwillnotrepeateventhelittlestbitofthishappyexperimentofours,ifthat’sallthesametoyou.AndIshouldthinkyou’dfeelthesame.”Theywalkedintotheroomtogether,tojointhepagesalreadythere.

Neal’sworriesaside,thetestsforsecond-yearswereeverybitaseasyasthoseforthefirst-years.Firsttheywereaskedquestionsbasedontheirclassroomlearning.Thentheywereusheredoutsidetoshowtheyhadmasteredthebestpartofasecond-year’scombatlessons.AfterNealhammeringatherdoorandfrettingthattheymightbeasmuchasastepbehindLordWyldon,itwassomethingofaletdown.Theexaminers,whomNealhadoncedescribedastheoldest,fustiestnoblesthekingcouldfindtojudgethepages,seemedtofrownalittledeeperwhenKelwastested.Forallthat,theycouldn’tfaultheranswers,andshepassed,justastheotherfirst-,second-,andthird-yearpagesdid.

ThenextweeksheandNealwatchedthefourth-yearexaminationsinsupportoftheprinceandCleon.Thesetests,thebigexams,werelongerandharderthanthosegiventothethird-years,butagainitwasmaterialthefourth-yearswereexpectedtoknow.Everyonepassed.

Thatnight,thefourth-yearpagesmovedtothesquires’sideofthemesshall,toenthusiasticapplausefromtheirfellows.Kel,watchingJoren,Vinson,Garvey,andZahirwalkaway,heavedaninnersighofrelief.Thingswouldbequieterinthepages’wing,ofthatshewascertain.

MoreknightsvisitedinMay,watchingthenewsquiresinthepracticecourts,eatingsupperwithLordWyldonastheylookedoverprospects.Kelhadnoticedthemtheyearbefore,buthadnotmuchcaredwhohadcome.Thisyeartheywouldtakepeoplesheknew.LordImrahofLegann,abald,pockmarkedmanwithahawk’s-beaknoseandpale,intelligenteyes,chosePrinceRoaldashissquire,toeveryone’ssurprise.Inthepasttheheirhadalwaysservedhisfather;itseemedKingJonathanmeanttodothisasdifferentlyashedideverythingelse.

Kelalsogottoseehersecondoldestbrother,Inness,whovisitedforafew

days,beforeherodenorthtotheScanranborder.HetookCleonwithhim.Zahirwaschosenassquirebytheking.JorenwenteastwithPaxtonofNond.GarveyandVinson,aswellasfiveothernewsquires,remainedinthepalacewhileLordWyldontookthepagesouttotheirsummercamp.

seven

HILLCOUNTRY

Theyearbefore,thepageshadcampedintheRoyalForest.Thisyearthetrainingmastertookthemsouthandeast,intothehillycountrythatlaybetweenLakeTirragenandtheRiverDrell.PartofKel’ssparrowcompany,eighteenbirdsinall,camealongwhilethereststayedatthepalace.Nooneraisedaneyebrowatthesmallbirds’presence:theyhadfollowedKeltheprevioussummerandhadproveduseful.

InadditiontoSergeantEzeko,thetwoShangwarriors,HakuinSeastoneandEdaBell,rodewiththem.KelhadtheideathatEda,theShangWildcat,washerchaperon,justasshehadbeentheyearbefore.Whenshementionedittotheolderwoman,theWildcatlaughed.“MaybeIjustwanttogetoutofthepalacefortwomonths,”shesaid.“I’mahillwoman,youknow.BornandraisedjustsouthofMalven,tillIranofftotheShangs.”Shegrinned,showingteethlikesmallwhitepearls.“I’mmylordWyldon’slocalexpert.”

Ontheirfirstmorningaway,Kelwokeatherusualhour,beforesunrise.Pickingherwayamongblanketedformsinsearchofthelatrine,shefroze.JumpwascurledupbesideLordWyldon.Asifheknewshewasgogglingathim,thedogopenedoneeye,waggedhistailtwice,andclosedhiseyeagain.Kelcursedhimsilentlyallthewaytothelatrine.WhatifLordWyldonsuspectedthedogwasapet,notjustafriendlystray?Insteadofherglaiveexercisesshedidsomeoftheunarmedcombatdances,combinationsofpunches,kicks,androlls.TheyhelpedherburnoffpartofherfearthatsomehowLordWyldonwouldknowJumpwashersandtakethedogaway.

AtbreakfastNealwasthefirstofhergrouptonoticeLordWyldon’scompanion.Hechoked.

“Queenscove,whatisthematterwithyou?”askedEdaBell.

Nealmanagedtopoint.“Dog.”

LordWyldonlookedatthecompaniontowhomhe’dbeenfeedingstripsofbacon.“Thisfellow’sbeenhangingabouttheyardsformonths,”hesaidcalmly.

“Evidentlyhe’stakenalikingtous.WithDaineinresidence,itseemsfewanimalsareshyaboutexpressingthemselves.”

“Horsestoo,”saidSergeantEzeko.“OnlyreasonIthinkmyDragonflydoesn’ttalktomeisbecauseshethinksI’mnotsmartenoughtounderstandher.”

“Ican’tbelieveourdog’stoadyingtotheStump,”NealwhisperedtoKelandOwenastheywasheddishes.“IthoughtJumpwasbetterthanthat.”

“Idon’tknow,”Kelremarkedslowly.“It’shardtohateanyonewholikesdogsasmuchasmylorddoes.”

“Jump’ssmart.HeknowsifLordWyldonthinkshecametoseehim,hewon’tsendhimback,”Owenpointedout.“HewouldifJumplookedtobefollowingoneofus.”

Whateverthedog’sthoughts,hekeptupaseasilyasthesparrowswhilethepagesandteachersrodesouth.ThetreesoftheOlorunValleygavewaytobroadgreenfields,thentodriercountry.TheridersskirtedtheedgeoftheGreatSouthernDesert,turningeast.TheBazhirlivedinthedesertandmadeittheirown.Inthesoutheasternhillcountry,peoplehadwarredwiththeBazhirforgenerations.SometimestheychosetogetextraincomebyraidingintoTusaineandTyraaswell.

“Don’tgetyourhopesup,”LordWyldonsaidwhenthesubjectofhillmenaroseovertheirthirdnight’scampfire.“Accordingtothelocalarmycommander,theareawe’revisitinghasbeenscouredofbandits.You’llhavetoproveyourcourageagainstbears,hilllions,andthelike.”

TheyfinallymadecampjustnorthofatributaryoftheDrell,theRiverHasteren.Bythenthey’dbeenridingfortendaysandweregladtostopforawhile.KelwasparticularlycarefultolookafterPeachblossom.Theheatwashardonthebiggelding,thoughshecouldn’tsayifitaffectedhismood.Peachblossomwasalwaysgrumpy.

Theycampedbyasmallpondthatwascuppedbetweenhillsandfedbyalivelystream.Lastyeartherehadbeenawoodenbuildingforshelterforthepagesandastablefortheirmounts,thoughKelandEdahadsleptintheopen.Thisyeareveryoneeitherputuptentsorsleptunderopensky.Eventhosewho

chosetosleepwithoutshelterhadtoprovetoLordWyldontheycouldsetuptheirtentsquicklyandwell.Kelhadthreetriesbeforethetrainingmasterwassatisfied.Nealhadten.

“Ihatetents,”hegrumbledastheywenttogatherfirewood.“Theysmellfunnyandtheyweightoomuch.I’drathersleepunderatree.”

“Youmaychangeyourmindwhendarkcomes,”repliedKel,amused.“That’swhenthebugswillrealizetheydon’thavetogototheinntodine.”

Theyremainedinthatspotforaweek.Gamewasscarcethere.LordWyldonsaidhewantedtoteachthem,notspendteachinghourstryingtofeedthem.Theyrodeforadayandbuiltanewcamp.

ThenextmorningLordWyldonsentgroupsoutindifferentdirectionstomapterrainandtohuntforsupper,eachwithaseniorpageincommand.KelwasinFaleron’scompany,alongwithNeal,ProsperofTameran,Merric,OwenandSeaver.Faleron,Merric,Neal,andOwencarriedlongbows;Kelandtheothersbroughtspears.Ifworsecametoworst,theyagreed,theycouldtryspear-fishinginthebroadcreektheyfollowed.Jumpcame,sniffingalongtheground.Thesparrowsspreadoutashumansanddoghiked,lookingfornewandtastyseedsinthebrush.

Thecreekledthemintoasmall,twistingvalleyedgedononesidebysandstonecliffs.“Oh,Kel,look,”pipedOwen,“aheightmylordhasn’tmadeyouclimb!”

“Fromyourlipstothegods’ears,silly-hush!”Keltoldherfriend,cuffinghimgentlyontheshoulder.

“Hush,”orderedFaleron.“Youwanttoscareoffallthegame?”

Beingquietastheyheadedintothevalleysavedtheirlives.Threehundredyardsalong,whentheyroundedabendinthecliffwall,thepagesfoundaraidercamp.Hadtheybeenmakingnoise,theoutlawswouldhavebeenready.Asitwas,Falerongesturedfranticallyforthepagestobackup,buttoolate.Amangydoghowledthealarm;Jumpsnarledinanswer.Thehillmen,who’dbeennapping,scrambledtotheirfeet.

“Run!”yelledFaleron.

Theywereahundredfeetdownthevalleywhentheyheardthepoundingofhooves.Thebanditsrodeintoviewonugly,ruggedhorseswholookedeverybitasmeanastheirmasters.Theysweptoutandaroundthepages,cuttingofftheirescaperoute.Jumpracedintothefray.Heleapedandfastenedhisjawsonarider’sarm,hisweightpullingthemanfromthesaddle.Thehorsereared,panickedbyitsmaster’sfall.Twomenswervedtoavoidthemandcollided,goingdowninatangleofscreaminghorses.Thesparrowsarrived,chatteringinrageastheyflewintotheraiders’faces,attackingtheireyes.

“Jump,come!”screamedKel.“Faleron,orders?”

Faleronstaredattheriders;hiseyesflickedfromthoseontherighttothoseontheleft,uncertain.KelturnedtoNealastheoldest.HewasasbewilderedasFaleron.Kellookedattheothers.Merric,Seaver,andOwenwerestaringather.

Theyhadtoact-thehillmenwereclosingin.“Neal,Prosper!”sheyelled,namingthetwowithmagicalGifts.“Blind‘em,hideus,confuse‘em,now!Bows!Oneshot,aimforthehorses,thenfallbehindthespears!”

ShegotherspearupandleveleditattheenemyasNealblinkedandshedhisparalysis.Greenfirepouredfromhishands,spreadinginstreamsthroughtheair.Itbentandrippled,veilingthepagesenoughthattheenemycouldn’tseethemtotargetthem.Prosper,theirothermage,staredblanklyathisspear.Kelgrabbeditandyelled,“Now!”

LightflaredinfrontofProsper,whiteedgedwithblue.Itwouldblindanyonelookingathim,orthepeoplenearhim,briefly.“Bows,”shoutedKelagainasJumpscrambledthroughthedusttoreachher.

Faleron,Merric,andOwensetarrowstotheirstringsandloosedasKelglancedbehindthem.Therewasthecliffwall,justtwentyfeettotheirrear.“Fallbacktothecliff,bowsandmagesfirst,thenspears!”shecried.“Who’sgotthehorn?”

“Me,”saidFaleron,coughingfromthedust.Hetookaswigfromhiswaterbottle,spat,andblewthealarmcall,thensetanotherarrowonhisbowstring.

Beyondtheshiftinghazeofgreenandwhitelightsthatveiledthem,Kelsawthehillmendrawbackalittle.Fouroftheirnumberweredown,maybedead-threeinthepileupJumphadcaused,onewithanarrowinhisthroat.Otherswere

rubbingtheireyes,flailingattheattackingsparrows,orsquintingastheytriedtoseethepages’exactlocation.Mostwerestillmounted,exceptforonemanwho’djumpedclearofhisarrow-shothorse.Allwerewary.

Apairofbonyandscarreddogscreptforward,belliestotheground.Themagicveilsaffectedthemless.Jumpsnarledachallenge.

“Staywithme,”Kelorderedhimsoftly.Toherunmovingfriendsshehissed,“Fallback!Bowsandmagesfirst.Getagainstthecliff-archers,bereadytoshoot!”

Thistimetheyobeyed,Faleronpausingonlylongenoughtoblowthealarmcallagain.Kelwhispered,“You’lltakecommand?”whenheloweredthehorn.

Faleronshookhishead.“You’vegotthecoolhead,Kel,”hereplied,thenfellbackwiththeotherarchers,Neal,andProsper.Oncetheyreachedthecliff,KelandSeaverbackedup,spearslowered.Spearswouldkeepthebanditsatadistanceiftheychosetorideblindlythroughthemagic;Kel’sarcherscouldshooteasilyiftheywererushed.Shedoubtedthestalematecouldlast,however.Throughfadingmagicshesawthatthehillmenwerestringingthebowstheyhadgrabbedintherush.Oncetheylearnedthemagicalbarrierscouldn’tstoparrows,thepageswereintrouble.

“NealandProsper,magicagain.Holditawhile!”shewhispered.

GreenstreamersrolledoutofNeal,growingwider,formingscarvesthatmovedintheair.Prosperagainreleasedawhiteblaze;howhekeptthepagesfrombeingasblindedastheraidersKelhadnoidea.Fromtheirlessonsintheuseofvisiblemagic,sheknewthatheandNealhadobscuredtheareaaroundthemforaboutsixtyfeet.Shecouldseethatthesquintingraidershadshiftedtoformahalf-circlearoundthematadistanceofaboutseventyfeet.Foralltheenemyknew,thepagescouldbeanywherebehindthatcurtainofmovinglight.

Herbrainraced:Whenwouldhelpcome?Weretheyevenwithinhearingdistanceofthecamp?Theyhadlosttrackofhowfartheyhadgone.

“Kel,we’reatthecliff!”hissedOwen.

Shelookedback.Nowtheyhadprotectionattheirbacks,butitwasnotmuch.Peeringthroughthefieryshieldsagain,Kelcountedtwenty-threeraidersand

gnawedherlip.Theoddswerebad.Whatshewouldn’tgiveformagesotherthanahealerandalightbringer!Buttheywerewhatshehad.Shedidn’tliketothinkhowmuchofNeal’sandProspersstrengthwasgoingintothosescreens.

Luckilyforthepages,theraidershadnoleadertocoordinatetheirattacksandmakethemmoredangerous.Justasgood,theyseemedtohavenomages.

“Archers,getready,”shesaidcalmly.NowsheandSeaverwereatthecliff.Beyondthemagicssheheardthebanditsarguingtheirnextmove.Somewherenearbysheheardthelowgrowloftheraiderdogsandthesparrows’furiouschatter.Shesentaquickprayerupthathersmallfriendswouldn’tgethurt.

Herpeopleneededcoverformorethanjusttheirbacks,now,whiletheyhadamomenttolookforit.Shescannedthegroundtoherleft.Allthatlaybetweenthemandthebendinthevalleywherethishadstartedwastumblesofsmallrockslowerthanherwaist.

Nohelpthere,shethoughtgrimly.Shelookedright,beyondFaleron,andblinked.Wasthatatrail?

Hereyesfollowedanarrowtrackasitrosealongthecliffface.Itlookedtobeagoattrail,toonarrowforhorses.Aboutforty-fivefeetup,shesawadarkopeninginthestone-acave,perhaps,ahollowatleast.Somethingmorethantheyhadhere.Thetrailwentpastthecave,butthatwasn’taproblem.Theycouldholdbothendsofthetrackfromthere,eveniftheraiderscamedownitfromabove.

Sheswallowedhard.Todefendit,theywouldhavetogettoit.Theywouldhavetoclimb.

Kelwasthinkingatlightningspeed.Howtodothis?Ifhelpdidn’tcomesoon,someonewouldgethurt-theoddsweretoogreat.Theywouldneedahealerthen.Nealhadtostopwastingmagictohidethemfromview.

Allherthoughtcameinamoment.“Faleron,”shewhispered,andpointedtothetrail.Everyonelooked;Faleronnodded.“Justtothatcave.Youfirst,thenNeal.Neal,soonasyou’rethere,switchtoarchery.You’regoingtoneedyourGift.”Heopenedhismouthtoargue;KellookedatMerric.“Younext,thenSeaver,Prosper,thenOwen.Archers,coverus.Prosper,easeoffthecontinuouslight.Whenalotofthemmovein,give‘emalight-burst,butonlythen.”She

glancedattheenemythroughtheveilsoflight;shesawthreeofthemventureforward.“Nowgo!I’llbringuptherear!”

TheycouldseethehorsemenwhohadfoundthecouragetoadvancethroughNeal’sfadinglight-veils.Owencoollyshotatone.Thearrowlodgedinhismount’sshoulderandthepain-strickenanimalreared,tryingtoshakeoffitsrider.Asthemanfoughtforcontrol,collidingwithhisneighbors,thepagesracedforthetrailandbegantoclimb.ProsperheldontohismagicasKelhadbidhim,waitingforthebanditstoapproach.Halfwayuptheslope,firstMerric,thenOwen,gotofffreshshots.

Kellookedatthetrail,gulped,thenordered,“Jump,come.”Shebackedup,keepingbothspearsloweredandready.

Thetworaiderdogswereclosingin,hacklesup.Jumpsnarled,thenattackedthebiggerdog.“Jump!”Kelcried,runningtosavehim.Shefelt,ratherthansaw,theseconddogleapforher.Lashingoutwiththespear’sbutt,shecaughttheanimallengthwise,knockingittenfeetintoatumbleofstones.

Sheheardyellingandlookedup.Threeraidersgallopedstraightather,swordsraised.Twoarrowstooktheonefarthesttotheright.Sparrowsswirledaroundthemiddlebandit,dartingathiseyes.Hescreamed,clappinghishandstohisface;withoutdirection,hishorsespun,panicked.

Kelfocusedonthemanbearingdownonher.Shebarelynotedafreshlight-burstorthearrowsshotbythearchersonthenarrowpath,whichforcedtheotherbanditstokeepback.Theenemycomingatherraisedashort,curvedsword.Shesawhewouldbeunabletotouchheruntilhewasdirectlyalongside.Keldroppedherextraspearoutofherway,makingsureshewouldn’ttriponit.Shebroughtherotherspearpoint-downbyherrightcalf,holdingitintheglaivepositionbroom-sweeps-clean.Thehillmanwasalmostonher,justfiveyards,nowtwo-

Shesteppedforward,totherightofthechargingraider,andbroughtthespearupinafirm,sweepingmovement.Theleaf-shapedblade,razor-sharp,cutdeepintotheman’slegbeforeKelhadtododgethedownwardsweepofhissword.ThemanturnedhishorseandcamebackatKel.Thistimeshedroveherspearthroughhisbelly,whereitlodged.Kelscoopedupherotherspearjustasanarrowstreakedoverherhead.Suddenlyshefeltatrackofnumbness,thenof

sharppain,asasecondarrowgrazedherouterthigh.

“Drat,”shesaid,wincing.Sheyelled,“Jump,come!”

Jump,hisfoedead,racedupthenarrowpath.Kelfollowed,spearout,asmorebanditsgallopedforward.Shewastenfeetupwhentheyreachedthecliffandsawtheycouldnotrideafterher.Oneraisedhisbow,sightingonKelwitharotted-toothgrin.

Whitelightblazedaroundher:Prosper’swork.Themenatthefootofthetrailthrewuptheirhandstoshieldtheireyes.Kelbackedup,sweatingandtremblingovertheheight,notthegrazeonherthigh.Shecouldn’twatchherfeet,asshedidwhenshehadtoclimbstairs.Shehadtofocusonthemenatthebottomofthetrail,whichmeantseeinghownarrowthepathwas,andhowfarshewouldfallbeforeshehittheground.Thatdistanceonlygotlargerasshecarefullysidledupward.

Tworaidersdismounted.Theymeanttofollow:theirswordswereout,theireyeslockedonher.Shehaltedandturnedtoblockthetrail.Handssteady,sheloweredherspear.HerYamanitraininghelpedhertobarelycontainherfearofthedropjustinchesfromherrightfoot.Jumpwalkedbetweenherspreadlegstostandbeforeher,growling.Hismuzzlewascrimsonwithblood,asightguaranteedtomakethementhinktwice.

ThenKel’ssparrowsarrived,attackingthefoe.Thebanditsyelledandbackedoff,tryingtoprotecttheirfaces.

“Jump,gonow,”Kelordered.Thedogranbetweenherlegsandonupthetrail.Kelpulledherrightfootbackfromthedrop,sweatrunningdownherface.IfIdon’tmove,they’llshootmefullofarrowsrighthere,andthenI’llreallyfall,shetoldherself.Sheturnedtosidleupthetrail,herbackagainsttherock,hereyesonherfeet.Twomoreburstsoflightkeptthebanditsmillingandhalfblind.

Keldidn’tevenknowshe’dreachedtheirrefugeuntiltheboyspulledherinside.Thesparrowsfollowed,chatteringastheyfoundperchesonthepages.Offthepath,Kel’sheadcleared.Shelookedatherfriends.Merricwasdown,anarrowinhisleftshoulder.Nealcrouchedbesidehim,stoppingtheflowofbloodfromthewoundwithhismagic.

“Whathappened?”sheaskedFaleron.

“Theygothimwhenheshotattheonesthatwerecomingafteryou,”hereplied,white-faced.

Neallookedup.“It’smissedanythingvital-Kel,you’rehurt!”

“StaywithMerric,”shesnapped.“It’sjustagraze.”Shewenttothefrontofthecave.Seaverwaslookout;helayflattopeerovertheledge.Prosperwasbesidehim,alsostayinglow.Helookedexhausted.

“Letupforabit,Prosper,”Keltoldhim.“Eatsomething.Andthanks.”Prospernoddedandcrawledawayfromtheopening.Heduginhisbelt-purseforthedriedmeatandfruitLordWyldonmadethemcarrywhentheyleftthepalace.

Keepingundercover,Kelhadalookoutside.Theraiderswereworkinguptheircourage,arguingastheyapproachedthetrailthatledtothepages’sanctuary.Kelretreatedintothecave,usingherdaggertohackstripsfromthehemofhershirt.Whenshehadenoughtomakeabandage,shetieditfirmlyaroundthegrazeinherleg.“Howmanyarrowshavewegot?”shedemanded.

Thearcherscounted.Theanswerwasnotbad,butnotgood,either.“Fromnowon,pickyourshots,”shetoldthem.“Thinktwicebeforeyoudoshoot.Faleron,didyoublowthehornwhileIwasoutthere?”

Hegaveherashakygrin.“Ofcourse.Itakeityouwerethinkingofotherthings.”

Kelsmiledruefully.“IbelieveIwas.Crown?”

WhileFaleronwenttotheopeningandsoundedthedistresscallyetagain,thesingle-spotfemalesparrowflewovertoperchonKel’shand.Therewasredonherbeakandtinyclaws,andawarlikegleaminherroundblackeyes.“Crown,itmaybetheycan’thearthehorn,backatcamp,”Kelexplained.“Willyoufetchhelp?”

Crownpeeped.Awaysheflew,twomalesandafemalewithher.

“Nexttimemaybeweshouldbringpaperandink,”suggestedOwen.“They

couldcarrymessages.”

KelwentovertocrouchbesideMerricandNeal.“Allthisnoiseyou’remaking,Ican’tthink,”sheteasedtheredheadedboygently.

Merricsmiledtightlyather.Normallypale-skinned,nowhewassowhitethathisfreckleslookedlikepaintonwax.Sweatrolleddownhisface.“We’reinenoughofaspotwithoutmeyelling,”hesaidtightly.“Besides,it’snotsobad.Nealstoppedmostoftheouch.”

“Canyoudomorethanstoptheouch?”KelwhisperedtoNeal.

Heshookhishead,shamefaced.“Idon’thavethetraining,”hereplied.

“Butyoucanheal,”shebegan.

“Withinlimits.Iwastostartlearningaboutarrow,knife,andswordwoundsthisyear,ifI’dstayed.”

Kelshookherhead.“Youshouldgetpropertraining!”shesaidindignantly.

Nealmadeaface.“When?”hewantedtoknow.“Mostpeopleeithergoforknightorforhealer,notboth.”

Kelbegantoargue,thenclosedhermouth.Thehurtthatshowedinhiseyesforjustamomentmadeherfeellikeabrute.“Sorry,Neal,”shesaidruefully.

“That’sallright.”Hesmiledcrookedly.“GodsknowIkeepthinkingIwascrack-brainedtoleavetheuniversity.”

“Butifyouhadn’t,I’dbealotworseoffnow,”Merricremindedhim.“Ilikeyouwhereyouare,thanks.”

KelgrippedNeal’sshoulderinanother,silentapology,andwentbacktotheentrance.“Whydon’tyourestinback?”shesuggestedtoSeaver.“I’llspellyouforatime.”Henoddedandpassedhisbowtoher.Keltookhisposition,lyingflatsoonlythetopofherheadshowedwhenshepeeredout.Lookinggaveherthesweats,butshemadeherselfdoit.Shehadtoknowiftheoutlawswouldgiveup,orkeepcoming.Rightnowtheyseemedtobearguing,butacouplelookedatthetrailasiftheywereofamindtoclimbit.

Goahead,shethoughtcoldly.Youwon’tgetfar.

Twodidtry.Kelshotonemaninthecollarbone-itwashardtosightfromthisawkwardangle.Owen,whohadcometowatchbesideher,roseonhiskneesandshotthesecondmanthroughtheeye.Anarrowsoaredoverhisheadjustashelayflatagain.AsKelscoldedhimformakingatargetofhimself,sheheardthesoundofhorsesatthegallop.Itwastheentirecompanyofpagesandteachers,armedforbattle,withLordWyldoninthelead.Theraidersfled.

KelsenttheunwoundedpagesdowntoLordWyldon,thenhelpedthetwoShangsimproviseastretcherandlowerMerrictotheground.“Wecandothesameforyou,”Hakuinoffered.“Youarehurt.”

Kelshookherhead:shehadherpride.“I’llclimbdown.”SheletthemandNealgofirst,however,andsentJumpafterthem.Onlywhenshesteppedontothepathdidsherealizethatbywaitinguntillastshehadcreatedanaudienceforherdescent.

Sheclosedhereyesforamoment,tryingtothinkherselfstone,thenfacedthecliff.Atleastthistimeshedidn’thavetonegotiatethepathwhilekeepinganyonebelowinview.Theworstthisaudiencecoulddowaslaugh.Shedidhearsomechucklesasshesidledalong,oneeyeonthegroundjustaheadofherrightfoot,hernoseasclosetotheclifffaceasshecouldputit.

Atlastshewasdown.PeachblossomandJumpbothnuzzledher;thesparrowsswirledaroundher,butdidnotland.Theyknowwhat’scoming,Kelthoughtweakly.Shewavedherdogandhorseoff,thenthrewup.

Whenshestood,wipinghermouthonhersleeve,sheturnedtofaceadarkdunhorse’sinquiringeye.“Well,PageKeladry,”thedun’srider,LordWyldon,saiddryly,“nowyourealizecombatisn’twoman’swork.Ihopeyou’vethoughtbetterofthisexperimentofyours,nowthatyou’veseenblood.”

“Sir,thatisn’tfair,”protestedOwen.

Kelclosedhereyes,thinking,notforthefirsttime,Whydon’tIhavefriendswhoknowwhentobesilent?

“Whatisnotfair,OwenofJesslaw?”demandedLordWyldon.

KeltriedtosignalOwentohush,buttheplumpboy’seyeswerefixedonthetrainingmaster.“Sir,youtalklikeKelcouldn’thandlethefighting.She’stheonewhosavedourbacon.Sir,”headded,incasehewasn’tsufficientlypolite.“She’sjustsickfromtheclimbing.Thefightdidn’tbotherher,evenwhenshekilledthatman.”Hepointedtotheraiderwholaynearby,Kel’sspearinhisbelly.

Iwishhehadn’tremindedme,Kelthought.Sheunhookedhercanteenfromherbeltwithtremblingfingers,unstopperedit,andpouredwateroverherhead.Shealsotookagulpandswilleditaroundtocleanhermouth,thenspatitout.

Faleronspokeup.“WemightbedeadbutforKel,mylord.Ifrozewhentheycameatus.Kel’stheonewiththecoolhead.Shefoundthatcavewhenweallthoughtweweretrapped.”

Theothermembersoftheirhuntingpartychorusedagreement.

LordWyldon’smareshiftedonherfeet,asifshereflectedhermaster’suncertainty.FinallyWyldonsaid,“We’lltakeMerrictothearmypostfortreatmentandshiftourcampthere.Iwantawordwiththedistrictcommander”-Kelhadthefeelingthatwordwouldnotbe“blessings”-“andthenIexpectareportfromeachofyou.PageKeladry?”

“Sir?”sheasked,lookingathim.Itwasimpossibletotellwhathethought;hisclean-carvedfacewasemotionless.

“Mountup,”LordWyldonordered.

KellookedatPeachblossom,whoworeonlyahalter.Therehadn’tbeentimetosaddlehimbeforetheyleftcamp,sherealized.Wyldonhadsimplytakenthehorsesofthemissingpagestokeepthemfrombeingstolenwhiletheywereaway.

Sheledthegeldingtoastoneandclimbedontohisbroadback.“Trynottospillme,”shewhispered.“You’reslippery.”

Hisearsflickedbackandforwardinacknowledgment.HedidseemcarefulnottodumpherasLordWyldongavethecommandtorideout.Healsodidn’tobjectasthosesparrowswhocouldn’tfitonKelorNealsettledontohismane.

Lookingatthem,Kelrecalledhowvaliantlythebirdshadfought.Wereanyhurtordead?Shedidacountandsighedwithrelief.Eighteensparrowshadcomesouthwithher.Eighteenrodewiththemnow.

