Lioness Cub - Chapter 1

Lord haMinch watched intently as one of the newly made Squires clashed swords with their much larger, full Knight apponent. It was tournament season in Tortall, prime time for Squires like this one to find a Knight master.

Swiftly she finished him off, one blow on his padded hip and then another to his exposed belly. As one of the judges raised her hand to declare her victorious, another Knight made their way toward haMinch.

''You were right, she's good,'' the Knight commented, ''You taught her well.''

''She's excellent.'' he replied, ''and she taught herself.'' he indicated that they should talk somewhere more privately. As the Lioness took her seat haMinch noticed a small wince, she was not as young as she used to be.

''So why me?'' she asked, her eyes intent on him, ''there would be others more suited I'd wager.

He thought for a moment, then replied, ''Id have thought it was obvious, seen as your looking for a Squire. But if you want specifics, the girl needs more practcal training of her Gift, she got quite a bit of it. But besides that she could be a darn good knight - one of the best - the only thing holding her back is a good enough instructor to take her to the next level and a better reign on her temper.''

Alanna was interested, that much was true, the girl looked good, but she ment to retire in a few years. Not by choice, more because she knew with her growing age and slowly diminishing physical capabilities she knew if she didn't retire by choice, one day a younger, stronger apponent would defeat her and therein the King as well, so she asked in a neutral voice, ''Anything else?''

haMinch, not one for beating around the bush about something stated bluntly. ''I believe she would be a worthy and true successor, in all honesty.''

Alannas eyebrows went up. Being a good Knight was one thing, being Kings Champion was a whole other matter. So before he could say anything further she answered his intial question, ''I don't think I'd be suitable, perhaps you could ask Raoul, maybe?''

Sighing they both rose and left the tent. However they had barly made it five feet from the tent when they caught sight of a Knight visciously lashing his horse, niether had time to react before a figure with impressively long black hair stroad forward and drew her sword on the Knight, who turned out to be Sir Jameson, the Squires former opponent.

Strongly she said, ''One more lash and I shall run you through,'' irrate, but unable to move Jameson settled for a furious snarl, but dropped the whip. Kicking the whip away the girl lowered her sword, and sheathing it began to walk away.

Spitefully, he yelled after her, ''You'll get yours, one day, wench! You and your parents are traitors. Your not worthy to stand on Tortallen soil.''

Sword already sheathed, she instead launched herself at him with her fists. Alanna noted the sound of braking bone as her fist made contact with his nose. The pair were fightly fully now, the girl seemed to be winning easily, she had the skills of an accomplished fighter..

HaMinch pulled the girl back, along with the assistance of two other Squires, while Alanna restrained Sir Jameson.

''Alexia enough!'' commanded, the girl, Alexia ceased to fight her captors, Jameson himself pulled free of the Lioness and stormed off, horse forgotten.

Alexia, now beet red carefully studied her boots. haMinch would be furious, the old ''I fell down'' excuse would never cut it. Even though she herself only had a split lip, whereas Jameson would have two black eyes and a broken nose for sure.

She'd also realised too late that the Knight in her training masters company was non other than the famed Lioness herself.

Moments passed and no rebuke, furious or otherwise came, finally daring to look up she saw that the other Squires had been dismissed an haMinch was waiting for her to meet his gaze.

Determindly she did so, but before he could convey in words the mix of dissapointment and anger in his eyes the Kings Champion spoke up. ''Well,'' she began cheerfully, ''A nice way to meet again, I'm sure, Squire Alexia?''

Blushing harder than ever, Alexia, unsure what to do or say, nodded and gave a weak, ''Yes, Lioness.'' Alexia also noted an inquisitive light in the Champions eyes. Bright violet like her own, she was actually distantly, on her mothers side decended from the Trebond line.

Seeming to decide something the Lioness spoke again, 'I suppose congratulations are in order, for your duel, you fought well.'' still embaressed at losing her temper in front of the Kings Champion, Alexia replied to her feet.

''Thank you.''

''Secondly,'' Alanna continued, amusement evident in her voice, ''I was hoping for a word with her, Lord haMinch. I seem to be in need of a Squire.'' haMinch breathed an inward sigh of relief, outwardly though, looked thoughtful and nodded.