|
Fanfic
|
|
Alanna's Dominion
Lady Alanna
Chapter Three: A Visit to Jonathan
Jonathan of Conte, the King of Tortall was behind his desk when Alanna and Raoul came to call. His bright blue eyes were tired and his jet black hair was laced with streaks of silver. He was nearing fifty, true, but he felt much older.
"Alanna! Raoul! George!" Jon leapt up from behind his desk to greet his friends. The four, along with Duke Gareth of Naxen the Younger-the Prime Minister-had been the best of friends while they were earning their shields (except for George, who was the King of the Rouge). "What brings you here?" Noting the serious looks on both their faces, Jon frowned.
"You should know perfectly well, my King," Raoul told him as he performed a mock bow. Jon clapped him on the arm, and gave Alanna a peck on the cheek.
"I told you that I wanted to tell Alanna all I know, not have you go telling her falsehoods that differ from the truth!" Jon scolded, shoulders slumped.
"I'd rather what I knew wasn't the truth," Alanna replied simply. "It's a nightmare."
"That it is," Raoul groaned. "I didn't lie to her Jon, you know I wouldn't."
"Ah, I know, I just wish it was all a dream, myself." Jon rubbed his temples. He didn't like what he was about to do, even though he knew he had no other options. After sending his Champion off to Carthak to replace the dead ambassador, (a job she was all but willing to do) he had to send her to Scanra, to retrieve his Jewel! It's too much for anyone, goddess-blessed legend or not, his brain argued. The more sensible half countered it, telling him that it was his only hope.
"Alanna, you know what I want you to do," he said finally, pausing for a breath. "I know you don't like it, but you are the Champion, my dear."
Alanna bit her tongue to keep from screaming in outrage. She should have known what was doing, and she should have told him from the start that she was willing. But lack of sleep had dulled her senses, and she hadn't even considered what role in the mess she would play. Come off it! her brain scolded. You could never sit back and watch something like this! They need you, and you'd feel beyond guilty! "You're sending me after the Jewel," she said quietly.
"Alanna, I have no choice! I need the Own to break up the spidrens, and that leaves you." He felt like a horrible person right then. He knew that all Alanna wanted to do was go home, get a good nights sleep, and see her children.
"I know, Jon, I know!" she replied angrily.
"You're taking companions; one squad," Jon said quietly. He didn't know how Alanna would react to this.
"Are you implying that I can't handle it myself? That I'm an old lady?" Alanna snapped, furious.
George interrupted, looking at Jon apologetically. "She's been a little touchy on this subject lately." Alanna sent one of her trademark withering glares in her husband's direction.
"I'll compromise," she said sweetly, and shuddered. She hated that word. "I'll pick my companions." Jon gaped at her, open mouthed.
"Agreed," he said after a minute, believing he had her beaten. George, however, had seen the wicked twinkle in his wife's eye.
"I want Sir Nealen of Queenscove, Raoul, George, Gary, and Numair. Oh, and Lady Kel." Jon opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"Numair! I need him! He's the most-"
"Powerful mage in the realm, I know. But I need him more than you."
"Raoul's the-"
"Knight Commander of the Kings Own, I know. He has plenty of backup. It's this or no one." Alanna grinned at her success.
"Fine. Jon snapped, pounding the table. "You leave tomorrow."
 |
|