Astheyrodeoutofthelittlevalley,Kelrealizeditwashertwelfthbirthday.Shecouldn’thelpit-shebegantolaugh.Rememberingthemanshehadkilled,shegotholdofherselfbeforeshestartedtocry.Hysterics-that’sallIneedforthemtothinkI’vegonecompletelyfemale,shethought,bitingtheinsideofhercheekuntilitbled.Andwhat’swrongwithbeinghysterical,ifnooneishurtbyitanditmakesyoufeelbetter?I’lljustwaitandhavemyhystericswherenoonewillseeorhearme.

Owenrodeupbesideher,keepingawatchfuleyeonPeachblossom.“Areyouallright?”heasked,hisgrayeyesworried.“Itwasajollyfight,exceptforyouandMerricgettinghurtandusnotknowingifwewoulddieandall.”

Kellookedathimforamoment,startled,thenshookherheadinadmiration.“Itwon’tbotheryouthatweleftdeadmenbackthere.”

“Neverabit,”hesaidcheerfully.“Theywerebandits.Ihatebandits.Theykilledmymother.I’mgoingtobeaknightandhuntbanditsforreal.Youcouldhunt‘emwithme,”heofferedwithageneroussmile.“Withyouandmeatthejob,therewon’tbeabanditinthecountryintenyears.”

eight

MESSAGES

ThehealeratthearmyoutpostwasabletopatchMerricupandtoteachNealafewnewtricks.Nealhadtimetomasterthemasthepagesspenttheremainderofthesummercampattheoutpost,housedinoneofthebarracks.LordWyldonmadesurethattheyhelpedthecaptain,whohadclaimedthedistrictwasclearedofbandits,toactuallydothework.Itwasn’tasjolly,asOwenputit,asthevalleyfight.Thepageswerecarefullywatchedandneverallowedtobeanythingbutbackuparchersandscouts.Theywerepairedwithsoldiers,whomadethemkeepquietandoutoftheway.

KelagreedwithOwen,banditsshouldbecaughtandtakenbeforethelaw.Still,shealsosawthepovertyintheircamps.Onlythebestfightersownedshirtswithoutholes;theirchildrenwerenaked,hollow-eyed,andbig-belliedwithhunger.Despitetheriversandlakesinthearea,thepagesweretold,thiswasthesecondyearofadrought.Farmerswhocouldn’tpaytheirrentwerethrownofftheirfarms.Manythoughtbanditrywastheonlywaytofeedtheirfamilies,buttheirvictimswereaspoorasthey.Therewerenoeasyanswers,andKelwasgladtoridenorthandputitoutofhermindforthetimebeing.

WhateverLordWyldonthoughtofhertakingcommandintheBattleoftheCliff,asherfriendshadnamedit,hekeptittohimself.ThosewhothoughttheycouldteasethepageswhohadletTheGirltakeoverwerecorrectedinaseriesofquick,quietfights.Keltoldherfriendstheyweren’tdoingheranyfavorsbysettlingmattersthatway;herfriendsignoredher.

OntheirarrivalinCorus,theydisbandedfortwomonths.Kel,Lalasa,andJumpwenttoKel’sparents’houseinthecity,whichtheyandthehouseservantshadtothemselves.Kel’sparents,Adie,andOriewereawayonthesummervisitspaidbynobility,particularlywhennobilityhaddaughterstomarryoff.KeldidgettospendthelasttwoweeksofSeptemberwiththemwhentheyreturned.Therewasnomistakingherparents’pride-EdaBell,itseemed,hadwrittentotellthemwhattheirdaughterhaddoneoverthesummer.

TheytookKeltosupperatoneofthecity’seating-housestohonorher.OverthemealtheygotthetaleofthefightanditsaftermathfromKel,listening

intentlyandembracingheratitsend.TheyalsodrewtheeventsofKel’ssecondyearfromher,askingquestionsthatshowedagreatdealofinterest.Sheonlyleftouttwomajoroccurrences,andthoseshetoldhermotherasherfatherlefttheirprivateparlortosettlethebill.

IlanesmoothedKel’shairwithagentlehand.“Mypoordear!Breastsandmonthliesinthesameyear,andyounoteventwelve.Wasitveryupsetting?”

Kelnodded.“Idon’tneed‘em,Mama,”shepointedout.“I’mnotlookingtohavebabies,ever.”

“Idon’trecallthegodseveraskingwomenifwewantthesethings,”hermotherpointedout.

Kelsighed.“No,Isupposenot.Howoldwereyouwhenallthathappened?”

“Ididn’tstartmonthliesuntilIwasfourteen-thehealertoldMamaitwasbecauseIwassuchabeanpole.Mamasaidshewasn’tmuchofahealer.”Ilanesmiledatthememory.Keldid,too:hergrandmotherwouldnotletanyonespeakillofherchildren.“Ididn’thavemuchofabosomuntilIgotpregnant,”Ilanewenton.“YoursisterPatricine,though,shedevelopedattwelve.”AsKel’sfatherreturned,Ilaneadded,“Remember-youmaybeabletodoso,butnoonecanforceyoutohavebabies.Youdohaveachoiceinthesethings.I’llgetyouacharmtowardoffpregnancyuntilyouarereadyforit.”

“Readyforwhat?”askedBaronPiers,holdingtheparlordoorforhiswifeanddaughter.KelandIlaneshooktheirheads,andchangedthesubject.

Aftertwoquietmonthsinthecity,Kel’sreturntoherpalaceroomswaslikecominghome.EventhoughshehadvisitedhersparrowsandPeachblossomeveryday,andtrainedinthepracticecourts,itwasstillgoodtosettleinatthepages’wing.AftersheandLalasafinishedunpacking,Kelflungherselfonthebedwithahappysigh.

“Idreadtheruction,”Lalasacommentedassherearrangedtheanimals’fooddishes,“butyou’regladtobebackwithallthesenoisymenfolk,aren’tyou,mylady?”

“Theydon’tmeananyharm,”Kelrepliedwithoutthinking.

“Notthislot,”saidLalasadarkly.

Kelsatup.“You’dtellmeifanyonebotheredyou,right?”shedemanded.

Lalasasmiled.“What,yourcrowd?They’reasgood-heartedabunchofladsaseverIsaw.”

AtthatmomentOwenpeeredinthroughtheopendoor.“Kel,you’reback!”Runningdownthehall,heyelled,“She’sherealready!”

Ayearbefore,Lalasawouldhavesqueakedandfledtothedressingroom.Nowshesatinthewindowseat,laughingsoftlyasshestitchedonashirt.

Owenracedbackwithtwoboys,first-years,intow.“Say,Kel,willmylordletmesponsormycousins?Oneofmycousins?ThisisIdenofVikisonLake,andWarricofMandash.They’rebothmycousins.ThisisthetremendousgirlItoldyouabout,KeladryofMindelan.”

Kelroseandbowed,tryingnottogrinatOwen’stumblingchatter.Whenshestraightened,shewasstartledtoseehiseyesbulge.“Mithros’sspear,Kel!”heexclaimed.“Whendidyouturnintoarealgirl?”

“Yousaidshewasagirlalready,”mutteredoneofhiscousins-wasitIdenorWarric?Kelhadn’tgottenthemstraight.

“Butnotagirl-girl,withachestandall!”protestedOwen.

Kellookeddown.ThatsummerLalasahadtalkedherintodonninglightershirtsthanherpalacewear.Thesewerestillcotton,butthinner,andtheydrapedlikesilk-asOwenhadnoticed.“I’vebeenagirlforawhile,Owen,”Kelinformedhim.

“Ineverrealized,”hertoo-outspokenfriendreplied.“It’snotlikeyou’vegotmelonsoranything,they’rejustnoticeable.”

“MasterOwen!”Lalasacried.“Thinkshametoyourselfforsayingsuchthings!”

TohiscousinsOwensaid,“That’sLalasa,Kel’smaid.Shesews,andsheknowsallkindsofwaystohurtyou.”ToKelandLalasaheadded,“Iwasn’t

tryingtoberude!”

“Youcanberudewithouttrying,”Nealdrawledfromthedoorway.“TheStumpwouldpenalizeyoufortalkingsoloudandfree.”HelookedatKel,hischeekspink.“It’syourownfaultforencouraginghimwhenhewasafirst-year,youknow.Nowhethinkshe’sahumanbeing.”

OwenthrewhimselfatNeal.Theytussledbrieflybeforetheyfoundseats.Kel,meanwhile,wishedherselfatthebottomoftheocean.Ofallthesubjectsshedidn’twantdiscussedaroundNeal,herbosomhadtobeatthetopofthelist.Shecouldbarelylookathim.

“IwasthinkingmaybeIcouldsponsorIdenandyoucouldsponsorWarric,Kel,”Owensuggested,tippinghischairbackuntilitleanedagainstthewall.Nowitwashiscousins’turntoblush.

“Heneverlearnedtact,LadyKeladry,”oneofthenewboysexplained.“Hispapa-myuncle-he’severybitasbad.”

“ThenIwillstayawayfromJesslaw,”Nealsaidfirmly.“Itmustbeamadhouse.”

“You’venoidea,”saidtheotherfirst-yearwithfeeling.

“I’dliketosponsorWarric,”Kelsaid.Theboyslookedather.“ButI’mnotgoingto.Somebodyverywiseoncesaiditwouldn’tdomemuchgoodtobesponsoredbysomeoneatthebottomofLordWyldon’slist.”ShesmiledcrookedlyatNeal,whohadtoldherthat;henoddedsoberly.Kelwenton,“It’sthesamehere.You’lldobetterwithsomeonemylordlikes.”

Boyscontinuedtodropbyoverthecourseoftheafternoon:Seaver,Esmond,Metric,Faleron(agloriousfourth-yearnow),Prosper.YancenofIrenrohaevenstoppedin.Lalasadisappeared,andreturnedbearingabasketofpastriesandapitcherofjuice.Thepageswelcomedherwithcheers.Lads,shetoldKel,werealwayshungry.

Oncetheothershadgonetowashupforsupper,KelturnedtoLalasa.“There,yousee?”sheasked.“Theyaren’tsobadafterall.”

Lalasa’ssmilehadabitteredge.“They’reboys,”sherepliedatlast.“Idoubt

they’llbesosweetwhenthey’remen.”

“Youhavetostartlookingatthebrightsideofthings,Lalasa,”Keltoldhersternly.

NowLalasareallydidsmile.“IfI’mwithyoulongenough,mylady,Idon’tseehowIcanescapeit.”

Oncecleanedup,thepagesjoinedLordWyldoninthehalloutside,tochoosesponsorsforthenewcomers.OwentookIden,ashehadthreatened.Merric,afteranudgefromKel,pickedWarric.

Thencamesupper,andLordWyldon’sspeechadvisingallofthemtoenjoytheirlastdayoffreedom.AfterwardKelrememberedthatherharnesswasattheleatherworkersstill.She’ddroppeditoffaweekbefore,tohaveitletout-ithadgonetightonhershouldersoverthesummer.Nowwasagoodtimetoretrieveit.Shemightnothaveanotherfreehourformonths.

Shewascuttingthroughthepalacegrounds,theharnessoverhershoulder,whenshesawanoblemanwithasheafofpapersinhishand.Hewastall,heavyset,andpale-skinnedevenattheendofsummer,withbrownhairthatcontinuallyfloppedintohiseyes.KelrecognizedSirGareththeYounger,theking’sclosestadviserandfriend.

Inhisturn,heseemedtoknowherstationifnothername.“You’reoneofthepages,aren’tyou?”heasked,browneyesalert.

Kelbowed.

“Wonderful.Takethistothekingforme,willyou?”Hehandedoverasheetofpaper.“He’sscryingatthetopofBalor’sNeedle.Don’tbenervous,”headded,misunderstandingthelookonKel’sface.“Heisn’tdoinganythingthatcan’tbeinterrupted.”

Kelbowedagain,tryingnottoshowthatshewasfrightened.Shehadtodoit,sherealizedashewalkedaway.Shewasapage;pagesransucherrandswhenrequestedto.

ButtheNeedle!shethought,wipingsweatfromherforehead.Sheforcedherselftoturnandwalksteadilydownthepath.Balor’sNeedlewasan

architecturalmarvel,soaringahundredfeetoverthepalaceroofs.Sightseers,mages,andastronomerswenttherebecauseitliftedthemclearofmagicalresiduesandordinarysmokesfrompalaceandtown,grantingthemaviewoftheentirevalleywhereCoruslay.Fromtheremagescouldscry,orsee,placesandothermagesatadistance;powerfulmagescouldactuallyspeaktotheircolleagues.

Shewalkedintothecourtyardbeforethetowerentrance.Thereweretwowaysup.Onewasanironouterstair,whichtwinedaroundthetowerontheoutside,withnowallstoprotecttheclimber.Peopleondaresandwould-besuicideswentthatway.Theouterstairwasabeautifulthing,decorativeironwroughtinlacyshapesandfarstrongerthanitlooked.Kelwouldadmireitonlyatadistance.Shewentthroughtheopendoorsinthebaseandfoundtheinnerstair.Itwasthetwinoftheoneoutside,exceptthatitwoundintheoppositedirection.Therewasamagicalreasonforthat,somethingtodowithbalancingforces,butKelcouldn’trememberwhatitwas.

Liketheoutdoorstair,thisonesportedonlyathinrailingbetweentheclimberandopenspace.Alloftheinnertowerwashollow.Lightcamefromanimmensecandle-and-crystalchandelierfiftyfeetup:servantschangedthecandlesbyloweringit.Kelstaredatthechandelier,transfixed,thenforcedherselftolookatthestair.

Icandothis,shetoldherself,foldingandrefoldingSirGareth’smessage.OfcourseIcan!It’sastair.I’lljustkeepmyeyesonthestepsandthewall.It’llbeeasierthantheclimbtothatcave,whenIhadtowatchthosebandits.

Forallherbravethoughts,itwastheknowledgethatthismessagewasforthekingthatgothermoving.Grittingherteethsohardshecouldhearthemcreak,Kelsteppedontotheinnerstair.Slowly,doggedly,shebegantoclimb.

Liketheouterstairs,thesewereornamentaliron,wroughtintheshapeofflowers.Ifshelookeddown,shesawthegapsinthesteps,andopenairbelow.AcoupleofmistakesshowedKelthatherbestcoursewastofocusonthecornerwherestairmetwall.Whenshehaltedtorest-shewasingoodshape,butthestairwassteepandseeminglyendless-shedidsowithhereyesclosed.

Afterwhatfeltlikeyears,shesteppedontoalevelwoodenfloor,blessedlysolidunderfoot.Shewalkedthroughopendoorsandontoastoneplatform.The

waytotheouterstairwasanopeningintheplatformbesidethedoor-Kellookedquicklyawayfromitandwipedsweatfromherface.Thewindthatblusteredupheremadeitfeelcoldonherskin.

“Yes?”Thekinghadheardherarrive:heleftthewaist-highrailingtowalkovertoher.“Whatisit?”AsKelstraightenedfromherbowandthekingsawherface,hesmiled.“It’sKeladryofMindelan,isn’tit?I’vebeenhearingaboutyou,younglady.”

Littleofitgood,I’llbet,Kelthought.Shemurmuredthepolitephrase,“Yourmajestyiskindtorememberme.”

“Isthereamessage?ThoughIseeyou’renotinuniformyet.”

“MylordGarethofNaxenknewmeforapage,sire.”Shehandedthemessageover.Thewindwhippedatit.Thekinggrippedthepapertightlyandcalledaballoflightfromtheairsohecouldread.Thesunhadjustset,andnaturallightwasfadingquickly.

Kellookedaround.Shecouldstareacrossdistancesifshedidn’tlookdown.Atsuchtimesshefeltnofear,onlyappreciationofthebeautybeforeher.AheadlaythehillsthatseparatedthecapitalfromPortCaynn.Still,steadyglowsoflightidentifiedhousesandinns.Movingglobeswouldbethelanternsoftravelers.DarkermassesinthegrowingtwilightweregrovesoftreesandtheRoyalForestitself.Itwaslikeatapestryofthelandatdusk,ifanyonehadcaredenoughaboutonlylightandshadowtoweavesuchathing.

“Thiscouldhavewaiteduntilmorning,”thekingremarkeddryly,tuckingthepaperintohisbelt-purse.“That’sGary,though-neverputoffwhatcanbedonerightnow.Thisisforyou,”headded,offeringacointoKel.“Foryourcourtesy.Thereisnoreturnmessage.”

Kelthankedhimandbowed,tuckingthecoininherpocket.Sheturnedtogo,andstopped.Theopeningtotheouterstairwasjustafoottoherleft.

ThestairitselffellawaysosteeplythatKelcouldseerooftopsbelow.Herearsbuzzed;herheadswam.Sheforcedherselftotakeastep,thenanother,untilshepassedthroughtheopendoors.Inside,thefirstthingshesawwasthegreathollowspaceontheothersideoftheplatform.Dizzinessovercameher.Shebackedupagainstthewallbythedoorandclungtoit,tryingtotearhereyes

fromthechandelier’sstreamsoflight.

Thisisridiculous,shetoldherselfrepeatedly.Youclimbupanddowntrees.Youclimbeddownfromthecave.Justlookwherethestairmeetsthewall.Stopgogglingatthespace,lookatthewall!You’regoingtocounttothreeandtakeastep.One,two,three.

Shecouldn’ttakethestep.Nothingshethoughthelped.Shecouldnotforceherselfontothestair.

Shedidnotknowhowlongshestoodthere,tremblingandsweating,tryingtogethercouragetogether.Itwastoolong,sheknew,becausethethingthatbrokethroughherfrightwasthekingsaying,“PageKeladry,lookatmerightnow.”Firmhandsdrewherfromthewall’sprotection,turningheruntilshestaredintotheking’sface.“It’stheheight,isn’tit?Don’tbeashamed,mydear,it’sperfectlynatural.Youcan’tgetthequeenuphereforloveormoney.Now,listentome.Icanarrangeitsoyourbodywilltakeyoudownwithoutyourmindbeinganythewiser.Idon’trecommendit-inthatstatesomeoneelsemightorderyoutokillyourking-”Hegrinned,invitinghertosharethejoke.Keltriedtosmile.“Inanycase,”hecontinued,“Ithinkit’sbestforyourightnow,butyoumustbewitling.Iswearontheheadsofmychildrenthatthisistheonlythingyouwilldounderthisspell,andthatonceyouareontheground,thespellwillbegone.Willyouacceptthat?Areyouwilling?”

Kelsqueaked,“Yes,sire.”

“Neveragreetothisfromanyoneelseunlessyouaresureofthem,”thekingtoldher.

Shenodded.

“Ifyoulike,Icouldhaveatalismanmadewhichwillhelpyoutodealwiththisfear.”Hefoldedhishandsandwaitedforherreply.

Kelswallowedtwice-terrorhaddriedhermouthtopaper-beforeshecouldsay,“No,thankyou,sire.WhatifIlostit?I-Iamlearninghowtodothis.TrulyIam.It’sjustsuchalongwaydown.”

Thekingnodded.“Verywell.”Bluefireglintedaroundhisfingertips.“Youwillfeelasifyou’dlosttrackforamoment,butyou’llbeontheground.”He

pressedcoolfingertipstoKel’sforehead.

Sheblinked,andfoundherselfatthefootofthatimpossiblestair.Shelookedup.Thekingwasleaningovertheplatformrail,checkingtoseethatshehadmadeitdownsafely.

“Thankyou,sire!”shecalled.Hewavedandwalkedbackoutside.

Keltrudgedbacktoherroomsinablackmood.ShehadneverforgottenthatthekinghadallowedLordWyldontoputheronprobation.ItwasthekingwhohadorderedAlannatheLionesstohavenothingtodowithKel.I’mreallyfinishednow,shetoldherselfbitterly.Oh,hewasniceenoughupthere,buthe’llsoonthinkthebetterofthat.He’llgostraighttoLordWyldonandsayhewasright,I’mnotasgoodastheboys,sendmehome.I’llneverbeasquireoraknight-theywon’tevenwaittoseeifIfailthegreatexaminations!

AndIwouldbeadanger.WhatifIfrozelikethatsomedaywithpeopleinmycare?IcouldgetthemkilledbecauseIcan’tcontrolmyself.

Thoroughlydepressed,shereachedthepages’wingandsawthatherdoorwasopen.Sheheardherfriends’voices.Kelstraightenedhertunicandtriedtorubcolorintoice-palecheeks.Shewouldn’tsayanythingaboutthis.

Kelwaitedallnight,butnowordcamefromLordWyldon.Somehowshegotthroughthenextday-helpingfriendswhoweresponsorsshowthefirst-yearsaround-andthedayafterthat,whentrainingcommenced.Fightingpracticehelped-withfournewweightsonherharness,shebarelyhadthestrengthtothinkaboutherweaponsandherhorse,letaloneBalor’sNeedle.Shenearlydozedoffinafternoonclasses.

Thatnightthekingcametosupperashedideveryyeartolookthemoverandtalktothembriefly.HedinedwithLordWyldononthedais,thenurgedthepagestopursuetheirstudiesandtrainhard.Inyearsbefore,hehadleftthemesshallbeforethepagescouldevenrisetobowtohim.Thisyearhedidnot.Hewaiteduntiltheywereontheirfeet,thensaid,“MightIseeKeladryofMindelan?Therestofyoumaygo.”

Kelfeltherskingonumb.Thiswasit,sherealized.Shewasabouttobedismissed.Blindly,leavinghertrayonthetable,shewalkedtothedais.Jumpfollowed,tailwagging.

Whenshereachedthedais,LordWyldonandthekingwereseated.Theirpage-Yancen,Kelnoted-hadclearedawayeverythingbutapitcherandthreecups,whichLordWyldonwasfilling.AsKelbowedtothemen,thekingraisedhisbrows.

“Pagesweren’tallowedpetsinmyday,”hecommented.“Haveaseat,Keladry.”Hewavedhertoanemptychair.KellookedatLordWyldon,startled.

HegaveherthetiniestofnodsandtoldKingJonathan,“Thedog’snotapet,sire-he’sapalacestraywhoattachedhimselftothepages.Iseenoharm,ifhedoesn’tdistractthem.HeearnedhiswayseveraltimesoverduringtheincidentItoldyouof.”

WhileLordWyldontalked,Keleasedherselfintotheemptychair.Surelyiftheyweregoingtodismissher,sheoughttobestanding.HernervousnessgrewwhenLordWyldonputoneofthecupsbeforeher.Itcontainedgrapejuicewithatouchofspiceinit,shediscoveredasshesipped.Shehadtogripitwithbothhandstokeepthemenfromseeingthatshetrembled.

ThekingwasgentlytuggingJump’sloneear,atrickthedogloved.“Yes,thatincident.PageKeladry,LordWyldontoldmewhatpassedthissummerbetweenyourgroupandthebandits.Iwouldliketohearthestoryfromyourownlips,ifyouwould.”Thekingleanedbackinhischair,hisveryblueeyesonKel’sface.“Youwereahuntingparty,Ibelieve?”

“Justasyoutoldittome,”murmuredLordWyldon.

Shedidn’tdisobey,exactly.Shedidneglecttomentionthattheolderboyshadbeentoosurprisedtomaketheinstantdecisionsthatwouldmeantheirsurvival.Shetolditasiftheyallhadagreedontheircourseofaction-whichtheyhad,givenamomenttothink.OfcourseLordWyldonknewdifferently.Theyhadn’teventhoughttocheckeachother’sstoriesuntilhe’dalreadytalkedtoFaleronandNealatthearmypost.Perhapsthekingsuspectedthetruth,too,buthesaidnothingwhileshespokeofthosefrenziedmomentsontheground,andthescrambletoreachanddefendthecaveuntilhelpcouldarrive.

Whenshewasdone,thekingshookhishead.“Amazing.”HebenttoscratchJump’shead:thedoghadgonetosleep,hischinontheking’sfoot.“Certainlyyouearnedallthetablescrapsyoucaneatfortherestofyourlife,eh,boy?”Jump’stailbeatlazilyonthefloor.ToKelthekingsaid,“Yourparentstellme

yousawthiskindofthingintheYamaniIslands.”

Kelnodded.“Yes,sire.Theland’ssomountainousthatit’simpossibletoroundupalltheirbandits.Sometimestheythinktheycanattacktheemperor’strainwhenhe’sonprogress,andthecompanygetsstrungoutbetweenvalleys.Andyouknowabouttheirproblemsfromthesea.Ifitisn’tScanra,it’sJindazheninthewest.Youalmostgetusedtosurprises.”Wyldon’sbrowstwitched,andKelbowedherhead.Shedidn’twantthetrainingmastertothinkshewasababbler.“Beggingyourmajesty’spardon.”

“NotthattheYamaniswouldsayanyofthis,”repliedtheking.“Theykeeptheirtroublestothemselves.”Hesighed.“Aproudpeople…Andyouaremuchlikethem,PageKeladry.LordWyldontellsmeyouworkhardtoovercomeyourfearofheights.”Kelwasafraidtolookup,afraidthiswasthemomentwhenhesentheraway.Instead,thekingtoldher,“Iadmiresomeonewhotriestomastersomethingwhichdefeatsotherpeopleallthetime.Keepupthegoodwork.”

Sheknewadismissalwhensheheardit-andthiswasnotthedismissalshehadexpected.Inherrushtogettoherfeet,shealmostknockedherchairover.Somehowshemanagedtobowandleavethemesshallwithouttripping.Herfriendswaitedoutside.

“Whatdidhewant?”demandedNeal.“Youwereinthereforever!”

Kelsaggedagainstthewall.“Hewantedtohearaboutthefight,abouthowwehandledthosebandits.”

“Gods,”mumbledFaleron,coveringhisface.

“Itoldhimhowyouledustothecave,andkeptblowingthehornforhelp,”Kelsaid,hopinghewouldn’tbeoffended.“AndhowNealandProspermadeithardtoseeus,andwhatwealldidinthefight.AndhementionedtheYamanis,andthenhetoldmeIcouldgo.”

“Betteryouthanme,”commentedMerric,shakinghishead.“Talkingtoroyaltymakesmesweat.We’dbettergettothatbookMasterYayingaveusifwe’retoreadthefirstchapterbymorning.”

“There’ssomethingIdon’tunderstand,”remarkedSeaverastheyheadeddownthehall.“Whyassignabookaboutawarfoughttwohundredyearsago?”

Hisconfusionwasunderstandable.MasterYayinalwaysgavethembooksthatwereliterature,reports,poetry,orhistoriesinwhichbattleswereseldommentioned.Thepageswerecertainthatchangesintheirteachingweremadeonlyforthemostsinistermotives.

NealdrewtotherearofthepackandpulledKelasideastheothersturnedintothepages’wing.JustthetouchofhishandmadeKelgiddy.

“Isawyourfacewhenyouwentupthere,”hecommentedsoftlyashelethergo.“YoulooklikeyouwereclimbingExecutioner’sHill.Whatdidyouexpect?”

Shehadn’ttoldhimaboutherexperiencewithBalor’sNeedle.Shedidsonow,keepinghervoicelow.

“Silly!”Nealsaidwithagrin,cuffingherheadgently.“Thekingdoesn’tthinkyouhavetobeperfect-you’retheonlyonewho’sdoltenoughtoexpectthat!”

“I’dliketobeperfect,”Kelsaidplaintivelyastheyfollowedtheirfriends.“Itwouldbenice.”

“Andsodauntingfortherestofus,trustme,”Nealassuredher.“Sowhydoyouthinkwe’vebeenassignedabookaboutoldbattles?”

“Youmeantherehastobeareasonforthemasterstogiveushardwork?”sheretorted.“Ithoughtthatwastheirideaoffun.”

Yayin’schangetothekindofreadingthatOwenclassifiedas“jolly”wasnottheonlydifferenceinhowtheyweretaughtthatfall.Thenextevening,asthepagesandahandfulofsquiresfinishedsupper,LordWyldonsteppeduptothepodium.

“Iwouldliketoannounceachangeinourpresentschedule.Sundaynights,duringthefirstbellaftersupper,Iwishthefourth-yearpagestoreporthere.Wewillexplorecombattactics-howtousegroundtoyouradvantageinthepositioningoftroops,whichtypesofweaponachievecertaineffectsinbattle,andsoon.”Heheldupahand;thepagesstifledtheirgroans.“Thisisnotacourseonwhichyouwillreceivemarks;itisrequiredonlyforthefourth-years,thoughanyotherpagesorevensquireswhowishtoattendwillbewelcome.Sundayevening,thefirstbellaftersupper.Youaredismissed.”

“Asifweneededmorestudies,”SeavergrumbledtoProsper.

Nealranhisfingersthroughhishair,thinking.

“Well?”Kelaskedhim.“Iwanttogo,atleasttoseewhatit’slike.”

“IthinkI’dliketogo,too,”hereplied,surprisingher.“Iwonderwhythey’redoingthis?Usuallytheyleavethatkindofteachingforknight-mastersandsquires.Ofcourse,thearmyhasanactualschoolforofficers,toteachbattletacticsandstrategy.”

“Tacticsandstrategy?Ithoughttheywerethesamething,”Kelcommented.

Nealshookhishead,acommaofhairflippingintohiseyes.Kellongedtotouchitbutkeptherhandslockedbehindher.

“Tactics,mydeargirl,iswhatyoudidwiththosebandits.It’simmediateplanningfortheimmediateproblem.Strategyisthelongview,themovementofarmiesandaplanthatcoversanentirebattleorwar.”Seeingherinquiringlook,Nealgrinned,shamefaced.“Mymother’sfatherwasoneofoldKingJasson’sgenerals.Heusedtotellmeabouttheirbattles,andallthethingsthatwentwrong.”

Owendriftedbacktowalkwiththem.“Thingsgowrong?”heasked,startled.

“GrandfatherEmrysaidoncethebattlestarts,everythinggoeswrong,”Nealtoldhim.“Youplanstrategyandtacticsaheadsotheywon’tgoaswrongastheycould.”

