In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce Page B

his violet eyes gleaming in the darkness.
    â€œCursed beast!” the bowman whispered as he let his arrow fly. It thudded into the oak’s trunk, missing the cat.
    â€œStop it!” the third man ordered. The one with the torch was waving it over his head, signaling to the opposite bank. “Don’t make so much noise!”
    Alanna heard oars splashing in the river; she didn’t wait to hear more. Dropping the spear, she quietly made her way free of the wood, Faithful at her heels. Once clear, she ran for all she was worth to the next guard post on the way to Jon’s camp.
    â€œSound your horn!” she yelled to the men there as soon as she drew within earshot. She dropped beside them, panting. “Something’s happened to Thor and Tanner—the enemy’s crossing!”
    The men sounded the alarm. Other horns in both camps took up the call as Alanna ran on to Jonathan, sending one of the sentries to alert the captains.
    The prince was dressing as she arrived. “What’s up?” he asked, shrugging into his mail. Alanna told him as she handed over his weapons and his helmet. Myles came in, looking odd in plate armor.
    â€œA messenger just got in; Imrah lost two guards as well,” he said without formality. “The Tusaine is mounting a major attack between our camps. They’regoing to split us right down the middle; the men from the Fort may get here too late.”
    â€œWe’ll see,” Jon said grimly. “Have the men form a half-circle around the point. We’ll shove them off our ground, then help Imrah. You go on, Myles. I’m contacting Roger.”
    Alanna hurried outside with Myles to saddle his horse. “What’s he doing?” the knight asked as she worked.
    â€œMagic.” She checked the cinches on Myles’s saddle. The horse caught her tightly held excitement, fidgeting under her touch. Alanna gave Myles a hand up. “He’ll send to Roger in the fire.”
    â€œVery handy,” Myles approved, gripping the reins. He settled the mask of his helmet over his face and kicked his horse into a gallop. Alanna saddled Darkness, smiling grimly. It seemed even a scholar like Sir Myles became a warrior when it was necessary!
    Faithful yowled at her feet as she led Jonathan’s stallion around to the tent. “No,” she said firmly. “You remain here. I won’t have you hacked in two by someone. You can go up by the falls and watch for more trouble there; but stay away from the fighting!”
    Evidently the cat realized she meant it. He trottedaway, his tail high. Jonathan stepped from the tent and jumped onto Darkness’s back, a shimmering silver ghost on the black horse. “I take it you told Faithful to stay out of the fighting.”
    Alanna double-checked the cinches of Darkness’s saddle. No one would ever fall from a horse she had readied! “He may even obey me, for a change.”
    A strong hand gripped her shoulder, and she looked up into Jonathan’s worried face. “I guess I can’t tell you the same, can I?” he whispered.
    â€œThe biggest attack this summer, and I’m supposed to hide in my tent?” she asked, astonished. “And me your squire? Are you out of your mind?”
    Trumpets were blowing, telling them the enemy was there in force, but Jonathan still hesitated. His sapphire eyes were very bright. “Against one warrior I can’t worry about you. You’ve proved you can handle yourself. But against an army —”
    She covered his hand with hers. “I have my duty, Highness. And this is my home, too. I’m trained to defend it, and defend it I will.”
    Jonathan sighed, putting on his helmet. “You know where to find me when you’re armed.” He urged Darkness out.
    Alanna didn’t waste time wondering about thisstrange new protectiveness in Jon. Instead she hurried to get ready. She had no armor, having refused the