“YourgrandfatherwasEmryofHaryse?”criedOwen,delighted.“He’sahero!”

“Yes,”Nealsaiddryly,makingaface,“Iknow.”

Sundaynightcame.Faleronattendedthenewclass-asafourth-yearhehadto.Neal,Kel,Owen,Merric,andEsmondwentoutofcuriosity.Theyfoundsomethingtotallydifferentfromtheirotherlessons.LordWyldonhadservantssetupamodelonatable:itshowedthecityofPortLegannduringtheclimacticbattleoftheImmortalsWar.Metalfiguresshapedlikesoldiers,knights,immortals,ships,andcatapultswereplacedtoshowthepositionsofeach.Daine

andthekingwerethere,too.Theyexplainedhowtroopswereemployed,andaskedthepagestosuggestwhycertaintypesofsoldieryhadbeenputinonespotandnotanother.TheylearnedthatDainehadseentheareaaroundthecity,mappingenemypositionsfromdragon-back.ThethoughtofflyingmadeKelfeelsick,butshecouldseethatDaine’sworkhadgiventheTortallansatremendousadvantage.

Thenextbellrangtoosoon.Somepagescomplainedandwouldhavestayed,butLordWyldonaskedthemiftheyhadcompletedtheirclasswork.Bythenenoughassignmentshadgonehalf-donethatonlyNealhadnoextrawork;theyweresentbacktotheirroomstostudy.

“Boring,”announcedMerricwithayawnastheyleftthemesshall.“Icanputthetimetobetteruse.”Kelshookherhead.Howcouldanyonedescribethelessonasboring?Shewouldhavebeenhappyifithadgoneonallnight.

KelwasstillpreoccupiedbythebattleofPortLegannduringherdawnexercisewithLalasa.WouldithavebeendifferentifreliefforcesfromtheCopperIsleshadbeatthequeen’sarmytothecity?Kellethermaidgrabherwristasshetriedtoseeitinhermind.Thenextthingsheknew,shewasflyingthroughtheair.Onlyaquicktwistsavedherfromslammingintothedoorfull-force.

LalasagaspedandkneltbesideKelinapanic.“Mylady,I’msorry,I’msorry!”shecried.“Inevermeantit!Mylady,Iswear,I’llneverdosuchathingagain,onlydon’tdismissme!”Shecoveredherfacewithherhandsandwept.

Keltookamomenttocatchherbreath.Whenshedid,shebegantolaugh.“Stopit,Lalasa,yougoose!”sheordered.“Thatwaswonderful!Youcaughtmejustasyoushouldhave.Iwon’tdismissyou-pleasestopcrying.”

Lalasaloweredherhands,gazingatKelwitheyesthatswamintears.“You’relaughing?”sheasked,andsniffed.

“Thatwasverygood,”Keltoldher.“Youdiditexactlyright.I’mproudofyou!”

“Proud?”Lalasarepeatedinawhisper.“But-mylady-Ithrewyouintoadoor.Afterallyourkindnesses,andteachingmewhenI’vehardlybeengrateful…”

“WhatI’vebeenteachingyou,amongotherthings,ishowtothrowmeintodoors.”Kelgrinnedasshegottoherfeet.

“Somenobleswouldkillaservantfordoingthat.Youknowit’sso,mylady!”

“Ido,”Kelsaidgrimly.“Nobleslikethataren’tworthyofthetide.HowcouldIpunishyoufordoingwhatIwantyoutodo?OnlythinkhowsillyIwouldlook.”Shehelpedhermaidup.“Nowyoucanusethistoprotectyourself,sotheonlymenwhoenduphuggingyouaretheonesyou-wanttohugyou.”

Lalasasmiledcrookedly.“Thatwillbesometimeincoming.”

Kelputahandontheoldergirl’sshoulder.“Iwishyouwouldtellme,”shesaid,makinghervoiceasgentleasshecould.“Whatputyouoffmensobad?”

Lalasashookherheadasshefishedherhandkerchieffromherpocket.“It’snothing,mylady.IamsorryIthrewyou,evenifI’mallowedto.”

“I’mgladyoudid.OtherwisehowamItoknowifyou’vegottheholdandtheleverageright?”Kelpointedout.“And-oh,drat.”Thefirstbellofthedaybegantoring.Shelookedaround,tofindLalasawasofferinghertheweightedharness.Kellookedatitandsighed.Shestillwasn’tusedtothenewweights.Mostoftheotherpagesdidn’tputtheirsonuntilafterbreakfast.Couldn’tshewaituntilthenjusttoday?

Onedayleadstoanother,shetoldherselfwearily.Nextthingyouknow,theboyswillgetusedtoitfirst,andIwon’tbeabletokeepup.ShetooktheharnessfromLalasaandletitsweightslideoverhershoulders.

nine

AUTUMNADJUSTMENTS

Aftertwoyears,Kelcouldgothroughhermorningclassesinhersleep,andsometimesshedid.Hand-to-handcombatwithHakuinSeastoneandEdaBellwasfirst.Thencameweaponstrainingstartingwithstaffsintheautumn.Archeryclassfollowedweapons,thentilting.Noneofthepageseverexpectedanythingnew.InthefourthweekofKel’sthirdyear,however,LordWyldonturnedcreative.

Inweaponsclass,theirteachersannouncedanewprogram.Thefirst-andsecond-yearsweretocontinuestaffpractice.Thethird-andfourth-yearpagesweretolearnhowtofightingroupsofdifferentsizes.Thecombinationswouldchangefromdaytoday:threethird-yearsagainsttwofourth-years,fourfourth-yearsagainstfivethird-years,orsimplebattle,one-on-one.Theywereallowedtouseanyoftheirusualweapons,notjuststaffs.TheycouldevenresorttoShangkicks,punches,andthrowsinatightspot.TheShangwarriorswouldrecordpointsforeachcombat.Whentheseniorpageswereputingroups,onepagewouldbeputincommandofeachside.Ifthemembersofagrouplookedtosomeonewhowasnottheappointedleaderfororders,theirsidewouldlosepoints.

“Onedayyouwillbeleadingpeasantswhodon’tknowaswordfromarock.Youwillhavetodoyourbestwiththem,”LordWyldonexplainedonthefirstdaytheytriedthisnewpractice.“Orsoldiers,orotherknights,orsimplyyourownsquire.Learntogivecommands,andlearntotakethem.Learntoknowwheretheothermembersofyourforceare,andlearntocommandforcesofdifferentsizes.Now,gettoit!”

“Seniorsgettodoallthejollythings,”Owencomplainedastheywalkedtoarcherypracticethatfirstday.

Nealglaredatthechubbysecond-yearwithalltheroyaldisdainofavexedlion.Hewaslimpingfromastaffblowtotheknee.“Youareabloody-mindedsavage,”heinformedOwensternly.“Ihopeyouarekidnappedbycentaurs.”

Kellikedarchery.Intwoyearsshehadgonefromholdinganddrawingthe

bowwrongtohittingthetarget’scenteroneveryshot.Shehadjustcollectedherbowandquiverwhensheheardthearcherymastercall,“Thefollowingwillcomewithme.”Hewalkedovertotherightsideoftheyard,wherethetargetbythefencehadbeenmovedfiftyyardsbeyondthosethepagesnormallyshotat.HenamedagroupthatincludedKel,Neal,Quinden,Merric,Faleron,Yancen,BalduinofDisart,anotherfourth-year,andQuinden’sfriendDermidofJosu’sDirk.

“Youpeopleoughttobebetter,”thearcherymasterinformedthem.“Mylordhassaidit,andIagree.You’llimprovebyMidwinterorI’llknowwhy.Onceyoustarthittingthemoredistanttarget,I’llletyouplaywiththese.”

AnycrossnessKelfeltatbeingforcedtoworkharderwhenshewasalreadydoingwellevaporatedwhenshesawthearrowsthearcherymasterheld.Untilnowtheyhadshotasiftheyhunteddeerorgamebirds.Thesenewarrowswerearmor-piercingbroadheadsandneedleheads,barbedheads,eventheonesthatmadeaneerie,whistlingsoundastheyflew.SomeweremadetopierceaStormwing’smetalfeathersoraColdfang’sthickhide.

“Eachhasadifferentweight,andwillflydifferent.You’lllearntoadjustforeacharrow,”thearcherymastertoldthem.“Andwe’lldoabitwithfirearrows.Theyflydifferent,too.Inthenormalwayofthingsyou’dleavethiskindofworktoarchersunderyourcommand,buttimesarehardlynormal,arethey?Alltheseimmortals,threedangerousneighborsonedge-andwhomighttheybe?”hedemanded,gazingsharplyatQuinden.

“Carthak,Scanra,andtheCopperIsles,sir,”repliedtheboyquietly.

“Verygood.Youdon’tknowwhatthoseenemiesmaygetupto,orwhatwillbeaskedofyou.Now,startshooting.Thesooneryouhitthattarget,thesooneryougettoplaywiththepretties.”

“Ifthey’vechangedthings‘roundintilting,I’mgoingtostickmyheadinarainbarrelanddrownmyself,”FaleronmutteredtoKelastheyreportedtothestables.

KelandPeachblossomwerethefirstriderandmounttogetintolineatthethird-years’quintain.Ratherthanwaitfortheothers,KelwhisperedforPeachblossomtocharge,andleveledherlanceatthetargetshield.Shehititjustright:thequintaindummypivotedhalfway,lettinggirlandhorsethunderby

withoutthesandbagsmackingeitherone.Kelsmiled-shelovedagood,solidstrike-andwasabouttoreturntoherplaceinthethird-yearlinewhenLordWyldonyelled,“Staythere,Mindelan!”

Herodetowardheratabrisktrot.Kelwaited,tryingtoguesswhathewanted.She’dhitthetarget;Peachblossomwasperfectlysaddled;sheheldherweightedlanceattherightangle-andwhywashecarryingabowlandabrush?

“You’regettingcomplacent,Mindelan,”heannouncedashetrottedby.

“Com-what,sir?”sheasked,confused.

“Smug.Comfortable.Youthinkyoucanhitthetargetanywhereandit’sgood,solongasyoudon’tearnabuffetwiththesandbag.Atyourlevel”-heleanedclosetothetargetshieldandpaintedaroundblackdotthesizeofKel’spalmatitscenter-“youshouldhitthiseverytime.Iexpectyontohititeverytime.Youmaystartnow.”

Whypickonme?Ihitthetargeteverytime,andI’mjusttwelve,thoughtKelassherodebacktotheline.Onlyacouplefourth-yearshititasregularlyasIdo.

Thethird-yearsmovedtoletheratthefront.Herfriendslookedstartled;Quindenandhisfriendssmirked.“WhoputawaspintheStump’sloincloth?”Nealmutteredasshepassedhim.

WhatmadeKelreallygrumpywasthatthetrainingmasterwasright:shewasgettingsmug.Aslongasshehitwithinthetargetcircle,shefeltshe’ddoneallsheneeded.Sheoughttostrivetoimprove,notjustcoast.IfLordWyldonthoughtshecouldhitadotshecouldn’tevenseefromthisendofthetiltingfield,shewouldtry.

ShebroughtPeachblossomuptothestartingmarkandwhispered,“Gofaster.”Hepickedhisfeetupinatrot,thenarestrainedgallop,nottheheadlongthunderingpacethatwashisresponsetothecommand“Charge.”Ifshewastohitprecisely,shewoulddobetteriftheytookalittlemoretimetoreachthequintain.

KelloweredherlanceacrossPeachblossom’sshouldersandaimedforthatsmalldotontheshield.Shemissed,thoughshedidhittheshield,andwasn’tcloutedbythesandbag.

“Sloppy,”commentedLordWyldonassherodepasthim.He’ddismountedtoleanagainstthefence,wherehecouldseetheimpactoflanceonshieldclearly.HewasscratchingJump’sear.

Ihopehebitesyou,Kelthoughtgrimlyassherodetotakeherplaceinthethird-years’line.

Intheend,LordWyldonrequiredonlytwofourth-years-FaleronandYancen-andKeltohitthatdotatthetarget’scenter.“Ihateitwhenhethinksupnewthings,”YancentoldFaleroninKel’shearing.

Kelagreedwithhimcompletely.

Onthelastdayofthatweek,Kel’slancehittheblackdotandshattered,theimpactandcrashmakingherwristache.Shakingherhand,sherodebacktothebarrelandselectedapracticelance.Withoutleadweightssuchasshe’dhadinheroldone,thelancewasfeather-lightinhergrip.Whenshenextrodeatthetarget,sheforgotthenewweightandraisedherlancepointfartoohigh.Beforeshecouldlowerit,sheroderightbythequintain,scrapingthetargetshield.Thesandbagthwackedherbacksoundly,herfirstbuffetinoverayear.Sheheardpageslaughingasshereturnedtotheline.

Shemissedthetargetonhernextchargeaswell.Determinedtohitit,sheloweredherlancesohardonherthirdchargethatitbouncedoffhersaddletorapPeachblossombetweentheears.Startled,thebiggeldingreared.Keldroppedherlanceandhungon,prayinghermountwouldn’tfallbackward.Peachblossomwheeledfranticallytosavehimselffromthatveryfate.AtlastKelgothimundercontrolandonallfourfeet.Shedismountedtocollectherfallenlance,andtrudgedbacktothelineonfoot,leadinghermount.Shewouldhavedraggedtheweaponlikehereight-year-oldnephewifshehadn’tknownLordWyldonwouldgiveherapunishmentjobforit.

“Whatisthematterwithyoutoday?”demandedLordWyldon.“Thishead-in-the-cloudsactwillgetyoukilledinthefield,doyouunderstandthat?Youdarenotdaydreamwithaweaponinyourhand,orunderyou.”HepointedtoPeachblossom.“Thatisaweapon,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.”

Peachblossom’sheaddartedoutquickly,likeasnake’s.Thetrainingmasterwasquicker.Thegelding’steethclosedonemptyairwhereLordWyldon’sfingerhadbeen.

“Mylord,I’dlikepermissiontotakethistothesmithy,”Kelsaid,heftingthelance.“It’stoolight.”

Wyldonblinkedather.“What?”

“SurelymylordknewthatPageKeladryhasleadweightsinallofherpracticeweapons,”commentedNeal,whostoodnearby.Helookedthespiritofmischief.

Kelglaredathim.Nealignoredher.Heusuallydid.

“Queenscove,donottryme,”Wyldonsaid,clearwarninginhisvoice.HiseyeswereonKel.Toherhestated,“Youuseweightedpracticeweapons.”

Kelmadenoreply.

“Howlonghaveyoudonethis?”

Howcouldsheforget?Onthedaythefirst-yearsbegantotrainwiththelance,JorenhadmadesurethatKelgotalancethreetimesheavierthanthenormalones.“Sincethefirstweekonlance,mylord,”Kelrepliedevenly.

“Allofyourweapons,notthelancealone?”heinquired.Nealhadtoldhimall,butitseemedhewantedtohearitfromKel.

“Itwastoostrangeafterawhile,goingfromaweightedlancetoalighterstaffandpracticeswordandax,”sheexplained.“Itworksbetterifthey’reweighted,too.”

LordWyldonhookedhisfingersinhisbelt,frowning.Asusual,therewasnoreadinghishandsome,sternface.Atlasthesighed.“Tendyourmountfirst.Donotbelateforlunch,”heordered.

Kelthankedhimandbowed,buthehadalreadyturnedtoNeal.“Clearlyyouhavetoomuchtimeonyourhands,”hetoldNeal.“Youmaytakethenextfiverunsatthequintain,beginningnow.”

KelheardNealsay,“Yes,yourlordship,immediately,yourlordship,”assheledPeachblossomaway.

“Onedayhewon’tlethistonguegethiminsomuchtrouble,”shetoldthe

horseasshegroomedhim.“Ihopeithappensbeforehediesofoldage.”Peachblossomwhickered,andnudgedKelwithhisnose.HewasuninterestedinNeal,exceptassomethingtobite,andhepreferredtobiteapplesandsugarlumps.HeseemedtothinkKelwashidingatreat.

Afterleavinghernewlancetobeweighted,Kelreturnedtoherrooms.Thenoonbellhadnotyetrung,andshemeanttositinherbathandsoakforawhilebeforeshehadtodressforlunch.

Enteringherrooms,shefoundthatLalasahadcompany.ThestrangerwasayoungwomanLalasa’sage,blondandbrown-eyedwithasoft,roundfaceandstrongshoulders.ShecurtsiedgracefullytoKel,whotriedtorememberwhereshehadseenthiswomanbefore.

“Lady,thisismyfriendTian-TianinePlowman,”Lalasasaidnervously.“SheismaidtoyoursisterAdalia.”

Kelnodded,relieved.“IthoughtIrecognizedyou,”sheadmitted.“Ismysisterallright?”Shecouldn’tthinkofanyotherreasonthatAdie’smaidwouldcomehere,unlessshewasvisitingLalasa.

“Sheiswell,andatwitterovertheballtobeheldinfourdays’timeatNondHouse,”saidTian.“Shesentmetoask,wouldyouallowLalasatoserveher?ShewillpayLalasaforhertime,andofcourseyouwouldgethalf.MyladywishesLalasatosewforher.”

“Isthatwhatyouwouldlike?”KelaskedLalasa.

Themaidnoddedeagerly.“Idolovetosew,mylady.Andyouwon’tneedmoreworkonyourhemsorseamsforatleastaweek.”Hereyesdancedatthesmalljoke.

“Idon’tgrowthatfast,thankyou,”Kelsaid.

LalasanudgedTian.TheblondwomansmiledatherandtoldKel,“Ifitpleasesyourladyship,LadyOraniealsowishestogiveworktoLalasa,withthesamearrangementsforpay.Tobehonest,m’lady,IthinkotherswillaskLalasatosewforthemwhentheyseeherwork.”

“AndI’dbesuretodomyownworkfirst,”addedLalasa.“Iwouldn’tshirkat

all,Ipromise.”

“Idon’tmind,”Keltoldherandherfriend.“YouknowI’dliketoseeyougetoutandaboutmore.”

TiancurtsiedtoheragainandtoldLalasa,“Thisafternoon,then?”Lalasanodded.“Thankyou,mylady,”Tiansaid,andlefttheroom.

Lalasaclosedthedoorbehindherandtwirledgiddily.Suddenlyshehalted.“You’llsee,mylady,”shetoldKelgravely.“I’llearnyouabitofmoney,andputsomeawayformyself.Maybeashopofmyown,thoughthat’slookingabithigh,perhaps.”

“Youreallylikesewing,don’tyou?”askedKel,whohatedit.

Lalasanodded.“I’mbetterthanalotofthemaidsthatservetheyoungcourtladies,Tiansays.Andit’speaceful.Justyou,andthecloth,andgettingeverythingjustright.”

KelthoughtofthosemomentsonPeachblossom’sbackwhensheloweredherlanceatthequintain,andknewinthefeelofthehorse,andtheweapon,andherarm,thatshehaditperfectly.“Iseewhatyoumean,”shemurmured.Morefirmlyshesaid,“Butlookhere-youhavetokeepwhatyouearn.Idon’twantit.”

Lalasastaredather.“Butmostnoblestakehalfatleast.Sometakealmosteverything!”

Kelbegantostripoffhertunicandshirt.“I’mnotmostnobles,remember?Ismybathready?”

“Yes,ofcourse,”Lalasareplied,takingKel’spracticeclothes.“But,mylady,Iwouldn’tfeelright,withyoupayingmeawage,andgivingmethischance.”Lalasa’sjoyhadfallenaway,leavingheranxiousagain.

Kelhatedtoseethat.“Allright,”shesaid,againstherwill.“ButI’mputtingitawayforadowryorashoporwhateveryoulike.Yourememberthat.”

“Yousaysonow,”Lalasareplied,hertoneveryolder-sisterly.“Justwaittillyouneedtobuyarmorandsuchlike.”

Kelmettheoldergirl’seyes.“Doyoureallybelievethatofme?”

Lalasaopenedhermouthtoreply,thencloseditagain.ShelookedawayfromKel’sgaze.“No,miss.Notreally.AndIthankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.”Shakingherhead,Kelwalkedintothedressingroomandclimbedintothewaitingbath.“I’mgladyouhaveafriend.”

“Isn’tTiannice?”LalasatookKel’safternoonclothesfromthewardrobe.“Soclever,andfriendly.Shereallythinksotherladieswillaskmetosewforthem,andpaywellforit.”

“She’salady’smaid,sosheoughttoknow.”Kelputherheadbackwithagratefulsigh.“IfIdozeoff,wakemewhenthenoonbellrings.”

Thatnight,KelwentoutaftersuppertoretrieveherlanceandtakeittoPeachblossom’sstable,wheresheplaceditwithhergear.Shewastrottingupthesloping,torch-linedroadtothepalacewhensomeonecalled,“Hullo-isthatKeladryofMindelan?”

KellookedaroundandsawabigmaninthestablethathousedthehorsesoftheKing’sOwn.Sheknewthatbroad,red-cheekedfacewithitscapofblackcurlsandbrightdarkeyes.“Mylord,goodevening,”shesaid,bowingtoRaoulofGoldenlakeandMalorie’sPeak,KnightCommanderoftheKing’sOwn.“It’sapleasuretoseeyou.”

Hewalkedover,tuckingridingglovesintohisbelt.“Goodtoseeyou,too,youngster,”hesaidwithakindsmile.“Mithrosblessme,you’vegrown.”

Kelsmiledathim.ShehadaddedalmosttwomoreinchessinceMidwinter,buttherewasstillquiteagapbetweenherheight,nearlyfivefeetandsixinches,andhissixfeetandoneinch.“IbelieveIhave,mylord.”

“Goingtothepalace?Ifyoudon’tmind,I’llcomealong.”

“I’dbehonored,sir,”Kelreplied.

Theywalkedslowlyupthehill.“Howgoestraining?”heasked.“Areyoustillridingthathugegelding-what’shisname-Peony?”

“Peachblossom,mylord.Yes,Iam.”Kelexplainedhercurrenttrainingschedule,includingthenewthingsLordWyldonhadbegun.LordRaoulaskedquestionsthatdrewmoredetailsfromher.

“Thethingis,Idon’tknowwhyhe’schangingthings,”Keladmitted.

“IthinkWyldongotascarewhenyouandyourfriendsstumbledintothatbanditcamp.”CorrectlyguessingthereasonthatKelstoppedtogapeathim,thebigmangrinnedandsaid,“Thewholecourt’sheardaboutitbynow.Anyway,ifsevenpageshadgottenslaughtered,hewouldhavefeltresponsible.Nevermindthatthedistrictcommanderliedabouttheareabeingclearedofbandits.Theyfoundouthewastakingpayoffs,didtheytellyou?”LordRaoulspokeashemighttoanoblehisownage.

Kelshookherhead.“Istilldon’tseehowitwouldmakeLordWyldonchangethetraining,though.”

“Hedidn’tteachyouyoungstershowtomanagewhenthere’snoadultincommand,ismyguess.He’stryingtomakeupforthatnow.Tobehonest,Icouldn’thavedonewhatyoudidwhenIwasapage.Wyldon’salreadytaughtyouplenty.”Thebigknightbegantochuckle.“Gods,butthosefreefightsessionsmustbeamess!”

Kelhidasmile.Theyweremessy,withfightersnotalwaysknowingwheretostepandwhomtolookat.“Isbattlelikethatforreal,sir?”

Hethoughtaboutthatforamoment.“Itcanbe,”hesaidatlast.“Battleplansgotopieces,asthey’reteachingyou.Itdependsonthedisciplineofthepeopleyoulead.See,theproblemis,knightsusedtooperatealone.We’retrainedtoindependence.Forcenturiestheloneknightenforcedwhatlawhechose.Ifhehadanyhelp,itwaslocalpeasants.Withthemnotknowingtheirfootfromtheirelbow,youcanseewhereaknightmightprefertofightalone.”

Kelcouldindeed.

“Thesedaysknightshavetoworkwithothers.YoumightbeputwithasquadoftheQueen’sRiders,oraninfantrycompany,orevenanavalcrew.Iwastrainedtothinkonlyformyself,andlookatme-actingasgeneralforthreecompaniesoftheKing’sOwn.Weneverfightinstrengthslessthanasquadoften.Ilearnedcommandonthefly,andwishI’dhadmorelessonsonitasalad.”

Kelnodded.Whathesaidmadeagreatdealofsense.ShelikedLordRaoul.AttheendofherfirstyearhehadledmenoftheKing’sOwnandpagesinamissiontocleanupanestofspidrensintheRoyalForest.Shehadadmiredhisskillascommanderandfighterthen,andhehadmadeitclearhethoughthertalented.

Theystrolledintothepalace,enteringakindofindoorcourtyard,withafountainatthecenterandtreesinpotsaroundtheedges.LordRaoulsatonabenchandmotionedforKeltositbyhim.Theysatwithouttalkingforawhile,watchingthefountain.ItwasLordRaoulwhobrokethesilence.“Ihearyouandyourfriendsdeclaredwaronhazing.”

OnlysixyearsattheYamanicourt,withitsirondiscipline,keptherquiet.Kelfoughttobestone,waitinguntilshewassureofherself-controlbeforeshedaredtoask,“Howdidyouhearthat,sir?”

Raoulgrinned.“TheKnightCommanderhassourcesinthepalace,”hecommented,alltooinnocently.“Ihearthings.Iunderstandsomeoflastspring’ssquireswerethefocusofyourcampaign?”

Kellookeddown,herfaceassmoothandemotionlessasmarble.“Icouldn’tsay,mylord.”

“Oh,don’tstartmy-lordingme,youngster,”hesaidcheerfully.“Didn’tanybodytellyouapalaceislikeasieve?Servantstalk,familiestalk,boystalk,andnoblestalk.Ifpeoplestoppedtalkingaroundhere,thewallswouldfallin.There’dbenowindtoholdthemup.Sotellme,nowthattheworstofthemaregone,haveyougivenupyourno-hazingpatrols?”

“No,”shereplied,startled.“Plentyofpagesbelieveinitstill.Youcan’tstopitall.Wejustwantthebulliestobackoff.”Shedidn’ttellhimthatthisyear,whenhergrouphadfoundanythingsuspicious,theotherpageshadleftratherthanfight.

“Isee.Andwho’sthis?”

KellookedupasJumptrottedinfromtheoutside.Hemusthavegonelookingforher.“That’sJump,”shesaid,gettingtoherfeet.“IguesshegotworriedwhenIdidn’tcomeback.”Rememberingtheyweren’tallowedpets,shesaidhurriedly,“He’ssortofamascot,yousee.Helooksafterallofus.”

“I’veheardofJump,”thebigknightsaid,fishingastripofjerkedbeeffromapocketandofferingittothedog.“Wyldonsaidheaccountedforthreeridersandadoginthatmessthissummer.NowthatI’vegotalookathim,I’msurprisedheonlybroughtdownthree.”Jumptookthestripofdriedmeatinhisfrontteeth,daintily,andbegantognawonit.

“Ireallyshoulddosomeworktonight,”Kelsaidregretfully.She’dneverfeltsocomfortablearoundanadultasshedidwiththisman,unlessitwasherparentsorheroldestbrother,Anders.

LordRaoulstood.“Ofcourse.I’mgladwehadachancetotalk,Keladry.”Hesmiledather.“Keepupthegoodwork.”Heturnedandwalkedoutoftheroom,intothenight.

“That’saniceman,”KeltoldJump.“Iwishmorewerelikehim.”Jumpwaggedhisbatteredtail,stillgnawingonhisjerkedbeef.“Let’sgo,”Kelsaid,andheadedbacktothepages’wing.

ten

THESQUIRESRETURN

ThenextnightKelwasinlineforsupperwhenshesawmorefacesatthesquires’tables.Thenumberofsquireswholivedonthefloorabovethepages’winghadbeengrowingslowlyasautumnwenton.Kelbarelyknewthosewhohadcomeinbefore,buttonightsherecognizedtwofaces:CleonandGarvey.

“Onegood,onebad,”MerricremarkedfrombehindKel.

“DoIhavetoclosemyeyestoguesswhich?”Owenwantedtoknow.

Whentheywenttotheirusualtable,Cleonwalkedover.“It’sabouttime,”Nealsaidwhentheredheadedsquireslidontothebenchnexttohim.“Wethoughttheywouldleaveyouinthenorthallwinter.Youwouldhavecomebackasanicicle.”

“Areallybigicicle,”addedSeaver.

AfterseeingLordRaoul,KelknewthatCleonwasn’tthatbig,buthecertainlyseemedtobeheadedthatway.Shesmiledathim.Heseizedoneofherhands.“Kel,myrose,mypearl,”hesaid,attemptingaplayer’syearningstare,“mylifehasbeenadesertdrearwithoutthelightofyoureyes.Iknewitnotuntiljustthismoment,whenmysoulopenedlikeaflowerintherain.”

Kelyankedherhandfree.“Stopthat,youoaf,”shetoldhim,butshegrinneddespitehersterntone.ShehadmissedCleon’scolorfulwayofspeakingtoher.

“It’snotright,”Seaverannouncedabruptly.

“What’snotright?”Nealasked.

“WhenCleontalkstous,hedoesn’tdothat.”SeaverfrownedatCleon.“Youdon’tcallus‘rose’or‘pearl.’Ifyoudon’ttalktouslikethat,youshouldn’tdoittoher.”

“She’sasgoodasus,”addedOwen.“Youdon’thavetotreatherlikeagirl.”

Kelhidherfaceinherhands.

“Butsheisagirl,”protestedCleon.“Atall,glorioussunriseofagirl,a-”Hestopped,blinked,and,astonishingly,turnedred.“Sorry,Kel.”

“Iknowyou’rejustfunning,”shereassuredhim.“How’sInness?”

Cleonhithisforehead.“Ikeepforgettinghe’syourbrother,”heexplainedastheothersgrinned.“He’snice.”

“AndKel’snot?”demandedOwen,outraged.

“Ican’twin,”Cleonmuttered.“He’squietlikeyou,Kel.Andhe’sameanhandwithasword.I’mlearningalotfromhim.”

“Good,”Nealtoldhimsternly.“Ihopehemanagesyouwithawhipandachair,likeawildanimalinashow.”

“Hehardlyeverusesthewhip,”Cleonrepliedinhisloftiesttone.“Iamsomuchbetterthanhislastsquire.”

WhenLordWyldonarrived,Cleonhadtoreturntothesquires’tables.AftersupperhecaughtuptoKeljustasshewasabouttoenterherroom.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindwhatIsaidbefore,”hesaidgruffly,notmeetinghereyes.“Iwasn’tmakingfunofyou.YouknowwhatImean.”

What’sthis?wonderedKel.“I’msurprisedtheysaidanything,”shereplied.“Theynevermindedyourfoolerybefore.”

“Iknow,”hesaid.Oddly,headded,“NeitherdidI.”

Addressinghimslowlyincase,likeaskittishhorse,hetookalarmandbolted,shesaid,“Youtalkedtomethatwaywhileyouweremakingmeearnmywayasafirst-year.Maybetheythoughtyouweretryingtohazemeagain,eventhoughI’mathird-year?”

“That’ssilly,”hesaid,crossinghisarms.

Kelshrugged.“Maybe.Areyoucomingtostudytonight?”

Hisfacelitwithagrin.Suddenlyhelookedlikehisoldselfagain.“That’sright.We’resupposedtodoreportsonourtimewithourmastersforSirMyles,andmine’s”onlyhalf-done.”Hewalkedaway,halted,andturned.“Wemeetintheusualplace?”

Kelsmiledwarmlyathim.“Youhaven’tbeengonethatlong,CleonofKennan.”

Helookedatherwide-eyedforamoment,asifshehadstartledhim.Onceagainheturnedred.“Youlook-fit,Kel,”heremarked.Thenhetrottedoff.

Fit,shethought,shakingherheadassheunlockedherdoor.WhywouldhecareifIlookfitornot?

Winterbeganwithamildstormthatlefttwoinchesofsnowontheground,notenoughfortrainingtobemovedinside.Thedayafterthesnowfell,Kelwasonherwaybacktoherroomsattheendofmorningclasseswhensomeonehailedher.Shehaltedandlookedup.There,atthedoortothepages’wing,stoodJorenofStoneMountain.Hewasaniceprinceinabluetunicoverawhiteshirtandhose,hispaleblondhaircaughtbackinahorsetail.LookingatKel,heactuallysmiled.

Shewaited,herfaceYamani-smooth,herbreathformingcloudsonthechillair.Whatdidhewant?

Jorenfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“Youlookcold,”heoffered.

“I’mnot,”Kelrepliedflatly.Shedidnotfeellikeconversingwithhim.

“Listen,Keladry…”Helookeddown,asiftryingtodecidewhattosay.Atlasthelookedup,andgaveheradisarmingsmile.“Wegotoffonthewrongfoot.”

Isthatwhatyoucallit?wonderedKel.Shecontinuedtowait,herhandsclaspedlooselybeforeher.

“I-allowedmyselftobeinfluencedbytheprejudicesofothers,”heexplained,stillsmilingprettily.

“AndIwasrearedina,arough-and-tumblehome,notaculturedplacelike

this.”Hisgracefulhand-wavetookinthepalacethatsurroundedthem.“SirPaxton,myknight-master,wasquitefirmaboutmyusualbehavior.Hegavemecausetothink,andtoreviewthethingsIhavesaidanddone.”

Kel’smindraced.Shesupposeditwaspossible.Buthedidn’tlearninthetwoyearswefoughthim,tellinghimthathecouldn’tthumpeveryonehehadamindto,hercoolerselfwhispered.Howcouldthatchangeinthesevenmonthshe’sbeenasquire?

“WhatIamtryingtosay,”Jorenwentonatlast,whenshewassilentfortoolong,“isthatIwouldliketostartfreshwithyou.IfImay.”

“Ofcourseyoumay,”shesaidpleasantly,hereyesonhis.“We’llhaveafreshstart,justasyoulike,SquireJoren.Andnow,ifyou’llexcuseme”-shebowedquitecorrectly,notaninchdeeperthanprotocoldemanded-“Imustwashup.”Shewalkedbyhim,allhersensesalerttotherabbitpunchtotheback,orthebootinherbehind.

“Iwouldliketobefriends,”hesaid.

Kelturnedtogivehimherbest,mostmeaningless,socialsmile.“Thatwouldbepleasant,”shesaid,andlefthim.

Now,whatdoyousupposethatwasabout?shewonderedasshescrubbed.Shesighed.Shereallydidn’tneedhimtocomplicateherlifeatthispoint.

Thatnightshewasinherroom,writingtohernephewbeforeshewenttostudywithherfriends,whensomeoneknockedonherdoor.KelcontinuedtowriteasLalasaansweredit.TherewasapuzzlednoteinLalasa’svoicewhenshesaid,“Youhavevisitors,mylady.”

Kelturned,abouttodemandthatshebeleftinpeacetofinishherletter.IdenandWarric,Owen’sfirst-yearcousins,stoodinthedoorway,lookingveryembarrassed.Bothheldstaffs.Theydidn’ttrytopetJumporgreetthesparrowswholitontheirshoulders,evenwhenCrownperchedontopofWarric’sstaffandbegantopreen.

“Youask,”Idenmurmuredtohiscousin.

Warricpunchedhimgently.“No,you.”

Kelsighed.Lalasahadreturnedtohersewing.“Oneofyousaysomething,orgoaway,”sheadvised.“I’veclassworkyettonight,andsodoyou.”

“SergeantEzekosaysheshouldjustimpalehimselfonthestaff,he’ssobadwithit,”Idenannounced,pushingWarric.“MylordtoldmeI’ddobettertoplantmineandhopeatreegrowsoutofit.”

“We’rehopeless,”announcedWarric.

“You’relikebutterwiththestaff,butterwithnocowhairsinit,allsmoothandclean,”Idencontinued.“Owensaidweshouldstopbotheringhimbecausehe’snohandwithit,either,andyou’rethebest.”

“Andyounevergetmad,oryell,”Warricfinished.“OwenandMerricdo.”

LalasaduckedherheadtohideasmileasKelstood.“Youwantmetohelpyou?”Kelasked.Shethought,butdidn’tadd.EventhoughI’mTheGirl?

“Ifyoudon’tmind,”saidIden,hopeinhislargehazeleyes.

“Justsomepointers,sowequitgettingourfingersbroke,”Warricsupplied.Kelglancedathishands-theywerecoveredwithbruises,andonefingerwasswollen.

“Well,youcan’tstartthatway,”sheremarked,andopenedthedeskdrawerwhereshekeptthebruisebalm.“Comehere,bothofyou,”sheorderedassheremovedthetop.“Let’sseeyourhands.”

Bothlads’handsweremottledwithtrainingbruises.Keldabbedbalmontheworst,noddingastheswellingswentdownandpurplemarksfaded.“Now,”sheorderedwhenshehadputthebalmaway,“showmewhatyou’redoing.”

Shesawtheproblemsimmediately.NomatterhowoftenshepositionedWarric’shandsonhisstaff,heletthemslideclosertogetherashepracticed.Iden’sstancewasbad,evenweak;ablowwouldknockhimaside.Usingherbelt-knife,KelroughenedthewoodonWarric’sstaffatthespotswherehishandsshouldbemostofthetime.ThenshemarkedthefloorwithchalktoshowIdenwheretoputhisfeet.Shesuggestedthathetakeonestepoutofhisstanceandanothertoreturntoit,startingfirstwiththeleftfoot,thentheright,andcontinuedoingonlythat.Herideawastomakethepositionfeelnatural.While

hestepped,KelturnedbacktoWarric.

Afterhehadpracticedstrikesandblocksforabrieftime,stoppingoftentorepositionhishandscorrectly,shesaid,“Doitslow.Asyou’redoingeachthing,checkthatyourhandsarealwayswheretheyshouldbe.”

Heswunghisstaffinthehighstrikeposition,movingitwithadancer’sslowgrace.“Butwe’resupposedtogofast,”hepointedout.

“Youwill,inthepracticecourt.ButyoudothethingIusedto,whereIwassoinlovewithswingingaweaponthatIdidn’tcareabouttheexactwaytodoit.IgotmyfingersbrokenbeforeIlearnedtostopthinkinghowgoodImustlook,doitslow,andmakesuremyhandswerewheretheyoughttobe.”Shedidn’tmentionshe’dbeensixatthetime.IfWarrichadstudiedwithtougholdNariko,theYamaniemperor’sarmsmistress,hewouldbefurtheralong,too.

Shewatchedcarefullyastheboywentthrougheachmovement,pushinghishandsbackintoplacewhenevertheymovedofftheroughareaswherehehadtogrip.Whenhelosthisstance,shesteppedbehindhimtocorrecttheplacingofhisfeet.

“Itdoesn’tfeelright,”KelheardIdencomplainasshepositionedWarric.

Lalasareplied,“Itdidn’ttomeatfirst,either.No,yourtoespointout.”KelglancedoverintimetoseeLalasakneelbesideIden.Shemovedhisfeetintothecorrectpositionandheldtheminplacewithherhandsassheexplained,“Theyhavetopointstraightaheadonthatfoot.Trytheblocknow.”

Idenobeyed.“Buttheywanttopointout,”heprotested.

“Andyourbellywantssweets.Youshouldn’tgiveyourbodywhatitwantsallthetime,”Lalasasaid.

WarriclookedatKel,startled.Shewinkedandsaid,“Trythatlowblockagain.Holdyourstance.”

“Youknowwhatmyladysuggested?”LalasaaskedIden.“Shesaidwheneveryouaren’tdoinganything,justassumethatstanceandholditforacountoften.”

“Anyoddtime?”inquiredtheboy.

Lalasanoddedgravely.“WhenIgetupinthemorning,orI’minlineintheservants’mess,oratthedraper’swaitingforaclerk,Ijuststandlikethatandcount.ThemoreIdidit,themorenaturalitgot.MyladysaysIdomuchbetternow.”

“Shedoes,”affirmedKel.“Shethrewmeallthewaytothedoorthisweek.”TheboysstaredatLalasa,awed.

Thefirstbellofthenightrang,tellingpagestostartclassworkiftheyhadn’tdonesoalready.AsKelopenedthedoorforherguests,Idenasked,“Wouldyouminddoingalittlebitwithustomorrow,likeyoudidtonight?”

“Forawhile?”addedWarric.

“Justtillwegetit,”Idenpromised.

Kelsighedinwardly.Shehatedtolosethelittletimeshehadtoherself,buttheyweregazingatherlikestarvedpuppies.Onlyamonsterwouldrefuse,shethought.“I’llbehappyto,”shereplied,thinking,Sometimesevenknightshavetotellwhitelies.

“You’llsee!”sheheardIdentellWarricastheywenttoputtheirstaffsaway.“We’llbegoodinnotime!”

IwishIhadsuchfaithinmyskillasateacher,thoughtKel.Shecollectedherbooks.“Thankyouforhelping,Lalasa.”

“Ijusttoldhimwhatyoutoldme,”themaidsaid,pickinguphersewingagain.

Kelshookherheadandleftforthelibrary.

Theweeksbetweenthesquires’returnandMidwinterevaporated.Inthattime,IdenandWarricbecameregularvisitorstoKel’sroom,asourceofentertainmentthatthesparrows,Jump,andLalasaseemedtoenjoy.Cleontaughtheraswordthrustandtwistgoodforpartingamanfromhisdagger.Thearcherymasterallowedtheadvancedgrouptotryshootingwithbroadheadarrows.ForthefirsttimeKelwasgrantedafreeafternoontogointothecity.LalasastoppedloweringthehemsofKel’spresentsetofpageuniforms,andgothernewones.Kelwasfivefeetseveninherstockingfeetattheageoftwelveandahalf.

Jorensaidhelloquitepleasantly,notjusttoKel,buttoherfriendsaswell.Oneeveninghewassoboldastocometothelibrarytheyhadclaimedfortheirstudygrouptogetabook.Nooneknewwhattomakeofit.

Midwintercame,andwithitthetimeforwhatNealcalled“ourordealbyetiquette,”theMidwinterbanquets.Astheyhadtheyearbefore,Kel’sfriendscametoherandLalasaforalast-minuteinspectionbeforetheyreportedtoMasterOakbridge.ThisyearitwasOwen’sturntobethecoolveteran,andIden’sandWarric’stofretthattheymightactuallybecalledontoserve.

AgainKelwasassignedtowaitonDanayne,ArchpriestessoftheMoonofTruthtempleinCorus,andthosewhosatwithher:EdaBellandHakuinSeastone,andMasterHarailtofAili,deanoftheroyaluniversity.TheShangsandMasterHarailtgreetedherwithpleasure;MasterHarailtinquiredaboutherstudies.TheArchpriestesssaidnothing,butthenshe’dsaidbarelyawordtohercompanionstheyearbefore.

Kelwasreturningforthesecondfishcoursewhenayoungwomanmovedintoherpath.ItwasUlineofHannalof,elegantinpetal-pinkbrocade.Sheworehercurlyhairinanetdecoratedwithmoonstones.“Keladry,Iwantedtosayhello.Howareyou?”

Kelsmiled.“I’mquitewell,thankyou.Andyoulookverygrand!”ShewasstartledtodiscoverthatUline,whowaseighteenorso,wasKel’sheightexactly.

Ulineblushedandsmoothedherskirts.“Thankyou.”ShelookedKelover.“Howgoesit?Dotheytreatyouwell,thosepages?”

“Aswellastheytreatanyone,”Kelreplied.“It’sarough-and-tumbleworld,comparedtothatoftheladies.”

“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”repliedUline.“ThissummerIwasinvitedtobecomeoneoftheroyalladies.Thathasitsrough-and-tumblemoments.”

“Congratulations,”Kelsaid,andmeantit.Whilethequeenhadmanyladies-in-waiting,onlyonegroupwascalled“theroyalladies.”ItwasmadeupoffifteenorsoyoungwomenofnoblebirthwhocouldwaitonQueenThayetatstatefunctions,keepupwithheronhorseback,anduseweaponsincombat,bowsforthemostpart.“Thatis,Ihopeyoufeelyoushouldbecongratulated.”

Ulinegiggled.“BackinOctober,whenIbrokemyarm,Iwasn’tsure.Nowitseemsallright.Ofcourse,ifyoueverseemeafterridingtwentymilesintherain-well,don’taskmethen,allright?”

Kelsmiledandbowed.

Ulinecurtsied.“I’llleaveyoutoyourchores.Bytheway-whoisthathandsomeyoungman,theonewiththegreeneyes?Helooksabitoldtobeapage.”

Kelmadeherselfsay,“NealanofQueenscove.Hedidn’tstartuntilhewasfifteen.He’seighteennow.”

“Mygoodness,howodd,”Ulineremarked.“Still,don’tyouthinkhe’shandsome?”

“Very,”Kelreplied.Iwon’tgetupsetifshefallsinlovewithhim,shetoldherself.Uline’sveryniceandtheywouldmakeafinecouple.

Ulinesighed.“Apitywe’reannouncingthebetrothaltonight.Oh,well-IdoloveKieran,andatleasttheweddingisn’tforanotheryear.”

“Kieran?”askedKel,baffled.

“KieranhaMinch,”Ulinereplied.“He’shandsome,too,thoughhiseyesarebrown,notgreen.Idolovegreeneyes.MaybeI’llflirtwiththisNeal.”Herowneyesshoneasshewatchedhim.

“Wouldn’t-”Kelbegantosay,butthewordsstuckinhermouth.Sheswallowedandtriedagain.“Wouldn’titbe,well,notnicetoflirtwithsomebodyyoudon’twanttofallinlovewith?”

Ulinesighed.“Isupposeitwould,”sheadmitted.“Well,I’lldreamIflirtedwithhim.Oryoucouldflirtwithhimforme.”

“IthinkIcouldflirtaboutaswellasmygeldingdances,”Kelsaidfrankly.“I’dbestgettowork.”

Ulinerestedahandonherarm.“I’mgladit’sgoingwell,”shesaid,hereyeskind.“Whenyoucometothebigexaminations,I’llbeintheaudience,

cheering.”

KelthankedUlineandreturnedtotheroomwheretheservingpageswaited.ShewonderedifsheoughttotellNealthathisheart’sdesirewasbetrothed,butshethoughtthebetterofit.Letsomeoneelseruinhislife.

It’snotasifhe’lleverlookatyou,shetoldherselfasthefreedpagestrudgedtotheirsupperafterthebanquet.You’rethesameasanotherboytohim.You-

“Clumsyidiot!”sheheardanall-too-familiarvoicecryfromaconnectinghallway.“Doyouknowwhatthistuniccostme?”

Shesaidnothingtohercompanions,butturnedintothecorridor.Jorenhadafootmanbythearm.Themanstillclutchedapitcher;attheirfeetwasapuddleofliquid.

ThemomentJorensawKel,hereleasedthefootmanandbackedaway,bothhandsraisedtoshowhewouldn’tgrabthemanagain.“Myapologies,”hetoldtheman.ToKelhesaid,“Oldhabitsdiehard,don’tthey?”Hisruefulsmileinvitedhertosharehisamusement.Whenshesaidnothing,Jorengavethemanasilvercoinandstrolledaway.

“Whatwasthatabout?”Nealdemanded.

Kelturned.Allofherfriendswerearrayedatherback.“Hesayshe’schanged.”

“Isupposehecouldhavechanged,”Nealsaiddryly.“Imyselfhavenoticedmygrowingresemblancetoadaffodil.”Theotherpagessnorted.

Keleyedherfriend.“Youdolookyellowaroundtheedges,”shetoldhim,herfacequiteserious.“Ihadn’twantedtobringitup.”

“Wedaffodilsliketohavethingsbroughtup,”Nealsaid,slinginganarmaroundhershoulders.“Itremindsusofspring.”

“Doesdungremindyouofspring,too,PrincessFlower?”Cleondemandedirritably.“Youneedn’tmanhandleourKellikethat.”

KelpeeledNeal’sarmaway.“Thanks,butnothanks,”shetoldhim,hopinghe

didn’tnoticethatherbreathcamequicker,orthatherheartpoundedlikeadrum.“Idon’twanttocrushyourpetals.”

“Crushmineallyoulike,fairlady,”Cleontoldher,puttinganarmaroundhershouldersinNeal’sstead.

OwenwriggledbetweenKelandNealandwrappedanarmaroundKel’swaist.“Metoo,”hesaid,grinningupather.

Kelworkedherselffree,chuckling.Thebanquetsweren’tmuchfun,butshelikedhowtheboysgotsillyatMidwinter.Youcanonlybegrimanddeterminedtoachieveyourgoalsforsolong,shethoughtastheywalkedintothepages’messtogether.Afterthat,youjusthavetojokearoundforawhile.

“Say,Neal,”Owensaidastheygotintolinetobeserved,“UlineofHannaloflooksbeautiful”

“Sheisnotforme,”Nealsaidgravely.Everyoneturnedtolookathim.“She’sbetrothedtoKieranhaMinch-they’reannouncingitthisweek.She’llbrightentheirgloomynortherncastleslikethemoon.Now,thequeen-shewasmorethanbeautifultonight.Didyouseeher,inthatwhitegownembroideredinscarlet?Thejewelsinherhair,likestarsinthemidnightsky?Noothercountryhasaqueentocompare.AndshehasthedeadlycoreofaSirajitsword,beautyanddeathinonesplendidwoman.”HiseyesweremistyasheconsideredQueenThayet.“MurdonFielding,theSageofCria,wrote,‘Squire,givethyqueenthypurestlove.LetherbethelivingemblemofthepoweroftheGoddess.Herbeauteouscountenancewillbethyguide,herfavorandthanksyourpayment.Lether-’”

SomeonepassedKeloneofthelong,thinloavesofbreadservedwithsoup.BeforeNealcouldgoon,hisfriendsattackedhimwiththeloaves,batteringhimuntilthebreadfelltopieces.

Nealbrushedcrumbsoffhisclothesandfixedthemwithhisloftiestglare.“Soulless,heartlesspagesthatyouare,”hesaid,“Iignoreyou.”Hecutaheadoftheminlinesohecouldbeservedfirst.

OnceagainKel’smysteriousbenefactorsurprisedherwithacostly,usefulholidaygift.Thatsummershehadreceivedridingglovesandgauntletsmadeofbeautifullyworkedleather;inthefallithadbeenshootingglovesandarm

guardstoprotectherclothesfromherbowstring.Nowitwasapairoflargesaddlebags,wellmadebutordinaryenoughontheoutside,andfittedwithlargeandsmallcompartments.Shefoundthingsinthosecompartments:flintandsteel,anoiledpouchfulloftinder;smallironpotsandaplateandbowlset,allofwhichfittogether;ahankoflight,strongrope;tooth-cleaningpowder;atidysewingkit;hooksandlineforfishing;andacuriousfanlikecreationthat,whenopenedup,wasrevealedtobeawaterproofhat.

“Whoeveritis,they’redrivingmemad,”KeltoldLalasa.“Ican’tbegintothankthematthispoint,andI’venoideawhoitis!”

“Whoeveritis,theywantyoutokeepdoingwhatyou’redoing,”Lalasasaid.

“IjustwishIknew”grumbledKel.“Ihatemysteries.Whydoesthispersonlikemesomuch?WhocouldithurtifIknewwhoitwas?”Whenshe’dgottentheglovesandarmguards,sherealizedthatherunknownfriendknewwhatsizeKelwas,butLalasasworenoonehadapproachedher.Kelhadgivenuponthatlineofthinking.Afterall,herchangingsizeswerenotedbythepalacetailorssotheycouldsupplyLalasa.ItwouldbeeasyenoughforsomeonewhoknewthepalacetoaskthetailorsforKel’smeasurements.

ThisMidwinter,Kelmadeonlyonevowtokeepinthenewyear.Beingallowedtovisitthecitybeforetheholidayhadmadeherseethatshewasn’tgettingasmanypunishmentsasshehadinherfirsttwoyears.Shewasrarelytardy,she’dlearnedhowtocleanhergeartoLordWyldon’ssatisfaction,andshenevergotintofightsanymore.Withoutpunishmentworktoforceherontoheights,therewasnothingtohelpKelovercomeherfear.

Ifshewantedtodefeatit,shewouldhavetofaceitherself,onaregularbasis.ShedoubtedthatanyonewouldsendherupBalor’sNeedleagain,butwhatifshehadtotakeanotetothewatchcaptainonthewalls?Shewascertainthatcomesummer,LordWyldonwouldresumesendingheruponheights.Shehadbetterpracticebeforethen.

Thus,everynightaftersupper,Kelwentonawalk.Onenightshemightgototheimmense,pillaredgallerythatstretchedaroundthemainentrancehallandmapthelowerfloor,includingeverypottedtreeandbench.Anothernightmightseeherinoneofthewatchtowers,forcingherselftonotewhichpointsoflightbelowwerefixedandwhichmoved.Sheclimbedtreesinthegardens.Onher

daysoffshesoughtabalconyandmappedtheportionofthegroundsvisiblefromthere,orthelandbetweentheouterwallandthecity.

IthadbeeneasierwhenshedidthesethingsunderLordWyldonsorders.Anorderhadtobeobeyed;shedidn’thavetothinkbeyondthat.Whenitwasherowndoing,shewasalwaystemptedtoskipaday,orjustglancedown,thengetbacktotheground.Kelhadtoforceherselftokeephervow.Shewasbetteratitsomedaysthanothers.

Herdailytrainingfollowedthepathsetthatautumn.AfterMidwinter,LordWyldonaddedtotheirharnessesonceagain.Keladjustedtothenewweightmorequicklythanbefore,whichmeantshewasexhaustedbyitsdragonherchestandshouldersforjustoveraweek.Bythetimetwoweekshadpassed,shedidn’tnoticethefreshweight.

Ondaysthatwereniceenoughtoallowthepagestopracticetilting,Kelhittheblackspotonthetargetshieldwitheverypass.InJanuary,LordWyldonmovedsixofthefourth-yearpageswhocouldreliablyhitthetargettoKel’squintainandchangedKel’sprogram.Nowshehadahardertarget-aringofwoodaboutafootindiameter,hungfromacordattachedtoalongrod.

ThiswasverydifferentfromwhatKelwasusedto.Shebelievedthetrainingmasterwastryingtomakeherlosehermind.Thecirclebobbedandswayedineverypuffofair.Shefeltasifshechasedabutterflywithherlance.

“Adversitybuildscharacter?”Nealsuggestedonebittermorningwhenshewastakingabreather.

ShelookedatPeachblossom.“Bitehim,”sheordered.Thegelding,ascontraryasacat,blewather.

“Allright,how’sthis?Heknowsyou’refarbetterthanmostofus,andhe’stryingtomakeyoubetterstill.”WhenKelblinkedathim,Nealshrugged.“OrwecouldgobacktohimbeingaStumpwholivestotortureyou.Ilikethatonebetteranyway.”

Inweaponspractice,LordWyldonbeganexercisesincityfighting.Hewouldtaketheseniorstoanemptysectionofthepalace,ortoacollectionofoutbuildingsonthegrounds,andputthemtowork.Inpairs,ingroups,oralone,theychasedoneanother,hidingbehinddoorsandcorners,sparringfuriously

whentheyencounteredthe“enemy.”Kel,incommandoffivepagesoneFebruarymorning,routedagroupofseventhatincludedYancen,Balduin,andNeal,bymakingthemsplittheirforce.WhenHakuinandEdadeclaredhersidethewinner,LordWyldonwassilentforaverylongmoment.Therewasnotellingwhathethought,orwhatthetoneinhisvoicemeantwhenhesaidatlast,“Verygood,PageKeladry.”

Itwashisfirstcompliment.Sheknewshewouldrememberiteverydayofherlife.

OneMarchSunday,Kelclimbedthecurtainwall.Shewasn’tsurehowlongshehadbeensketchingthegroundbetweenthepalace’sLeastGateandCoruswhensherealizedshehadcompany.Jorenwasdrapedonamerlonbesideher,verymuchathisease.

“Ithoughtyouwereafraidofheights,”heremarkedwhenshelookedathim.

Kelletnohintofheruncertainty,confusion,andirritationwithhimshowthroughherYamanifacade.“Iam,”sherepliedatlast,andwentbacktohermapping.

“Youdon’tlookit.”

“Well,that’ssomething,”shesaiddryly,rubbingoutacrookedline.

“Ifyou’reafraid,whydothis?”heasked,athismostreasonable.“Theywon’ttestyouonitatthebigorlittleexams.”

“Mylordwill,thenexttimehegivesmepunishmentwork,”Kelinformedhim.“Orthegodswill,thenexttimeI’msupposedtohelpsomeoneintroubleandthey’reonaheight,orwehavetoclimbtoescapedanger.”

Forawhilehesaidnothing,butsheknewhewasstillthere,stillwatchingher.“Whydoanyofthis?”hewantedtoknow.“Itisn’tatallneedful.Didsomeonetellyouthatyouhadnochancetomarry?”

Kel’shandjerked,smearingcharcoaloverhernotes.Shemadeafaceandrubbeditout.

Jorenwenton,“It’snottrue.You’dbeaprettything,intherightclothesand

afteryou’dlostsomeweight.Afteryoustoppedworkingsoyourarmsarelikeablacksmith’s.You’dmakeafinewifeforoneofthosebigfellows-Cleon,forinstance.Heseemsfondofyou.HowaboutLordRaoul?Hecanaffordawife.Youcouldsettledownandraiseyounggiants.”HesmiledasKellookedathim,butthesmiledidn’treachhiseyes.

WhenshewasfiveandhermotherhadsavedtheYamanis’mostsacredartifactsfrompirates,theemperormadeherfamilypartofhisinnercircle.SuddenlyKel’sfamilywassoughtbyallkindsofpeople.ChildrenwhohadlaughedatKelandcalledherahulkingbarbariannowfoughtforthehonorofsittingwithher.Theygaveherpresentsandinvitedhertotheirhomes.Kelheardtwoofthemsayprivatelythattheirparentshadorderedthemtobefriendtheemperor’spetssotheemperormightfavortheirfamilies.Thesmilesofthosechildren,andtheirparents,neverreachedtheireyes,either.

“It’ssogoodofyoutoconcernyourselfwithmymarriageprospects,”Kelrepliedevenly.“HasitoccurredtoyouIdon’twanttomarry?”Neal,shethoughtsuddenlyandhorribly.IfNealaskedme…

Heneverwill,repliedhercoldlypracticalself.Hefallsinlovewithbeauties.

“Nonsense,”Jorenwassayingcomfortably.“Allwomencareaboutmarriage.EventheLionessscrapedupahusband,thoughshehadtodigthroughthemiddensofCorustodoit.”

SurelytheKing’sChampionhadmarriedonlybecauseshehadwantedto.“Ifyousayso,”Kelreplied.Shewentbacktohermapping.

“Thinkaboutit,”Jorensaid,clappingherontheshoulder.“Onebattletoomany,andyou’llbescarredforlife.Nomanwillwantyouthen.”Heambledoff,whistling.

Kelshookherhead.Maybehe’llbeagreatknightoneday-maybe,shethought.Butfirst,he’dbettergethisheadoutofhisbehind.Andhe’dbetterletmebe.

eleven

UNPLEASANTREALITIES

OneeveninginlateMarchasparrowflewintothelibrarywhereKelandherfriendsstudied.Thebird-thefemalenamedPegforhermissingfoot-landedonKel’sshoulderandchatteredangrily.

“Aren’ttheysupposedtobeasleep?”Nealasked.

Kelsighed.“She’sprobablylockedoutandcan’tgettothecourtyard.”Ifthesparrowswereflyinginside,theysometimesgottrappedwhenthedoorswereclosed.Withthewaytothecourtyard,andKel’sopenshutter,barred,theyusuallywaitedforKelbyherdoor,fluffinguptheirfeathersandlookingthepictureofsparrowmisery.

Kelgottoherfeet.“Jump,stay,”sheordered.Jump,whosleptwithhisblockyheadonCleon’sfoot,openedhiseyesandsnorted.Hehadnointentionofmoving.

Cleondidn’tlookatherashesaid,“Youwantcompany?”

Kelsmiled.“I’mjustgoingtoletherintothecourtyard.I’llonlybeamoment.”Walkingout,shetoldPeg,“Idon’tseewhyyoucouldn’twaittillIcamehome,ifLalasadidn’thearyou.Ordoessittingonthestonesmakeyourstumphurt?”Shecrossedthepages’corridorintotheshorthallthatledtotheouterdoor.Coolair,notcold,brushedhercheeks-thedoorwasopen.“Peg,whyinMithros’sname-”Kelbegan,vexed.

Thenamuffledcurse,furioussparrowchatter,andthesoundofatusslereachedherears.“You’llpayforthattrick,wench!”someonegrowled.“Callthesebirdsoff!”

Kel’sinstinctwastodashoutandhaltwhateverwasgoingon,butLordWyldon’straininggrippedherhard.Fightingtheurgetorun,sheslidtotheopendoorandcarefullyleanedaroundit,movingslowly.Aquickmovementwouldattracttheeyeofanyoneinthecourtyard.

Heropenwindowwasjusttenfeetaway.Vinsonstoodthere,grapplingwithLalasa.Fromthewreckageofthesewingbasketontheground,KelguessedLalasahadbeenworkinginthewindowseatwhenVinsoncameby.Nowhefoughttokeepahandoverhermouthwhileherfingersscrabbledoverhisarm,lookingfortenderplacestopinch.Thesparrowsattackedfuriously,makingVinsonducktheirclawsashetriedtowedgeLalasa’shandsunderhisfreearm.Hewasluckythesparrowswerehalf-blindatnight,ortheycouldhavedamagedhimbadly.Asitwas,hebledfromadozenpeck-marksonhisface.

WhitefuryblazedinKel’sheart.Shestalkedforward,battlingtokeepherfeelingsinhandasshesaidcoldly,“Unhandmymaid.”Lalasa’seyeswidened.Peg,acautiousbird,fledKel’sshoulderforthesafetyoftheroom.ThesparrowsattackingVinsondidthesame.

Vinsonhalf-turnedtolookather,stillholdingLalasa.Kelcouldseethefurrowedgougesofawoman’sfingernailsdowntheolderboy’sface.“IfIwereyou,Lump,I’dwalkawayrightnow.”Heusedthenicknamesherarelyheardthesedays.

Keldidn’targue.Pivotingonherrightfoot,shefurledherleftleguptoherinnerthighandsnappedthefootout.RatherthanshatterVinson’skneecap,shehitjustaboveit,wherethethighmusclenarrowed.Helurched,knockingLalasaagainstthewindowframe,thenletgo.LalasascrambledbackinsideKel’sroom,tearsstreamingdownherface.

KeltookanothersteptowardVinson,doublingherfists.Forthefirsttimeshecouldunderstandhowsomeoneinaragemightdomurder.“Howdareyoutouchanunwillingwoman?”sheasked.

Heswallowedandtookanotherstepawayfromher,unabletorestanyweightonthelegshe’dkicked.“You’rewrong,Mindelan,”hesaid,lickinghislipsnervously.“Thewenchhasbeeneyeingmeforweeks.Theyalldoit-bedmentoearnextracoinovertheirwages.”

“Liar.”Kelslappedhim.LastyearVinsonhadbeenalmostahandtallerthanshewas.Nowshewasascantinchshorter,andherbuildwasmoresolid.Vinsonwasganglyandheexercisedonlyinthepracticecourts.“IknowherandIknowyou.Thosescratchesalonecondemnyou.”Sheslappedhimagain.Hehadtochallengeher;noknightcouldallowanyonetostrikehimwithoutafight.When

hedid,shewouldteachhimafewlessons,thenturnhimintoLordWyldon.

Vinsonbackedupanotherstep.Hewasinthewrongineveryway.Bypalacelawthemaidsweretobeleftalone:violatorswerebroughtbeforethechamberlain.Inchivalry,servantswereunderamaster’sprotectionandcouldnotbeinterferedwithunlessthemastergavepermission.NoonewouldarguewithKel’sduelingoverthis.

“Youwillregretyourtreatmentofme,”Vinsonsaid.Hisvoiceshook.Hisfacewaspaleandsweatyarounditsscratches.“Myfamilyispowerfulatcourt.”

Keladvanceduntiltheywereinchesapart.“Youareacoward,”shetoldhim,soft-voiced.“Youknewyoucouldfrightenher-that’swhyyoupickedher.Whatkindofknightpreysonservinggirls?Whereisyourhonor?”

“JustbecauseIwon’tbrawlwithyoudoesn’tmeanIhavenohonor!”heblustered.“I-Irefusetogetintroubleoverawenchwhoisnobetterthansheshouldbe!”

Kelliftedherhandtoslaphimagain.Vinsonflinched,raisinghisarmtoprotecthisface.Hedidn’trunonlybecauseshehadbackedhimagainstthewall.

Sheturnedaway,disgusted.“I’mreportingthis,”shesaid,stridingtowardthecourtyarddoor.

“Mylady,no!”criedLalasa.ShelungedoutofthewindowtograbKel’ssleeve.“Don’ttell!’Shewipedhereyes.“They’lltalk.I’venoreputation,that’showthingsareinservants’hall.”ShehungontoKelwithbothhandsandloweredhervoice.“Noblescanmakeagirl’slifeamisery-theyalwaysdo.Pleasedon’treportthis!”

Kelwantedtoargue,butLalasamadesense.AsKelhadjustseen,shecouldn’tbeeverywhere.Whocouldsayanenemywouldn’tlieinwaitforLalasainplacesthatKelcouldnotbe?

Still,Kelowedhermaidloyaltyandprotection.“Hemustbereported,”shetoldLalasaquietly.“He’lldoitagain.”

“Please,mylady,”pleadedLalasa,“putyourselfinmyshoes!You’llgetmeintrouble.Hiskindcanmakeithardforservants.Hespeakstohismother,who

speakstothechamberlain,whospeakstoasteward,whoputsmyuncleoutofwork.Howwillyouknowitwasdone?Howwillyouknowitevencamebecauseofthis?Intwoyearsyou’llbegone,andUncleandIwillstillbehere.Listentome.”

KellookedforVinson:he’dstolenaway.Shetriedtostillhermind,tothink.Shecertainlyknewofnobleswhoforcedthemselvesonservingwomen.Nooneputahalttoit.Withintheirownfiefdoms,noblescoulddoastheypleased.EventhepriestessesoftheGoddess,sworntoprotectwomenandgirlsfromjustthiskindofthing,mighthesitatetooffendalord.Vinson’sfamilywasconnectedtopowerfulhousesthroughouttherealm.Thesayingwasthatifanythingwasneeded,Genlithswouldsupplyit.Whenallelsewassaidanddone,Kelwouldbe,goneintwoyears,toservewhateverknightwouldtakeherforasquire.She’dbehardputtodefendLalasaandGowerthen.

LalasasensedthatKelwasnotabouttochargeafterVinson.SherelaxedherholdonKel’sarm.“IfI’dbeenonmyfeet,Icouldhavedonesomething,”shecommented,andblewhernose.“Hehadmealltwistedaround.Icouldhardlygetathim.”

Kellookedatherandrememberedwhatshehadseen:Lalasa’shandsgropingforanerve,anynerve,inVinson’simprisoningarm,andthebloodyfurrowsonVinson’sface.“Iamsoproudofyou,”shesaidwarmly,pattingLalasa’sshoulder.“He’sgoingtohurtforalongtime-hewon’tdaretakethosemarkstoahealer.”AndI’dliketoseehimexplainthescratchestoLordWyldon,shethought.“Idon’tknowifIcouldhavedoneaswellfromthatposition.”SheinspectedLalasa.“Didhehityou?Hurtyouinanyway?”

Lalasamadeaface.“I’vebruiseswherehegrabbedme.Hewould’vegottentohittingsoonerorlater-theyalldo.”Kelstaredather,appalled.Lalasaturnedherfaceaway.“Mydad,mybrothersallhittheirwomen.”

Kelrealizedshewashearingbleaktruth.“IthoughtGowersaidyouwerealone-wait.Doeshehityou?”

Lalasashookherheadandsmiled,herlipstrembling.“DadalwayssaidUnclehadstrangeideas,learntuphereinthenorth.He’snot,notchirpy,likesome,buthe’sthegentlestsoul.Hewastheonlyoneleft…”Shetookabreath.“RaiderscameinfromtheCopperIslesandburnedourvillageout.Theymissedme-Dad

sentmetotherivertowashclothes.”

“Soyoucamehere.”

Lalasanodded.“UncleGowertoldmetheking’spalaceisafineplacetowork.Andsoitis-Icouldn’taskforkinderfriendsthanTian,andUncle.It’sjust-”Sheshrugged.“Noplaceisperfect.”

Kelrubbedhertemples.“Usethebruisebalm,”shesuggested.“Youwon’tneedalot.”Sheturned.

Lalasagrabbedherarmagain.“You’renot-”shebegan,eyeswide.

Kelsmiledgrimly.“Iwon’treporthim,butIhavetomakesurehedoesn’tforget.”

Lalasa’seyessearchedKel’sface.Atlastshereleasedhermistress.

“Nexttimeyouwanttosewinthewindow?”saidKel.“ComegetJump.He’llseetoityou’renotbothered.”

Shewentbackintothepages’wing,walkedstraighttoVinson’sroom,andknockedsharply.“Don’tmakemesaywhatI’vecometosayouthereinthehall,”shecalled.

Vinsonopenedthedoor,hisfacesullen.“What?”Hedidn’tinviteherin.

Kelputahandonthedoorandleanedintotheopening,makingsurehecouldseeherclearly.“IfIhearofyoubotheringanyfemale,notjusther,I’lltakeyoubeforethecourtoftheGoddess.I’llriskmakinganenemyofthepackthatwhelpedyou.”

Vinsonblanchedunderhisscratchesandpimples.AmanconvictedofhurtingwomenintheGoddess’scourtfacedharshpenalties;thoseforactualrapeweretheworstofall.ThetemplesmaintainedtheirownwarriorstoenforcetheGoddess’slaw.

“Ineverwanttoseethewenchagain,”hesnapped,hisvoicecracking.“I’dgiveanythingnevertoseeyou.”Heslammedthedoor.

Kellethimdoit.Hewouldkeepquietnow,shesuspected.Onethingwascertain,though-shemustnotforget.Thatherservantwasharassedwithoutrealpunishmentwasareproach.Noblesweresupposedtoprotecttheirservants.Lalasahaddonewellbyher.Shehadtoholdupherendofthearrangement.

Shehadtroublenoddingoffthatnight.Shecouldn’tgetridofherangerwithVinsonandwithaworldinwhichservantsdidn’tmatter.Itwasn’tright.

Ifshehadgoneintoherusualdeepsleeprightaway,shemightneverhaveheardsoundsinthedressingroom.Tonightshedid.ShewentaroundthescreenthathidLalasa’sbedtofindtheoldergirlcrying.

“Now,what’sthis?”Keldemanded,worried.“Lalasa,what’swrong?”Shesatonthebed.“Pleasedon’tcry.”

LalasaburiedherheadinKel’sshoulder.“Whenhegrabbedme,Ihopedyouwouldcome,”shesaid,hervoicethick.“I’dnoright,butIhoped.Andyoudid!”

Kelpattedherawkwardly.“Youhaveeveryright,”shesaid.“I’mhonor-boundtoprotectyou.”

“Andyoudid,youdid!”criedLalasa.“Thelookonyourface-“

“MaybeIshouldreportthisafterall,”Kelsuggested.“It’snotright,lettinghimoffwhenyou’resoscared.”

“It’snotthat,”Lalasareplied,shakingherheadandsittingupstraight.Shewipedhereyesonhersleeve.“Notthat,notmuch,anyway.”Shesniffed.“Ineverknewanybodywho’dfightforme,never.Whenmybro-aman,amanhurtme,whenIwaslittle,andmyparentssaidIlied.Hewasmoreimportanttothem.Butyou-youfaceddownanobleforme!”

Kellookeddown,hidingshockandfury.Lalasa’sownbrotherhadhurther,andherparentshaddonenothing?They’dasgoodastoldtheirdaughterthatshedidn’tmatter!

Atlast,whenshecouldtrusthervoice,Kelclearedherthroatandsaid,“Vinson’snotmuchofanoble.”

“ButIknewyouwould,ifyoufoundout.”LalasaclungtooneofKel’shands.

“SinceI’vecometoyourservice,Ineverfeltsosafe.”

“Well,it’snothingtocryover,”Kelsaid.

Lalasachuckledandwipedhereyesagain.“You’resostrong,”shesaid,alittleenvyinhervoice.“IwishIwaslikeyou.Iwagernooneevergrabbedyouinyourlife.”

Kelbentherheadforamomentasmemoryfloodedher.“MybrotherConalheldmeoffabalconywhenIwasfour.IforgetwhatI’ddonetoannoyhim,”shesaidquietly.“Hewasalwayshittingmeorpushingme.Thistimehegotcaught-oneofthemaidswasinthegardenandheardmescreaming.”

“Whatabrute!”Lalasacried,indignant.

“I’dneverseenPapasoangry.HealmostdisownedConal.HesaidhewoulddisownConalifheheardofanythingelselikethat.”Kelsmiledbitterly.“Ithinktheworstpart,otherthanmybeingscaredofheightsnow…TheworstpartisthatConaldoesn’tevenremember.IaskedhimwhenwecamebackfromtheIslands.”

“Nowonderyouhatebullies,”whisperedLalasa.“Nowonderyoulearnedtofight.”

Keltookadeepbreathandletitout,thrustingthehardmemoriesaway.“Areyougoingtobeabletosleepnow?”sheasked.

“Yes,forgiveme,”repliedLalasa,releasingKel’shand.“I’msorryIwokeyou.”

“Youdidn’t.”Kelgottoherfeet.“Iwasawake.Butyoushouldsleep-allthesewingyoudothesedays,you’veearnedyourrest.”

“Andyouhaven’t,Isuppose,”Lalasateased.

“Sleepwell,Lalasa.”

“Thankyou,mylady.”AsKelreachedthedressingroomdoorsheheardhermaidsay,quietlybutfirmly,“Iknewyouwouldcome.”

AweeklaterVinsonwasgonewithhisknight-master.Somehowhe’dgottenahealertotendthemarksonhisface;Kelwouldhavelikedtoknowwhatstoryhe’dtold.Shesuspectedhe’dhadtohurthisfacewithsomethingelse,tocoverthemarks-itwasanoldtrick.

SoonafterVinson’sdeparture,Cleonreportedtothestudygroupwithaglumface.“Thisisit,”heannounced.“I’moffatdawn.We’regoingbacknorth.”ToKelhesaid,“SirInnesssaidtotellyouwe’llbevisitingatMindelan,ifyou’veanythingtosendhome.”

“IhavealettertoAnders,”shesaid.“ShallIgetit?”

“I’llgowithyou,ifit’sallthesame,”Cleonsaid.“Ineedtopackyettonight.”Hesaidhisfarewellstohisotherfriends,tuggedNeal’sear“forluck”,heclaimed,andfollowedKelbacktoherrooms.

TianandLalasasatinthewindowseat,doingfineembroidery.Kelwavedforthemtostaywheretheywereandfoundherletteronherdesk.Quicklyshesignedandsealedit,andgaveittoCleon.

Heturneditoverinhishands,glancedatthetwomaids,andasked,“So,Kel,willyoumissme?”

Shesmiledathim.“Imissedyoulastyear.Ourgroupalwayslosesabitofmadnesswhenyou’reaway.”

“HereIthoughtNealsuppliesallyoucouldwant,andthatlittlescrapperOwenmorethanyouneed.Well.”Foramomenthelookedather,thenatthemaids,thenattheletter.SuddenlyhehuggedKeltight;assuddenlyhelethergo.“Don’tbreakanythingwhileI’mgone,”headvised,andfled.

Kelshookherheadasthedoorclosedbehindthebigsquire.Owenwouldsayhewastreatingmelikeagirlagain,shethought,amused.

“You’vemadeaconquest,”Tianremarkedslyly.

KellookedatherandLalasa.Theyweregiggling.“Cleon?Hejusthatesleaving.”

“Ofcourse,mylady,”Lalasareplied,asmeekasamouse.

Kelsighed,andreturnedtothestudygroup.Atleasttheboysweren’talwaysseeingromancewheneveramaleandfemaletouchedhands.

Joren,Garvey,andtheirknight-mastersleftaweeklater.Moresquirestrickledoutofthemesshalloneatatime,untilonlythepagesremained.Itwasspring.Thebusinessoftherealmwaspickingup.

Forthisyear’slittleexaminations,NealstucktoKellikeaburrfromthemomenttheymetatbreakfast.“Iwon’triskyoubeinglate,andIwon’tbelatewaitingforyou,either,”hesaidasKelgavehershinybrownlocksalastcombing.“NeitherofuswillrepeatadayofthislivingdoomifIhaveanythingtosayaboutit.”

“Stoppacing,”Kelordered.“You’llwearoutthefloor.Isyourtunicstraight?”Brisklyshetuggedthebackofhistunicuntilithungproperly.Shewasneversureifshewasgladthatherroleasunofficialinspectorgaveheranexcusetotouchhim.“Sotellme,”shebeganastheywalkedtotheexamwaitingroom,“isitworthallthisstruggle?Youcouldhavebeenahealerbynow,withauniversitycredentialandfriendsyourownage.Aren’tyousorrytohavemissedthat?”

She’dexpectedhimtojoke,ortobesarcastic,butheactuallygaveherquestionsomethought.

“Thephysicaltraining,well,Icouldn’tbeaknightwithoutit,andIstartedlate.Nothingwouldchangethat.It’strue,attheuniversityIneverwouldhavespenttimewithanyonesomuchyoungerthanme.Iwoulddefinitelyhavelostsomethingthen.Theselittlefellowsherearen’talwaystestingeachotherlikemalesofmyadvancedyears.”Hebowed,andKelsmiled.“AndIwouldn’tgiveupyourfriendshipforallthehealer’scredentialsintheworld.”

“Me?”shedemanded,astonished.

Theywalkedintothewaitingroom,thefirstpagesthere.“You,”Nealsaid,leaningagainstthewallandcrossinghisarms.“Youareaneducation,KeladryofMindelan.”

Kelputherhandsonherhips.“I’mnotsurethat’sacompliment.”

Nealgrinned.“NeitheramI,”heteased.

AsSeaver,Merric,andOwencamein,KelpointedatNeal.“Youwillpayforthat,onthepracticecourts,”sheinformedhim.

OwenpromptlywentoverandclappedNealontheshoulder.“Itwasgoodknowingyou,”hetoldtheolderboysolemnly.

Thelittleexaminationswentastheyhaddoneinthelasttwoyears.Thequestionswerealloneseachpagecouldanswereasily,basedonmaterialthathadbeencoveredindetailduringtheyear.Itwasalmostaletdown.

ThefollowingweekthepagesattendedthebigexaminationsinsupportofFaleronandYanconofIrenroha,whowasvoted“agoodsort,ifnotoneofus,”bythestudygroup.Thatnightthefourth-yearsrosefromtheirtablestowalktothesquires’sideoftheroomastheircomradesapplaudedandcheered.Therewasaspecialdessertandentertainmenttocelebratetheirpromotion.

“Nextyearisourturn,”NealcommentedsoftlytoKel.

Hiswordsmadeherheartthudalarmingly.Theywerenowfourth-yearpages.

twelve

VANISHINGYEAR

Summercampthatyearwastame.Therewerenospidrennests,nooutlaws.LordWyldontookthemnorth,onasixteen-dayrideintothemountainsaroundfiefsAili,StoneMountain,andDunlath.Inthemountainstheylivedincaves,hunted,fished,climbedrocks,andpracticedtheever-vitalskillofmapping.LordWyldondidn’thavetosearchtofindheightsforKeltoclimb.Inthisruggedcountrytherewerecliffseverywhere.Kelhandledthem:theweeksofpracticesinceMidwinterhadbeenagoodidea.Shedidnotspendherthirteenthbirthdaythrowingupduetofright.Shedecidedthatthiswasagoodthing.

I’llbeasquireonmyfourteenthbirthday,shethoughtthatnightasshedriftedofftosleep.

Theirtrainingincommandandbattlecontinued,withthepagesdividedintosmallgroupsandsetateachotherinhardterrain.Forthreedaystheyhadguests,acquaintancesofLordWyldonfromasummercamptheyearbeforeKelhadarrived:fifteen-year-oldLadyMauraofDunlath,herknight-guardianSirDouglassofVeldine,aten-foot-tall,aqua-skinnedogrenamedIakoju,andapackofwolves.Thewolvesmovedamongthepagesasifminglingwithhumanswerenatural.Theirgazewassteadyandintelligent,makingthehaironKel’sarmsstandonend.LordWyldonspoketotheirleader,Brokefang,asifheexpectedthegreatanimaltounderstandhim.Worse,Brokefangactedasifhedidunderstand.

Kel’ssparrowsandJump,whoshouldhaveavoidedtheuncannypack,werequitecomfortablewiththem.Duringthenightsthewolvesstayednearthepages’camp,Jumpsleptwiththem;thesparrowsrodeontheanimalsuntiltheirdeparture.

Thebreakinroutinewasalessoninbattles.LadyMauraandIakojushowedthepageshowDaine,Numair,andaforceofknights,soldiers,animals,immortals,andMauraherselfhadoverthrownMaura’streasonoussisterandtheCarthakimageswhohelpedher.LadyMauraexplainedthebattleascoollyasageneralwhileIakojudrewmapsandshowedthemovementsoftheoddarmythathadfreedDunlath.Thefactthatthewolveshelpedtheogretomovethe

stonesusedtoshowtheforces’positionsmadeKelshiver.

“Idon’tknowwhyitbothersmeinwolvesandnotinsparrowsordogs,”sheconfessedtoherfriendsaftertheladyandherescorthadgone.

“Maybebecausewolveshavenoreasontolikeus,”drawledSeaver.

Afterwardtheydiscoveredthatsomeonehadraidedtheirstoresofdriedmeatandfruit.Bythelookofthetracks,awolfhaddoneit.LordWyldonexaminedatuftoffurleftbythemarauderandshookhishead.“ShortSnout,”hemutteredunderhisbreath.

Aweekafterthepageswenthomeforthesummer,KelwasgroomingPeachblossomwhenavoicesaid,“Ihopehe’llgetonwiththenextpageaswellashedidwithyou,m’lady.”

Sheturned.StefanGroomsmanleanedagainstthestable’sbackwall,chewingastraw.

“Begpardon?”Kelasked.

“MaybeDainewillgethimtoobeyhisnextmasterlikehedoesyou.”Therewashopeinthehostler’sbulgingblueeyes.“Ordoyoumeantobuyhimyourself?”

Thepracticewascommon:theycouldbuythehorseslenttothembytheCrownoncetheybecamesquires.Otherwisetheirknight-masterssuppliedtheirhorses,andthosetheyhadriddenwereleftfornewpages.

“IwishIcould,”Kelwhispered,blinkingeyesthatsuddenlyburned.Presentinghersistersatcourt,openingthetownhouse,payingKel’sexpensesandtheschoolfeesofherbrothersandsistershadstrainedherparents’finances.Evenatroublesomedestrierwasexpensive,andtherewastheaddedcostoffeedingandhousinghim.BuyingPeachblossomwasoutofthequestion.

Stefanclearedhisthroat.Hewasmorecomfortablewithhorsesthanwithpeople,buthe’dbeenkindtoKelforPeachblossom’ssake.“You’vegentledhimconsiderable,miss.Longashisnextmasterdon’tusethespur,Ithinkhe’llgeton.Youprob’lysavedhislife,takinghimonlikeyoudid.”

KelhidherfaceagainstPeachblossom’sneck.Whatwouldshedowithouthim?Nootherhorsewouldgiveherthatsamefearful,gleefulsenseofridinganavalanche.Sheenviedthegeldinghisfreedomtobemean.SometimesshetoldherselfthatPeachblossomwashertemper,hertruetemperunderallherYamanimanners.

ShemadeherselfsmileatStefan.“Well,wehaveonemoreyear,”shesaid.“We’lljustmakeitagoodone.”Sheheardawhineandlookeddown.Jumppeeredupather,histwice-brokentailwavingslowly.“AtleastI’llbeabletokeepJump,don’tyouthink?”

Stefannodded.“Justaboutalltheknightskeepdogs.Youeverseentheelkandwolfhoundsmylordbreeds?”

Kelwasn’tsurewhomhemeant.“Mylord-?”sheasked.

“Himasisyourtrainingmaster,miss.FiefCavallbreedsthefinestdogsintherealm.It’snowondermylord’sturnedablindeyetothatchap.”HenoddedatJump.“He’sthatfondofdogs,andhoweverbeauteousyourladmaybe,anyonewithaneyecantellhe’safinedogunderthemscars.”

Kelsmiled.OnlyStefanwouldcallascarred,stocky,one-eared,small-eyed,chisel-headedbrawlerlikeJump“beauteous.”

ShesawPeachblossom’seyelidlowerandgrabbedthereins,justashelungedforJump.

Pullinghisheadbackup,shescolded,“Whatdoyoucareifhegetscompliments?He’sadog.”ShetoldStefan,“It’slikeheunderstandswhatwesay.”

Thehostlergrinned.“Whennewhorsescomeinfromoutside,Ifindmyselfthinkingthey’restupid.That’sthepalacethesedays.”Hewasheadedforthedoorwhenhethoughtofsomething.“Youknow,LadyKel,ifyourknight-masterisonewhatkeepsclosetocourt,I’llseetoityoustaywithPeachblossom.Iknowthat’snotlikely,butit’ssomething.”

Kelgrimacedasheleft.Wasthiswhatshehadtolookforwardto?Eithershelostherhorse,orshekepthimbecauseshe’dbeenchosenbyapalaceknight,someonelikeSirGarethofNaxenorSirMyles,whospenthisdaysamong

documents.Therewereworsefates,shesupposed.ShelikedSirMyles,whosecommentsandquietjokeshadlightenedherbleakestdays,butservingaknightwhorodeadesk,notadestrier,wasnotinherdreamsofprotectingthehelpless.

Kel’stwo-monthholidaypassedquickly,asitalwaysdid.StefangaveherpermissiontoridePeachblossomintotheRoyalForest,ifshedidn’tgotoofar.KeltookJumpandthesparrows,andtriedouthermysterywell-wisher’slatestgift,abeautifullymadebowandquiverfullofarrows.SeveraltimesshebroughtStefansmallgamelikerabbitsandpartridgesasathank-you.

ThebrightestspotwastwoweeksspentwithherparentsinPortCaynn,picnickingonbeachesandinthecountryside.WithAdaliatomarryatMidwinterandOraniebetrothed,bothtohusbandstheyhelpedtochoose,PiersandIlaneofMindelanwantedtimewithKel.Shepracticedglaiveskillswithhermotherandtalkedlateintothenightwithherfather,tellinghimallshehadlearnedaboutbattles.ThethreereminiscedabouttheYamaniIslandsandtalkedaboutthenegotiationsforanewYamanitreatyandanimperialbrideforPrinceRoald.

OntheirridebacktoCorus,Ilaneasked,“Areyoufrightenedofthebigexams?”

Kelshookherhead.“Theworstpartishavingpeoplewatch-well,andthejudgesdon’tseemthatfriendly,”sheadmitted.“ButI’vesatinonthebigexams,andthequestionsonlearningandshowingyourphysicaltrainingjustaren’tthathard.Neal’smorescaredthanIam.He’safraidthatwe’regoingtobeasneezelate,andhavetodothisyear-orworse,thewholething-overagain.”

“Ishouldn’tthinkyou’dbelateonsuchaday,”Ilaneremarked,amused.

“NordoI,butthat’sNealforyou,”Kelreplied,shakingherhead.

Trainingbeganagain.Therewerenewfirst-yearstomeet,andthenightlyhazingpatrolstoresume.LordWyldonhandedoutweightstotheseniorpages,andsetnew,morevexingtargetsforKeltotiltataftershemasteredthelightweightring.Hethenshiftedotherfourth-yearstotheringoncetheywereabletohitthesmallblackdotonthequintaintarget.

RequestsforLalasa’sservicesasaseamstresspouredinasladiesreadiedforthecourtsocialseason.CountingthepartofLalasa’searningsthatshewas

saving,Kelrealizedthathermaid’sgoalofherownshopmightbereachedsoon.ShemightevenhaveenoughmoneybythetimeKelenteredaknight-master’sservice.Kelwouldn’tbeleavinghertofendforherself.

ThetrainingseasonwasaweekoldwhenIdenandWarricreportedtoKel’sroomimmediatelyaftersupper.Withthemwerethreefirst-years.“Wetoldthemhowgoodyoutwoareathelping,”Idenexplained.

KelandLalasatradedlooks,Kel’sresigned,Lalasa’samused.ExtratrainingwithstaffsresumedinKel’srooms.

InNovember,beforethesquiresreturned,LordWyldon,SergeantEzeko,andthetwoShangstookthepagesintotheRoyalForest,wheretheycampedovernight.Inthemorning,thepagesweresplitintotwogroups.One,ledbySeaver,hikedbesideabroad,briskstreamuntiltheywereoutofsightoftherest.Theywouldassemble,pickweaponsandblunt-tippedarrows,andcoatthemwithredchalk,asSeaverexplainedwhatpositioneachofhis“men”held.Theothergroupwastakentoahugepileofbouldersupstream.Thiswastheircastle,whichtheywoulddefendagainstSeaver’smarauders.They,too,usedredchalktocoattheedgesoftheirweaponsandarrows.EdaBellandHakuinSeastonewouldjudgeifapagewasstill“alive”accordingtotheredmarksonclothesorskin.

Toeveryone’sastonishment,LordWyldonchoseKeltocommandthedefendingforce.Shetrudgedaroundtherocks,scratchingherhead,thenclimbednervouslytotheirheightstoinspecttheirsurroundings.Therewasnomoattokeepenemiesfromtakingherrockcastlefromtherear.Shehadthestreamononeside,whichmeantthatapproachwasmoderatelysafe.Sheimmediatelyputherfirst-yearstobuildingnoise-trapsofdrybranchestogivewarningoftheenemy’sadvance.ShechoseNeal,Quinden,andWarricandpostedthemaslookoutsfartheraway.ForamomentshethoughtQuindenwouldrefuseherorders,butthemomentpassed.Hevanishedintothetrees.Theadultsleft,too,fadingintothetreestowatch.Shewishedshehadtheirskillatmovingsilentlythroughdryleaves.

Ifshehadlearnedanythinginhillcountry,itwasthebenefitsofhighground.Shepositionedherarchersonthestoneheights,inthosespotswheretreesdidn’tobscuretheirviewoftheground.Thepageswhowieldedstaffssheplacedonstonesthatraisedthemjustabovetheground,togivethemtheadvantage.

Beforeshetookanobservationpostforherself,sheassembledJumpandthesparrowsonarocktoosmallforahuman.

“Thisisagame,”sheexplained,alittleembarrassedthatherteammatescouldhearhertalkingtoanimals.“It’sforfun.Well,notfun,exactly,but-nevermind.”Sheglancedaround,incaseLordWyldonhadappearedtoscowlather.Hewasnowhereinview.“Youstayrighthere.Don’tmove.Don’thelp.”Thensheclimbedtoherownvantagepointhighontherocks.

Insteadoflookingdown,whichmadehersweat,sheclosedhereyesandlistenedforthecrunchofleavesoverthestream’srush.Twiceshetoldtheboysinhercommandtobequiet.Forthemostpart,though,theytookherinstructionsasseriouslyasiftheywereatwar.

Kelopenedhereyeswhenanarrowstruckatreestumphalfwaybetweenhervantagepointandthearchers.Shejumpeddownandinspectedit:apurplethreadaroundtheshaftmarkeditasNeal’s.Theenemyhadjustpassedhim.Kelalertedherwarriorsonthatlineofapproach.Shemadesurethattheotherskepttheirpositions.“Don’tgetintothefight,”shetoldthemfirmly.“Watchthetrees-Seavermightsplithispeopleup.Youarchers,shootcarefully.Youdon’twanttohurtanyoneyouhit,andwedon’thavemorearrowsonceyoursaregone.”

ThatshouldhavebeeneverythinguntilSeaver’sforcereachedhers,butKelwasstilluncomfortable.Shetookalasttourofthelevelwherethestaffmenwere,thencircledagainonherheight.Shewasstillfidgetingwhentherattleofanoise-trapmetherears.Lookingtotherearofher“castle,”shesawasmallgroupofpagescreepingthroughthetrees.

TheygotaroundQuinden,shethought,andalertedthesentriesonthatsidewithhandsigns.OneofthemwasOwen,wholayflatonahighstone,aselectionofclothballsbesidehim.Insteadoftheclear,deadlyjellycalledblazebalm,usedinrealcombat,theballsheldafist-sizedclumpofdirt,leaves,andredchalk.Whentheattackerscamewithinrange,helobbedtheballsatthemwithdeadlyaccuracy.Theyburstwhentheyhit,leavinghisvictimscoveredwithdirtandreddust.As“killedmen”theysatontheforestfloorindisgust.

Whentheyattackedintherear,Seaverledhismaingroupinachargeatthefront.

ByOwen’stermsitwasn’tajollyfight-hecomplainedlatertherewasfartoo

muchthinkingandcallsof“You,out!”bytheadults-butitwasbrisk.Kelmovedfromposttopost,makingsuretherewerenomoresurprisesandthateveryoneobeyedorders.Seaver’sattackwasdefeatedateveryturn.Whenonlythreeofhis“men”wereleft,theytriedtoretreat.Kelsentherstaffmentocapturethem,winningatotalvictory.

Afterwardtheycookedlunch,andtheadultsreviewedtheirperformance.Severalboysreceivedpunishmentlaborforrefusingtostaydeadafteranadultdecreedthemso.QuindenwasgiventwicethatamountofworkfornotwarningKelwhenSeaver’ssecondgrouppassedhim.Whensheglancedathim,surprised-she’dhonestlythoughtthey’dsneakedaroundhim-Quindensneeredather.

ThelastofJoren’slegacy,Kelthoughtasshescrubbedherdishes.I’llbegladwhenI’masquireanddon’thavetodealwiththatanymore.

Twodaysaftertheirreturn,squiresbegantoappearinthemesshall.OnceagainPrinceRoaldstayedatPortLeganninthesouth.Jorenreturned,Vinson,Faleron,Garvey,Yancen-butnoCleon.InDecember,Kelgotaletterfromhim,addressedtoherbutwrittenfortheentirestudygroup.SirInnesshadchosentoremaininthenorth,trainingvillagersinself-defense.Theywouldn’tcometothepalaceuntilthespring.

Withthestartofwinter,Kel’syearappearedtomeltaway.Shecouldrememberthepassageoftimeifshethoughtaboutit.OnceagainshewaitedontheArchpriestessandhercompanionsoverMidwinter.Sheexchangedgiftsandreceivedthem.Therewasabeautifullymadelongswordfromherbenefactor,onethatwastheenvyofherfriends.Lalasasurprisedherwithalongcoat,quiltedwithdownforwarmth,containinganumberofusefulpockets.ItwasinKel’sfavoritecolor,russetred.NealgaveherabookofTortallanmaps,whileKelgavehimahistoryofhisfamousgrandfather’sbattles.Thereweregiftsofclothesandmoneyfromherfamily,adrawingofJumpfromSeaver,andsmallgiftsfromherotherfriends.KelgaveOwensomeofherpreciousbruisebalm-ofallthepages,shetoldhiminheraccompanyingnote,heneededitthemost.SeaverandMerriceachgotoneofherluckyYamanicatfigures.Fortherestshehadgottensweets,knowingtheywouldappreciatethoseoncoldwinternights.

ShecouldrememberwhatshelearnedinSundaynightbattlelessonswithouttrouble:theycontinuedtofascinateher.LordWyldonchosebattleswith

immortals,searaiders,andScanranstocoverthatwinter,togivehisstudentsanunderstandingofthemethodspreferredbytheenemiestheywouldhavetofightmostasknights.

MoreweightswereaddedtotheirharnessesinJanuary.NosoonerhadtheseniorpagesadjustedtothemthanLordWyldonsetthefourth-yearstotiltingateachother.Thiswasunusual:normally,tiltingatahumantargetwasleftforknight-masterstoteach.AsfarasKelwasconcerned,theworstpartofitwasrealizingshewastryingtoskeweroneofherfriendswithherwell-paddedlance.Shelearnedtoconcentrateontheshield.Ifshelookedatheropponent’sface,toooftenitwasshewhowentflyingfromthesaddle.

ClassroomworkafterMidwinterwashardertorecall,exceptforthedaythatadebatebetweenQuindenandtwofirst-yearsturnedintoashoutingmatch.Thesubjecthadbeenonethatwouldberaisedatthenobles’congressinthespring,whethernewlawsshouldbemadetogivecommonerstherighttobettertreatmentbynobles.SirMyleshadtothreatentoreportallthreedebaterstoLordWyldonbeforetheywouldbequiet.

LalasathrewKeltwice,onceinDecemberandonceinFebruary.InJanuarynolessapersonthanQueenThayetcommissionedadressfromKel’smaid.KelwasabletotellLalasathatshecouldnowaffordadressshopofherown.

JorenseemedtobemanyplacesthatKelwasafterMidwinter.Theydidn’tfight;theytradedgreetingsiftheypassedinthehall.HewatchedheratmealtimesandSundaynightbattlelessons,though.Shewouldlookuptofindthoselevelblueeyesfixedonher.Shewouldwalkaroundatablemodelandbumpintohim.Once,eerily,shefeltatouchatthebackofherheadastheclassbrokeuponenight.Whensheturned,onlyJorenwasnear,andhewaswalkingaway.

Shemighthavethoughtsheimaginedit,exceptthatNealandOwensawit,too.NealwantedtotellJorenhisbehaviorwasrude,butKelandOwentalkedhimoutofit.

Apartfromthosememories,shefeltasifshewenttobedonenightbeforeMidwinterandawokeattheendofMarch.Thewinterhadfallenaway.Noblesandotherimportantfolkwerearrivingatthepalaceindroves,preparingforthecongressthatwasheldeverytwoyears.LordImrahcamefromPortLegannwith

PrinceRoaldintow;SirInnessreturnedwithCleon.ThefirstthingRoaldandCleonsaidtothefourth-yearsontheirarrivalwas,“Areyoureadyforthebigexams?”

thirteen

THETEST

Lalasa,stopfussing!”Kelorderedhermaidatherlastfittingbeforethebigexaminations.“Ifitfitsanymoreperfectly,Iwon’tbeabletotakeitoff!”

Lalasaremovedthepinsshe’dbeenholdinginhermouth.“Ijustwantyoutolookyourbest,mylady,”sheexplainedinallseriousness.“Thoughthere’slittleIcandowiththiscursedgoldandred.Idon’tthinkanybodyreallylooksgoodinit.”

“Well,I’lllookbetterthananybodyelse,that’sforcertain.”Kelbegantoremovehertunic,andpromptlystuckherselfwithapin.

“Here,miss-bestletme.”AsLalasaslowlydrewthetunicanditspinsoverKel’shead,sheadded,“Ifyoudon’tmind,I’mgoingtoTian’sforabittonight.I’veaweektofinishhermajesty’sdressfortheopeningofthecongress,andTian’sagreedtohemwhilstIworkonthebodice.I’llbehomebeforeyougotobed,doubtless.”

“That’sfine.”Kelchangedintobreechesandashirt,thenopenedthelowershutters.Summerhadcomeearly,andherroomwasstiflingwhentheywereclosed.

Twostrangers,menintheroughclothesofcommoners,wereinthecourtyard.ThatsurprisedKel:thepages’wingwastuckedwelloutofthewayforvisitors.Onlyservants,teachers,andnoblescamethere.

“Areyoulost?”sheinquired.

Oneofthem,aburlymanwhoneededashave,snatchedoffhishat.Afteramomenthissmallercompaniondidthesame.

“Savingyourpresence,yourlordship,butwewassupposedt’meetourbossintheentryhall.”TheythinkI’maboy,Kelrealized,amused.Herlooseshirtsstillconcealedherfigure.“Witless,here”-thebigmanelbowedhiscompanion-“gotusturnedabout.”

“Iwassureitwasthisway,”thelittlemanwhined.HeleeredasLalasacametostandbesideKel.“Miss.”

Jumpleapedoutthewindowandtrottedovertothemen.Theybackedaway.

“It’sallright.He’sjustnotusedtostrangers.”Kelswungoverthewindowsillanddroppedontothecourtyardflags.Hersparrows,hoveringabouttheirnestsintheeaves,calledgreetings.“I’llshowyoutotheentryhall.It’seasytogetlosthere.”AsKelpassedJump,sherealizedthedogwasactingstrangely,cockinghisbulkyheadthiswayandthatashelookedatthemen.Heseemedunsureofsomething.“Jump,staywithLalasa,”Kelordered.“Ifyoumenwillfollowme?”

Sheledthemtotheentryhallandreceivedtheirthanks,thenreturnedhome.Itwassuppertime;shewashungry.TellingLalasatohaveagoodtimeatTian’s,shewentinsearchofherfriends.

AftersuppertheboysandKelvisitedtheroyalmenagerietowhileawaythehoursuntilbedtime.Totheirsurprise,theyfoundtheirteacherLindhallReed,hislivingskeletonBonedancer,NumairSalmalin,andDainevisitingthesmalltribeofpygmymarmosets.SinceDainewaspresent,thekeepersallowedthetinymonkey-likecreaturesoutoftheirenclosure.Theyclimbedalloverthepages,clearlyasfascinatedwiththemasthepageswerewiththemarmosets.

Itwaslatewhenthepagesreturnedtotheirrooms,swearingtheywouldn’tbeabletosleep.KelsawnolightburningbehindLalasa’sscreenandwasgladhermaidhadn’twaitedupforher.Kelherselfwasn’tnearlyreadyforsleep.Shequietlyclosedthedressingroomdoor,litacandle,andreadahistoryofKingJasson’sbattlesuntilshewasreadytosleep.Whensheturnedin,shelefttheshuttersopenforJump.Thedogseemedtohavegoneoffonaramble,ashedidnowandthen.

Thenextday,examday,Kelwasupbeforedawnasalways.Sheopenedhershutters,admittingthesparrows.Theytumbledinasmuchastheyflew:itwaswindy.Hurriedlytheypeckedattheirseedsandflewouttofeedthenestlings.Theywouldbeinandoutallday.Kelstartedmorningexercises-justbecausethebigexaminationsweretodaywasnoreasontoslackoff,shethought.

Shewashalfdonewhenasenseofsomethingnotrightmadeherstopinthemiddleofastrike.Thesunwasrising.Lalasashouldhavecomeoutbynow.AndJumpwasnowhereinsight.

Kelopenedthedressingroomdoor.Thelampwasstillunlit.Sheheardnothingthatsoundedlikehermaidgettingdressed.

“Lalasa?”shecalled.Shecouldn’tbelievetheoldergirlwouldsleepintoday,ofalldays.Wassheill?

Therewasnoreply.Frowning,Kellookedbehindthewoodenscreen.Lalasa’sbedwasasneatlymadeasever,herplaincottonnightdresslaidacrossit.Shehadnotcomehomethenightbefore.

Kelstaredatthebedandnightgown.She’dheardstoriesaboutservantswhocreptawayforanightortwo,butthismadenosense.Lalasahadneverdonesuchathing;whystartnow?Shehadseemedfinetheafternoonbefore.Theyhadtalkedaboutfindinghershoptogetheroverthesummer-Lalasahadbeenexcitedaboutthat.Besides,shehadaskedKelforpermissiontoattendthebigexams,towatchhermistressproveherselfbeforetheworld.Shewouldn’thaveaskedthatifshehadmeanttorunaway.

I’mnotgoingtopanic,Kelthought.IfshestayedlateratTian’sthansherealized,shemighthaveslepttheresoshewouldn’twakemecomingin.ProbablywhenIgetbackfrombreakfast,she’llbehere.IhopesheandJumpwillbehere.

Kelwashedherfaceandhandsincoldwater,dried,anddressedinbreechesandashirtforbreakfast.Shewasn’tabouttogetfoodstainsonhergoldtunicbywearingitwhilesheate.Itwouldbejustherlucktowearittobreakfastanddropbacononherlap.

Whenshejoinedherfriendsinthepages’mess,shegrinned.Neallookedabsolutelygreen;Merric,Seaver,andEsmondwerepale.“Eatsomething,”sheordered,spooningporridgeintoherbowl.“You’llneedit.”

“Howcanyouthinkoffood?”askedMerric.Nealpickedupasliceoftoastedbreadandbegantoshredit.

“BecauseIdon’twanttofaintjustaswegofromclassroomteststoweapons,”shesaid.“Remember?LikeRagnalofDarrochfaintedlastyear?”Proddingandteasing,shegotthemtoeat,andsaidnothingofhermaid.Theywouldn’tbeinterested;Esmondhadeventoldhermonthsagothatservantsweren’timportantenoughtobeworththetimeKelspentthinkingabouthers.

“Don’ttakeforevertoprimp,”NealurgedKelasshefinished.“YouknowIhatetobelate.”

“Wewon’tbelate,”shetoldhim.“Combyourhairandstoprunningyourfingersthroughit.You’lldofine.”

“Youhavenonerves,”hesaidbitterly.

“Justaswell,becauseyouhavetoomany,”sheretorted,andcarriedhertraytotheservants.

Themanwhotookitwinkedather.“Luck,LadyKel.Fromusall.”Henoddedtotheothermanandthewomanwhoservedthefoodandtookdirtydishesaway.Theothermangrinned;thewomancurtsied.

Kelsmiled.“Thankyou,”shesaid,touched.

*

Lalasahadnotreturned.

KellookedforGower-hewasn’tinhisroom.Worried,shewenttoSalma’s.Toherrelief,Gowerwashavingbreakfastwiththewomanwhoranthepages’wing.AtfirstKelwasreluctanttomentionLalasa’sabsencebeforeSalma.OnlywhensherememberedthatLalasaansweredtoheralonedidsheaskGowerifhe’dseenhisniece.

“Notsinceyesterdaynoon,”hereplied,darkbrowsraised.“Isthereaproblem?”

“Shedidn’tcomebacklastnight,”Kelsaidflatly.“ShewastovisitherfriendTian,mysister’smaid,butshesaidshewascomingback.”

“Mylady,it’scommonforgirlstostayoutovernight,”Salmainformedher.“Ifshehasalover-“

“I’dknowifshedid,Ithink,”repliedKel.

“Didyouquarrel?Ithappens,andsheisyoung.Shemightthinktopunishyou,”Salmapointedout.

Kelshookherhead.“Wedidn’tquarrel.Shewaslookingforwardtotoday.”

“She’sagoodgirl,”Gowercommentedslowly.“AndthatgratefultoLadyKel.”Hegottohisfeet.“I’llgoseeTian,”hetoldKelandSalma.“Seewhatsheknows.”

Asthedoorclosedbehindhim,Salmaremarked,“Unlessyouwanttogetthegirlintrouble,don’tmentionherabsencetotheguards.They’llapplythepenaltiesforrunawayservants,andyou’llhavenosayinthejudgmentthat’shandeddownonher.”

“Iwouldn’tanyway,”Kelreplied.“LordWyldonmadeitclearwhenIhiredherthatshe’smyresponsibility,notthepalace’s.”

“I’msurethere’sareasonforthis,milady,”SalmacommentedassheshowedKeltothedoor.“Shedidsayshewantedtowatchyouprovehowgoodyouwerebeforethegodsandeveryoneelse.”

WhenKelwentbacktoherroom,therewasstillnosignofLalasa,andKelwasrunningoutoftime.Shelookedaroundfortheuniformshewastoweartodayandgotamostunpleasantsurprise.Itlayonthedressingroomworktable,everypinstillinplace.Thatwasnotright.LalasawouldneverhavegonetoTian’swiththistunicunfinished-shealwaysdidKel’sworkbeforeshedidanythingelse.

Aknockcalledhertothedoor.Kelopenedit,thepinnedtunicinherhand.TherestoodGowerandTian.

“Shenevercamelastnight,”themaidsaid,clutchingaballed-uphandkerchief.“Iwaitedandwaited.Ithought-wequarreled,butGowersaysshetoldyoushemeanttovisitme.”Hereyeswereredandswollen,asifshe’dbeencrying.

“Shedid.Shesaidyouweregoingtohemthequeen’sdresswhileshedidthebodice.”NowallKel’sinstinctsclamoredthatsomethingwasvery,verywrong.

Othermaidswouldlosetheirtempersandcausetheirmistressesandfriendsanxiety-notLalasa.AfterthreeyearsKelknewheraswellassheknewanybody.IfLalasawasnothere,ifshehadn’tbeenwhereshehadsaidshewouldbe,thensomethinghadhappened.

“Gower,willyouchecktheservants’infirmary?”sheasked.“Ifshetooksick,perhaps…”

Gowernoddedandleftthem.

“Please,LadyKel,whatmightIdo?”Tianasked.“Mylady’soffwithherhusbandtoPortCaynn.I’vethewholedayfree.”

Keltriedtothink,whilepartofhermindcriedthatshehadtogetreadyforthebigexaminationsrightnow!Herparentswouldbethere;NumairandDaine,thetwoShangs,MasterLindhall,andStefanfromthestables.Shehadn’tmuchtime.

“Trypalacestores,”shesuggested.“Thedrapers,andthetailors.Maybeshejustgotmeanewuniform.”Itseemedunlikely-thepinsinthetunicsheheldwereanargumentagainstthat-butitwasallshecouldthinkof.

“Thankyou,mylady.”Tiandippedacurtsyandrandownthehall.

Anxious,Kelshutthedoor.Shecouldchangeclothes,atleast.Herotheruniformswerepresentable,ifnotasperfectlyfittedastheonesheheld.Shefoundthefreshestuniformandstartedtochange.

Thesparrowshadpickeduponhertension.Thosebirdsnotferryingseedtothenestlingsflutteredaroundthechamberandcourtyard,asiftheyexpectedtofindLalasainacrackinthewalls.

“Where’sJump?”sheaskedthem.“Whathappenedtohim?”

Thebirdswhirledandspuninafrenzy.Allofthemsuddenlyhalted,comingtorestonherbed.“Youdon’tknow,”Kelguessed.

Crownhoppedforwardonestepandgaveasinglepeep.Kelhadafeelingthatherguesswasright.

“Lookforthem,thosewhocanbespared?”sheasked.“Iknowyou’vethe

nestlingstocarefor,but…FindLalasa?FindJump?”

Crownchattered.Sheandhalfthebirdsonthebedtooktotheairandflewaway.Therestwentbacktotheseeddishes.

Kelhadjustpulledhertunicoverhershoulderswhensheheardalowscrapingsoundnearthedoor.HadsomeonelikeJorenthoughttomakeherlatebylayingamessytrapoutside,aspeoplehaddoneinherfirstyear?Whensheopenedthedoor-carefully,incaseabucketofwaterwasriggedtodroponher-shesawonlypages.Sheexaminedtheflagsinfrontofherdoorforpuddlesofurineoroil,butsawnothing.Turning,shefoundasheetofparchmentonthefloor.She’dhearditbeingslidintoherroom.

Thehandwritingwasbold,themessageunmistakable.

Sheisinthepalace.youcanfindherifyoulook.

Atthebottomofthepagetherewasafurthernote:

Tellanyoneandwewillhurther.

Kel’shandsbegantoshake.Slowlyandcarefully,shefoldedtheparchmentinhalf,thenintoquarters.Whykidnapamaid?

Tohurthermistress.

WhenshehadfinishedherprobationaryyearandwonLordWyldon’spermissiontocontinue,shehadthoughtitwouldbetheendofpeopletryingtomakeherquit.Nowsheknewtheyhadonlybeenwaiting.Theyhadcommittedacrimetostopherfromtakingthebigexams.

Itwon’twork,Kelthoughtgrimly.Thetestsusuallyendbythesecondbellafternoon,withnohaltforlunch.Oncethey’reover,I’llbeabletosearchwhereverIwant.

“Iknewyouwouldcome,”LalasahadwhisperedthatnightVinsonhadscaredher.“Ineverknewanyonewhowouldfightforme.”Lalasa,creepingaboutlikeamouseforayearormore,terrifiedofherownshadow.Nowshewasavividandhappyyoungwoman,andshegaveKelcreditforthechange.OfcourseshewouldunderstandthatKelhadtotakethebigexamsfirst.Shealwaysthought

Kelwasmoreimportantthanshewas.

Shewouldbefrightened,Kelwassureofthat.Andshemusthavebeensothroughoutthelongnight.

Someonepoundedbrisklyonherdoor.ItwasnotGowerorTian,butNeal,Merric,Seaver,andEsmond,alldressedfortheexaminations,hairneatlycombedandplasteredintoplacewithwaterorpomade.“Reportingforinspection,sir!”Merricsaid,tryingtogrin.Theyallsaluted.

Whatcouldshedo?Shelettheminanddidtherequestedinspection,tuggingatcollarsandhemlines,checkingtheirhoseforwrinkles,pattingastiffenedclumpofhairintoitsproperplace.“You’reaslovelyasafieldofdaisies,”Kelassuredthemwhenshewasdone.“Whydon’tyougoontotheassemblingroom?I’llbethereinamoment.”Shehadtothink.

Nealdidnotleavewiththeothers.“What’sthematter?”hedemanded,holdinghereyeswithhis.“YouhaveyourYamanifaceon.”

Whenhadhegottensoshort?Kelwondered,distractedbriefly.Hehadtoweredoverheronce.Nowhewasjustaninchtaller,andhewasalmostnineteen.

“Kel,what’swrong?”Nealdemanded,gentlyshakingherarm.

Thenotehadsaidtellnoone,buttheycouldhardlyspyonKelhere,inherroom.Sheunfoldedthenoteandgaveittohim.

“Whoaretheywritingabout?”Nealasked.

“Lalasa.Shenevercamehomelastnight,andTiansayssheneverarrivedthere,whereshesaidshewasgoing.Jump’smissing,too.”

Nealreturnedthenote.“Tellthepalaceguard.They’llfindher.”

“Didyoureadthewholething?”Kelaskedhim,shocked.“They’llhurther!”

“Theywouldn’tdare,”Nealtoldherstubbornly.“Iftheytortureherontopofkidnapping,inthepalacetoboot,they’llgetnomercyfromtheroyalcourts,andtheyknowit.Theyjustwantyoutobelate.”Hesearchedherface,hisgreen

eyesfeverish.“Kel-no.You’renotgoingto-That’swhattheywant.You’llrepeatayear,two-maybeallfour.Youcan’t!Notafterallwe’vebeenthrough!”

Kelwipedhereyes.Theywerewet,forsomereason.“Neal,shetrustsme.She’smyresponsibility.Andshe’llbesofrightened…!havetofindher.”Untilsheheardherselfsayit,Kelhadn’trealizedshewasreallygoingtodoit,reallygoingtoturnherbackonthebigexamsandrepeathowevermanyyearsLordWyldongaveher.Shefoughttosmile.“Ijustwanttobethesecond-oldestpageinlivingmemory,don’tyousee.”

“No,youwon’t.”Hedrewadeepbreath;hiswidemouthtrembled.“We’refriends.I’llhelp.Betweenthetwoofus-“

“Absolutelynot,”shesaidfiercely.“No,no,no!”Thelastfouryearshadbeentortureforhim.Nowhewantedtodoitallagainforher?Shecouldn’tletithappen.ItwouldkillhertoseeNealeithergiveupaknighthoodorrepeathispageyears.“Theywintwicethen,don’tyouunderstand?Nowgettotheassemblyroom!”Helookeddownandaway.Kelgrabbedhisarmandtowedhimtoherdoor.“Youcanbemyknight-masterwhenIdotaketheexams,ifyouwanttomakeituptome.Neal,please.Don’tmakemefeelresponsibleforyouboth!Shewouldn’tbeinthistroubleifnotforme!”

Shethrusthimoutherdoor,whereGowercaughthim.“Excuseme,master,”themanservantremarked,settingNealonhisfeet.ToKelhesaid,“She’snotintheinfirmary.Miss,youmustgettotheexaminations.”

IfshetoldGower,he,too,mightargue.“I’llcatchuptoyou,”KeltoldNeal,glaringathim,silentlywarninghimtogoalongwithwhatshesaid.

“There’sastainononeofmyhose.Ihavetochangeit.Gower,wouldyouchecktheroomwherethey’reholdingtheexams?Maybeshedecidedtogetthereearly,beforetheseatsweretaken.”Nealstillhadn’tbudged.Keltookadeepbreath.“Neal,ifyouaremyfriend,go.”

Heleftatarun.GowerfrownedatKel.“Ireallythink,miss-”hebegan.

“DoasIsay,”Kelorderedhimcurtly,freshoutoftheabilitytobothlieandbepolite.Sheclosedthedoorinhisfaceandwaited,listening.Onlywhensheheardhisslowfootstepsmovingawaydidsheleavethedoor.Shehadherbelt

knife.Herbenefactorhadsentherabraceofwristknives;sheputthoseonnow.Thebirdswerelookingalready;itwastimeforhertodothesame.Sheclosedthelowershuttersandlockedthem.Thesparrowswhostayedwiththenestlingscontinuedtoflutterinandoutthroughtheupperwindows.

Beforesheopenedherdooragain,Kelstopped,andrestedherforeheadagainstit.Rightnowthefourth-yearpagesweregathering.LordWyldonwouldbeonhiswaytoinspectthembeforetheyenteredtheexaminationroom.Shecouldstilldoit.Shecouldstillgoifsheran,andshe’dbeontime.Ifshecameinafterthetrainingmaster,allshewouldhavetorepeatwouldbeayear.Surelythatwouldn’tbesobad.Lookathowquicklythislastyearhadgone.

Oncetheyenteredtheexaminationroom,though…

Wetnesstrickleddownherface.Impatientlyshewipedhereyes.MaybeLalasawouldescapeherkidnappers.Shewasclever.Iftheydidn’tfrightenhertoobadly,shemightgetaway.MaybeKelwouldopenthisdoor,andthereshewouldbe.

Kelopenedthedoor.Tianwastrottingtowardher,moreupsetthanever.“LadyKel!”shecried.“Noonehasseenherinstores.”Shehuggedherself,eyeshugeinherdrawnface.“DidGowerfindher?”

Kelshookherhead.

“Andyou’reofftotheexaminations?”Tianinquired.

Kelsighed.Shedidn’twanttoworryaboutLalasa’sfriendwithsomuchelseonhermind,butTianlookedasifsheneededsomethingtodo.AnideaoccurredtoKel.“Domeafavor,unlessyouhaveotherduties?”sheasked.

“Nothing,”Tianwhispered.“Ican’tevenworkonthequeensdress.Lalasahasit.”

Kelopenedherdoor.“We’llshoottwoarrowsfromonebow,then,”shesaidcheerfully.“Thequeen’sgown’sonastandinthedressingroom-whydon’tyouworkonit?StayhereincaseLalasacomesin.TellherI’mnotangry,andmakesureshewaitsforme.”Afterall,Lalasamightgetaway,orherkidnapperswouldfreeheronceKelwassolatethatshe’dhavetorepeatallfouryearsorgiveupcompletely.“Andifyouworkonthedress,thenshewon’tbelatein

gettingittothequeen.”

Tianthankedherpassionately.Embarrassed,Kelshooedtheoldergirlintoherroom.

Herlistofplacestosearchbeganwiththosesheknewwhowishedherill.Jorenshouldhavebeenatthetopofit,buthehadbeensooddforthelasttwoyearsthatKelwasn’tsureabouthim.

Vinson,ontheotherhand,wasdefinitelysomeonetolookat,andJoren’sroomwasonthesamehall.Keltrottedupstairstothesquires’rooms,onthefloorabovethepages.

KelrappedhardonVinson’sdoor,once,thentwice.Sheheardnothingwhensheputhereartothewood,andsawnothingwhenshepeeredthroughthekeyhole.ShetriedGarvey’sroomnext,thenJoren’s.Nooneansweredeitherknock.Thehallitselfwasassilentasifallthesquireswereontheroadwiththeirknight-masters.Sheknewthatwasn’tthecase;almosteveryonehadstayedtoattendthecongress.

Nextshetriedthepages’andthesquires’armories,thestoreroomswheresupplieswerekeptfortheirpartofthepalace,andthecatacombsfarbeneaththepalace.TherewasnosignofLalasaanywhere.Sweating,coveredwithsmutchesfromthedustycatacombs,Kelmadeherwayuptothegroundflooragain.Sheemergedinaquietareabetweentwowingsofthepalaceandsatonabenchoutofthewindtocatchherbreath.NextshewouldtrytheareaofunusedshedswhereLordWyldonhadschooledthemincityfighting.Thoseemptybuildingsmadeperfecthidingplaces.

Andifshe’snotthere,wherewillyoulook?demandedhershrillandfrightenedself.Garrets?Storagebarns?Stablelofts?Thepalaceishuge.Bettertogototheexaminationsnow,andsaveyourselfayearortwo!

I’lllookwhereverImust,thoughtKelstubbornly.ShehadtofindLalasa.Thekidnappersmightdecidetoremoveawitnesstotheircrime,andkillher.

Sheheardafountainsplashingnearby.Itmightbeagoodideatocooloffbeforesheresumedhersearch.Thebriskwindturnedthewatercoldonherface,butithelpedtoclearherhead.Shewasdryingherhandsontheundersideofhertunicwhenthesparrowsarrived,flappingaroundherheadastheyscreeched.

“Youfoundher?”Kelaskedthem,trembling.“Youknowwheresheis?”

Crownhoveredinmidair,somethinginherbeak.WhenKelstretchedoutheropenhand,thesparrowlitonitanddroppedseverallongblackhairsonKel’spalm.Frecklecamenext.HisgifttoKelwasasmallclumpofshort,finewhitehairs.

“Bothofthem?LalasaandJump?Where?”Kelasked.“Showmewhere.”

Thesparrowslitbrieflyonthefountain’srim,gettingaquickdrink.Whentheytooktotheairagain,theyflewaheadofKel,swoopingandbobbingonthegustywind,leadingherthroughacourtyardandacrossasmallgarden.WhenalongshadowfelloverKel,shelookedup,andstoppedinhertracks.TheyhadbroughthertothebuildingthatformedthebaseofBalor’sNeedle.Nowtheyflewstraightup,dancinginflightaroundthefragile-lookingironstairthattwinedaroundthetower.

fourteen

NEEDLE

Kel’svisionwentgray.Abubbleofpanicroseinherthroat.WhyamIsurprised?shewondered.WhoeverdidthiswantedtobesureIwouldfail.

Idon’thaveto,though,shethought.Icantellsomeoneandthey’llgetherandJump.Iwon’thavetoclimbthosestairs.IcouldlookaroundinsteadandseeifIcanfindoutwhodidthis.

“Iknewyouwouldcome,”Lalasahadtoldher.

Wasn’tfindingwhereshewasenough?

Itwasn’t.Sheknewitwasn’t.HowcouldshefaceLalasa-orNeal,orOwen-knowingshehadturnedherback?Howcouldshefaceherself?

Kelbittremblinglipsandforcedherselftosmileatthebirdswhohadperchedontheouterstairrailing.“Youropinionofmycourageishigherthanitshouldbe,”shetoldthem.“I’dassoonhavemyfingernailspulledoutthangothatway.”Shelaidherhandsonthedoorknobandtwisted.Thegreatwoodenpanelswungopen.AirscentedwitholdincenseandcandlespouredoverKelasshesteppedinsidetheNeedle.

Thebigchandelierwasunlit.Alampburnedonatablejustinsidethedoor;besidethetablewasaboxfulloftorches.“Iguesstheydon’tlightthechandelierforjustanyone,”Kelmurmured,pickingupatorch.Shehelditoverthelamp.Assoonastheendstartedtoburn,sheutteredaquickprayerforcourageandbegantoclimb.

Oddly,thejobwaseasierinthenear-dark:therewerenowindowsintheNeedle.Thetorchcouldilluminateonlysomuch.Thegreatopengapatthetower’sheartandthegapsintheironworkstepswerejustshadows,onesKelcouldignore.Shestayedclosetothewallandclimbed.

Atlastshereachedthetop.Shesetthetorchinaholderbesidethedoor,tookadeepbreath,andraisedthelatch.Openingthedoorwasastruggle.Thewind

foughther,pressingagainstthewood.Kelbracedhershoulderagainstthedoorandshoved.Slowlythedoorinchedopen.

Airbuffetedherassheslidthroughthegapontotheplatform.Whensheletgo,thedoorslammedshutagain.

Hystericalbarkingmetherears.TherewasLalasa,bound,gagged,blindfolded,andtuckedagainstthewaist-highrailing,protectedfromthewind.Threefeetfromher,tiedtotherailingbyaropesoshorthecouldn’tturntochewit,wasJump.ThedoghowledtoseeKel.Heleapedintotheair,onlytobeyankeddownbyhisleash.Keltookasteptowardthemandmetthewind’sfullblast.

Well,noonecanseemebutJump.Hewon’tthinklessofmeifIcrawl,thoughtKel.Shegotdownonallfours,belowtherailingthatcircledtheplatform.NowshewasoutofthewindandabletocrawltoLalasa.

“It’sme,”Kelshoutedoverthewindasshedrewherknife.Theoldergirl’sfleshwasredandswollenaroundherbonds.“Holdstill.I’llhaveyoulooseinawink!”

Firstshecutawaytheblindfoldandgag,thentheropes.Themomentshewasfree,LalasathrewherselfatKel,clutchingherweakly.Shesobbed,herfacealreadypuffedanddirtyfromcrying.

“Yes,it’sallright.LetmegetJump,”Kelsaidinherear.

Lalasanoddedandlethergo,wipinghereyesonhersleeve.KelcrawledovertoJump,whokepttryingtolickherfaceasshecuthisleash.Therewasarawredcircleallaroundhisthickneckwherehehadpulledagainsttherope.He’dbeenhurt-hecouldbarelyresthisweightononehindfoot-buthisspiritswereasboisterousasever.Kelhuggedhimquickly,thensaid,“ComehelpwithLalasa.”

Theycrawledbacktothemaid,whowastryingtomoveherwrists.LikeJump,sheshowedsignsofalongfightagainstcoarseropeinthebleedingweltsaroundherwristsandankles.KelchafedonewristwhileJumpbrisklylickedoneofLalasa’sankles.“Howlonghaveyoubeenouthere?”Kelasked.“Canyoustand?”ShealreadysawLalasacouldn’tmakeherhandsclose.

“Ithinktheybroughtusuphereneardawn,”wasthesobbedreply.“I’msocold!”

Therewasaburlapbagontheplatform.KelwrappeditaroundLalasa’sshouldersandreturnedtochafingthemaid’swrists.Jumpswitchedankles.“Whathappened?”Kelwantedtoknow.ShehadtoleanclosetoLalasatoheartheansweroverthewind.

“Itwasthosetwomenwesaw.Theycameback,andtheysaidtheyhadamessageforyou.WhenIopenedthedoor,theygrabbedme.Theysaidthey’dkillmeifIscreamed.Jumptriedtostopthem-hewassobrave!Buttheythrewablanketonhim.Theywouldhavekilledhim-theywerekickinghim-butIsaidhebelongstotheWildmage.Ifanythinghappenedtohim,Dainewouldhuntthemwitheveryanimalintheworld.Theybelievedme.Theywrappedhimintheblanket-latertheyputhiminthisbag.”Lalasaclenchedherteeth,shuddering.

“What’swrong?”Kelasked.

“Cramps,”shereplied,tryingtomoveherlegs.

Kelbegantomassagethem,feelingthemuscleshardunderherhands.Tiedinthatpositionsincedawn,ofcoursethey’dknot,shethought,rememberingtheystillhadastairtodescend.“Flexyourarmsbeforetheyseizeup,”sheordered.“Whathappenedthen?Gettingyououtofmyroomswithoutbeingseenmusthavebeenajobandahalf.”

Lalasashookherhead.“Theygaggedmeandchangedintopalaceuniforms,andthentheyfetchedoneofthelargebasketsweusetotakesheetstothelaundry.Theyhadeverything,LadyKel-itwassowellplanned!”Lalasaopenedonearm,andletJumptuckhimselfagainstherside,thenwrappedthesackaroundbothofthem.Thepainofcrampingmusclesmadetearsrolldownherface,butshespokenotawordofcomplaint.“Theyputusinthebasketandcarriedussomewhere.Thatplacewasprivate-theydidn’tcareifJumpbarked.Theyputtheblindfoldonandletmeusethechamberpot-that’swhentheystuffedJumpinthebag.Theytookusoneotherplaceandkeptusthereforever,itseemed.Thentheybroughtushere.TheysaidifIwiggledI’ddropoutthroughaholeinthefloor.IcouldhearJump,soIknewhewasallright.Hemarkedthem,mylady.Hemarkedthemwell.Wecanhavethewatchonthem

quickaslightningwithallthosebitestoshow.”Shewipedherfaceonherapron.“Arethebigexaminationsover?”

“I’venoidea,”Keltoldher.“Trytostraightenyourlegs.”

Lalasatried,butherlegswerestilltooknotted.Sheshookherhead.“Needlesandpins,miss.I’llmanage.”

“Youcan’tmanageifyoucan’tstand.”KelreturnedtomassagingLalasa’sthighsandcalves.Sheconcentratedonherworkgrimly.IfshethoughtaboutwhatthosemenhadputLalasaandJumpthrough,shewouldgoracingofftofindandkillthem.Thatwasnotagoodidea.ThesetwohadtobetakenofftheNeedlefirst,toseehealersandthepalacewatch.

AtlastLalasawasabletocrawl.Keepingherownbodybetweenhermaidandtheopeningwheretheouterstairtouchedtheplatform,Kelledthewaytothedoor.Shereachedup,graspedthelatch,andpulled.Thedoordidn’tmove.Kelsatuponherknees,grabbedthehandlewithbothhands,andtuggedhard.Thedoorrefusedtoopen.Sheyankedonitwithallherstrength;thedoorwouldnotgivesomuchasahair.

Godscurseyou,shethoughttoherunknownenemy.Curseyouandallthatyoudowithfire,andsword,and-andaplagueofhorseflies.

“It’slocked,”saidLalasa,hervoiceshaking.Jumpwhinedandsniffedaroundthedoor.“Wholockedit?”

Kelrestedherforeheadagainsttheroughwood.“SomeonewhothinksIwon’tdowhathastobedone.”

“Lady?”askedthemaid.

Kellookedattheopeninginthefloorjustthreefeetaway.Fromthisangleitofferedaviewonlyofemptyairandadistantroof.“Wehavetotaketheouterstair,I’mafraid.”Hervoicesoundeddistantandtinnyinherears.Atleastitdidn’tsoundlikeshewasterrifiedwitless.

“LadyKeladry,Ican’tdothat.”Lalasashookherhead,hermouthtight,hereyeswide.Sheseemedtohaveusedupthelastofhercourage.“Yougo.I’llwaithere.”

Kelgrippedhermaid’sshoulders.“You’renotthinking,”shesaid,settingherthoughtsinorderbeforeshespokethem.“What’stostopthemfromcomingbackforyouwhentheyseemeonthestair?They’rewatchingus”-shewavedatthedoor-“weknowthat.”

“Thenlet’sallthreewait!”criedtheoldergirl.

“Someonewillcome-“

“We’rewitnesses,”Keltoldher.“Wecanpointthemout.Kidnappingisacrime.”Lalasaturnedaway,hidingherfaceinherhands.Jumplickedherfingers.“Ifitisn’tthem,howlonguntilsomeonecomes?Howoftendopeoplemakethisidioticclimb?”

Thegodshaverunmad,shethoughtasLalasashookherhead.They’veputmeinaspotwhereI’mbeggingtogodownthatdreadfulstair.

“Jumpcan’tdoit,”Lalasasaid,reachingdowntoruboneofhercalves.Hermouthwassetinastubbornline.“Youcanseeforyourselfhecan’tmanagethathindleg.Wecan’tleavehimhere.”

“I’llmakeaslingoutofthatsackandI’llcarryhim,”repliedKel.“Allyou’llhavetodoiswalkdownyourself.Comeon,”shepleaded,tuggingLalasa’sarm.“Justtry.”

Firsttheymadeaslingoutofthecoarsesack,checkinganddouble-checkingtheknotbeforetheyriskedfittingthedogintoit.Jumpletthemdoit,tuckinghimselfintotheclothwithonlyasmallwhimperforhissorehindleg.TheyarrangedtheslingonKel’sbacksoshecouldseewheresheputherfeet.

“Don’tstartwiggling,”Kelordered.Forthefirsttimeshewasgratefulforthreeyearsoftheharness-shebarelynoticedthedog’sweightonherback.“Lalasa,comeon.”

TheygotasfarastheopeningbeforeLalasashookherheadandrolledaway,pressingherfacetotheplatform.ForamomentKel,dizzyfromthatlookatopenair,wantedtoslapher,andwaspromptlyashamedofherself.Lalasahadshownhercourageinthehandsoftwokidnappingstrangers;shehadsavedJump’slife.

“Youcandothis,”Kelsaid.“Yousurvivedyourbrotherandtheraidersandtheroadtothepalace.What’sastairagainstallthat?”

LalasametKel’seyes.“Wereallyhavetodothis?”

Kelnodded.“Idon’twanttobehereiftheydecidetheydon’tneedwitnesses.”

“Allright,”theoldergirlwhispered.

Ihavetogofirst,Kelrealizedwithagulp.Ihavetolead.“WatchhowIdothis,”sheordered.Lalasanodded.

Gettingonherhandsandknees,turningherheaduntilshesawtheopeningattheedgeofhervision,Kelbackedupuntilbothfeettouchedemptyair.Icandothis,shetoldherselffirmly.Ididitdozensoftimesclimbingcliffsthislastsummer.“Jump,stayverystill,”shewarnedthedogonherback.Shegropedwithonefootuntilshetouchedthefirstmetalstep.Shetestedit,makingsureshecouldrestherweightonit,beforeshesetherotherfootdown.Carefullyshestraightenedherlegs.Onceagainshebackedupseveralinchesuntiltherewasenoughofherintheopeningtotryforthesecondstep.Nowshereachedwithafoot,groped,andfoundit.Shetesteditfirst,thensteppeddown.Theplatformopeningwasnowaroundherwaist,andstrongwindspluckedatherhose.

Keltookthenextstepdown.“Let’sgo,”sheordered.

Lalasaslidacrosstheplatformonherbehind,notcaringthatthewoodpulledthreadsfromherskirt.Herlipswerepressedsotightlytogetherthatawhiterimshowedaroundthem,butshestillobeyedKel.TogethertheymaneuvereduntilLalasa’sfeetwereonthesecondstepandKelwasonthefourth.

Godshelpme,Ihavetoturn,Kelrealized.IhavetoseewhereI’mgoing.“Wait,”shetoldLalasa.

Kelflexedherhands.Timetostopdancingandjustdothis,shedecided.Thesweatthatpoureddownherfrontwasinstantlychilledandsnatchedawaybythewind,makinghershiver.Atleastherbackwaswarm-carryingJumpwaslikecarryingasmalloven.

ThesoonerIgetitstarted,thesoonerit’sdone.Puttingitoffjustmakesthe

wholejobtakelonger.

Kelshuthereyes,grippeddieplatform’sedgewithonehand,andgropeduntilshecouldfeeltherailingwiththeother.Shegrabbeditwithbothhands,turnedintothewind,andopenedhereyes.Belowherthepalaceswayed;theedgesofhervisionwentdark.

Cuffsaresosolid,shethoughtgiddily.Ineverrealizeditbefore.

Shebittheinsideofhercheekhard,untilitbled.Herfaintnessevaporated.Shelookedatthestairsbeforeher.Likethoseinside,theyhadbeenworkedintheshapeofflowers,withopeningsineverystep.

WhenIreachtheRealmsoftheDead,shevowedgrimly,I’mgoingtofindthegeniuswhodesignedthistowerandI’mgoingtokillhimasecondtime.Horribly.

“Holdtherailswithbothhands,”sheshouted.“We’lldothiscarefully.Testthestepbeforeyouputallofyourweightonit.Ifwe’reslow,ifweresteady,we’llbefine.”

Iamsuchaliar,shethoughtweakly,watchingoveroneshoulderasLalasaturned.Theoldergirlfacedfrontandtookholdoftherailings.

Kelgrippedtherailssohardthatsheexpectedtofindtheimprintoftheironvinesonherpalmsfortherestofherlife.AteachstepshewaitedforLalasatocomedownbehindher.Ofcoursehertreacherouskneeswerequivering;theyalwaysdidwhensherosehigherthanthreefeetandlookeddown.Herlegmusclesfeltwatery.

Thewindwastheworst.Itshovedandtugged,yankingthegirls’clothes,slammingthemintoonerailortheother.ItthrustatKel’sshakyknees,untilshewassureshewouldfall.Lalasawasnomorethanonestepbehind,soclosethatsheoftenjostledKelandJump.

AtfirstKelignoredherfearbynamingthemembersofherfamily,fromGreat-AuntBridalaallthewaydowntoherniecesandnephews.Whenthewindhitthestairwithablastthatrattledthewholething,KelturnedtoimaginingthetorturesshewouldinflictonthearchitectwhohadbuilttheNeedle,startingwiththeevilfingersthathaddrawntheplansforit.

Shewassooccupiedwiththisthatshedidn’tseethereddishbrownstainonastepathirdofthewaydown.Assherestedherleftfootonit,thefootslammedthrough,droppingintoemptyair.BrokenirongougeddeepthroughherhoseandintobothsidesofKel’sleftleg.

Lalasascreamedandlurchedforward,bumpingintoJumpandKel’sback.Kelgrittedherteethandhungontotherailingswithallofherstrength,supportingLalasa’sweightaswellasJump’sandherownforahorriblemoment.

“Sorry,”criedLalasa,shiftingherselfbackuntilherweightrestedonherownfeet.“Sorry,sorry!”

Kelremainedwhereshewas,lockedinplace,notdaringtomove.Herlegthrobbed;itbledheavily.Shelookeddownjustoncetoseeherblooddripontorooftilessixtyfeetbelow.Closinghereyes,sheorderedherselfnottolookdownagain.

“Mylady,you’rebleeding!”criedLalasa.

“Iknow,”Kelreplied.“Willyoudomeafavor?Just-sit,rightwhereyouare.Sit,and-and-letmethink.”

“Yes,yes,ofcourse,”Lalasasaid.Shesniffled.“Forgiveme.”KelfeltthestairbounceslightlyasLalasasat.“MayItakeJump?”

Kelnodded.“Thatwouldhelp.”

ShefeltLalasafumblewiththeslingonherback.Jumpdidn’twriggle,butletthemaideasehimoutofthecloth.Kelfeltbetterwithouthisweightputtingheroff-balance.

OnceLalasahadthedog,Kelmadeherselflookatthestepthathadgivenway.Carefullyshedrewherlegoutofthehole,tryingnottocatchitonjaggedmetal.Whenshewasfree,shesatonthestepbehindher,herbackagainstLalasa’sshins.Thensherestedherfaceinherhands.

Thetrickleofbloodonherskinwasanannoyingreminderthatshecouldn’tjustsitandshiver.Forcingherselftolookatthewound,shesawthatshehadgottenoffeasily.Thecutswereugly,buttheyhadmissedthebigveinsinherleftleg.

Arippingsoundmadeherlookback.Lalasawasgrimlytearingstripsfromherpetticoat,workingaroundthedogcurledupinherlap.ShehandedasectionofclothtoKel,whousedittobinduptheshallowscrapesonthelowerpartofherleg.“IthinkI’llneedyourapron,too,”shecalled.

LalasadrapedJumpoverhershouldertountieherapron.“Whathappened?”sheasked.

“Astepgaveway,”Kelreplied.

“Gaveway?”whisperedLalasa.“How?”

“Rusted.”

LalasapassedtheaprontoKelwithhandsthatshook.Kelfoldeditneatlyintoalongbandage.“Aremorestepsrusted?”Lalasawantedtoknow.“Arewetrapped?”

“No-no,we’renot.IjusthavetowatchwhereI’mgoing,”Kelsaidfirmly,wipingherforeheadonhersleeve.Shedidn’tfeelfirm,notintheleast.Hermuscleshadturnedtowater.Atanymomentsheexpectedthetowertobend,dumpingthemoffthestair.

Focusingonhertask,shesettledthethickestpadsoftheapronoverthedeepestwounds.Thenshewrappedtheclothastightlyasshecould,andbounditinplacewithahardknot.Withanyluck-thoughshefelttheymightbeshortonthat-she’dputenoughpressureonthegashestostopthebleeding.Shewouldneedahealerinahurry,though,tokillinfectionscausedbyrustanddirtyiron.

“I’lltakeJumpback,”Kelsaid.“Weneedtogo.”SheheldstillasLalasasettledJumpinthesling.Grippingtherailings,Kelglancedatthestepshe’dgonethrough.Shedidn’tdaretrustit,buttheonebeyondlookedsafeenough.Kelknewtheyhadtogoforward,buthernervewasgone.Sheoughttostand,butnomatterhowsternlysheorderedhertraitorbodytogetmoving,itremainedwhereitwas.AfteralittlewhilesherealizedLalasawastalking.

”-likeanyothernoble,notcaringforanyonebutyourself.Servantsseetheworstofpeople,evenofotherservants.Wejustdon’tcount.Sometimesfolkareniceatthestart,butsoonerorlateranoblewilltreatusbad.Itcan’tbehelped.It’snatural.Afterayearfightingoffmenandbeingslappedbywomen,Ithought

workingforapagewouldbenodifferent.Iknewsoonerorlateryournicemaskwouldcomeoff,onlyitneverdid.ThinkhowfrustratedIwas.”

Kelcouldn’thelpit.Shehadtosmile.AsifhefeltthechangeinKel’sattention,Jumpbegantowashthebackofherneck.

“Iwantedtoboxyourearswhenyouwereforeveraftermetofightandlearnthisgrip,andthathold,”Lalasacontinued.“Butthen,intheservants’mess,Itaughtthemthatwouldn’thear‘no’whatitmeant.AndwhenIcouldholdoffasquire,astrong,brawnyfighter…Well.Youtaughtmeallthat.Youtaughtmetobenearasbraveasyouare.”

Afterthat,whatcouldKeldo?Sheleveredherselftoherfeet.“Watchforrust,”shecautioned.“Juststepoverthatbrokenstair.Andgoslowandcareful.”

Thereweremorerustedsteps.Threeinarowweretheworst:itmeanthavingtousetherailingsastheirsolesupportastheyswungtheirbodiesoutandawayfromthetraitorsteps.Kel’skneesbuckledwhenshetoucheddown,butshestiffenedthemforLalasaandJump.Whenshealmostbackedoffherstepasshehelpedtheothergirltoputherfeetdown,Kel’sheadspun.ShetookadeepbreathandsteadiedLalasa.

Whentheyreachedthestonecourtyard,Lalasacollapsed,huddlingatthestonesofthetower’sbase.SparrowsswirledaroundherandKel,shriekingmadly.

“GetDaine,”Kelordered,liftingtheslingthatheldJumpfromherbackandplacinghimgentlyontheflagstones.“Jump’shurt.”

Thesparrowszippedoutofthecourtyard,pipingtheirshrillalarmcall.

MuchtoKel’ssurprise,Tianranintothecourtyard.“Mylady!”shecried.“Lalasa!You’reallright!”SheburstintotearsandfelltoherkneesbesideLalasa,gatheringherintoherarms.

“Howdidyouknowwewerehere?”Kelasked,tuckingthesack-slingaroundJumptokeephimwarm.

TianfumbledinherapronpocketandgaveKelasquareofparchment.Thehandwritingwasthesameasonthefirstnoteshehadreceived.Thistimeitread:

TryBalor’s’Needle.

“Someonestuckittothedoor,”Tiansaid.“Gowersawitwhenhewasleaving.Mylady-hewenttofetchthewatch.”

Kelnoddedabsently.Therewassomethingshehadtoreport,somethingveryimportant.Sheturnedtolookupatthespiderylengthofironthathadledthemhere.“I’mgoingtotellthekingaboutthat,”shesaid,wipingtremblinghandsonhertunic.“It’snotsafe.”

fifteen

CONSEQUENCES

Thingshappenedquicklyafterthat.Dainearrivedatarun,thesparrowsflutteringaroundher.ShetendedJumpasKelheldhiminherlap,healingthedog’sbonesandbruises,tellinghimthathewasthebestdoginthepalace.

AfterDaineleft,Kellookedup.MorepeoplehadcomewhileDainetendedherdog.GowercrouchedonLalasa’srightwhileTianclungtoherfriendontheleft.AmanintheuniformofthepalacewatchquestionedLalasaasothermeninthesameuniformmilledaroundthecourtyardandsearchedinsidetheNeedleforclues.

OnceKelgottoherfeet,stillholdingJump,sheandLalasaweretakentothewatch’soffices.ThereKelwasquestioned-shewasn’ttooclearonwhatwasasked.Ahealercametoexamineherleg.Kelonlynoticedwhentheacheletup.Rightaboutthenshestretchedoutonabench,waitingforthemtobedonewithher.

SuddenlyafuriousJumpcatapultedoffherchest,jarringKelintowakefulness.ShesatupasLalasacriedshrilly,“That’sthem!That’stheonesthatgrabbedme!”

“Getthisdog!”criedthesmalleroftwochainedmenflankedbywatchmen.

AsergeantclutchedJump,whotriedtofighthiswaytothekidnappers.Oneofthemenshowedabiteonthecheek;bothhadbandagesontheirarms.

“Ishouldletyouatthem,”thesergeanttoldJumpinakindvoice.“Ithinkyou’rerightaboutthem.”Helookedatthetwocaptives.“Sohere’sanotherdogwhathatesyoutwo.Whateverdidyoudungballsgetupto,thatsomanydogswanttoripyoutobits?”

Kelrubbedhereyes.“Whyarethosemenhere?”sheaskedstupidly.

“Well,milady,”thesergeantexplainedoverJump’ssnarls,“wefoundthemabellago,corneredbyapackofthepalacedogs.Sincetheycouldn’tgiveno

goodreasonforbeinghere,andtheywereallchewedup,wethoughtwe’dhold‘emawhile.”

Kelnodded-thatmadesense-andlaydownagain.

Sometimelaterafamiliardeep,musicalfemalevoicesaid,“Whywasitnecessarytosearchthepalacetofindmyyoungestdaughter?Andwhyisshesleepingonabenchinsteadofinherroom?”

Kelstruggledtositup.Someonementioned“havingquestions”and“thewholestory.”

“Andhaveyouobtainedyouranswersandyourstory?”demandedIlaneofMindelan,handsonherhips.

Kelheardamutteredreply.

“Youmayaskfurtherquestionstomorrow,ifyoudonothaverealanswersbythen,”Ilanesaidcoldly.“Youwillfindmydaughterinthepages’wing.”ShelookedatKel,worryinhereyes.“Iwouldappreciatesomeassistanceforher,ifyouplease.”

SomeonehoistedKelonhisshoulderwithagrunt.Kelrememberedbobbingthroughhallways,thenfallingontosoftness.Birdsshriekedinherearsasshefellasleep.

Aman’svoiceenteredherdreamofflying:“Keladry.Timetowakeup.”

Shehadtoobeythatvoice.Kelfurledherwingsanddropped,openinghereyes.LordWyldonsatonherbed,leaningovertolookintoherface.

“Well,”hesaid,“thereyouare.”Helookedup.“Stopglaring,Ilane.”

“I’mnotatallsurethatsheoughttoleaveherbed,”repliedKel’smother.“Fromwhathermaidtellsme,she’sexhausted.Didyouknowsherisesbeforedawneveryday?Andshefitsweaponspracticeintoeverysparemomentshehas.Theideaistotrainthem,nottokillthem,Wyldon.”

“It’sthetrainingthatkeepsthemaliveinthefield,”Wyldonrepliedcalmly.“PageKeladry,youhavethingstodo.”

“IsthistheRealmsoftheDead?”Kelaskedthickly.

“No.You’vesleptawhile,andyouhadahealing,”Ilanesaid.ShesatonKel’sothersidewithamug.“Youknowhealingstireyou.”

LordWyldonhelpedKeltositupwithfirm,comfortablehands.HermotherheldthecuptoKel’slips:itwastea,warmbutnothot.Kelgulpeditdown,andfeltherheadclear.Onceallofitwasgone,shesatupcompletely,rubbedherface,andcheckedherrightsideagain.LordWyldonwasstillthere.

“Jump?”sheasked,beforesherememberedshewasnotallowedtohavepets.

“Sleepingyet,”thetrainingmasterreplied.“Heseemsparticularlydevotedtoyou.”

Kellookeddown,blushing.

“ThewatchcaptainasksmetoassureyouthatwhoeverpaidthosementokidnapLalasawillbefound.”Wyldon’stonewasodd,almostgentle.“Iwillmakesurethatisso-Iwanttolearnwhatmannerofcreaturewoulddosoinfamousathing.”

Kelnodded.Shewouldliketoknowthat,too.Shebunchedherfists.Ifshewaslucky,perhapsshewouldgetamomenttotalktothepersonwhohadcausedallthis,alone.Shelookedathermother.“Mama,itisyou.Whendidyougethere?”

IlanesmiledandbrushedKel’shairbackwithherfingers.“YoudorememberyourfatherandIcametothebigexaminations.WhenIheardyou’dbeenfound,Iwenttoseewhatwasgoingon.”

“Sorry,Mama,”Kelwhispered,hangingherhead.“I’msorryyoucamefornothing.”

“Washup,”saidWyldon,slappingKel’skneebriskly.“It’stimeforsupper.Youwillfeelmorethethingonceyouhaveeaten.”

Keldidasshewastold,happytousethebasinofhotwaterinherdressingroomtogetsomeofthefear-sweatoffherhands,arms,andface.ShecouldhearLordWyldonandLadyIlanetalkingquietlyasshechangedintofreshclothes.

Aftershecombedherhair,shewentintotheotherroom.LordWyldonhadJumpinhislap;LadyIlanefedsparrowsfromherhands.

“Allset?”askedWyldon.Heputthedogonthehearthrug.Jumpyawned,twistedhimselfintoanewposition,andwentbacktosleep.LordWyldonopenedthedoor.“Comealong,”heordered.Kelwavedtohermotherandfollowedhimintothehall.

TheywalkedinsilenceforafewmomentsbeforeWyldonasked,“Well?Aren’tyougoingtoexplainwhyyoudidnotattendthebigexaminationstoday?”

Kelstoppedandstaredupathim.“Sir?”Whydidheofallpeopleaskherthat?

Wyldonhalted,too,andfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“Thequestionisstraightforward.Haveyouanexplanation?”

“Youalwayssayexplanationsareexcuses,mylord,”sheremindedhim.“Youdon’twanttohearthem.”

Heregardedherfixedlyforamoment.Finallyheasked,“Whatdoyoumeantodo,then?”

“Repeatthefouryears,Isuppose.”

“Doyouexpectmetobelieveyouarelookingforwardtothat?”

Kelshookherhead.“No,mylord.ButIwasverylate.That’sthepenalty.”Shebittheinsideofherlip,thinking,Iwillnotcry.

Toherastonishment,LordWyldonclaspedhershoulderwarmly.“Gods,Mindelan,”hesaid,“Iwouldyouhadbeenbornaboy.”Helethergo.“Come.Youneedtoeat,andtoreassureyourfriends,thoughIdidhaveEzekobriefeveryonewhenwegotthefullstory.Nosenseinallowingallkindsofwildrumors.”

Whenhewalkedon,Kelfollowed,thinking,ButIlikebeingagirl.

Insidethemesshall,Kelgatheredatrayandutensils,thenwenttotheservers.

Whenshepassedthesquires,Garveyjeered,“Ibetshehiredthosementogetoutoftheexams!”

“Iknewshe’dcrumbleatthelastmoment,”addedVinson.“Femalesalwaysdo.”

AgoodYamaniwouldhavebowedandplannedrevengeforamoreconvenienttime.IsupposeI’mnotagoodYamanianymore,Kelthoughtasshefacedthesquires.“Whocouldbeafraidofthebigexams?”sheaskedVinsonandGarvey.“Afterall,youtwopassedthem.”

CleonandBalduinofDisartguffawed;YancenofIrenrohasnorted.

“Whendoyouleave?”Jorenaskedcoolly.HesatnotwithVinsonandGarvey,asKelmighthaveexpected,butwithZahirandYancen.

“Iwon’t,”Kelreplied.

“Youexpectustobelieveyoumeantodoallfouryearsagain.”TherewasamockingsmileonJoren’slips.

Kelshrugged.“Believewhatyoulike.”Sheturnedherbackonthemandwenttogethersupper.Asshepassedthesquires’tablesonherwaytoherfriends,Cleontouchedherwrist.“I’mallright,”shetoldhim,surprisedbythetouch.

“Ofcourseyouare,”hesaid.“You’rethebest.”PrinceRoald,seatedacrossfromCleon,gaveherawarmsmile.

WhenKelputhertraydownatherusualtable,sheslidintothespaceleftforherbyNealandOwen.Assoonasshewassettled,Nealhuggedherfiercely.Owendidthesame;hewascrying.

Kelfumbledforherhandkerchiefandgaveittohim,saying,“AtleastIgettospendanotheryearwithyou,anyway,whelp.”Thatgotawaterygrinoutofhim.SheturnedtoNealanddemanded,“So,didyoupass?”

“Ofcoursewepassed,andit’samiracle,”retortedMerricfromhisplaceacrossfromthem.“YoucouldhavesaidyouhadtosaveLalasa!”

“Itoldyou,theythreatenedtohurther,”Nealsaidfirmly.Hepressedacupof

fruitjuiceintoKel’shands.“Drinkup.Youlooklikeyouneedthesweet.Youhadahealing,didn’tyou?”

Kelnodded.

LordWyldonhadcometothelecternfortheeveningprayer.Theyallscrambledtotheirfeet.

“MithrosandGoddess,weprayyou,grantyourblessing,”Wyldonsaid,hisclear,coldvoicecuttingthroughthewhispers.Thepagesandsquiresbowedtheirheads.Kelwonderedifshewastheonlyonewhohadnoticedthatforthefirsttimesinceherarrivalherefouryearsago,LordWyldonhadincludedtheGoddessinthenightlyprayer.“Striptheveilsofhatefromoureyes,andthegripofbitternessfromourhearts.Teachustobepureinoursouls,dedicatedonlytoservice,duty,andhonor.”

Heloweredhishands.Hisaudiencemurmured,“Somoteitbe.”

Kelstoppedtheboysfromaskingmorequestionsbyaskingthemabouttheexaminations.Asshelistenedtothem,shekeptthinkingthatsomethingwasverywrong.Shouldn’tthefourth-yearshavewalkedtothesquires’tablesbynow?Andwhilethemealbeforethemwasgood,itwasstillatypicalsupper.Thenightthefourth-yearsbecamesquires,therewerealwaysspecialfoodsandentertainmentforthemall.

Halfwaythroughthemeal,aservantopenedthedoor.Inwalkedanoldmanwearingalong,fur-collared,maroonwoolrobeandavelvetcapwithear-flaps.Overtheshouldersofhisrobeheworeaheavygoldchainofoffice,itspendantmarkedwiththecrossedgavelandswordoftheRoyalMagistrates.Kelhadseenhimbefore,atthebigexaminationsofyearspast.HewasDukeTuromotofWellam,theLordMagistrateandchiefexaminerofpages.

EveryonestoodastheoldmanwalkedstifflytoLordWyldon’sdais.Thetrainingmastercameoverandbowedtohim.Foramomenttheytalkedinlowvoices.ThenLordWyldonhelpedDukeTuromotuptothelectern.

Theoldmanglareddownathisaudience.“Silence,”heordered,thoughnoonemadeasound.

“Evidencehasbeengiven,confessionmade.Twomenwerepaidbyanas-yet-

unknownthirdmantoforcePageKeladryofMindelaneithertobelateforthefourth-yearexaminationsortobeunabletoattendaltogether.SaidcoercionbeingoutofthecontrolofPageKeladryorofLordWyldonhertrainingmaster,itisherebyordainedthatintwodays’timeKeladryofMindelanshallpresentherselfintheFirstCourtofLawofthepalaceinCorusatthesecondbellofthemorning.Thereandinthepracticecourtsshewillbegiventheappropriatefourth-yeartestsbytheregularexaminers.”

Theboyscriedoutinastonishment,fillingtheroomwithsound.Kel’sYamanitrainingtookhold.Itkeptherfacecalm,herbackstraight,andherkneeslockedwhenshemighthavecollapsedontoherseat.Shecouldn’tbelieveherears.Nealwaspoundingherontheback-sowasOwen.Iden,Warric,andherfirst-yearfriendsjumpedupanddown,cheering.

ButIwasreadytodoit,shethought,grippingthetable,wantingtotouchsomethingreal.Ididn’tlikeit;Ididn’twantit.IwouldhavescreamedandweptandhitthingsonceIwasalone,inprivate,asisdecent.ButIwouldhavedoneit.Iwouldhavebeenapagefourmoreyears.

DukeTuromotpoundedthelectern.“Order!”heshouted.“Order!”

Thepagesslowlycalmeddown.Breathingheavily,theoldmansaid,“Therewasnoreasonforthisunseemlydisplay.Ifanysuchoccursontestingday,Iwillhavethoseresponsibleejectedfrommypresence.”Heglaredatthem,makingsurethey’dheard,thenadded,“Heraldshavebeensenttoannouncethenewdayoftesting.Furthermore,theonewhoperpetratedthisdefilementofthelawandtheexaminationswillbefoundanddulypunished.WiththeguidanceofMithros,wewillachieveafairsolution.”

Theyrecognizedthecueandreplied,“Somoteitbe.”

DukeTuromotleftthemesshall,clutchinghisrobestightlyaroundhisthinframe.LordWyldontookhisplaceatthelectern.“ProvidedthatKeladryofMindelanpassesherfourth-yearexaminationsintwodays,wewillholdthecelebrationforthenewsquiresonthatevening.PageKeladry,reporttomewhenyouhavefinishedyourmeal.”

Shedidn’tfinishhersupper,onlygaveuponit.Shehardlyknewwhattothink.Theystartouttreatingmedifferent,puttingmeonprobation,eventhoughtheysayI’msupposedtobethesameastheboys,shethoughtasshecarriedher

traytotheservers.Andnowtheymakeanotherexceptionforme,thentellmeI’mtomovetothesquires’tableswitheverybodyelse.Can’ttheymakeuptheirminds?

Twodayslateratthesupperhour,LordWyldonstoodatthelecternandannounced,“Newsquires,youareseatedinthewrongplace.”

Kel,Neal,Merric,Seaver,Esmond,andQuindenpickeduptheirtrays.Togethertheywalkedtothelowliestofthesquires’tablesasthepagesandsquiresapplaudedandcheered.

Sofar,sogood,thoughtKelasshetookherseat.Shewastired,buthappy.Shecouldstillrememberthelookofprideintheeyesofherparents,herbrothersInnessandAnders,andhersistersAdaliaandOranie,allofwhomhadcomeforthebigexaminations.ShecouldrememberthegrinsonthefacesofSirMyles,LordRaoul,herfriendsamongthesquires,Daine,Salma,Gower,andLalasa.Andshemeanttoenjoythenight,andthefreshcherrypies,andthetumblershiredbyLordWyldonasatreatforthemall.

Asshewalkedoutofthemesshall,yawning,ahandreachedouttostopher.ItwasLordWyldon.“Congratulations,”hesaidquietly.“Youhaveearnedyournewstatus.”

Kelbowed.“Thankyou,mylord.”Itmeantagreatdeal,comingfromhim.

“Youshouldknow,itmaybealittlewhilebeforeyouarechosenasasquire.It’sthecongress,”hesaid,understandingthequestioninhereyes.“Mostknightswilltakealittleextratimetolookthenewsquiresover,sincetheywillbehere.”

“Butyouthinkitwouldtakemealongtimetofindaknight-masteranyway,beingTheGirl,”Kelsuggested,surprisingherselfwithhernewboldness.Maybeitwasthatfunny,baffledlookinhiseyesthatgaveherthecourage.

Wyldonsmiledcrookedly.“IthinkIwillnolongertrytopredictwhatwillorwillnothappentoyou,SquireKeladry.Sofaryouhaveprovedmewrongoneverycount.EvenIcanlearnwhentoquit.”Hebowedtoher,andwalkedaway.

Kelwasstilltryingtodecidewhathe’dmeantwhenshereturnedtoherrooms.Shehadaguest:LalasawaspouringteaforStefanGroomsman.Jumpwasonhisbackatthestableman’sfeet,offeringhisbellytobescratched.The

sparrowshadretiredforthenight,allbutCrown,Freckle,andPeg.Theywerepickingonacrumb-coveredplatethatshowedthemanhadbeenthereforsometime.

“I’msorry,”Kelsaid,upsetthathemighthavebeenwaitingsincethetimeshenormallycameinfromsupper.“Lalasa,youshouldhavesentthebirdsforme…IsPeachblossomallright?”Shecouldn’tthinkofanyotherreasonthatmightbringthepeople-shyhostlerintothepalaceitself.

“No,no,SquireKeladry,Peachblossom’sfine.”Stefangottohisfeet,sheddingcrumbs.Reachinginsidehistunic,hedraggedoutapackettiedwithstring.“Iwastoldtogivethistoyoutoday.”

Kelaccepteditwithafrownandundidthestring.Whensheopenedthepacket,shefoundahandfuloffoldedpapers.ThetoponewasabillofsaleforthestrawberryroangeldingPeachblossom,marked“paidinfull,”witnessedbyapalacenotary,andmadeouttoKeladryofMindelan,squire.Theotherpapersappearedtobepaidbillsforfeed,care,andpalacestabling,allforthestrawberryroangeldingPeachblossom,ownedbyKeladryofMindelan,squire.Thesumslistedcoveredfouryears.Allwerenotarized,completewithredwaxseals.Iftherewasanythingmoreofficial-looking,Keldidn’tknowofit.

“I’mthatrelieved,”StefancommentedastheconfusedKellookedthroughthepapersasecondtime.“Itbrokemyhearttothinkofpartingyoutwo,letaloneIdoubthe’ddonearsowellwithanyoneelse.Congratulations,squire.”

HewasheadedforthedoorwhenKelsaid,“Wait!Ididn’t-whodidthis?”Sheleafedthroughthedocuments,lookingforanynamesotherthanherown,Stefan’s,andthenotary’s.“Idon’tseewhopaidallthismoney!Stefan?”

Thedoorclosingwasheronlyanswer.

Atthebottomofthereceiptswasafoldednote.Hermysteriousbenefactorhadwritten,“Godsallbless,LadySquire.”

CASTOFCHARACTERS

AdaliaofMindelansometimescalledAdie,Kel’soldersister

AlannaofPirate’sSwooptheKing’sChampion,andOlaualsocalled“theLioness,”bornAlannaofTrebond

AndersofMindelanKel’soldestbrother,aknight

BairdofQueenscove,DukechiefofTortall’shealers,Neal’sfather

BalcusStarsioornspringtimegod

BaldwinofDisartseniorpage/squire

Bonedancerlivingarchaeopteryx(dinosaurbird)skeleton

Chisakami,PrincessdaughteroftheYamaniemperor,formerbetrothedofPrinceRoald,deceased

CleanofKennanseniorpage/squire

ConalofMindelanKel’sthird-oldestbrother,aknight

DanayneArchpriestessoftheMoonofTruthtempleinCorus

DermidofJosu’sDirkpage

DouglassofVeldineKnight-GuardianofMauraofDunlath

EdaBelltheWildcatoftheShangorderoffighters

EntryofHaryseNeal’smaternalgrandfather,afamedgeneral

EsmondofNicolinepage,beganthesameyearasKel

Ezeko,Obafemsergeant,trainerfromtheTortallanarmy,formerlyfrom

Carthak

FaleronofKing’sReachseniorpage/squire,Merriescousin

Flyndancaptain,secondincommandoftheKing’sOwn

GarethofNaxen,Dukecalled“theElder”,king’scounselor,trainingmasterinAlanna’stime

GarveyofRunnerspringseniorpage/squire,Joren’scrony

HakuinSeastonetheHorseoftheShangorderoffighters

HarailtofAilideanoftheroyaluniversity

Iakojuogre,residentofFief

DunlathIdenofVikisonLakejuniorpage,Owen’scousin

IlaneofMindelan,BaronessKel’smother,wifeofPiers

ImrahofLegannPrinceRoald’sknight-master

InnessofMindelanKel’ssecond-oldestbrother,aknight

Isran,Cowergloomyservantinthepages’wing,Lalasa’suncle

IvorMithranpriest,teachesmathematics

JassonofCont�“theOldKing,”Jonathan’sdeceasedgrandfather

JonathanofCont�KingofTortall

JorenofStoneMountainhandsomeseniorpage/squire

KaddarIliniatEmperorofCarthak

KalasinofCont�oldestprincess

KeladryofMindelanknownasKel,youngestdaughterofPiersandIlaneofMindelan,firstknownfemalepagecandidate

KieranhaMinchbetrothedofUlineofHannalof

LalasaIsranKel’smaid,Gower’sniece

LiamofCont�youngerprince

LianneofCont�youngestprincess

LindhallReedmage,biologyteacher

Longleigh,Hugoseniorpalaceservant

MauraofDunlathheiressofDunlath,wardofDouglassofVeldine

MetricofHollyrosepage,beganthesameyearasKel,Faleron’scousin

MylesofOlau,BaronAlanna’sadoptivefather,teacher,headofroyalintelligenceservice(spies)

NarikoYamaniarmsmistress/teacherattheimperialcourt

NealanofQueenscoveknownasNeal,page,Kel’ssponsor,sonofDukeBaird

NumairSalmalmmage,bornArramDraper

Oakbridge,Uptonpalacemasterofceremonies

OranieofMindelanKel’soldersister

OsgarWoodroiapalacesmith

OwenofJesslawfeistyjuniorpage

PiersofMindelan,BaronKel’sfather,diplomat

ProsperofTameranpage

QasintBazhirsoldierintheKing’sOwn

QuindenofMarti’sHillpage,beganthesameyearasKel

RagnalofDarrochPage

RaoulofGoldenlakeandKnightCommanderofMalorie’sPeak,LordtheKing’sOwn

RoaldofCont�heirtotheTortallanthrone,oneyearolderthanKel

SalmaAynnarheadofservantsinthepages’wing

SeaverofTasridePage,beganthesameyearasKel

StefanGroomsmanChiefHostler,haswildmagicwithhorses

TeronofBlythdinjuniorpage

ThayetofCont�QueenofTortall,commanderoftheQueen’sRiders

TianinePlowmanknownasTian,maid,Lalasa’sfriend

TilaineofMindelanKel’ssister-in-law,Anders’swife

TimonGreendaleheadmanofpalaceservants

Tkaabasilisk,immortal

TuromotofWellam,DukeLordMagistrate,chiefexaminerofpages

UlineofHannalofoneofthe“royalladies”

UptonOakbridgepalacemasterofceremonies

VeralidaineSarrasriknownasDaine,called“theWildmage”

VinsonofGenlithseniorpage/squire,Joren’scrony

WarricofMandashjuniorpage,Owen’scousin

WyldonofCavall,Lordtrainingmasterofthepagesandsquires

YancenofIrenrohaseniorpage/squire

YayinMithranpriest,teachesreadingandwriting

ZahiribnAlhazseniorpage/squire,oftheBazhir

GLOSSARY

Balor’sNeedle:atower,thehighestpartoftheroyalpalaceinCorus,usedmostlybyastronomersandmages.

basilisk:animmortalthatresemblesaseven-to-eight-foot-talllizard,withslit-pupiledeyesthatfaceforwardandsilvertalons.Itwalksuprightonitshindfeet.Itshobbyistravel;itlovesgossipandlearnslanguageseasily.Itpossessessomemagicalskills,includingakindofscreechthatturnspeopletostone.Itscolorsarevariousshadesofgrayandwhite.

Bazhir:thecollectivenameforthenomadictribesofTortall’sGreatSouthernDesert.

blazebalm:athick,stickysubstancelikepaste,whichburnswhenlit(eithermanuallyoratadistance)byamageorarcherwithfirearrows.

Carthak:theslaveholdingempirethatincludesalloftheSouthernLands,ancientandpowerful,astorehouseoflearning,sophistication,andculture.Itsuniversitywasatonetimewithoutarivalforteaching.Itspeoplereflectthemanylandsthathavebeenconsumedbytheempire,theircolorsrangingfromwhitetobrowntoblack.ItsformeremperorOzorneTasikhewasforcedtoabdicatewhenhewasturnedintoaStormwing(andlaterkilled).HewassucceededbyhisnephewKaddarIliniat,whoisstillgettinghisfarflunglandsundercontrol.

centaur:animmortalshapedlikeahumanfromthewaistup,withthebodyofahorsefromthewaistdown.Likehumans,centaurscanbegood,bad,oramixtureofboth.

CodeofTen:thesetoflawsthatformthebasisofgovernmentformostoftheEasternLands.

Coldfang:animmortalthatresemblesagiantlizardwithpebbledskin.Itscolorsvary.Itspowerliesinitsabilitytotrackathiefuntilcapture,nomatterhowcoldthetrailorhowlongittakes.Itsweaponisbittercold;itspaceisslow

butinexorable.

CopperIsles:aslaveholdingislandnationtothesouthandwestofTortall.TheIsles’lowlandsarehot,wetjungles,theirhighlandscoldandrocky.TraditionallytheirtiesaretoCarthakratherthanTortall,andtheirpiratesoftenraidalongtheTortallancoast.Thereisastrainofinsanityintheirrulingline.TheIslesholdanoldgrudgeagainstTortall,sinceoneoftheirprincesseswaskilledtherethedaythatJonathanwascrowned.

coromanel:aflat,crown-shapedpiecefittedoverthetipofalance.Itspreadsthepowerofalance’simpactinseveraldirections,tomaketheforcelesssevere.

Corus:thecapitalcityofTortall,locatedonthenorthernandsouthernbanksoftheOloronRiver.Corusisthehomeofthenewroyaluniversityaswellastheroyalpalace.

RiverDomin:runsthroughMindelan.

dragon:alarge,winged,lizard-likeimmortalcapableofcrossingfromtheDivineRealmstothemortalonesandback.Dragonsareintelligent,possesstheirownmagic,andarerarelyseenbyhumans.

EasternLands:thenameusedtorefertothoselandsnorthoftheInlandSeaandeastoftheEmeraldOcean:Scanra,Tortall,Tyra,Tusaine,Galla,Maren,andSarain.

Galla:thecountrytothenorthandeastofTortall,famousforitsmountainsandforests,withanancientroyalline.Dainewasbornthere.

Gift,the:human,academicmagic,theuseofwhichmustbetaught.

glaive:apolearmincludingafour-orfive-footstaffcappedwithalongmetalblade.

GreatMotherGoddess:thechiefgoddessintheTortallanpantheon,protectorofwomen;hersymbolisthemoon.

griffin:afeatheredimmortalwithacatlikebody,wings,andabeakThemalesgrowtoaheightofsixandahalftosevenfeetattheshoulder;femalesareslightlybigger.Noonecantellliesinagriffinsvicinity(arangeofabouta

hundredfeet).

HumanEra(H.E.):thecalendarinuseintheEasternandSouthernLandsandintheCopperIslesisdatedtheHumanEratocommemoratetheyearssincetheoneinwhichtheimmortalswereoriginallysealedintotheDivineRealms,overfourhundredandfiftyyearsprevioustotheyearscoveredbyProtectoroftheSmall.

hurrok:animmortalshapedlikeahorsewithleatherybat-wings,claws,andfangs.

ImmortalsWar:ashort,viciouswarfoughtinthespringandsummerofthethirteenthyearofJonathan’sandThayet’sreign;namedforthenumberofimmortalcreaturesthatfought,butalsowagedbyCarthakis(rebelsagainstthenewEmperorKaddar),CopperIslanders,andScanranraiders.TheseforcesweredefeatedbytheresidentsoftheEasternLands,particularlyTortall,butrecoveryisslow.

King’sCouncil:themonarch’sprivatecouncil,madeupofthoseadvisershetruststhemost.

King’sOwn:acavalry/policegroupansweringtotheking,whosemembersserveasroyalbodyguardsandasprotectivetroopsthroughouttherealm.TheirKnightCommanderisLordSirRaoulofGoldenlakeandMalorie’sPeak.Theranksarefilledbyyoungersonsofnoblehouses,Bazhir,andthesonsofwealthymerchants.

K’mir,K’miri:theK’mirarethematriarchal,nomadictribesofthemountainsinSarain.Theyherdponiesandareferociouswarriorsandriders.TheSarenlowlandersdespisetheK’mirandarecontinuouslyatwarwiththem.Thereisasmall,growingpopulationoftheminTortall,whereQueenThayetishalfK’mirandanumberoftheQueen’sRidersarealsoofK’miridescent.

mage:wizard.

Maren:alarge,powerfulcountryeastofTusaineandTyra,thegrainbasketoftheEasternLands,withplentyoffarmsandtrade.

MidwinterFestival:aseven-dayholidaycenteringaroundthelongestnightoftheyearandthesun’srebirthafterward.Giftsareexchangedandfeastsheld.

Mithros:thechiefgodintheTortallanpantheon,godofwarandthelaw;hissymbolisthesun.

ogre:animmortalwithaqua-coloredskin,shapedlikeahuman,fromtentotwelvefeetinheight.

RiverOlorun:itsmainsourcesareLakeNaxenandLakeTirragenintheeasternpartofTortall;itflowsthroughthecapital,Corus,andintotheEmeraldOceanatPortCaynn.

polearm:anyweaponconsistingofalongwoodenstafforpolecappedbyasharpbladeofsomekind,includingspears,glaives,andpikes.

Queen’sRiders:acavalry/policegroupchargedwithprotectingTortallanswholiveinhard-to-reachpartsofthecountry.Theyenforcethelawandteachlocalresidentstodefendthemselves.Theyacceptbothwomenandmenintheirranks,unlikethearmy,thenavy,andtheKing’sOwn.TheirheadquartersisbetweenthepalaceandtheRoyalForest.QueenThayetisthecommander;hersecondincommand,BuriramTourakom,governstheorganizationonaday-to-daybasis.

quintain:adummywithashieldmountedonapost.Oneoutstretched“arm”isweightedwithasandbag,whiletheotheriscoveredbytheshield.Theobjectintiltingataquintainistostriketheshieldprecisely,causingthedummytopivot180degrees.Thejoustercanthenridebysafely.Strikingthedummyanywherebutthetargetcircleontheshieldcausesthedummytoswing360degrees,sothesandbagwallopsthepassingrider.

rowel:astar-shapedrevolvingpieceonaspur,whichcutsintoahorsetomakeitpickupitsspeed.

royalladies:fifteenorsoyoung,activewomenofnoblebirthwhocanrideanduseabowaswellasdanceandconversewithallmannerofpeople.QueenThayettakesthemonvisitstosmall,isolatedfiefsormeetingswherethereisapossibilitythattheywillbeneededtohelpherwithdangerorhandleemergenciesthatmayarise.

Scanra:thecountrytothenorthofTortall,wild,rocky,andcold,withverylittlelandthatcanbefarmed.TheScanransaremastersoftheseaandarefearedanywherethereisacoastline.Theyalsofrequentlyraidoverland.

Shang:anorderofwarriors,mostlycommoners,whoseprincipalschoolisinnorthernMaren.Theyspecializeinhand-to-handcombat.

SouthernLands:anothernamefortheCarthakiEmpire,whichhasconqueredalloftheindependentnationsthatoncewerepartofthecontinentsouthoftheInlandSea.

spidren:animmortalwhosebodyisthatofafurredspiderfourtofivefeetinheight;itsheadisthatofahuman,withsharp,silveryteeth.Spidrenscanuseweapons.Theyalsousetheirwebsasweaponsandropes.Spidrenwebisgray-greenincolor,anditglowsafterdark.Theirbloodisblack,andburnslikeacid.Theirfavoritefoodishumanblood.

Stormwing:animmortalwithahumanheadandchestandthelegsandwingsofabird,withsteelfeathersandclaws.Stormwingshavesharpteeth,butusethemonlytoaddtotheterroroftheirpresencebytearingapartbodies.Theyliveonhumanfearandhavetheirownmagic;theirspecialprovinceisthatofdesecratingbattlefielddead.

tauros:aseven-foot-tallimmortal,maleonly,thathasabull-likeheadwithlargeteethandeyesthatpointforward(themarkofapredator).Itisreddishbrown,human-likefromtheneckdown,withabull’ssplayedhoovesandtail.Itpreysonwomenandgirls.

TempleDistrict:thereligiousquarterofCorus,betweenthecityproperandtheroyalpalace,wherethecity’slargesttemplesarelocated.

Tortall:thechiefkingdominwhichtheAlanna,Daine,andKeladrybookstakeplace,betweentheInlandSeaandScanra.

Tusaine:asmallcountrybetweenTortallandMaren.TortallwenttowarwithTusaineintheyearsAlannatheLionesswasasquireandJonathanwascrownprince;Tusainelost.

Tyra:amerchantrepublicontheInlandSeabetweenTortallandMaren.Tyraismostlyswamp,anditspeoplerelyontradeandbankingforincome.

warhorse:alargerhorseorgreathorse,trainedforcombat-themountofanarmoredknight.

wildmage:amagewhodealsinwildmagic,thekindofmagicthatispartofnature.DaineSarrasriisoftencalledtheWildmageforherabilitytocommunicatewithanimals,healthem,andshapeshift.

wildmagic:themagicthatispartofthenaturalworld.UnlikethehumanGift,itcannotbedrainedordoneawaywith;itisalwayspresent.

Yama:thechiefgoddessoftheYamanipantheon,goddessoffire,whocreatedtheYamanisandtheirislands.

YamaniIslands:theislandnationtothenorthandwestofTortallandthewestofScanra,ruledbyanancientlineofemperors,whoseclaimtotheirthronecomesfromthegoddessYama.Thecountryisbeautifulandmountainous.ItsvulnerabilitytopirateraidsmeansthatmostYamanisgetsometrainingincombatarts,includingthewomen.KeladryofMindelanlivedthereforsixyearswhileherfatherwastheTortallanambassador.

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